Tag Archives: keen

News

BYD Seagull may come to UK in model’s reasonably priced EV push

BYD’s UK bosses are eager for the corporate to supply the low-cost BYD Seagull electric car to British patrons.

No resolution has but been taken nonetheless on if and when the three.8-metre-long Seagull would launch within the UK, but when it does it will probably be the cheapest electric car on sale within the UK.

In China, it’s priced from the equal of £8000, a worth at which BYD is known to make the automobile profitably and nonetheless supply a spread near 200 miles.

BYD’s UK advertising boss Mark Blundell mentioned he was “keen to have it” when requested in regards to the potential UK launch of the Seagull and mentioned there was a transparent area under the BYD Dolphin hatchback within the vary for it. It is bought because the Dolphin Mini in some markets.

Blundell mentioned it was BYD’s technique to “make electric cars accessible to all” and eager pricing was a part of that. “EVs shouldn’t just be for well-off people…[we need to] have affordable EVs in the range, and need accessible EVs, not just £50, 60, 70,000 ones”.

Blundell was talking at an occasion to mark the one-year anniversary of BYD’s launch within the UK. The agency has not set any targets for UK gross sales or development however the agency, which bought extra electrical automobiles than some other automobile maker globally final yr, together with Tesla, is effectively backed, effectively funded and impressive – and development akin to that achieved by MG within the UK is conceivable over the following few years.

In the medium time period, Blundell mentioned he’d prefer to see BYD “established as a credible brand, with an established infrastructure and dealer network and to be part of the landscape” within the UK. “We need coverage in key markets and robust aftersales.”

The agency plans to go from 21 to 60 sellers within the UK by the summer season, giving good geographic protection throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Blundell was the primary workers member within the UK on BYD’s automobile aspect – it has been promoting buses within the UK for 10 years now, too – however the agency has round 40 workers now and shall be including 100 or so extra within the subsequent few months.

BYD operates a wholesale retail mannequin and retains a great inventory of automobiles to have the ability to get them to patrons rapidly; Blundell quoted a typical two-week lead time to get automobiles to patrons after orders.

Part of its capacity to maintain prices so low is by producing so many components in-house and proudly owning a lot of the logistics and provide chain; one instance given by Blundell is that the agency has lately commissioned its personal cargo ship that holds 7000 automobiles.

“We control what we can control,” he mentioned. “We’re switched onto provide chain and logistics and ‘build our own’“ in the case of elements.

That coverage will even lengthen to the agency’s new automobile European manufacturing unit in Hungary that shall be on stream subsequent yr, though Blundell mentioned it was not but determined which fashions could be constructed there.

News

Is There Anything He Can’t Do? Brabec Does The Double At 2024 Mint 400

If there is a racer who’s eager to showcase simply what the phrase “winning ways” is about, it is Ricky Brabec. After beginning the 12 months by taking his second-ever Dakar Rally win (an unprecedented feat by an American rider), Brabec and famously mustachioed teammate Skyler Howes had been again at it once more in Las Vegas on the 2024 Mint 400.

The Monster Energy Honda teammates traded in two-wheels for 4, which is becoming since if you happen to add each their bikes collectively, that is the quantity you’d get anyway. We child. Anyway, the formidable pair on any variety of wheels drove their Honda Talon to win the BFGoodrich Mint 400’s UTV Pro NA class on the very first day. 

Brabec wasn’t carried out but, although. After scooping that UTV Pro NA win, he and one other Honda teammate, Preston Campbell, saddled up on a Honda CRF 450R and proceeded to win the 2024 Mint 400’s Open Pro Motorcycle division. Yet one other piece of shiny {hardware} for the trophy room!

“Yeah, you realize, was a extremely good weekend for Monster. And a extremely good weekend for Honda. Dakar’s the dream, however to return to the Mint 400 for the primary time in a facet by facet, with my Monster Energy/Honda HRC Rally teammate Skyler Howes, yeah we did a extremely wonderful job. 1st in Pro non-turbo. Really cool to be a privateer crew and beat the HRC Factory Honda Talon Ridgeline program. That’s an enormous push there and we had been actually comfortable to perform this,” Brabec stated later in a press release.

 

And as a result of he did the double, we’ll do a factor we do not usually do and embed two of his joyous Instagram posts right here:

 

What About Skyler Howes?

