Tag Archives: departure

RollsRoyce

ROLLS-ROYCE ANNOUNCES NEW DIRECTOR OF SALES & BRAND

  • Rolls-Royce pronounces departure of Director of Sales & Brand, Henrik Wilhelmsmeyer, with impact from 29 February 2024
  • Henrik leaves Goodwood after six years to take up a brand new senior place throughout the BMW Group, taking part in a number one position shaping the model’s future high-end luxurious vehicles
  • Succeeded as Director of Sales & Brand on 1 March by Julian Jenkins, former Regional Director and General Manager, Sales Operations
  • Julian returns to Rolls-Royce after serving as Sales Director of BMW UK, and most lately Chief Commercial Officer at Italian supercar producer Bizzarrini


 “Since 2018, Henrik Wilhelmsmeyer has completely transformed our mindset and attitude – how we work together, how we understand and interact with our clients and the experiences we offer them. He leaves Rolls-Royce a better place, with his enduring legacy of innovation, progress and achievement in client engagement, product development and consistency in the way our marque presents itself around the world. To build on Henrik’s work, we’re delighted to welcome Julian Jenkins back to Goodwood. Like Charles Rolls, Julian originally studied engineering but found his true vocation as a consummate sales, marketing and product professional. His luxury experience, strong leadership, strategic thinking, and communication skills make him exceptionally well placed to build on Henrik’s achievements. These are exciting times for all of us, and we wish both Henrik and Julian well in their new roles.”
 Chris Brownridge, Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

An uncompromising, unceasing need to make sure the very best ranges of actually private shopper engagement and absolute consistency in how Rolls-Royce presents itself around the globe are central pillars of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ power and ongoing success as an organization. Today, Rolls-Royce pronounces that the architect of many initiatives which drive these facets, Henrik Wilhelmsmeyer, is relinquishing his position as Director of Sales & Brand after six years with the corporate. From 1 March, Henrik will take up a brand new senior place throughout the BMW Group, the place he’ll play a number one position shaping the model’s future high-end luxurious vehicles.

Henrik got here to Rolls-Royce’s international headquarters at Goodwood in 2018, having beforehand been the marque’s Regional Director for the Greater China area. During his tenure, he led the product growth, gross sales and advertising campaigns for business-critical mannequin launches together with Cullinan, Ghost, Phantom Series II and, most lately, Spectre. He additionally performed a central position in making Coachbuild a everlasting fixture throughout the Rolls-Royce portfolio.

Committed to consistency in all issues, Henrik remodeled the marque’s mindset and perspective. In explicit, he basically reshaped how Rolls-Royce understands and interacts with its purchasers and the experiences it presents them. He introduced a extra targeted, individualised, disciplined and data-driven method to shopper engagement, for instance with the invitation-only Whispers app for Rolls-Royce house owners. Under Henrik’s management, Rolls-Royce developed a brand new Visual Identity, presently being rolled out at seller companions worldwide. The marque additionally prolonged its massively profitable Goodwood Private Office idea to Dubai and Shanghai, with two extra following this 12 months. Thanks partly to those Private Offices, 2023 was a file 12 months by way of each quantity and worth for the marque’s unrivalled Bespoke programme.

Henrik’s successor from 1 March might be Julian Jenkins. Julian is a well known determine inside Rolls-Royce, having beforehand spent six years at Goodwood, first as General Manager, Sales Operations, then as Regional Director for the Europe. A former President of Aston Martin Lagonda within the Americas, and holder of senior roles at Bentley in North America and the Asia-Pacific area, he makes a welcome return to the Home of Rolls-Royce after serving as Sales Director of BMW UK, and most lately Chief Commercial Officer at Italian supercar producer Bizzarrini, the place he performed a vital position in driving income progress and shaping the business success of the corporate. Julian’s worldwide expertise, product experience and deep data of the luxurious sector guarantee he’s completely positioned to take Rolls-Royce ahead in the direction of its all-electric future.

