Tag Archives: Markets

PeugeotUk

PEUGEOT REVEALS TOP UK CHRISTMAS MARKETS FOR EV DRIVERS

The best Christmas markets in the UK for electric vehicle drivers have been identified in a new study by PEUGEOT UK. According to the research, Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market is the most accessible, offering the best balance of charging options.

 

As Christmas market stalls open across the country, a study by PEUGEOT UK has revealed the most suitable markets for electric vehicle drivers. The research found that Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market topped the rankings, followed by Edinburgh’s Christmas Market in second place, and York’s Christmas Market in third.

Using data from TimeOut on the best Christmas markets in the UK for ‘magical festive shopping’, PEUGEOT first compared how many of the markets could be reached using the 251-mile (WLTP) range of the new PEUGEOT E-2008 from the UK’s 15 most populated cities. The research* also ranked the number of public charging points within a five-mile radius of the Christmas Market, as well as the available charging speeds. Accommodation options that offered electric car charging were also considered.

All of the Christmas markets, except Edinburgh’s Christmas Market, were accessible from at least twelve of the UK’s most populated cities. York’s Christmas Market was found to be the most accessible, with fourteen of the fifteen most populated cities in the UK reachable with the 251-mile range of the new E-2008.

Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market had the highest number of charging stations within a five-mile radius of the city centre, with 154 available, including 66 DC rapid chargers with speeds above 50kW. Using a 100kW DC rapid charger, the new E-2008 can charge from 20-80% in under 30 minutes.

Edinburgh’s Christmas Market had the second-highest number of charging stations, with 104 available, including 31 DC rapid chargers according to Zapmap**. Edinburgh can be reached from six of the UK’s most populated cities using the 251-mile range of the new PEUGEOT E-2008.

PEUGEOT’s research also considered the number of accommodation options within five miles of the city centre that offer charging for EV drivers, such as hotels and B&Bs, with York and Birmingham leading the rankings, both offering 15 different accommodation options with electric vehicle chargers.

Adam Wood, Managing Director, PEUGEOT UK, said: “Christmas markets are popular attractions to visit during the run-up to Christmas and our research shows the markets and cities in the UK that can best accommodate PEUGEOT’s electric vehicle customers, as well as other EV motorists. With over a million EVs on UK roads, charging infrastructure will play a significant role in where electric vehicle drivers choose to visit this festive period.”

 

Top UK Christmas Markets for electric car drivers* 

Ranking

Total charge points

Rapid chargers

Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market (B1 1BD)

1st

154

66

Edinburgh Christmas Market (EH2 2DG)

2nd

104

31

York Christmas Market (YO1 8RL)

3rd

45

11

Winter Wonderland Nottingham (NG1 2HU)

4th

32

25

Cardiff Christmas Market (CF10 1GN)

4th

61

18

Stratford-upon-Avon Victorian Christmas Market (CV37 6AU)

5th

21

18

Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market (SO23 9LS)

5th

54

5

Bath Christmas market (BA1 1QE)

6th

24

8

Christmas at Blenheim Palace (OX20 1UL)

7th

20

5

 

To find out more about the electrified PEUGEOT range, visit: https://www.peugeot.co.uk/

 

Motorsport

Check Out the Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato’s Spectacular Off-Road Jump

The Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato, marketed as an off-road-capable version of the supercar, has shown its resilience and agility in a video that features a breathtaking jump.

In the video, the first test for the Sterrato is taking it to a challenging rock quarry in the United Kingdom, specially designed for off-road vehicles. However, the rugged terrain proves to be too much for the Huracan. The car’s lower fascia is bent due to the rocks, and the uneven ground even causes one wheel to lift off the ground. Realizing the intensity of the environment, the driver decides to find another location for further testing.


Featured

Here Is A Closer Look At The Production-ready Mahindra BE.05 Under Wraps


The BE.05 is scheduled to enter the Indian markets in October 2025

Mahindra BE.05

  • The overall design is similar to that of the concept.

  • Its cabin is also expected to get minimal changes in the production-ready version.

  • Will be based on the INGLO platform and can get a 60kWh battery pack with a range of over 450km.

  • Launch is slated for October 2025 and is expected to be priced from Rs 25 lakh (ex-showroom) onwards.