For his half, Brabec’s Dakar teammate Howes expressed shock that Brabec invited him to affix him in piloting the Talon. In reality, he stated, he’d by no means really pushed one earlier than and likewise hadn’t raced on 4 wheels in a minimum of the previous three years. While Brabec powered by means of the primary two laps to safe the lead, Howes was in a position to deliver it house after the extraordinary nine-hour race. Though, we suppose, after a number of days doing the Dakar, 9 hours most likely is much less daunting than it may be to anybody else.

Howes added in an Instagram submit that this Mint 400 win was particularly significant to him, since his household’s early racing historical past was on 4 wheels. In reality, his grandpa was each a mechanic and a driver within the Baja Boot, and likewise had Mint trophies courting again to the early Seventies. That’s fairly a feat to have within the household, for certain.

 

Congrats to the teammates, their crew, and everybody who likes to have a superb time on any variety of wheels. 

News

This Is Yamaha’s First-Ever Hydrogen Concept Vehicle

We’ve recognized that Yamaha is eager to experiment with hydrogen as a substitute gasoline for a number of years. In January 2022, Team Blue announced plans to work with Kawasaki on hydrogen engine improvement. Then, a month later, we discovered of plans to work on a 5-liter V8 hydrogen engine with Toyota.

By July 2023, Yamaha president Yoshihiro Hidaka reiterated the company’s commitment to exploring hydrogen development as a viable different gasoline supply. And in fact, with the 2024 Dakar Rally very not too long ago within the historical past books, we won’t neglect about the HySE experimental rally vehicle that Yamaha (together with Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Toyota) had a component in constructing.

Fast-forward to January 25, 2024, and Yamaha has now formally launched its first-ever hydrogen-powered idea automobile. At the 2024 Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) Show in Florida, the agency confirmed off the Drive H2 idea.


Yamaha Drive H2 - Detail View

3 Photos

It makes use of two high-pressure hydrogen tanks to run, which maintain 25 liters of gasoline every. The most seen tank is positioned on the rear of the automobile, whereas the opposite tank sits beneath the driving force’s seat. It’s primarily based on the already-existing Drive2 Concierge 4 private golf automotive, which is bought by the Yamaha Motor Corporation subsidiary, Yamaha Golf-Car Company. 

Of course, any hydrogen automobile improvement in any area will depend upon having the out there infrastructure to help it. That’s one thing that folks concerned about electrical autos of any form have additionally skilled lately. 

What About Hydrogen-Powered Motorcycles?

While Yamaha has expressed curiosity in exploring the chances of hydrogen energy for extra autos than simply low-speed golf vehicles (or golf carts), to date, evidently Kawasaki and Suzuki are the one two corporations to have launched hydrogen-powered two-wheeled ideas to date.

Bear in thoughts that it is solely January, although. There are nonetheless 11 extra months left to go within the yr, and an entire lot can change in comparatively little time. As and when extra details about future automobile developments turns into clear, we’ll make sure to preserve you up to date.

News

First drive: 2024 Toyota Prius

The 2024 Toyota Prius has been completely redesigned and offers impressive performance and handling. It feels agile and responsive, with precise steering and a willingness to tackle corners. The ride is also smooth and comfortable, making it a joy to drive.

However, while the exterior of the Prius is eye-catching, the interior lacks the same appeal. The drab steering wheel, borrowed from the Toyota bZ4X, is a disappointment. On the plus side, the dashboard features a good number of physical controls, including those for the heating and ventilation. The infotainment touchscreen on top of the dash is clear and has good graphics, and the driver display is positioned in a way that it is easy to see without obstructing the view.

One trade-off of the sleeker profile of the new Prius is the reduced rear space for passengers. The narrower windows create a cozier feel, and the rear interior door handles may require some explanation for unfamiliar passengers. It’s a shame that UK buyers won’t have the opportunity to experience the capable 2024 Prius.

