Tag Archives: continues

BMW

Production launch of the MINI Countryman Electric at BMW Group Plant Leipzig

Leipzig. Electrification continues at BMW Group Plant Leipzig: Four months after launching manufacturing of the combustion-engined MINI Countryman, the all-electric model is now rolling off the strains at Leipzig as nicely. After phasing out manufacturing of the BMW i3, the birthplace of electrical mobility on the BMW Group has welcomed one other absolutely electrical automobile to its vary. It now manufactures 4 fashions with three drive varieties by two manufacturers, all on a single manufacturing line: the BMW 1 Series, the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer (together with the plug-in hybrid model), the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe and the MINI Countryman in each its absolutely electrical and combustion-powered variations.

The MINI Countryman Electric represents a significant step within the MINI model’s transition to full electrification by 2030 and combines an electrified go-kart really feel with zero native emissions mobility. It is available in two absolutely electrical variants: the Countryman E (150 kW, 204 hp | electrical energy consumption 17.4 – 15.7 kWh/100 km | CO2 emissions 0 g/km) and the extra highly effective all-wheel Countryman SE ALL4 (230 kW, 313 hp | electrical energy consumption 18.5 – 16.8 kWh/100 km | CO2 emissions 0 g/km).  

Consistent plant upgrades and versatile manufacturing system

To allow manufacturing of as much as 350,000 items a 12 months – 100,000 greater than beforehand – Plant Leipzig has been constantly upgraded since 2018, with intensive additions and upgrades to the bodyshop, paintshop, meeting and logistics. “Our cars and components are very much in demand. In recent years the BMW Group has invested around 1.6 billion euros in the Leipzig site to produce additional vehicles and electric components, and now we’re increasing vehicle volumes too – which is great news for our plant,” stated Petra Peterhänsel, Plant Director.

The important driver behind the quantity enhance is the MINI Countryman. During the course of 2024, output will rise to virtually 500 items a day – on high of the 800 or so BMW autos the plant is producing. What’s extra, due to its versatile manufacturing system, Plant Leipzig is able to reply rapidly to buyer demand, for instance by rising the share of absolutely electrical autos.

Flexible meeting constructions additionally meant the MINI Countryman Electric might be built-in seamlessly into manufacturing. The state of affairs is analogous with the completely different drive items, that are all produced on one and the identical line in mixture meeting and ready for what’s generally known as “marriage” with the physique. The e-drives, transmissions and management electronics (collectively generally known as the extremely built-in electrical drive topology, or HEAT) for the 2 all-electric fashions are linked straight within the plant. A brand new manufacturing line was required just for the management electronics.

More employees and nightshifts for elevated manufacturing quantity

Higher manufacturing quantity means safe employment and as much as 900 extra staff in car manufacturing alone. By the tip of 2024, Plant Leipzig will make use of round 7,000 BMW employees. Working hours will have to be adjusted in all applied sciences, with nightshifts in meeting beginning for the primary time in September of this 12 months and vehicles being produced around the clock in three shifts.

“Plant Leipzig first went on stream in 2005 with about 2,600 employees in production. 19 years later there are over 7,000. Over the years, the plant has grown steadily and considerably. The start of nightshifts in assembly represents another important milestone in the success story of our plant and is a clear show of confidence by our company in our site here in Leipzig,” emphasised Works Council Chairman Jens Köhler.

Made at Plant Leipzig: high-voltage batteries for the MINI Countryman Electric

With the manufacturing launch of the MINI Countryman Electric, all three phases of the Gen 5 high-voltage battery manufacturing course of are actually represented at BMW Group Plant Leipzig: cell coating, module manufacturing and battery meeting. Operations in all three are at the moment ramping up, with 5 cell-coating, three module-production and two high-voltage battery-production strains now in place.

“We are in the middle of the transformation to e-mobility,” stated Markus Fallböhmer, Head of Battery Production on the BMW Group. “Starting this year, Plant Leipzig will carry out every stage of our in-house high-voltage battery production process. It’s our next great step forwards.”

Plant Leipzig’s e-component manufacturing capability has been rising since 2021. It will now manufacture not simply the high-voltage batteries for the MINI Countryman Electric but in addition e-components for the BMW iX1, BMW iX2, BMW i4, BMW i5 and BMW iX made at different websites. The e-component manufacturing unit at Leipzig at the moment employs some 1,000 folks.

To allow manufacturing of high-voltage batteries, areas beforehand used for the BMW i3 and BMW i8 have been transformed and new buildings added. One of them is a brand new corridor with a footprint of about 61,000 m2. This homes two strains able to producing as much as 300,000 high-voltage batteries a 12 months. The BMW Group has invested over 900 million euros in e-component manufacturing at Plant Leipzig to this point.

