Tag Archives: further

BMW

BMW Opens New Shanghai R&D Center. China R&D Strategy Upgraded for Next-level Digital User Experiences.

Shanghai. On July 18, 2023, the BMW Group expanded its research and development (R&D) capabilities in China with the opening of a new R&D Center in Shanghai. China already houses BMW Group’s largest R&D system outside of Germany, with locations in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenyang, and Nanjing. By merging all of BMW’s R&D functions in China under one roof, the company aims to improve collaboration and performance. With the establishment of a fully-fledged R&D competency and software development capabilities in China, BMW is now well-positioned to implement its China strategy.

According to Mr. Frank Weber, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Development, the NEUE KLASSE of BMW will redefine driving pleasure by offering fascinating products and premium mobility experiences empowered by digitalization. With the new R&D Center and the upgrade of BMW China’s R&D capabilities, the company aims to achieve significant competence advancement. Over the past three years, BMW has tripled its workforce in China, with over 3,200 designers, engineers, NEV (New Energy Vehicle) specialists, and software experts collaborating closely with Chinese tech players, start-ups, local partners, and academia. Going forward, BMW plans to incorporate more Chinese elements into its global R&D organization.

BMW’s strong focus on R&D and innovation has been vital to its leadership in the automotive industry. The company’s renowned R&D Center in Munich, FIZ, was established in 1990. Today, BMW has R&D facilities in 17 countries, with China being home to the largest R&D and innovation network outside of Germany. The company firmly believes that China is the future hub for mobility and has upgraded its R&D management in China to better integrate local innovation capabilities into BMW Group’s global R&D organization. The China R&D team plays a significant role in the design, development, testing, and validation of locally-produced electric vehicles.

The NEUE KLASSE, BMW’s upcoming generation of all-electric models, will showcase various China-led innovations. BMW is also aiming to take the digital user experience in China to the next level by focusing on human-machine interaction and hardware-software integration. China currently houses BMW’s Skylab, the team responsible for human-machine interaction design and usability research, making it the only market outside of Germany to have this capability. BMW’s BA TechWorks in Nanjing is expanding its software team to enhance software development capabilities for Intelligent Connected Vehicles.

As part of its effort to bridge the East and the West, Designworks Shanghai, BMW’s local design studio, will integrate even deeper into the R&D center. This integration will empower future design through digitization, leveraging the studio’s expertise in LED and VR technology. Designworks has been operating in Shanghai since 2012 and has become a bridge between Western and Chinese aesthetics in automotive design.

In terms of validation, BMW has established its largest e-mobility R&D footprint outside of Germany in China. The BMW Shenyang R&D Center, which has been focusing on electrification technology development for over 10 years, now houses the company’s first battery center outside of Germany with full battery capabilities. Additionally, the Shenyang R&D Center has advanced testing and validation capabilities for new energy vehicles.

China also hosts BMW’s largest testing and validation footprint outside of Germany. The Shenyang R&D Center features a global-leading EMC laboratory, an NVH laboratory, and a High-Voltage Battery testing lab to ensure high-performance and safety across all conditions. BMW conducts rigorous vehicle testing in various geographical locations and extreme weather conditions to ensure excellent performance for customers worldwide.

BMW Group Tech Office Asia-Pacific in Shanghai focuses on tech scouting for advanced technologies and innovations. The office collaborates with innovative companies, offers platforms for start-ups, and engages with tech giants and top universities in China. BMW recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with China Automotive Technology & Research Center (CATARC) to cooperate in areas such as intelligent connected vehicles, new energy vehicles, sustainability, and vehicle safety.

With its expanded R&D capabilities and focus on innovation, BMW is well-positioned to continue delivering cutting-edge products and digital user experiences in China and worldwide.

Featured

Citroen C3 Receives 0 Stars in Latin NCAP Crash Tests


Stability of the Bodyshell and Resistance to Loadings Rated as Inadequate

Citroen C3 Latin NCAP

The Citroen C3, which is available in both India and Latin American markets including Brazil, has recently undergone crash tests conducted by the Latin NCAP. Unfortunately, the crossover-hatch failed to obtain a single-star rating in the assessments.