News

Guenther Steiner tells all after shock Haas F1 exit

An in any other case quiet low season for Formula 1 was shaken up by the surprising departure of Haas staff principal Guenther Steiner, hitherto the third-longest-serving boss within the sport behind Red Bull’s Christian Horner and Mercedes-AMG’s Toto Wolff. 

Despite the revolving-door coverage adopted up and down the paddock just lately, the information got here as a shock, as a result of Steiner wasn’t only a employed govt – he was the guts and soul of his staff. 

The former Jaguar and Red Bull man was within the US and working a rising composite enterprise when he began the staff from a clean sheet of paper. 

He got here up with the idea of getting a small full-time employees whereas sourcing as a lot as attainable from suppliers Ferrari and Dallara, and satisfied machine instruments magnate Gene Haas to fund the challenge. 

The staff acquired off to a sensational begin in 2016, when Romain Grosjean got here sixth in its debut race, and two years later it completed a outstanding fifth within the constructors’ championship. 

After that, although, life grew to become more durable as different groups stepped up their video games, after which, in 2020, the challenges of the pandemic hit Haas significantly laborious. 

In 2023, the staff slipped to tenth and final within the desk, regardless of its automotive displaying good one-lap tempo. 

Just as Steiner’s newest three-year contract was expiring on the finish of December, he was informed by Gene Haas that he wouldn’t be retained. 

Shock exit

“He called me up,” Steiner tells Autocar. “It was out of the blue. I used to be like: ‘Okay, what do you want to tell me?’ 

“He stated: ‘I don’t wish to prolong the contract.’ I stated: ‘In the end, it’s your choice. It’s your staff and the contract is up. What can I do? Do I feel it’s proper or not? Whatever I say, you’ll disagree with it. So go away it at that.’

“It was a very short call; it wasn’t a big discussion or anything. It was also very strange. You work with somebody for 10 years and you get a call [like that]… It’s weird. I was okay. I just move on. It’s fine. Anyway, I couldn’t believe any more in what was happening there.” 

Directional change

The pair had a elementary disagreement on the way in which ahead. Steiner might see all too clearly how the staff’s quick rivals had been ramping up their manufacturing facility infrastructure and duly sought extra funding to be able to hold tempo. 

Haas, in the meantime, believed that the staff might obtain extra with the sources that it already had. 

“Something needed to change,” says Steiner. “I’m not saying that Haas did it improper. All the opposite ones did it proper. F1 modified from when Haas began to the place it went prior to now 5 years. It’s a totally completely different ball recreation. They’re all robust groups. 

Reviews

2024 Toyota Sequoia Review: Big SUV Asks A Bigger Question

Usually, the Sequoia has 8.6 inches of floor clearance, a 15-degree method angle, and a 20-degree departure angle. Opting for the TRD Pro bumps the method angle to 23 levels and the clearance as much as 9.1 inches, courtesy of the two.5-inch FOX Internal Bypass coilovers and rear remote-reservoir shocks. It additionally provides a TRD Pro entrance stabilizer bar, further underbody safety, and digital niceties like Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) drive modes, Crawl Control, and Downhill Assist Control.

Sadly, you’ll be able to’t have all that with the non-compulsory adaptive variable rear air suspension, provided as an possibility in different trims (it is from $2,050, however that additionally provides energy working boards). That brings a level of additional plushness to the Sequoia’s journey, together with the practicality of load-leveling rear top management.

2024 Sequoia rear 3/4sChris Davies/SlashGear

What you can have is the TRD Off-Road Package and the air suspension. Now, with that mixture, you aren’t getting the fanciest suspension- a extra mainstream set of Bilstein shocks- however you continue to benefit from the electronically managed locking rear diff, MTS system, and different digital additions from which the TRD Pro advantages. Toyota additionally bundles particular 20-inch wheels and all-terrain rubber into the TRD Off-Road Package, too, together with a entrance skid plate and a few aesthetic adjustments.