The Chief Of Design at Mahindra, Pratap Bose, has recently released a few images of the production-ready version of the Mahindra BE.05 electric SUV. While the unit shown was still in disguise, it gives some hints at the changes done over the concept that was showcased in 2022. Let’s explore the latest preview in more detail.

Not Far From The Concept

One thing that Mahindra has managed to do is retain the overall design language of the concept. It is a good thing, because that makes the BE.05 keep its futuristic appeal. The front profile still looks the same with the pointy bonnet, sharp and sleek LED DRLs and slim bumper.

The profile is where you can spot some changes that make the BE.05 a reality. It now gets more realistic five-spoke alloy wheels, and the cameras mounted on the A-pillars have been replaced with proper ORVMs. The wheel arches don’t seem to have any cladding and the B-pillar here is more prominent.

Also Read: Every Mahindra Electric SUV We Have Seen So Far That Is Meant For Launch

Coming to the rear, there seem to be no changes at all to the production-spec design. From the top, you can spot the split rear spoiler and the protruding rear end, which houses the sleek LED tail lamps that follow the stylings of the LED DRLs, and the massive rear bumper.

We’re glad to report that the overall design of the BE.05 is quite similar to its concept version.

Interior Design

The cabin is expected to be similar to the concept as well. Mahindra will retain the dual 12.3-inch displays, layered dashboard design, squarish steering wheel and the overall cockpit design which were present in the concept.

Mahindra BE.05 Cabin

We can expect minor changes in terms of the colour scheme of the cabin, and the futuristic cockpit design could be toned down a little. Interior of the BE 05 has not been spied yet but there could be changes depending on the variant as well.

Range & Powertrain

Mahindra INGLO Platform

The BE.05 will be the carmaker’s first dedicated EV offering based on Mahindra’s INGLO platform. The electric SUV will likely come with a 60kWh battery pack and can pack a claimed range of around 450km. In this particular electric SUV, expect only a two-wheel-drive system, but all-wheel-drive is supported as well. The new battery technology from Mahindra is compatible with fast charging of up of 175kW with a 5 to 80 per cent charging time of just 30 minutes.

Launch, Price & Rivals

First Spy Shots Of The Mahindra BE.05 Have Surfaced

The Mahindra BE.05 is slated to arrive in October 2025 with an expected starting price of Rs 25 lakh (ex-showroom). It will be a rival to the Hyundai Creta-based EV and the Tata Curvv EV.

News

CFMoto Introduces the 450 NK in the Philippines

CFMoto, a Chinese motorcycle brand, has made its debut in the international market by launching its new naked sport bike, the 450 NK, in the Philippines. This model has gained significant popularity in China since its release in June 2023, and now it is being introduced to the Philippine market as a replacement for the popular 400 NK.

The 450 NK is a major upgrade in terms of style, performance, and generation compared to its predecessor in the Southeast Asian region. CFMoto Philippines, in partnership with MotoStrada, is also promoting this launch event as a “Global Launch” for the brand.

Prior to the 450 NK, CFMoto had been selling its 400 NK and 650 NK models in the Philippines. However, with the introduction of the 800 NK, the brand expressed its commitment to advancing the NK lineup to the next level.

The new naked sport bike, based on the 450 SR (also known as the 450 SS outside of China), shares its engine, geometry, and frame with the sport bike. It directly competes with Japanese rivals like the Kawasaki Z400, Honda CB500F, and the KTM 390 Duke. CFMoto aims to establish itself as a strong competitor in this segment.

Compared to its bigger brother, the 800 NK, the design of the 450 NK is reminiscent. It features a new headlight, aggressive fairings, a bold color scheme, and a similar tail concept to the 300 and 450 SS models. The overall design of the 450 NK has been proportionally adjusted to match its smaller size.


CFMoto 450 NK Philippine Launch

12 Photos

The 450 NK shares a parallel-twin engine with its larger sibling, the 800 NK, which delivers impressive power and performance. It is equipped with a 270-degree crankshaft and can generate 46.9 horsepower and 39 Newton meters of torque, complying with the European A2 license restriction. The engine has a displacement of 449cc and is paired with a six-speed transmission featuring a slipper clutch.

In terms of dimensions, the 450 NK measures 2,000mm in length, 810mm in width, and 1,130mm in height. It has a short wheelbase of 1,370mm, providing agile handling. The seat height is set at a rider-friendly 31.2 inches (795mm). The bike weighs 165kg (363.7 pounds) and is equipped with CST CM-S1 sport tires, with a 110/70/R17 front tire and a 150/60/R17 rear tire.