Toyota Prius PHEV

Verdict 4 stars 

Engine: 4 cyls in line, 1987cc, petrol, plus 161bhp permanent magnet synchronous motor
Power: 220bhp (peak combined)
Torque: 140lb ft at 5200rpm (engine only)
Transmission: eCVT, front-wheel drive
Battery: 13.6kWh
Kerb weight: 1545kg
0-62mph: 6.8sec
Top speed: 110mph
Economy: 404mpg
CO2, tax band: 16g/km, na
Electric range: 45 miles
Rivals: Hyundai Ioniq PHEV, Kia Niro PHEV

Entertainment

What Happened To Keen Home Smart Vents From Shark Tank Season 6?

During Shark Tank Season 6, Keen Home co-founders Ryan Fant and Nayeem Hussain pitched their internet-connected HVAC vent business called Keen Home Smart Vents. They were seeking $750,000 for a 10% stake in their company. These smart vents, along with a mobile app, allowed users to redirect airflow to specific rooms based on their heating or air conditioning needs. It’s important to note that temperature sensors were not included in the original package at that time.

One concern raised by Kevin O’Leary was the valuation of the company. Previous outside funding had valued Keen Home closer to $5 million. However, the news that Lowe’s had pre-sold 35,000 units of the Smart Vents helped explain the valuation. Lowe’s also had exclusivity in the home improvement space for two years.

Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner both opted out of a deal. Mark felt that the Smart Vents were more of a feature than a standalone product, and he didn’t see potential for licensing it to a larger company. Lori found the product too confusing.

O’Leary offered $750,000 for a 25% stake in the company, stating that the growth of Keen Home hadn’t justified the asking price. Daymond John made a similar offer but also requested manufacturing rights. He later reduced his offer to a 20% stake. Robert Herjavec, however, wasn’t concerned about Mark’s assessment and offered $750,000 for a 20% stake.

The discussion then shifted to the founders’ reluctance to sell at a lower valuation than their previous investor. O’Leary proposed a 36-month $750,000 loan at 8.5% interest in exchange for a 10% equity stake. Lori was willing to split this deal. Robert countered with an offer of $750,000 for a 13% stake, valuing the company at just under $5.8 million. The founders accepted Robert’s offer.

Motorsport

2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Production Is Now Underway, Arrival at Dealerships Imminent

As summer draws to a close, Toyota has made a strategic move to dominate the SUV market news. The debut of the Grand Highlander may have taken place earlier this year, but its production has finally started at Toyota’s large manufacturing plant in southern Indiana. Barring any unforeseen complications, this new three-row SUV will be available at dealerships within a few weeks.

The timing of this announcement is rather intriguing, especially considering the highly anticipated recent debut of the new Toyota Land Cruiser, which occurred less than 24 hours ago as of the publication of this article on August 2. There is a certain symmetry in this news, even though these SUVs share the Toyota badge, as they represent two distinct interpretations of the segment. While the Grand Highlander aims to transport up to eight individuals comfortably, while still offering some off-road capability, the new Land Cruiser boasts a five-passenger configuration and prioritizes handling rugged terrains.


News

Could MV Agusta Race Bikes Be on the MotoGP Grid in 2027?

In March 2021, MV Agusta CEO Timur Sardarov expressed interest in racing. However, by January 2023, the partnership between MV and Forward Racing had dissolved, and Forward Racing announced it would continue in the Moto2 series without MV.

Prior to this, Sardarov mentioned the possibility of applying what MV had learned from racing in Moto2 to a future MotoGP effort. The plan was to make a move to MotoGP later in the decade.

Now, in 2023, a lot has changed. KTM has acquired a 25.1 percent stake in MV Agusta and taken over distribution of MV Agusta bikes and parts. There’s also ongoing speculation about whether KTM’s parent company, Pierer Mobility Group, will take full control of MV Agusta.

In a recent interview, Stefan Pierer, CEO of Pierer Mobility Group, reiterated his belief that KTM will obtain a majority stake in MV Agusta by the end of 2025. He also discussed the MotoGP ambitions of MV Agusta, suggesting that possibilities may open up in 2027 with the new MotoGP rules and regulations.

Currently, MotoGP’s technical rules are determined every five years by its governing bodies. The current set of rules will remain in place through 2026. It’s speculated that 2027 could be a suitable time for MV Agusta to make a comeback in MotoGP and leverage its racing history.

It’s important to note that many variables can influence the outcome between MV Agusta and KTM, and anything can happen between now and 2027.