Motorsport

2024 Lexus GX Price Starts At $64,250, Can Reach Over $80,000

The 2024 Lexus GX is a big departure from the previous-generation mannequin, injecting no small quantity of chunky styling and a rugged ambiance we’re not used to seeing from the premium model. Now, we all know how a lot Lexus prices for such ambiance: $64,250.

For the document, it’s kind of over our original $60,000 estimate. That determine contains the necessary $1,350 vacation spot and supply price Lexus prices. By comparability, the outgoing GX began slightly below $60,000. And whereas we do not but have particular pricing for the brand new US-spec Land Cruiser, Toyota has confirmed it will start in the mid-$50,000 range.


News, Technology

Sam Altman No Longer At The Helm Of OpenAI As Board Expresses Dissatisfaction

Altman’s departure came as a surprise to people outside and inside the company. According to Bloomberg, Altman was still sending regular emails to employees as of late Friday morning. He had not shown any signs of trouble and had recently met with world leaders to discuss the responsible use of generative AI.

In October, reports indicated that OpenAI was in discussions to sell shares that would value the company at $86 billion. As for Altman, a Y-Combinator alum and a prominent figure in AI development, he has not yet issued a statement regarding his departure from OpenAI and his future plans. This is not the first turbulent chapter in OpenAI’s history. Founded with support from Elon Musk, the billionaire Tesla owner departed soon after. Rumors suggest Musk’s attempt to acquire the company was rejected, while he claims he disagreed with the company’s shift away from its non-profit focus.

In addition to his involvement with OpenAI, Altman is also an investor in other high-profile companies, including Humane, co-founded by former Apple executives, which recently launched its first AI-infused wearable product. He is also an investor in Neuralink, Reddit, Patreon, Asana, CodeAcademy, and InstaCart, among others. Neuralink is known for its development of human brain interface chip implants and has received FDA approval for human testing.

News, Technology

Amazon’s Own ‘Vega’ OS Appears On Some Echo Show Devices

Amazon has not officially announced any plans to move away from Android. However, insider information and job listings suggest that the company has been working on a Linux-based system called Vega OS. It is expected to be compatible with a wide range of Amazon hardware, particularly under the Fire TV brand.

It is not confirmed whether the new OS v1.1 update is based on Linux or still on the Android kernel. There are no significant changes to the user interface after the update. This is similar to when Google replaced the Linux-based Cast OS with the new Fuschia OS on its Nest Hub smart display in 2021. There were minimal changes to the user interface, with some speed improvements in tasks like wireless casting.

Amazon is planning to implement Vega OS on various devices, from smart home products to automobile-focused gadgets. This move allows Amazon to have full control over the software ecosystem for its devices. Additionally, Vega OS could potentially enable the company to integrate more advertisements and attract more device manufacturers.

Featured

Kia Carnival Exterior Comparison: Old vs New (Fourth-Gen MPV Facelift)


The new Kia Carnival has undergone significant changes in its exterior design compared to the previous version

Kia Carnival old vs new

While we are waiting for the arrival of the fourth-generation Kia Carnival in our country, the MPV has already received an update in its home market. The car manufacturer has unveiled the updated exterior design of the premium MPV, with the interior and other details expected to be revealed in November. Our closest look at the current generation of the Carnival was at the Auto Expo in early 2023. In this article, let’s take a look at how its exterior design has evolved with the facelift:

Front

The majority of the changes in the facelift are concentrated on the front fascia of the MPV. With the refresh, the new Carnival features a revised grille with chrome accents, vertically stacked LED headlights consisting of four pieces, and sharper LED daytime running lights (DRLs). The bumper has also been updated, now incorporating updated fog lamps while still housing the radar for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

Side

From the side view, the only noticeable difference is the new set of alloy wheels, which appear to have a more aerodynamic design. Additionally, a Gravity trim has been introduced, which offers design variations compared to the standard model. This includes a black grille with a fresh style, black ORVMs (outside rearview mirrors), and a different alloy wheel design featuring concentric rings.