Safety Features on Board

The tested C3 model was equipped with standard dual front airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), seatbelt reminder, and ISOFIX child seat anchorages. While it lacked seatbelt pretensioners, it did feature seatbelt load limiters.

In India, the C3 comes with standard features such as dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, reverse parking sensors, and front seatbelt reminders. Additionally, the turbo-petrol variants are equipped with electronic stability program (ESP), hill-hold assist, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Adult Occupant Protection

Citroen C3 Latin NCAP

The Citroen C3 scored 31 percent (12.21 points) in adult occupant protection, combining scores from frontal and side-impact crash tests.

Frontal Impact

The C3 provided ‘good’ protection for the driver and passenger’s head and neck, while showing ‘weak’ protection for the driver’s chest and ‘marginal’ protection for the passenger’s chest. The overall knee protection was ‘marginal’, except for the passenger’s left knee which showed ‘good’ protection. The tibias of both driver and passenger received ‘adequate’ protection. However, the C3’s footwell area and bodyshell were rated as ‘unstable’ and unable to withstand further loadings. The seat design also offered poor protection against whiplash.

Side Impact

Citroen C3 Latin NCAP

In the side-impact test, the C3 provided ‘adequate’ protection for the head and chest, and ‘good’ protection for the abdomen and pelvis.

However, the C3 did not undergo the side-pole impact test due to the absence of side head protection, even as an optional feature.

Also Read: Citroen eC3 vs Tata Tiago EV: Space & Practicality Comparison

Child Occupant Protection

The Citroen C3 received a 12 percent rating in child occupant protection. Here’s a breakdown of the results:

Frontal Impact

Both the 3-year-old and 1.5-year-old child seats were installed rearward-facing using ISOFIX anchorages. The C3 provided ‘good’ protection for the 3-year-old’s head, while preventing head contact with the interior for the younger child.

Side Impact

The child restraint systems (CRS) offered full protection during the side impact.

The Citroen C3 received deductions for poor markings of the ISOFIX anchorages, and the absence of an airbag warning when a child restraint system is installed in the front passenger seat. All seating positions are equipped with 3-point seatbelts.

Pedestrian Protection

Citroen C3 Latin NCAP

The C3 achieved a relatively higher score of 50 percent (23.88 points) in pedestrian protection. It offered ‘good’, ‘marginal’, and ‘adequate’ protection in most areas. However, it scored poorly in head protection around the windscreen and A-pillars. The upper leg protection was rated ‘adequate to good’, while the lower leg protection was rated ‘marginal to good’.

Safety Assist

The C3 received 35 percent (15 points) for safety assist. It was penalized for lacking important safety features according to the Latin NCAP. While the Brazil-spec C3 had a seatbelt reminder for the driver, it did not meet the Latin NCAP requirements. Additionally, the C3 lacked advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and speed limitation devices.

Also Read: Citroen Is Bringing A Crossover Sedan To India

Citroen C3 in India

India-spec Citroen C3

The Citroen C3 was launched in India in mid-2022 as the second model from Citroen. It has not yet been tested by any NCAP agency, but it may receive a rating once the Bharat NCAP is implemented by the end of 2023. The C3 is available in three variants – Live, Feel, and Shine – with prices ranging from Rs 6.16 lakh to Rs 8.92 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

Read More on: Citroen C3 on road price

Featured

PUMA Motorsport Launches The Porsche Legacy Turbo S Collection

PUMA Motorsport is partnering with Porsche to release the PUMA x Porsche Legacy Turbo S collection. This collection is inspired by the enduring legacy of Porsche and embodies their rich heritage and motorsport excellence. It combines sleek design, sporty characteristics, and the power of Porsche engines, creating a high-performance and stylish wardrobe.