Resource-saving portray processes

At launch, the absolutely electrical MINI Countryman is available in three extra physique colors: British Racing Green, Chili Red and Blazing Blue – and with MINI’s trademark distinction roof, if desired. This is painted utilizing a brand new overspray-free technique that saves sources and is at the moment being readied for collection operation. The time period “overspray” refers back to the mist of extra paint particles that kinds when our bodies are painted the traditional approach. With the brand new approach, this mist not happens. This makes it simpler to color in a number of colors because the laborious technique of masking is not required. Overspray-free portray additionally helps save CO2 emissions, as exhaust from the cabin requires much less cleaning. In addition, it requires significantly much less conditioned air, i.e. air that is dropped at the precise temperature and humidity required for portray. As a outcome, much less power is required to mood air and deal with exhaust.

The burner know-how used to dry the paint on distinction roofs was additionally transformed for the beginning of MINI Countryman manufacturing and now consists of a bivalent system. The fuel-flexible burners can run on hydrogen (H2) in addition to gasoline (methane, CH4) and even change between the 2 whereas in operation. Five such bivalent hydrogen-capable burners are used to supply the distinction roofs for the MINI Countryman.

Further burners within the paintshop can even regularly change to bivalent operations, with the following six hydrogen-capable burners simply put in. This makes Leipzig a pioneer within the automotive trade and takes it ever nearer to decrease CO2 emissions. “Our vision at Plant Leipzig is to decarbonise production as far as possible by replacing fossil fuels with green hydrogen,” stated Petra Peterhänsel, explaining the long-term focus of the power. This would require adequate inexperienced hydrogen from a grid. A regional hydrogen grid is at the moment in planning, with Plant Leipzig set to profit.

MINI Countryman E

Electricity consumption mixed: 17,4 – 15,7 kWh/100 km in keeping with WLTP
CO2 emissions mixed in keeping with WLTP: 0 g/km
CO2 Class: A
Electric vary in keeping with WLTP: 462 – 423 km

MINI Countryman SE ALL4 

Electricity consumption mixed: 18,5 – 16,8 kWh/100 km in keeping with WLTP
CO2 emissions mixed in keeping with WLTP: 0 g/km
CO2 Class: A
Electric vary in keeping with WLTP: 432 – 399 km

News

GasGas Fielding TXE Electric Trials Bike in Championship

Electrification continues to revolutionize the powersports world. We’ve seen numerous new electric dirtbikes hit the market, all offering instantaneous energy, silent operation, and elevated service intervals. 

Apart from new gamers like Stark Future, established gamers are dabbling in electrification as nicely. Case in level: GasGas and its TXE electrical trials prototype. The Spanish firm is fielding its TXE electrical motorbike within the Spanish Trials Championship in a bid to “collect data” for future battery-powered off-roaders. It’ll be piloted by GasGas Factory Racing’s former Trial2 World Champion Sondre Haga.

It’s price noting that the TXE isn’t precisely a brand new idea. Back earlier than Pierer Mobility acquired the corporate, GasGas used the TXE within the FIM Trial E World Championship, the place it gained 4 instances between 2017 and 2021. When Pierer acquired GasGas in 2019, it was believed that the TXE venture was shelved. As it will prove, the venture continued, albeit behind closed doorways.

GasGas TXE Electric Trials Bike
GasGas TXE Electric Trials Bike

What makes the GasGas TXE so fascinating is the truth that it makes use of a gearbox and a hydraulic clutch for much more management. The advantages promised by this setup transcend efficiency, too, protecting a broader vary of lovers. Electric motors don’t really want a gearbox and clutch to function effectively, as evidenced by standard fashions like these from Zero and Energica. However, lovers seeking to protect the analog really feel of gas-powered bikes would possibly simply discover what they’re on the lookout for within the tech offered by the GasGas TXE.

Perhaps a fair larger factor to sit up for is the impact bikes just like the GasGas TXE may have on off-road motorcycling as an entire. Given the truth that that is, in any case, an initiative by the Pierer Mobility Group, it’s greater than seemingly that an electrical motorbike with a handbook gearbox and clutch bearing the KTM and Husqvarna logos is nicely and actually on the horizon.

I’m an enormous fan of electrification, particularly in the case of off-road purposes. We’ve seen quite a lot of motocross and journey parks face the risk of closing down all around the globe as a consequence of ever-tightening noise laws. Electric bikes definitely take the noise subject out of the equation, or no less than make it a a lot smaller a part of the problem. On prime of that, electrical bikes have for much longer service intervals, and don’t pose as a lot of a fireplace danger as gasoline-powered bikes.

A giant a part of the way forward for two-wheeled mobility is electrical, and electrical off-road bikes just like the GasGas TXE may very nicely be the game’s saving grace.