Rear

At the rear, the Carnival now boasts a redesigned tailgate that showcases vertically stacked LED taillights, which run up to the Kia logo in the center, resembling the LED DRLs at the front. The design updates for the MPV’s rear end are completed by a revised skid plate and a chunky bumper. Overall, the facelifted MPV displays a sharper appearance compared to its predecessor.

Also Read: New Google Maps Update Will Help You Plan Your Trips In A Better Way

India Launch And Price

2024 Kia Carnival Gravity trim

We expect the facelifted fourth-generation Kia Carnival to be launched in India sometime in 2024, with an estimated starting price of Rs 40 lakh (ex-showroom). While it won’t have any direct competitors, it will be positioned higher than the Toyota Innova Hycross in the Indian MPV segment.

Motorsport

Smart #3 SUV Debuts: 422 HP, 283-Mile WLTP Range, And Anniversary Trim

Famous for its compact vehicles, Smart has released the European #3 SUV along with a special edition model with unique features ahead of IAA Mobility 2023 in Munich.

The Smart #3 comes with a single electric motor that produces 268 horsepower (200 kilowatts) as standard. In contrast, the more powerful Smart #3 Brabus model boasts two electric motors, one on each axle, and generates a feisty 422 horsepower (315 kW). The standard Smart #3 can reach 62 miles per hour (100 kilometers per hour) in 5.8 seconds, while the Brabus model accomplishes the same in just 3.7 seconds.

In terms of range, the most efficient, single-motor Smart #3 can travel up to 283 miles (455 kilometers) based on the WLTP testing cycle. The dual-motor model offers a slightly lower range of 270 miles (435 km). Unfortunately, since the car will not be available in the United States, there are no EPA figures for range. However, the vehicle’s DC fast charging capability of 150 kilowatts allows for a 10 to 80 percent recharge in just 30 minutes.

Smart is also introducing a special edition trim at the IAA Mobility event to mark the brand’s 25th anniversary. The 25th Anniversary Edition, based on the top-end Brabus model, features a panoramic galaxy roof, upgraded LED headlights, red highlights, and unique black-and-white leather seats with an integrated headrest.

Both the Brabus model and the 25th Anniversary edition come with premium interior features, including a 12.8-inch touchscreen display, a 9.2-inch HD digital instrument cluster, a 10-inch head-up display, and a Beats audio system with 13 speakers.

Following its debut at IAA Mobility, the Smart #3 compact SUV will go on sale in Europe before the end of 2023, with customers able to purchase it starting in 2024. Pricing details have not been released.

News

Radical EV sports coupe showcases Vauxhall’s future vision

The Vauxhall Experimental offers a glimpse into the future of Vauxhall, with its distinctive design and innovative features. Inside the vehicle, there is a noticeable departure from the current Vauxhall models. The cabin design is bold and exaggerated, giving us a clear idea of what Vauxhall’s future priorities will be. One striking feature is the replacement of all screens with holographic interfaces. Additionally, the head-up display projections stretch across the entire width of the windscreen, creating an immersive experience and transforming the interior.

Vauxhall Experimental concept dashboard

The control of critical functions is done through a panel of buttons on the centre console, while infotainment can be operated through gestures and voice commands.

Interestingly, the sat-nav system does not display arrows on the head-up display. Instead, it enters a mixed-reality mode where the driver is virtually guided by the Opel Manta GSe Elektromod, a reference to Vauxhall’s plan to revive the Manta name for a coupe-SUV in 2025.

The interior is adorned with white electrochromic fabric, which is a combination of textile fibers and thin LED strands. Any surface that uses this material, including the dashboard, seats, and door cards, can be illuminated in various colors, allowing for greater personalization. Vauxhall could potentially manufacture cars with a single interior color at the factory, leaving the choice of color up to the driver.

The Experimental concept also hints at Vauxhall’s future goal of offering self-driving capabilities. When the computer takes control, the steering wheel folds into the dashboard. The concept’s smart-glass windows could also become opaque during self-driving mode, creating a more relaxed and lounge-like environment. However, the technology required for such features is still years away.