For suspension, the 450 NK is equipped with KYB upside-down telescopic forks at the front and a central mono-shock at the rear. Braking is ensured by a 320mm single disc with a J.Juan four-piston caliper upfront and a 220mm single disc with a single-piston caliper at the rear. The motorcycle also features standard anti-lock brakes and traction control for enhanced safety.

CFMoto offers the 450 NK in three color options: Zephyr Blue, Nebula Black, and Nebula White. The price for this model in the Philippines is 262,800 PHP, which is approximately $4,650 USD.

Motorsport

2024 BMW 5 Series, i5 Debut In China With Longer Wheelbase, Exclusive Features

BMW has introduced the Chinese market to the new version of its 5 Series sedan, alongside the debut of the i5. These models come with exclusive features designed specifically for the Chinese market, and will be manufactured at the Dadong plant, which is operated by the BMW-Brilliance joint venture.

The 2024 5 Series has a length of 199.2 inches, making it longer than its predecessor. However, for the Chinese market, the sedan will only be available as a long-wheelbase model. Unfortunately, BMW has not provided specific dimensions for the Chinese version. In the previous generation, the 5 Series Li, which was sold in China, was approximately 5.1 inches longer than the standard model. Therefore, it is expected that the 2024 version will have a length of around 204 inches.


News

Hero MotoCorp Sold 436,993 Motorcycles And Scooters In June 2023

India is one of the largest motorcycle markets globally. In 2022, over 16 million new motorcycles were sold in India, where motorcycles are considered essential for daily mobility. Hero MotoCorp, a key player in the Indian motorcycle market, has gained recognition for its partnership with Harley-Davidson and the launch of the highly anticipated X440 model. Though Hero primarily operates in Asian and Latin American markets, it is one of the largest motorcycle manufacturers in the world in terms of sales volume alone.

Hero MotoCorp’s Vida V1 Electric Scooter Makes Its Way To Eager Customers

In June 2023, Hero MotoCorp achieved remarkable sales figures by selling 436,993 motorcycles in India. This represents a substantial market share of around 32 percent, indicating that many Indian commuters rely on Hero’s motorcycles for their transportation needs. With the monsoon season approaching and positive economic indicators like the upcoming festive season, Hero MotoCorp anticipates even higher demand throughout the rest of 2023.

The launch of the Harley-Davidson X440 model will undoubtedly enhance Hero’s reputation not only in the Indian market but also globally. This small-displacement Harley holds the distinction of being Harley-Davidson’s smallest model with a single-cylinder engine in its modern lineup. Additionally, the X440 marks Hero MotoCorp’s entry into the premium segment, positioning itself against other esteemed Indian manufacturers such as Royal Enfield and Jawa.

News

Oben Rorr Electric Motorcycle Deliveries to Start in July 2023

Electric motorcycles are gaining popularity in the European and Asian markets due to their affordability and practicality. In terms of performance, manufacturers are striving to maintain the traditional motorcycle experience. Oben Electric, an Indian company, has developed a sporty and performance-focused electric motorbike called the Rorr.

Previously, the Oben Rorr was mostly a concept and prototype, but now the company has announced that deliveries of the first batch of Rorrs will begin this month. Customers can expect to receive their sporty electric motorcycles as early as the first week of July.
Oben Rorr Electric Motorcycle Deliveries To Begin In July 2023

Prior to the delivery announcement, Oben Electric opened an experience center in Bangalore. These centers aim to provide potential customers with a better understanding of the technology behind electric vehicles. Given the differences between electric and traditional motorcycles, it is essential to educate customers about how the technology works.

The Oben Rorr has received over 21,000 pre-orders, highlighting its popularity in the EV motorcycle segment. Its key features include a 10-kilowatt IPMSM electric motor developed in-house, 13.4 horsepower output, and 0 to 25 miles per hour acceleration in just three seconds. The top speed is limited to 62 miles per hour.
The Oben Rorr Is a Sharp Electric Naked Bike From India

Oben Electric takes pride in the Oben Rorr’s 95% domestic component-level localization. This means that 95% of the bike’s parts are sourced from Indian manufacturers, with many of them being developed in-house. The battery, for example, is a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) unit, the first of its kind developed by Oben Electric. LFP batteries offer more recharge cycles, improved heat resistance, and faster charging capabilities. According to Oben, the battery can be fully charged in just two hours.