The collection introduces vibrant color combinations, including Lemon Chrome, PUMA Black, Bold Blue, and Sand Dune, perfect for the upcoming autumn season. The range showcases premium materials, improved graphics, and innovative designs that pay homage to Porsche’s esteemed Turbo S line of Porsche 911 models. The collection also features prominent Turbo branding and the iconic 911 car silhouette, adding a unique character to each piece.

From relaxed fit polos to statement jackets and chic pants, the PUMA x Porsche Legacy Turbo S collection offers a perfect blend of style and performance. Experience this collection by visiting the link below.

Shop PUMA x Porsche


23AW_PR_MS_PORSCHE_Seasonal-Concept_Look-3_032_16x9_2560x1440px

4 Photos

Health, Technology

Top 5 iPhone Apps for Tracking Calories

If you’re searching for a straightforward and efficient calorie counter app, look no further than Calory. This app specializes in tracking your calorie intake, making it an excellent option if that’s your main goal. While it may lack some of the fancy features found in other apps on this list, Calory excels at what it does. It offers a simple and user-friendly interface, presenting your calorie information through a convenient bar chart. This feature allows you to quickly assess how many calories you have remaining for the day.

All of these features are available for free. However, there is a paid option priced at $14.99 per year. Opting for the paid version grants you access to additional features such as a barcode scanner, a water tracker, and even an AI-powered recipe creator. Some of these features may be available for free in other apps, so it’s worth considering those alternatives if you desire these extras. If you’re solely interested in tracking your calorie intake without any frills, Calory is an excellent choice.

News

BMW Motorrad Italy Presents Pre-Owned Program: BMW Timeless

In a unique approach to selling pre-owned motorcycles, BMW Motorrad Italy has gone beyond the conventional methods by transforming old bikes and scooters into a genuine product line, regardless of their age and date of first registration.

Alessandro Salimbeni, General Manager of BMW Motorrad Italy, stated, “A BMW motorcycle that has already traveled a long way is a motorcycle that has already experienced adventures and has a story to tell. Each BMW Timeless vehicle has explored different landscapes, overcome challenges, and is ready to embark on new journeys with its new owner. If a motorcycle’s value lies in its history, BMW Motorrad’s responsibility is to nurture and preserve that value over time. With BMW Timeless, our brand becomes even more inclusive and accessible. We now consider pre-owned BMWs to be on par with our new products, offering not only exclusive services like BMSI maintenance packages and tailored financial solutions but also an entire brand campaign. In the current market scenario, I firmly believe that used BMWs present an intriguing alternative to new products, even from other brands.”

Original Quote: 

(“Una moto BMW che ha già fatto un po’ di strada è una moto che ha già vissuto delle avventure, con una storia da raccontare. Ogni BMW Timeless ha viaggiato, visto paesaggi e superato sfide ed è pronta a farlo ancora insieme al suo nuovo proprietario. E se il valore di una moto è proprio la sua storia, noi di BMW Motorrad abbiamo il compito di supportarlo nel tempo. Con BMW Timeless il marchio BMW Motorrad diventa ancora più inclusivo, rendendosi di fatto ancor più accessibile. Oggi consideriamo l’usato BMW con lo stesso pregio del nostro prodotto nuovo, dedicandogli oltre a servizi esclusivi, come i pacchetti di manutenzione BMSI o specifiche soluzioni finanziarie d’acquisto, anche una vera e propria campagna di brand. Credo fermamente che nell’attuale scenario di mercato l’usato BMW rappresenti un’interessante alternativa a prodotti nuovi, anche di altre marche, soprattutto per quei motociclisti più esigenti che sognano di guidare una moto dai grandi contenuti tecnologici e capace di regalare un impareggiabile piacere di guida, senza tralasciare il non trascurabile dato del prezzo d’acquisto.”)

BMW Motorrad Italy Timeless Pre-Owned Program

Instead of simply selling pre-owned motorcycles as they are or slightly refurbished for riding, BMW Motorrad Italy has introduced a more significant pre-owned program called BMW Timeless. With this program, BMW Motorrad preserves its legacy by offering a new product line featuring the brand’s classic models. BMW Timeless brings a fresh perspective to the table, celebrating the love for vintage motorcycles. This program could potentially be expanded to other countries, catering to customers who have a desire for well-maintained vintage motorcycles that were originally sold by the manufacturers themselves.