Motorsport

Hyundai Is Betting Big On Sedans And Ramping Up Production In 2024

While the SUV market continues to be a big one for the American auto enterprise, there’s nonetheless room for conventional sedans. At least, some automakers imagine that. The Hyundai Elantra and Sonata are contemporary from updates final 12 months, and the corporate is trying to transfer much more of them in 2024.

The automaker needs these vehicles to attain “double-digit growth” this 12 months, in response to Hyundai Motor North America CEO Jose Muñoz, talking with Automotive News. Muñoz mentioned rising manufacturing of the Elantra and Sonata is a “key factor for profitability” this 12 months.

“We are not trying to overproduce, but we’re losing some sales because the dealers don’t have the trims, the versions, that they would like to, so we’re very mindful of that,” he mentioned. With greater rates of interest, clients are on the lookout for cheaper autos.

2024 Hyundai Sonata N Line And Elantra N Line

Hyundai moved a complete of 801,195 autos in 2023, which was up 11 % over the 724,265 models moved in 2022. If the model achieves one other 10 % enhance in 2024, it will ship 881,315 vehicles. But Hyundai did not have begin in January 2024, delivering simply 47,543 vehicles—down 9 % from January 2023.

The up to date Elantra simply went on sale within the US in fall 2023, and in January, the corporate delivered 6,900 of them, which was down 20 % from the identical month final 12 months. The newly refreshed 2024 Elantra (pictured above) wears a brand new shark-nose entrance finish with a sharper look and thin LED working lights. A U-shaped silver ingredient accents the rear diffuser.

The 2024 Elantra begins at $22,775 after the $1,150 vacation spot payment, whereas range-topping N mannequin is $34,850.

  2023 Sales
Hyundai Elantra 134,149 Units
Hyundi Sonata 45,344 Units

Meanwhile, the refreshed 2024 Sonata (beneath) additionally has a brand new nostril that features thinner headlights. Inside, there are two 12.3-inch screens—one for the instrument cluster and one other for the infotainment show. Buyers can go for options like a head-up show and 12-speaker Bose stereo.

Hyundai additionally makes the 2024 Sonata obtainable with all-wheel drive for the primary time, along with the usual front-drive structure. Currently, it is solely obtainable with the two.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. Sonata costs begin at $28,650. The range-topping Hybrid Limited grade is $38,350. But Sonata gross sales additionally fell in January 2024. Hyundai moved 3,121 throughout the month, which was down 36 % from the identical time final 12 months.

Hyundai’s bestseller in January 2024 was the Tucson. The firm delivered 11,116 of them, which was an 8 % drop from 2023. The crossover’s reputation suggests the sedan push won’t be taking maintain fairly but.

News, Technology

NTSB Finds Boeing 737 Max 9 May Have Lacked Critical Door Bolts

The NTSB is awaiting additional interviews and paperwork whereas it continues to evaluate the broken left MED plug that the company obtained from an individual’s yard after it fell from the Boeing 737 Max airplane. However, the MED plug itself was intact and appeared to have been assembled with correct engineering tips. In the wake of the preliminary investigation, Boeing has additionally issued an official assertion, admitting that it’s accountable for the occasions that led to Boeing’s 737 Max flights being grounded.

“An event like this must not happen on an airplane that leaves our factory. We simply must do better for our customers and their passengers,” Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun mentioned. To be certain that no related accidents occur sooner or later, Boeing says it has began checking the door plug meeting and related elements extra rigorously at its suppliers’ factories and at Boeing’s manufacturing facility. Additionally, the corporate says it has put in indicators and made acceptable guidelines to maintain monitor of when the door plug is opened or taken off within the manufacturing facility, ensuring it is put again and checked earlier than the aircraft is distributed out.

Notably, the corporate says it’s opening its facility for all prospects to conduct their very own impartial evaluations of the 737 sequence airplanes. Additionally, the corporate says it’s tightening the inspection norms throughout the provision chain and in addition putting in an impartial evaluation to look into the protection and high quality administration pipeline by vetted specialists for all industrial Boeing airplanes. Boeing now has a protracted approach to go at instilling buyer religion in its flights, particularly as a result of many vacationers at the moment are excluding the Boeing 737 Max 9 airplanes from their journey plans.

News

This Toyota Stout Pickup Render Is Our Vision Of An Exciting Compact Off-roader

The Toyota Stout, a beloved compact pickup truck discontinued in 1997, continues to carry a particular place within the hearts of fans. Rumors of a revival have swirled for years, and whereas official affirmation stays elusive, the prospect of a contemporary Stout is sufficient to set pulses racing. This rendering by TopSpeed’s digital artist, Yasid Designs, presents a tantalizing glimpse into what a Toyota Stout TRD Off-Road might appear to be. Drawing inspiration from the Toyota Tacoma, Tundra, and the Compact Cruiser EV Concept, the design seamlessly blends heritage with trendy components.