Despite the long waiting list of 21,000 orders, the Oben Rorr is priced at Rs 149,999 (approximately $1,827 USD), making it an attractive option in India’s growing EV two-wheeler market.

Volkswagen

Volkswagen Group Prioritizes Profitability and Cash Flow through Strategic Alignment and Performance Programs

Volkswagen Group is undergoing a strategic alignment to strengthen its profitability and cash flow. During its Capital Markets Day, the Group introduced leadership principles that emphasize customer orientation, entrepreneurship, and team spirit. The Group has assigned the responsibility for achieving return targets to each of its brands. For the first time, each brand will launch its own performance program with a focus on strengthening profitability, cash flows, and reducing capital intensity. This marks a shift from pure volume growth to prioritizing sustainable value creation based on the “value over volume” principle. The Group is also realigning its architecture, battery, software, and mobility services to fully leverage economies of scale. Regionally, Volkswagen is focusing its investments on the most lucrative profit pools globally, refining strategies for growth markets like China and North America. With a brand-focused approach and performance programs, the Group aims to achieve a strategic return on sales target of 9 to 11 percent by 2030.

“Our focus is on implementation, speed, and performance,” says Oliver Blume, CEO of Volkswagen Group. He further emphasizes the importance of clear priorities, operational and strategic focus, and the benefits this realignment brings to customers, investors, and the team.

The new steering model introduces direct responsibility for financial targets, strategy, and brand identities to the brands. The performance programs, managed at the brand group level, provide a framework for further development. By shifting the focus from volume to value creation, the brands aim to strengthen market positioning and improve performance in terms of margins, product mix, and vehicle features. Additionally, the brands will explore new business models such as mobility services to tap into additional profit opportunities. To support this, the Group will optimize economies of scale and implement cost-saving measures in various areas.

Volkswagen Group has adopted a new approach that prioritizes sustainable value creation over volume growth. Arno Antlitz, CFO and COO of Volkswagen Group, explains that the steering model focuses on profitability, lower fixed costs, and disciplined investment. The aim is to strike a balance between brand emotional power and scale benefits provided by technology and services offered by the Group.

The realignment also includes an explicit designation of the brand groups, which will be named Core, Progressive, Sport Luxury, and Trucks. This move aims to reinforce the Group’s commitment to technology platforms that provide an exceptional customer experience. The platforms cover architecture, battery, software, and mobility services allowing the brands to leverage scale benefits and increase profitability. In terms of technology, Volkswagen Group plans to establish the group-wide platform SSP by 2024, alongside competitive architectures such as PPE and the second-generation MEB+. The battery strategy and ramp-up of PowerCo will enhance flexibility and competitiveness through the Unified Cell concept.

CARIAD, the Group’s internal software supplier, will support the launch of new electric vehicles like the Porsche Macan and Audi Q6 e-tron. The next-generation E³ 2.0 will be developed in collaboration with CARIAD, VW, and Audi in a Software-Defined-Vehicle hub, reinforcing Volkswagen Group’s commitment to digitalization and e-mobility.

Volkswagen Group aims to strengthen its financial robustness and has set specific key performance indicators (KPIs) for each brand group, as well as the CARIAD and PowerCo technology platforms. The KPIs focus on operating results, return on sales, net cash flow, cash conversion rate (CCR), and investment ratio. The Group plans to develop its management incentive scheme further to include selected financial targets for brand and brand group performance. The Group’s sales growth target is set at 5 to 7 percent annually until 2027 and will be aligned with industry developments thereafter. The strategic return on sales target is expected to reach between 9 and 11 percent by 2030.

Volkswagen Group is also refining its regional strategies, particularly in China and North America. In China, the Group aims to maintain its position as the most successful international OEM by developing products tailored to the Chinese market. In North America, Volkswagen Group plans to expand its market share by investing in new electric vehicles and establishing a battery cell factory in Canada. Additionally, the relaunch of the Scout brand will focus on all-electric vehicles in the high-margin pickup and Rugged SUV segment.

The Capital Markets Day serves as the kick-off for a closer engagement with the capital market. Volkswagen Group plans to host further events to provide investors and analysts with more detailed information about brand group strategies, technology areas, and regional approaches.