Tag Archives: Officer

Motorsport

Bentley Boss Suddenly Steps Down

[UPDATE] Aston Martin has confirmed Adrian Hallmark will turn out to be Chief Executive Officer no later than October 1, 2024.

Adrian Hallmark was appointed chairman and CEO of Bentley in February 2018. During his tenure, gross sales of the ultra-luxury British marque rose considerably, from 9,559 items throughout his first 12 months to fifteen,174 automobiles in 2022. Even although demand dropped last year, every little thing appeared to be going high-quality on the headquarters in Crewe. However, the pinnacle honcho is abruptly stepping down.

Bentley issued a press launch as we speak, asserting Adrian Hallmark is leaving the Volkswagen Group with quick impact. His successor shall be introduced in “due course.” According to the Financial Times, the previous man accountable for Bentley is switching manufacturers whereas remaining within the UK. Hallmark will allegedly be appointed Aston Martin CEO within the following months. He would change 78-year-old Amedeo Felisa who is because of retire quickly.


Motorsport

BMW Gas Car Sales Have Peaked, But The Manual Is Staying For Now

BMW‘s Chief Financial Officer, Walter Mertl, lately declared a major shift within the firm’s gross sales dynamics. Mertl says the tipping level for combustion engine car gross sales has been surpassed and emphasised that electrical automobiles now drive the vast majority of the model’s gross sales development.

According to Mertl, the plateau in combustion automotive gross sales is anticipated to persist and progressively decline. He attributed this development to impending environmental laws set to limit the gross sales of conventional autos. With regulatory deadlines looming in areas from China and the European Union to sure US states, automotive producers are going through elevated strain to speed up the event and manufacturing of electrical autos.

BMW, responding to those challenges, achieved a 15 % all-electric gross sales share up to now yr. Even extra impressively, the i4 M50 was BMW M’s best-selling product for the second consecutive yr. The firm is ambitiously concentrating on a 33 % share by 2026, unveiling six new fashions beneath its Neue Klasse EV lineup. The first one to reach in 2025 is anticipated to be an X3-sized electric SUV.

However, Mertl acknowledged that BMW’s revenue margins for combustion engine and all-electric automobiles will not align till no less than 2026. He pointed to the upper prices related to incorporating new battery applied sciences in subsequent fashions. 

Despite the shift in direction of electrical mobility, BMW stays dedicated to promoting autos with guide transmissions. The firm has confirmed that the M2, M3, and M4 will proceed to supply guide gearboxes, no less than for the present technology of automobiles. When questioned concerning the share of guide gearbox gross sales, BMW informed TopGear that 15 to twenty % of M3 and M4 fashions have been offered with three-pedal gearboxes, and even more for the M2.

Motorsport

Rolls-Royce CEO Steps Down, Chris Brownridge Takes Over

Rolls-Royce, the luxury car manufacturer, has announced a significant change in leadership. The current Chief Executive Officer, Torsten Müller-Ötvös, will retire from his position on November 30, 2023. His successor will be Chris Brownridge, who is currently the CEO of BMW in the UK.

Brownridge brings with him almost thirty years of experience at BMW. According to an official press release, he has a strong background in sales and marketing. He joined BMW as a graduate in 1995 and has since held various roles within the company. These include serving as the sales director of BMW UK and the regional director of Mini for the UK and Ireland.


Motorsport

Sotheby’s Motorsport Debuts New Online Auction Platform Focused On Luxury

Sotheby’s Motorsport (SMS) has launched a groundbreaking online auction platform in collaboration with Motorsport Network. This new platform aims to bridge the gap between physical and virtual auctions in the automotive industry. With the introduction of innovative features such as a digital wallet and fully digitized transactional documentation, Sotheby’s Motorsport offers enhanced security and convenience to buyers and sellers. Additionally, the platform allows for proxy or absentee bidding, making the bidding process more efficient and enjoyable for users. We spoke with Mark Rankin, the Chief Technology Officer of Sotheby’s Motorsport, to gain insights into the unique advantages of this new online auction platform.

When asked about the inspiration behind Sotheby’s Motorsport, Rankin explained that his personal experiences of buying cars online led to the realization that there was a lack of trust and security in these transactions. To address this, Motorsport Network approached Sotheby’s/RM Sotheby’s to create a platform that combines technology with the expertise of established auction houses. Sotheby’s Motorsport aims to provide a white glove service, offering buyers and sellers a secure and reliable online auction experience.

Rankin also highlighted his passion for luxury cars and how it influenced the creation of SMS. He emphasized that the platform’s success lies in the collective efforts of a dedicated team and the support from partners at Sotheby’s and Motorsport Network. The goal is to build a platform that meets the unique needs and expectations of luxury car enthusiasts.

Ensuring the security and privacy of user data, particularly in high-value transactions, is a top priority for Sotheby’s Motorsport. Rankin explained that the platform employs advanced encryption and technology to deliver multiple user experiences while protecting financial transactions. The digital wallet feature ensures that money is only transferred once the vehicle has been delivered, providing peace of mind to both buyers and sellers.