Our Stout TRD Off-Road rendering embodies rugged refinement with its daring, boxy silhouette and hexagonal grille. Full LED lighting provides a contact of modernity, whereas wider fender flares, black entrance and rear bumpers, and commonplace all-terrain tires underscore its off-road prowess. A metal step board offers quick access to the cabin, whereas the non-compulsory black contrasting roof provides a contact of personalization. True to the TRD spirit, this rendering incorporates purposeful components like a tow hook and winch, generally discovered on different TRD-equipped Toyota pickups. These options sign the Stout’s readiness to deal with any terrain, be it navigating rocky trails or hauling gear for weekend adventures.

As everybody awaits additional information and updates from Toyota, our rendering serves as a strong reminder of the enduring attraction of the Stout. It presents a glimpse into what might be an thrilling and modern addition to the Toyota lineup, a contemporary interpretation of a beloved basic that might undoubtedly seize the hearts of a brand new technology of truck fans.

NewsNew

2024 DAKAR RALLY: STAGE 9

The 2024 Dakar Rally continues to be a Honda dream occasion with the group’s sixth stage victory right this moment. Teammates Adrien Van Beveren, Ricky Brabec and Pablo Quintanilla went 1-2-3 on the day and now occupy three of the highest 4 spots general. Ricky Brabec continues to have close to good rides from day after day, all the time near the entrance however by no means getting a stage victory and due to this fact by no means having to begin first. His lead within the general standings has now grown to 7 minutes, though Hero’s Ross Branch received’t let go of second general and is the one fly within the Honda ointment.

Ricky Brabec

Ricky Brabec: “Today was possibly one of my only shots to make a big push and try to make a bit bigger gap than forty or fifty seconds so I gave it my all today. I think tomorrow we’re probably going to have to open but if I can clean up I think we’ll be set free. In the 2020 Dakar I pulled a gap early on and this has definitely been the most stressful race of my life because it’s so close. Anyway, with a few more days to go, let’s keep the hopes up and keep charging.”

Jacob Argubright

Jacob Argubright: “Little bit of a bittersweet day for me. Rode really well and finished P15… but I missed my first waypoint ever and the penalty put me back to P23. I still had a really fun day on the bike so I’m going to continue bringing that energy into the last 3 stages!”

Kyle McCoy

Kyle McCoy is the U.S. service veteran who’s driving in his third Dakar. Currently, he’s working twelfth within the Originals By Motul classification, which permits no exterior help. On social media, he lately posted his account of a harrowing incident on Stage 7: “I came over the crest of a very large dune right as the cars caught up to us in the mid pack. When I came to the bottom of the dune I dropped the bike in the sand. I was in the main line of traffic when this happened (which I normally avoid for this reason) so I rushed to pick it up and get going. Only the bike didn’t start. I ran up the dune as fast as possible on all fours clawing at the sand to mark my position with my helmet right as one of the lead cars was coming at me. Then I ran back down as cars and bikes came through all around me. It took me a while until it was quiet and I realized I couldn’t hear the fuel pump when I pressed the starter. All this happened in a very chaotic,sweaty and loud way. Then a nice French man came on the phone from Paris to my bike and asked if I was okay. I said yes it was mechanical. He then asked “How long will it take you?” What??!!!! I stated I had no thought. 5 min later he stated it once more after which once more till I shouted to the good French man I wanted him to close up. I stated it with extra direct language than that :)… he was simply doing his job although. I then remembered it’s often the gasoline tank selector (entrance to rear) if you don’t hear the gasoline pump and there’s a bypass created by BAS Dakar that I had on me. I took it aside and plugged it in and voila. I’ve finished some aggravating issues (like all of us) however this was high 5 in my life. The high and low had been so excessive I can’t specific it in phrases.”

STAGE 9
1. ADRIEN VAN BEVEREN, MONSTER ENERGY HONDA TEAM 04H 36′ 46”
2. RICKY BRABEC, MONSTER ENERGY HONDA TEAM + 00H 00′ 32”
3. PABLO QUINTANILLA, MONSTER ENERGY HONDA TEAM + 00H 04′ 19”
4. TOBY PRICE, RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING + 00H 06′ 34”
5. ROSS BRANCH, HERO MOTOSPORTS TEAM RALLY+ 00H 06′ 59”
6. KEVIN BENAVIDES, RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING + 00H 08′ 13”
7. JOSE IGNACIO CORNEJO FLORIMO, MONSTER ENERGY HONDA TEAM+ 00H 09′ 57”
8. LUCIANO BENAVIDES, HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING + 00H 10′ 06”
9. STEFAN SVITKO, SLOVNAFT RALLY TEAM + 00H 12′ 28”
10. BRADLEY COX, BAS WORLD KTM RACING TEAM + 00H 12′ 54”
23. JACOB ARGUBRIGHT, DUUST RALLY TEAM + 00H 32′ 10”
80. KYLE MC COY, AMERICAN RALLY ORIGINALS + 02H 45′ 35”
96. WESTON CARR, HT RALLY RAID HUSQVARNA RACING + 03H 28′ 19”