News

Ducati Moves To Volkswagen Group Spain Distribution In Spain And Portugal

Ducati has experienced impressive growth in recent years and shows no signs of slowing down. In 2021, the company sold a total of 59,447 bikes, a 24 percent increase compared to 2020 and a 12 percent improvement over 2019.

In 2022, Ducati surpassed the milestone of selling 60,000 bikes for the first time in its history, delivering a total of 61,562 bikes to customers. The company continued its strong performance in 2023, with a nine percent increase in sales during the first quarter, delivering 14,725 bikes.

To maintain its momentum, Ducati announced a new partnership with Volkswagen Group Spain Distribution on July 5, 2023. Starting from January 1, 2024, Volkswagen Group Spain Distribution will handle Ducati’s commercial efforts in Spain and Portugal, with the exception of the Canary Islands.

In celebration of this partnership, Ducati and the Volkswagen Group Spain Distribution team organized an event in Madrid. The event was attended by executives from both companies, representatives from automobile and motorcycle manufacturer associations, and journalists. Ducati also showcased several of its bikes and recreated the Correntaio curve at Mugello at the event.

Claudio Domenicali, Ducati CEO, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating that working with Volkswagen Group Spain Distribution will allow Ducati to strengthen its relationship with fans in Spain and Portugal. Domenicali praised the company’s market presence, talented team, and innovative digital services.

Ducati is part of the larger Volkswagen Group, which includes brands like Skoda, Seat, Cupra, Audi, Lamborghini, Bentley, and Porsche. Prior to the new partnership, Ducati’s Spanish and Portuguese distribution was handled by Desmotron, another importer. Domenicali took the opportunity to thank Desmotron for their partnership over the past decades at the event.

As for what the future holds for Ducati, only time will tell, but updates will be provided as news arises.

News

Jet lag for EV drivers as Heathrow shuts chargers

The switch to bio-fuels and more efficient engines by airlines may give the impression of green initiatives, but drivers of electric vehicles using Heathrow Airport in the UK have been left stranded as the major charging network has been unexpectedly turned off. Neither the airport nor the charging company has provided an explanation for this sudden shutdown.

In order to cater to the growing number of electric car users at the airport, Heathrow had installed more than 25 chargers as part of its Pod Point network in the short-stay car parks. However, over the past few months, drivers have discovered that these chargers are no longer functional and have taken to social media to express their frustration.

Jonathan Whelan, owner of a Tesla Model 3, shared his disappointment, stating, “Looks permanently shut now. All powered down.” Another theory circulating is that Heathrow failed to renew its contract with Pod Point. However, neither Pod Point nor Heathrow provided a reason for the sudden shutdown, with Heathrow only mentioning that it is “developing plans to meet the growing demand.”

Although the Pod Point chargers at Heathrow have been deactivated, there are alternative charging options available for electric vehicle drivers. Networks such as BP Pulse and Polar offer chargers at various locations near the airport, including major hotels and some nearby car parks. Additionally, Tesla Supercharger sites are available at terminals 2, 3, and 5.

Furthermore, some valet parking services at Heathrow now offer EV charging. One of the first companies to do so is Park Giant UK, a meet-and-greet parking operator. They launched their EV charging service in January 2022 and currently charge around 40 cars per week. Charging is available through slow, three-pin sockets in their storage compound or, upon customer request, at the nearby Tesla Supercharge facility at the Hilton, Terminal 5.

Bob Gill, director of Park Giant UK, shared his satisfaction with the demand for EV charging services and expects it to increase further as the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) expansion takes effect and more people switch to electric vehicles.

Not only at Heathrow but also at airports across the UK, the provision of charger facilities is inconsistent, with many chargers available in car parks and hotels in an apparently ad hoc manner. Autocar contacted the UK’s 10 busiest airports for details on their charger provision, and only Luton and Gatwick responded. Luton confirmed the availability of 10 7kW chargers in Terminal Car Park 1, while Gatwick has 24 22kW charge points across its public car parks. Moreover, Gatwick will soon have a dedicated EV charging facility called the Gatwick Electric Forecourt, provided by Gridserve. It will be located on the approach to the airport’s South Terminal and feature 36 medium and high-power chargers. Newcastle is also set to have a dedicated EV forecourt with up to 12 charging bays in 2024, pending planning permission, through a partnership with charging operator Fastned.