Volkswagen

Miraculous superheroes Ladybug and Cat Noir team up with fully electric Volkswagen

Volkswagen has partnered with ZAG and Mediawan Kids & Family to bring fully electric vehicles to the upcoming animated family movie “Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir, The Movie”. Nelly Kennedy, Volkswagen CMO, said the collaboration was a perfect match, where the movie’s beloved characters will experience their adventures with different fully electric cars of Volkswagen ID family. The blockbuster is expected to play in more than 100 markets globally, after the global success of “Miraculous” series, which has become a pop culture phenomenon in over 130 countries with more than 33 billion views on YouTube and number one TV-rankings in many countries.

The movie, launching on July 5th, 2023 in theaters globally and July 28th, 2023, on streaming platform Netflix, will integrate fully electric vehicles in a meaningful way into the storyline. Two city cars with a futuristic look will be attributed to the main heroes: Cat Noir with the ID.4 and Ladybug with a concept car electric Beetle. The ID. Vizzon will be associated with the successful stylist Gabriel Agreste, and the iconic Volkswagen ID. Buzz will be Tom’s bakery delivery vehicle.

Speaking on the collaboration, Kennedy said it was an important element of the realignment of the brand and marketing activities of Volkswagen, which includes other successful partnerships in the past few months such as Marvel Studios’ “Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania,” and Disney’s Obi-Wan-Kenobi, Andor, and “Mandalorian.” The partnership also aligns with Volkswagen’s commitment to becoming climate-neutral by 2050 and its plan to launch ten new all-electric models until 2026, including the already presented ID.3, ID.7 and ID. Buzz.

The producers of the film, Aton Soumache and Emmanuel Jacomet, and director Jérémy Zag said they had a lot of fun adapting the iconic vehicles of the Volkswagen brand in the Miraculous universe and seamlessly integrating them into the film and the Parisian settings. They added Ladybug and Cat Noir represent the new generation, and the vehicles in the film embody modernity.

Volkswagen

Volkswagen: Brand Group Volume doubles operating profit in first quarter 2023

The Volkswagen Group’s Brand Group Volume further strengthened the close cooperation between the sister brands Volkswagen, Škoda, SEAT/CUPRA and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles in the first quarter of 2023. To take account of this successful development and the significance of the Brand Group Volume in the ongoing transformation of the Volkswagen Group, the four volume brands are publishing their key financial metrics for the first time in a Brand Group Volume quarterly report.

The brand group’s positive development towards greater efficiency and profitability in the volume segment is reflected in particular by the operating profit before special items, which doubled compared with the prior-year quarter, coming in at EUR 1.74 billion (Q1 2022: EUR 0.88 billion), and by a sharp increase in the Brand Group Volume’s operating return on sales from 3.6 percent in the first quarter of the previous year to 5.3 percent in Q1/23. There was also a sharp increase in consolidated sales revenue, which grew 36 percent to EUR 33.16 billion (Q1 2022: EUR 24.36 billion), while net cash flow was EUR 1.7 billion (Q1 2022: EUR 0.5 billion), thus reflecting the good first-quarter performance.

Unit sales in the first quarter of 2023 increased 30 percent to 1.19 million vehicles (Q1 2022: 0.92 million vehicles). The full-electric model range accounts for an ever-larger share of deliveries. In total, the Brand Group Volume delivered 97,100 full-electric vehicles in the first quarter of the year, 49 percent more than in the prior-year quarter.

“Strong brands, lean engine room: targeted cooperation between the brands enabled us to expand existing synergies and scaling benefits in the past few months and at the same time increase our financial robustness and innovation strength. The Brand Group Volume’s key figures prove we are on the right track,” Thomas Schäfer, Member of the Volkswagen Group Board of Management in charge of the Brand Group Volume, said.