STANDINGS AFTER STAGE 9
1. RICKY BRABEC, MONSTER ENERGY HONDA TEAM 40H 53′ 49”
2. ROSS BRANCH, HERO MOTOSPORTS TEAM RALLY + 00H 07′ 09”
3. ADRIEN VAN BEVEREN, MONSTER ENERGY HONDA TEAM + 00H 11′ 26”
4. JOSE IGNACIO CORNEJO FLORIMO, MONSTER ENERGY HONDA TEAM + 00H 13′ 46”
5. KEVIN BENAVIDES, RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING + 00H 28′ 12”
6. TOBY PRICE, RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING + 00H 35′ 12”
7. LUCIANO BENAVIDES, HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING + 00H 49′ 09”
8. DANIEL SANDERS, RED BULL GASGAS FACTORY RACING + 00H 59′ 47”
9. STEFAN SVITKO, SLOVNAFT RALLY TEAM + 01H 23′ 49”
10. MARTIN MICHEK, ORION – MOTO RACING GROUP + 02H 20′ 35”
68. KYLE MC COY, AMERICAN RALLY ORIGINALS + 21H 19′ 44”
77. WESTON CARR, HT RALLY RAID HUSQVARNA RACING + 24H 13′ 18”
92. JACOB ARGUBRIGHT, DUUST RALLY TEAM + 53H 31′ 25”

NewsNew

QUICK RELEASE LUGGAGE FROM RIGG GEAR ADVENTURE

PRESS RELEASE: Nelson Rigg USA, Inc. continues to increase their Rigg Gear Adventure line of off-road equipment, with the introduction of rugged Quick Release Luggage Plates (RG-QRP) that match most OEM and aftermarket 18mm spherical bar pannier racks.

Sold as a pair, a fast “set and click” latches them into place and easy “pull and lift” removes them from the motorbike rack.  These fast launch plates have a common design permitting set up of a variety of soppy saddlebags, together with the favored Rigg Gear 100% waterproof Hurricane Saddlebags (SE-4050) and Sierra Saddlebags (SE-3050).  These baggage plates dramatically cut back the set up and elimination time of most tender saddlebags onto pannier racks from minutes to mere seconds.

The plates and mounting {hardware} are constructed from powder coated and anodized plane grade aluminum for optimum sturdiness.  The prime latch and mounting ft are totally adjustable to securely match a variety of racks. When mounting to spherical bars bigger than 18mm and as much as 20mm corresponding to Tusk racks, there’s an elective alternative latch. (#RG-QRP-20MM) For bikes with an off-set rack for the exhaust like on the BMW-GS and Yamaha Tenere’ merely use the elective extension block (RG-QRP-EXT) for an ideal set up. The launch latch has been designed with a strategically positioned locking gap which permits the addition of a baggage or gun protected lock. These plates are even pre-drilled to accommodate a RotopaX.

Like all Nelson Rigg and Rigg Gear Adventure baggage these Quick Release Luggage Plates carry a LIFETIME WARRANTY giving the rider the utmost confidence within the high quality of any baggage alternative for “wherever the journey takes you”.

For over 41 years, Nelson Rigg has been a family-owned enterprise that has specialised within the design and manufacturing of high quality Motorcycle Covers, Luggage and Rainwear. For extra info, please go to your native seller or go to our web site at www.nelsonrigg.com

Motorsport

NHTSA Wants Your Opinions On Its Proposed Anti-Drunk Driving Tech

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration continues its effort to require new autos to function anti-drunk driving expertise. The federal company printed its preliminary report on such a mandate this week, laying out the challenges dealing with its implementation. NHTSA can also be asking for the general public to supply suggestions on the difficulty as a result of it’s nonetheless an open query about how new autos will monitor for impaired drivers.

The company is curious to be taught if the general public will settle for the potential for false positives that might forestall sober drivers from working a car. Even if the system is 99.9 % correct, that might nonetheless quantity to one million false positives a day, which can be arduous for the general public to swallow.

It additionally desires to know the way the federal government ought to educate the general public about privateness issues with the expertise. More sensors imply extra knowledge assortment and defending that data will seemingly be important to gaining shopper acceptance.

The report additionally raises issues that Level 2 driver-assistance options may masks frequent drunk-driving behaviors, like swerving or holding an inconsistent pace. NHTSA can also be involved that the system’s sensors won’t be capable of function in all situations, like heavy climate, poor street markings, or different inconveniences.

