Tag Archives: previous

Cars, News

Mercedes Brings A Solution For EV Drivers To CES 2024 (But There’s Still A Big Problem)

Currently, Mercedes’ EVs (just like the EQS SUV and EQE Sedan) help 400V, not 800V. Indeed, at CES in earlier years, executives on the automaker have insisted that the absence of that higher-power structure hasn’t been a downside for its electrical fashions. This yr, although — and with the primary MMA-based automobiles quick approaching — Schäfer is speaking a barely completely different story.

“The shift to 800V cars and, associated with that, chargers that offer 300, 350, or even 500 kW, this will happen immediately,” Schäfer predicts. “Tesla is moving there: In the Cybertruck they’re moving in the world of 800V. Hyundai is moving there … If you look in the world, things are clearly moving there.”

With very quick DC charging help on each the automobile facet and the infrastructure facet, it may also observe that issues about EV vary would even be squashed. That’s actually the technique many within the trade hope will pan out, on condition that the battery pack is the only most costly component of an electrical automobile. Unfortunately, Schäfer is not satisfied, at the very least not for the second.

Technology

Wi-Fi 5 Vs Wi-Fi 6: What’s The Big Difference?

The earlier technology of 802.11 connectivity, Wi-Fi 5, was launched in 2013 and noticed vast adoption by the next 12 months. It operates on the 802.11ac customary and presents speeds as much as 3.5 gigabits per second (Gbps). When it was launched, our lives had been changing into more and more Internet-centric, so it supplied a large leap in velocity to accommodate sport consoles, sensible TVs, and all the opposite devices that had been changing into commonplace on the time.

Wi-Fi 6, by contrast, was introduced in 2019. It operates on the 802.11ax wi-fi customary and presents speeds as much as 9.6 Gbps. By the time it was launched, the Internet of Things had arrived, so there was a heightened deal with supporting multiuser modes to accommodate totally different sensible devices. Additionally, it supported each the two.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. It was a quantum leap ahead over the earlier technology.

There’s actually no motive to buy a Wi-Fi 5 router nowadays since Wi-Fi 6 and the wants of a quickly evolving, internet-connected family have rendered it primarily out of date. Meanwhile, with Wi-Fi 6E already out and Wi-Fi 7 starting to enter the market, Wi-Fi 6 is beginning to be left behind as properly.

Featured

Tata Surpasses Hyundai In December 2023 Sales, Becomes Second-highest Selling Brand

Maruti and Mahindra proceed to be on the identical positions because the earlier month

Highest Selling Car Brand Of December 2023

The automotive gross sales figures of December 2023 are out and the market has witnessed a drop in gross sales in comparison with November 2023. After the festivities of October, the gross sales numbers continued to witness a drop and the yr finish was no exception. However, this time we’ve seen a change within the positions of the highest performing manufacturers, as Tata rose to the second place by surpassing Hyundai in gross sales. Here is an in depth evaluation of the gross sales figures of December 2023.

Brand

December 2023

November 2023

MoM Growth (%)

December 2022

YoY Growth (%)

Maruti Suzuki

1,04,778

1,34,158

-21.9

1,12,010

-6.5

Tata

43,471

46,070

-5.6

40,045

8.6

Hyundai

42,750

49,451

-13.6

38,831

10.1

Mahindra

35,171

39,981

-12

28,333

24.1

Toyota

21,372

16,924

26.3

10,421

105.1

Kia

12,536

22,762

-44.9

15,184

-17.4

Honda

7.902

8,730

-9.5

7,062

11.9

Volkswagen

4,930

3,095

59.3

4,709

4.7

Skoda

4,670

3,783

23.4

4,789

-2.5

MG

4,400

4,154

5.9

3,899

12.8

Total

2,81,980

3,29,108

  

2,65,283

  

Key Takeaways

Maruti Grand Vitara

  • Maruti Suzuki’s efficiency declined in each month-on-month (MoM) and year-on-year (YoY) gross sales. While it nonetheless held the highest spot in December 2023 with over 1 lakh models bought, the MoM and YoY figures dropped by virtually 22 % and 6.5 %, respectively. 