Overview of key figures for the Brand Group Volume:

Key figures

Brand Group Volume Q1 2023 (+development)

Brand Group Volume Q1 2022

Unit sales

1,193,000 vehicles (+30 %)

918,000 vehicles

Sales revenue

EUR 33.16 billion (+36 %)

EUR 24.36 billion

Operating profit before special items

EUR 1.74 billion (+99 %)

EUR 0.88 billion

Operating return on sales before special items

5.3 % (+1.7 %pp)

3.6%

Net cash flow

EUR 1.7 billion

EUR 0.5 billion

Four strong brands lay basis for strong performance by Brand Group Volume
The convincing Q1 performance by the Brand Group Volume is also due to the successful development of the individual brands Volkswagen, Škoda, SEAT/CUPRA and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

The Volkswagen brand reported a slight upward trend in deliveries. The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand handed over a total of 1.02 million passenger cars to customers worldwide in the first quarter of 2023 (+ 0.9 percent). Full-electric vehicles accounted for a large share of this success: with unit sales of some 70,000 vehicles, the brand accounted for just under half of all BEVs delivered by the Group (+31.2 percent). Despite the challenging environment and persistent supply constraints, operating profit before special items in the first quarter of 2023 came in at EUR 608 million, an improvement on the figure for the prior-year quarter (EUR 513 million). Sales revenue rose from EUR 14.9 billion (Q1 2022) to EUR 20.5 billion (Q1 2023). This positive trend was in part offset by factors such as significantly higher material costs as well as exchange rate effects. As a result, the brand’s operating return on sales before special items in the first three months of the current fiscal year stood at 3.0 percent, 0.5 percentage points lower than the corresponding quarter in 2022.

Škoda Auto reported a strong first quarter and delivered 209.600 vehicles to customers worldwide (+12.6 percent). The all-electric Enyaq iV family was particularly successful, with deliveries rising by over 40 percent. The traditional Czech brand generated sales revenue of EUR 6.8 billion, up 33.3 percent on the same period in 2022. Operating profit before special items also increased by over 60 percent to EUR 542 million. At 8.0 percent, the return on sales was at a high level.

SEAT/CUPRA grew the number of electric vehicles delivered between January and March 2023 more than fourfold (+318.9 percent) to 9,200 units. Overall, SEAT/CUPRA delivered 125,218 vehicles in Q1/23.37 percent more than in the prior-year quarter (91,407), making this SEAT’s strongest first quarter ever. The company reported an operating profit of EUR 144 million for the period January – March 2023, an improvement of EUR 139 million on the first quarter of 2022. The operating return on sales in Q1/23 rose to 4.0 percent. Thanks to high demand and improved components supply, sales revenue increased to EUR 3.6 billion (+48.2 percent compared with the prior-year quarter).

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles continued the positive business trend of 2022 in the first quarter of fiscal year 2023. Deliveries grew 18.7 percent to 97,189 vehicles. Q1/23 was the first full business quarter for the ID.Buzz since its market launch, lifting deliveries of all VWN BEV vehicles to 5,500 units (Q1 22: 700 BEVs). Sales revenue rose to just under EUR 3.6 billion, driven by positive pricing and mix effects. Even though the market and supplier situation remained tense, operating profit before special items soared to EUR 171 million (Q1/22: EUR 46 million). In line with these figures, the operating return on sales increased from 2 percent in the first quarter of the previous year to 4.8 percent.

Outlook
The Brand Group Volume is the crucial lever for financial robustness, synergies and innovation in the Volkswagen Group – and bolsters resilience against external challenges. Based on effective management of the Brand Group Volume with lean structures, the focus is on reducing complexity – and the systematic leveraging of existing synergy potential. The central performance indicator for Brand Group Volume is a consolidated operating return on sales of 8 percent from 2025. For the 2023 fiscal year, the brand group already expects a consolidated operating return on sales significantly higher than the 3.6 percent posted for 2022.