The European Union tried to mandate a similar interlock device on new autos that was supposed to enter impact in 2022. However, the bloc watered down the provisions, not requiring the system for all automobiles.

This alternative is among the few probabilities the general public has to affect future public coverage. The street to a world the place the automotive decides for those who’re match to drive continues to be lengthy, nevertheless it’ll solely grow to be simpler to implement such monitoring programs as expertise advances.

Congress handed laws requiring the adoption of the expertise by November 2024, however automakers and regulators appear unlikely to satisfy that deadline. The Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety advised The Washington Post that the group goals to have a working drunk-driver detector by the top of 2025. Automakers must determine how one can set up it in new automobiles even because the company notes the system may enhance prices and complexity, which can seemingly get handed on to the patron. 

You can go away a touch upon the proposal at regulations.gov by trying to find the docket quantity, NHTSA-2022-0079, and following the directions as soon as it’s been printed to the federal register. The public may also mail or fax their feedback to the US Department of Transportation.

Lexus

2023 Lexus Year in Review: Bold New Expressions of Innovation

Lexus celebrated one other banner yr because it continues to raise the human-centered driving expertise. Performance, innovation, and luxurious remained prime priorities for 2023 because the model got down to ship on visitors’ expectations.

Over the previous yr, Lexus stayed centered on its objectives to assist meet the various wants of Lexus clients and cater to any way of life with reveals of latest autos that characteristic daring design, intuitive know-how, and options to optimize the driving and in-cabin expertise. The model was additionally onerous at work elevating premium way of life experiences, reaching motorsports success and spotlighting a number of the superb folks behind the model.

Let’s look again at a number of the model’s accomplishments in 2023:

Fulfilling an Electrified Destiny 
Lexus intends to contribute to a carbon-neutral future by aiming to supply 100% battery-electric autos (BEVs) in all fashions globally by 2035. The model additionally believes that the way forward for electrical autos will probably be versatile, anticipatory and centered on elevating the patron’s driving and possession experiences.

As a testomony to that dedication, the model launched the “Lexus Electrified” advertising marketing campaign on the prime of the yr highlighting how persons are the inspiration behind the flexibility of Lexus’ electrified line of autos. The broadcast spot, “Like Attracts Like,” debuted in January, showcasing 4 electrified Lexus autos – the RZ 450e, RX 500h, NX 450h+ and the Electrified Sport Concept.

One of these autos ushering within the subsequent chapter of electrified – the all-new, all-electric Lexus RZ 450e – went on sale within the spring. The RZ is the model’s first globally accessible, purpose-built BEV that brings a dynamic driving expertise and distinctive design centered on efficiency. And for many who buy the RZ 450e, Lexus announced earlier this year a collaboration with ChargePoint to supply residence chargers by means of Lexus sellers (understanding the house tends to develop into the first charging location for BEVs), and an unlimited community of public charging EV stations to assist drivers cost each time and wherever they’re.

Building on the all-new redesign of the long-lasting crossover car final yr, Lexus added the much-anticipated plug-in hybrid to the electrified RX lineup. The 2024 Lexus RX 450h+ is now accessible and gives commonplace luxurious components, intuitive know-how and considerate in-cabin options.

This fall on the inaugural Japan Mobility Show 2023, Lexus launched a variety of idea fashions below the theme “Pushing the Boundaries of the Electrified Experience,” envisioning new prospects for mobility by means of electrical vehicles. The Lexus sales space hosted the worldwide debut of the next-generation BEV idea automotive LF-ZC together with the BEV flagship idea mannequin, LF-ZL, which gives a glimpse into the model’s future.

Rolling Out Standout Products 
Over the previous yr, Lexus rolled out a number of standout merchandise that supply an unparalleled visitor expertise — from first-time fashions to bespoke customization.

For starters, the all-new 2024 Lexus GX was revealed again in June. The car was designed to encourage clients to pursue their urge to journey, take an unpaved path, immerse themselves in nature and revel within the pleasure of driving. As a part of that journey, GX blazes the path as the primary car to carry the worldwide Lexus “Overtrail Project” to life. The Overtrail and Overtail+ fashions incorporate a bevy of options and specialised styling that Lexus visitors have come to count on. Leading up till the 2024 GX goes on sale in early 2024, followers can get a behind-the-scenes peek of designers and engineers crafting the next-generation car within the “From the Ground Up” video series.

To give visitors much more to sit up for, Lexus additionally revealed the first-ever Lexus TX. This car solutions North American clients’ ongoing requests for a three-row SUV that provides substantial house and seating with out compromising the progressive know-how, refined efficiency and splendid facilities they count on from Lexus. The TX gives a cushty but dynamic manner of transferring as much as seven folks — whether or not that’s to soccer observe or a cabin for a weekend getaway. Plus, the get-up-and-go that powers these journeys is comprised of a mixture of powertrain choices, together with two electrified choices.

