Tag Archives: intends

Motorsport

The Skoda Epiq Has A Pompous Name But It’s Just Another Electric Crossover

Skoda intends to launch six EVs by 2026, and probably the most inexpensive of the bunch can be this pretentiously named Epiq. It’s scheduled to go on sale subsequent 12 months with a focused beginning value of €25,000, or roughly $27,000 at present change charges. Touted as being “small but epic,” the model’s entry-level EV can be among the many first fashions to embrace the contemporary “Modern Solid” design language.

At round 4.1 meters (161.4 inches) lengthy, you may consider it as an electrical various to the Kamiq. However, the subcompact Skoda Epiq is destined to experience on a devoted EV platform, doubtless the MEB Entry the Volkswagen Group has already introduced. The structure has been previewed by the German automotive conglomerate with final 12 months’s ID.2all concept. While VW goes the hatchback route, Skoda is cooking up this crossover.


Motorsport

Nissan Aims for Solid-State Batteries to Power Electric GT-R

Nissan has confirmed its plans to introduce an all-electric vehicle equipped with all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) by 2028. These innovative batteries, which are being developed in-house, are expected to revolutionize the industry by doubling the energy density compared to current liquid lithium-ion batteries. Additionally, charging times could be reduced to a third of what they are now. The Japanese automaker intends to incorporate ASSBs in various types of vehicles, including high-performance cars.

This development also extends to the iconic GT-R, which has been in production since late 2007, specifically referring to the current R35 generation. In an interview with Top Gear magazine, Ivan Espinosa, the global product boss of Nissan, emphasized that weight is a significant challenge for supercars. To address this issue, Nissan plans to wait for the availability of ASSBs to fully electrify the GT-R. By doubling the energy density, engineers will be able to install a smaller battery that reduces weight while still maintaining the car’s 2+2 seating arrangement.


Motorsport

Toyota FT-Se Concept Teased As Electric Sports Car Concept

Toyota is giving us a glimpse of a new sports car that will be showcased at the upcoming Japan Mobility Show. The teasers reveal a futuristic-looking coupe, which is quite different from the currently available GR86 or Supra models. It seems to be an evolved version of the Sports EV concept. The new car shares a similar shape and features an orange body with a black roof, suggesting that it may be closer to a production-ready model.

Named “FT-Se,” this electric sports coupe prominently displays Gazoo Racing badges both inside and outside. In fact, the Toyota logo is absent from the rear, replaced by a black and red “GR” badge with a white font. This new badge is also visible on the steering wheel and front fender.

Toyota FT-Se teasers

The exact meaning of “FT-Se” has not been revealed by Toyota. However, based on previous models, “FT” denotes “Future Toyota.” For instance, the 2014 FT-1 concept eventually became the Supra in 2020. Presumably, the “S” in FT-Se stands for “sport” and the “e” signifies electric.

This electric sports car not only has zero-emission capabilities and a futuristic exterior design but also features a brand-new interior concept that is unrelated to the GR86 and Supra models. The digital instrument cluster is positioned above the steering wheel, flanked by an infotainment screen on the right and another screen on the left. Toyota claims that the concept includes new kneepads to protect the driver’s body from G-forces during aggressive driving.

While it’s still uncertain if Toyota has plans to put this concept into production, there is hope considering company chairman Akio Toyoda’s recent suggestion to revive the Celica. Additionally, rumors of a new MR2 model continue to circulate.

More details about the Toyota FT-Se concept will be revealed on October 25 or 26 during the press days of the 2023 Japan Mobility Show.

Volkswagen

Performance program: Volkswagen brand aims to become more efficient and more profitable

Volkswagen is launching a global performance program called “ACCELERATE FORWARD | Road to 6.5” with the aim of improving the brand’s performance and profitability in the long term. The goal is to achieve a return on sales of 6.5 percent and improve earnings by around €10 billion by 2026. The program will focus on streamlining administrative processes, increasing efficiency in development and production, streamlining the model range, reducing the number of equipment variants, and improving product quality. The program will be managed by a Project Management Office (PMO) led by Stephan Wöllenstein and will be implemented in consultation with employee representatives, with a target completion date of October 2023.



Performance programm „ACCELERATE FORWARD | Road to 6.5“

The decision to launch the “ACCELERATE FORWARD | Road to 6.5” program by the VW Board of Management is a response to the challenging market environment and economic situation. The program is a top priority and aims to strengthen the Volkswagen brand and position it for future growth. The ambitious goal of achieving a sustainable return on sales of 6.5 percent by 2026 can be achieved through leveraging synergies, improving efficiency, and becoming more effective across all divisions of the company. Stephan Wöllenstein will manage the program and ensure its successful implementation.

The Management Board and Works Council have also agreed to work together on the common goals of profitability and job security. They are committed to achieving targeted savings without reducing wages or shedding jobs, focusing instead on areas such as Group management, brand cooperation, software development, and product quality. The workforce will be kept informed and involved throughout the process.

The “ACCELERATE FORWARD | Road to 6.5” program will be implemented through major action areas within the brand, including administration, technical development, material costs, products, price/mix, vehicle construction, sales, and quality. Additionally, flagship projects spanning multiple action areas will further increase efficiency and profitability. Examples include focusing on volume models, reducing complexity by eliminating lower-volume models, optimizing plant capacity utilization, and maximizing the potential of the Modular Transverse Toolkit (MQB) and the Modular Electric Drive Toolkit (MEB).

The program will be managed by a lean Project Management Office (PMO) under the leadership of Stephan Wöllenstein. The Brand Board of Management will oversee the program, with individual members leading action areas and flagship projects. The program is expected to be fully implemented by October 2023, following consultation with employee representatives.

The Volume brand group, which includes Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, SEAT/CUPRA, and Škoda, will provide additional synergies and higher returns. Production within this group will be more focused on multi-brand plants and vehicle platforms, maximizing efficiencies and cost savings. The brands will also collaborate on selling expenses and overheads, further optimizing operations.