2023 Tata Harrier & Safari

  • In a change of occasions, Tata outperformed Hyundai in December 2023 and rose to the second place. With gross sales of over 43,000 models, its YoY figures grew purchase 8.6 %, however the MoM figured witnessed a 5.6 % drop.

Also Read: Hyundai Creta Facelift Variants And Powertrain Options Revealed

  • Hyundai dropped to the third place with gross sales of over 42,000 models in December 2023. While its YoY figures rose by over 10 %, the drop in MoM gross sales was greater than 13.5 %.

Mahindra Scorpio N

  • Mahindra remained in the identical place as in November 2023 and witnessed a MoM gross sales drop of 12 %. The carmaker bought somewhat over 35,000 models in December 2023.

Also Read: Toyota Innova Crysta, Innova Hycross, And Urban Cruiser Hyryder Now Up To Rs 42,000 Costlier

Kia Seltos

  • Kia witnessed virtually a forty five % decline in month-to-month gross sales in December 2023 and its yearly gross sales additionally dropped by over 17 %. It was the final model on this listing to cross the ten,000 models gross sales mark.

Upcoming Cars In India

  • Honda retained its place with gross sales of shut to eight,000 models. Its MoM gross sales figures declined by virtually 10 %, however the YoY numbers rose by virtually 12 %. 

  • Both Volkswagen and Skoda rose one place this month with gross sales of 4,930 models and 4.670 models, respectively. Volkswagen noticed an increase in each MoM and YoY gross sales, whereas Skoda solely noticed a month-to-month gross sales improve.

MG Comet EV

  • Lastly, MG dropped to the tenth place in December 2023, regardless of each its MoM and YoY figures having elevated.

Motorsport

Kia Sportage Owner Tired Of Thefts Returns Car To Dealer

A Kia Sportage owner returned his SUV to the dealership after experiencing four theft incidents. In other news, tuning firm Irmscher has introduced a unique police-themed Volkswagen ID. Buzz.

This is AM Drive, Motor1’s daily look at the news you need before you get in your car.

Kia Sportage Owner Tired Of Thefts Returns Car To Dealer

Behrouz Alimoradi, a Kia Sportage owner, decided to take a drastic step after his vehicle was stolen in Federal Way. Fox 13 News reported that his frustration increased when he discovered all the windows of his car were smashed upon its recovery. After dealing with four separate incidents involving the same vehicle in just two years, and spending thousands of dollars on repairs, Alimoradi reached his breaking point.

In response, he returned the stolen and damaged Kia to the dealership where he originally purchased it and opted to make a four-hour journey back home on foot. An employee from the dealership declined to comment, citing legal constraints preventing them from discussing the situation. (Fox 13 News)

Irmscher Unveils Police-Themed Volkswagen ID. Buzz

The Tune it! Safe! initiative is showcasing a unique police-themed van in collaboration with a renowned tuning company at the start of the Essen Motor Show. The Volkswagen ID. Buzz from the gallery below is equipped with Hankook tires and an exclusive tuning package from Irmscher. The safety initiative emphasizes roadworthy and compliant automobile tuning.

The Irmscher ID.Buzz police edition features a specially designed front apron with an Irmscher front spoiler lip to enhance the vehicle’s character. Integrated side skirts, a rear apron attachment, and an aerodynamic roof spoiler contribute to a more dynamic appearance. The electric bus sits on a lowered suspension and striking Irmscher wheels in Hydra-Star design.


ToyotaUk

Toyota and Redwood Materials Agree to Battery Recycling, Materials Procurement

  • Expands on previous recycling agreement to create end-of-life pathways for Toyota batteries used in hybrid and battery electric vehicles
  • Plans include agreement for Toyota to source Cathode Active Material (CAM) and Anode copper foil from Redwood’s recycling activities for its supply chain
  • Creates North American circularity by recycling and reintroducing recovered metals back into battery supply chain

PLANO, Texas and CARSON CITY, Nev. (Nov. 16, 2023) – Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) and Redwood Materials have announced an expanded recycling agreement that aims to create pathways for automotive batteries used in Toyota’s electrified vehicles that have reached the end of their life. The plan also includes an agreement for Toyota to source Cathode Active Material (CAM) and Anode copper foil from Redwood’s recycling activities for Toyota’s future, new automotive battery production. The agreement builds on the collaboration with Redwood announced last year for battery collection and recycling of Toyota’s hybrid and battery electric vehicle batteries.