The Sotheby’s Motorsport platform stands out from its competitors through various key technologies. It boasts a fast and secure bidding engine, allowing for real-time and proxy bidding. The platform also offers professional inspections, detailed descriptions, and full disclosure of known flaws for every listed car. This commitment to accuracy and transparency differentiates Sotheby’s Motorsport as a trustworthy marketplace for luxury car buyers and sellers.

Looking towards the future, Rankin believes that the online auction space for luxury cars can learn from the successful processes and experiences of physical auctions. Sotheby’s Motorsport aims to replicate the safety and enjoyment of physical auctions through its online platform.

In conclusion, Sotheby’s Motorsport is revolutionizing the luxury car online auction space by offering a secure platform, comprehensive transactional services, and a personalized experience for buyers and sellers. The company’s dedication to transparency and customer satisfaction sets it apart from competitors and ensures its position as a leader in the industry.

Motorsport

Jaguar Recognizes Previous Choices Led to Mediocre Results

During a meeting with investors in Gaydon, JLR Chief Creative Officer Gerry McGovern openly acknowledged the current state of Jaguar. He admitted that past decisions have negatively impacted the company’s success, as their attempt to appeal to a wide range of luxury car buyers and become a British BMW has been unsuccessful. Consequently, this has resulted in the brand being perceived as mediocre with no distinguishing features. Nonetheless, there is a comprehensive strategy in place to rejuvenate the Tata-owned marque.

In an effort to compete with prominent brands like Porsche, Bentley, and Maybach, Jaguar will be moving upmarket. It plans to transform itself into a solely electric brand, focused on producing high-margin, low-volume products. Future vehicles will boast unique and polarizing designs, with Gerry McGovern stating that they will no longer prioritize trying to be universally liked. He emphasized that attempting to please everyone is detrimental and has been a contributing factor to the brand’s recent struggles.


Motorsport

Porsche US Ex-CEO Might Join Rivian, Reports Say

According to sources familiar with the matter, Kjell Gruner, the former CEO of Porsche Cars North America, is expected to join electric vehicle startup Rivian in an undisclosed role, as reported by Automotive News Europe.

Last week, Gruner left Porsche USA “at his own request” after holding the position for less than three years. During his tenure, he successfully navigated the German sports car manufacturer’s American business through the pandemic and positioned the brand for a record-breaking year in terms of sales. Dealers are projected to sell 80,000 units next year, representing a nearly 15 percent increase compared to 2022.

Prior to his role as CEO in the United States, Gruner served as the vice president of marketing for the parent company Porsche AG starting in 2010. He also held the position of director of strategy at Mercedes-Benz Cars before that.


ToyotaUk

Joby Marks Production Launch, Receives Permit to Fly First Aircraft Built on Production Line in Close Collaboration with Strategic Partner and Investor, Toyota

Tetsuo “Ted” Ogawa, President and Chief Executive Officer of Toyota Motor North America, will join Joby’s Board of Directors on July 1, 2023

Santa Cruz, Calif. (Jun 28, 2023) — Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE:JOBY), a company that develops all-electric aircraft for commercial passenger service, announced today that it has obtained a Special Airworthiness Certificate for its first aircraft manufacturing in Marina, California. The certificate, issued by the Federal Aviation Administration, permits Joby to commence flight testing of its initial production prototype.

In recognition of Toyota’s crucial involvement in the development of Joby’s Pilot Production Line and its contribution to the manufacturing and assembly of Joby aircraft, Tetsuo “Ted” Ogawa, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Toyota Motor North America, will join over 1,000 guests and team members at Joby’s Marina facility later today to celebrate the start of production.

Ogawa, who is set to join Joby’s Board of Directors on July 1, 2023, expressed his congratulations on Joby’s achievement and expressed his eagerness to strengthen their collaboration as Joby prepares for the expansion of production and the launch of operations.

Toyota is the largest external shareholder of Joby, having invested approximately $400 million in the company. The two companies recently signed a long-term agreement for the supply of powertrain and actuation components.

For more information, please visit: https://www.jobyaviation.com/news/joby-production-launch-permit-to-fly-first-aircraft-on-production-line/

Lamborghini

Lamborghini Revuelto: The Birth of the First V12 Hybrid Plug-in

Federico Foschini, Chief Marketing and Sales Officer, shares the story behind Lamborghini’s first V12 hybrid plug-in, the Revuelto

Sant’Agata Bolognese, June 01, 2023 – On March 29, Lamborghini introduced the Revuelto, a groundbreaking V12 plug-in hybrid HPEV. Federico Foschini, Chief Marketing and Sales Officer at Automobili Lamborghini, provides insight into the project and the positioning strategy for the model in a series of three short films.

“The history of Lamborghini is truly magical,” says Foschini. “This iconic brand gained fame through revolutionary cars that pushed the boundaries of automotive innovation. These vehicles surpassed their time and left a lasting impact on the market. For us, innovation is essential, and with the Revuelto, we are embracing electrification while remaining true to our DNA of delivering thrilling driving experiences and exceptional performance. This car represents Lamborghini’s take on the electrification trend, hence the name HPEV: High Performance Electrified Vehicle.”

[1] The Revuelto is not available for purchase yet and is therefore not subject to Directive 1999/94/EC. Fuel consumption and emissions data are still in the approval stage.