The 2024 TX is the primary Lexus SUV to be assembled within the U.S., and the primary Lexus for Toyota Indiana – a milestone that was recently celebrated at the Princeton, Indiana plant.

Beyond the all-new GX and first-ever TX, visitors have extra to sit up for as the remainder of the 2024 model year Lexus vehicles proceed to reach at dealerships. As a enjoyable technique to characteristic the model’s autos, followers of the model can strive their Lexus product information through the Test Your Knowledge collection, a brand new format that made its debut on the Lexus Newsroom earlier this yr. Readers can at the moment discover a quiz on the 2023 Lexus LX 600 and 2024 Lexus LC 500 with extra quizzes on the horizon.

To get readers on top of things on the model’s newest all-new autos, the Newsroom additionally options the “Five Things to Know About…” collection. This yr, the collection featured the highest 5 issues to know in regards to the Lexus TX and Lexus GX.

For extra product releases and reveal information of 2023, take a look at the next tales:

Elevating Lifestyle Experiences
Lexus enhances visitors’ existence at each flip. In reality, in the case of elevating experiences, Lexus leads the pack. From artwork installations to groundbreaking concert events, the model boasted a number of notable way of life collaborations and partnerships in 2023.

Lexus showcased “Shaped by Air”––an set up by acclaimed New York-based artist and architect Suchi Reddy, founding father of Reddymade Architecture and Design.

The set up drew inspiration from the Lexus Electrified Sport idea car and its high quality of being “shaped by air.” It was first introduced within the sculpture backyard on the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami (ICA Miami) throughout Miami Art & Design Week 2022, and it was reimagined for Milan Design Week as a multisensory expertise by means of which guests might journey. Reddy’s ethereal set up celebrated the collaborators’ shared dedication to human-centered, carbon-neutral and impeccably crafted design.

The public exhibition was on view by means of April 23 at Superstudio in Milan.

Music is one other celebrated artwork kind — and Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour was a outstanding model partnership.

Lexus hit the highway with the Queen Bey’s tour alongside her BeyGOOD Foundation because the unique automotive companion of the U.S. leg of the tour. The model supported the famous person’s nonprofit with a donation to assist small minority-owned companies.

The firm joined BeyGOOD Foundation and its Black Parade Route to assist small-business house owners impacted by financial inequities by means of a wide range of grant alternatives and/or sustainability assist providers. Lexus’ donation expanded the BeyGOOD dedication by offering a further $10,000 every to 2 grant recipients in all tour cities.

And lastly, sports activities partnerships have all the time been a precedence for Lexus. In reality, the model introduced a number of new athlete sponsorships within the golf sector. To be taught extra, take a look at a number of the following tales:

Podium Success
Driving could be a enjoyable and exhilarating sport. Take it from the 2023 Lexus Racing Vasser Sullivan staff, who won the 2023 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTD PRO Manufacturers Championship on the Petit Le Mans at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta in October. Ben Barnicoat and Jack Hawksworth received the GTD PRO Drivers title, and the Vasser Sullivan No. 14 Lexus RC F GT3 scored the GTD PRO Team championship. It marked the primary full-season IMSA GT titles for Lexus and Vasser Sullivan, in addition to for Hawksworth and Barnicoat.

Earlier this yr, Lexus requested the Vasser Sullivan drivers to share their very own favorite off-track stretches of road. Their responses had been enlightening and provoking as some expressed enjoyment on roads close to their hometown.

Celebrating the People Behind the Brand 
Behind each human-centered expertise that Lexus gives, there’s a devoted worker who makes the wheels flip. In 2023, the corporate continued to shine a lightweight on the people who assist make Lexus the beloved model it’s right now. The dedication to variety, fairness and inclusion the model demonstrates for its folks was highlighted all year long.

In February, the Newsroom featured six Lexus and Toyota workers who shared what Black History Month means to them and the affect of variety in management.

Here are a pair spotlights on their views:

“It is important to see diverse leadership because it allows team members to have a deeper connection to an organization that understands them. In addition, diverse leadership can help create synergies with team members through their understanding of varied thoughts and experiences.” —Brandon Mosley, Manager, Dealer Advertising and Media, Lexus Marketing African American Coalition (AAC) Member

“What I enjoy most about Black History Month is that it provides us with an opportunity to reflect, remember the past, and celebrate and highlight the present. From there, we can forge into the future understanding the shoulders [of our ancestors] for which we stand on.” —Bruce Hines, Manager, Lexus Racing & Motorsports

In honor of Women’s History Month, Lexus and Toyota highlighted a few of the many trailblazers who’re serving to drive the trade ahead whereas additionally making a constructive affect on the firm.

Sakiko Aono, a advertising supervisor at Lexus, defined how she’s been given the house to develop.

“After joining Toyota 17 years ago and serving on different teams in Toyota Marketing, Product Planning, Service Parts and Accessories, Lexus still gives me the opportunity to challenge myself with diverse perspectives and unique ideas,” Aono mentioned. “Lexus, where I work now, is an environment where I can not only do my daily work, but also deepen my thinking one step further. I still feel a sense of freshness and can take on new challenges, and I am grateful to Lexus.”

Like Aono, some workers discover that their journeys on the firm aren’t all the time linear. Lexus offers workers the chance to faucet into their passions, in flip discovering new alternatives.

As a frontrunner in mobility, Lexus gives a variety of profession choices for potential workers, in addition to these already working on the firm. In the autumn, the Newsroom highlighted three individuals whose professional paths took a different turn.

Here’s an instance of what a few them mentioned about their profession journeys and the way altering disciplines will be useful:

“I knew that Toyota and Lexus were places that nurtured growth and movement within the company, and it was one of the many reasons I wanted to work here. I don’t believe it’s common for companies to give these kinds of opportunities to try new fields, so it’s truly a unique experience.” —Jaime Cawyer, senior digital advertising strategist for Lexus.com

“Mobility of thinking not only creates new opportunities for employees, but it encourages new perspectives and ways of thinking when teams are collaborating, which leads to growth and expansion as a company. I believe the opportunity to work on different projects and the transferrable skills you can learn and apply from these projects makes the company stand out in a positive way.” —Marcus Anderson, enterprise initiatives in HR at Lexus

The previous yr has been an exhilarating trip for Lexus. But the corporate is primed and revving up for much more progressive merchandise, partnerships and initiatives that can take the beloved model to even larger heights in 2024.

VauxhallUk

VAUXHALL VIVARO ELECTRIC CONTINUES TO LEAD ELECTRIC VAN SALES

  • Vivaro Electric continues its run because the best-selling electrical van within the UK, topping gross sales charts in November and the 12 months to date
  • Vauxhall is the main electrical gentle business car (e-LCV) model within the UK each in November and year-to-date
  • Almost 30% (28.50%) of e-LCVs bought within the UK to date in 2023 is a Vauxhall
  • Vauxhall is considered one of few manufacturers to supply an electrical variant throughout its total LCV line-up

Vauxhall’s Vivaro Electric continues to cleared the path because the UK’s best-selling electrical van, based on the newest car registration figures revealed at this time by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

The Vivaro Electric, lately named Best Medium Electric Van on the What Car? Van and Commercial Vehicle Awards, leads the e-LCV market year-to-date, in addition to throughout the month of November. The success of Vauxhall’s electrical vans signifies that nearly 30% (28.50%) of e-LCVs registered to date in 2023 is a Vauxhall, serving to the model preserve its place because the UK’s best-selling e-LCV producer in November and year-to-date.

All of Vauxhall’s e-LCVs (Combo Electric, Vivaro Electric and Movano Electric) have lately been upgraded to characteristic cutting-edge new powertrains, new applied sciences and vital worth reductions in comparison with their predecessors. Vauxhall is considered one of few manufacturers to supply an electrical variant throughout its total LCV line-up.

James Taylor, Managing Director, Vauxhall, mentioned: “The award-winning Vivaro Electric continues to be the definitive leader in electric van sales, demonstrating its popularity with businesses. Coupled with the Stellantis e-LCV Grant, the excellent reception and adoption of our electric LCVs proves that van drivers can reap the benefits of electrification.”

The Stellantis e-LCV Grant provides clients a £2,500 incentive on small and medium electrical vans, together with the Vauxhall Combo Electric and Vauxhall Vivaro Electric. The grant provides a further £2,500 on prime of the present authorities grant for electrical vans, price as much as £5,000. The Stellantis e-LCV Grant additionally features a free dwelling wallbox set up* and £400 credit score on an Octopus Electroverse card, delivering as much as 2,500 miles of public charging from over 500,000 chargers throughout the UK and Europe – all from one easy-to-use card**.

The e-LCV Grant is offered on all buy and lease choices, together with outright buy, conditional sale/rent buy, Finance Lease or Business Contract Hire by way of Leasys, making certain all clients making the change to electrical can profit.

The provide applies to orders, on inventory autos, till and together with 31/12/2023.

* Standard dwelling set up based on the installer’s pointers. Extra prices will likely be relevant the place non-standard set up materials/practices are required, reminiscent of further cabling.

** Based on WLTP check figures and common public charging prices throughout networks which could be accessed utilizing Octopus Electroverse card.