Christopher Yang, Group Vice President, Business Development, Toyota Motor North America, stated, “Working with Redwood Materials, we are creating a circular supply chain to optimize logistics, expand refining, and ensure that the valuable metals recovered can be reintroduced into our future vehicles. Accelerating our recycling efforts and domestic component procurement gets us closer to our ultimate goal of creating a closed-loop battery ecosystem that will become increasingly important as we add more vehicles with batteries to roads across North America.”

Cal Lankton, Redwood Materials’ Chief Commercial Officer, commented, “Today, in collaboration with Redwood Materials, Toyota is making a decisive move toward a sustainable future. They’re not only working to ensure responsible end-of-life management for their electric vehicles but also planning to build their next generation of EVs, in part, by using sustainable and domestically manufactured battery components.”

Toyota’s automotive battery recycling needs are expected to grow substantially in the coming years as more of its electrified vehicles, such as first-generation Prius models introduced more than 20 years ago, reach the end of their lifecycle. With a large amount of Toyota’s retiring fleet of electrified vehicles being in California, Redwood’s Nevada recycling facility will support Toyota’s North American supply chain, which will improve sustainability, and help to enhance operational improvements across the TMNA enterprise for a closed-loop battery ecosystem. Toyota’s battery lifecycle ecosystem is forecast to include the recycling, remanufacturing and repurposing of the nearly five million operating units, building toward Toyota’s ultimate goals of carbon neutrality for its global operations by 2035 and carbon neutrality for its vehicles by 2050.

Toyota has agreed to develop a closed-loop framework that also includes plans to procure Cathode Active Material (CAM) and copper foil from Redwood as part of a long-term agreement. Based on the parameters of the agreement, Cathode Active material recovered and produced from Redwood’s recycling activities are expected to feed recycled material into future new battery production at Toyota Battery Manufacturing, North Carolina (TBMNC). The use of recycled materials is anticipated to help increase the focus and relevance of domestic supply chains versus the extensive, carbon-intensive current supply chain of procuring outside of the United States. Toyota plans to bring its nearly $14 billion TBMNC automotive battery manufacturing facility online in 2025.

Sean Suggs, TBMNC President, said, “Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina’s start of production is right around the corner, and we’re thrilled to be procuring critical battery components and materials to filter into our battery ecosystem. We’ll continue to work toward the sourcing and recycling of battery materials here in the United States to maximize these precious resources and reduce our carbon footprint in the process.”

Redwood is making major investments to scale their technology and facilities to supply U.S. battery cell manufacturers and automakers with strategic battery materials produced domestically, for the first time. Redwood continues to expand its Northern Nevada facility and will break ground on its second Battery Materials Campus, outside Charleston, South Carolina, later this year. Both of Redwood’s campuses will recycle, refine, and manufacture battery materials, aiming to scale production of components to 100 GWh annually. Based on this agreement, Redwood will provide materials that include a minimum of 20 percent recycled nickel, 20 percent recycled lithium, and 50 percent recycled cobalt, in their cathode and targeting recycled copper in their anode copper foil.

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs more than 63,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 45 million cars and trucks at our 13 manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 14th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 26 electrified options.

For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

For Toyota customer inquiries, please call 800-331-4331.

About Redwood Materials

Redwood Materials is creating a circular supply chain to drive down the environmental footprint and cost of lithium-ion batteries and the electric vehicles and sustainable energy storage systems they power. Founded by JB Straubel, the Nevada-based company is offering large-scale sources of anode and cathode materials produced at scale in the U.S. for the first time, from recycled batteries. Redwood is ramping its Northern Nevada facility and is breaking ground on its second Battery Materials Campus, outside Charleston, South Carolina. Both of Redwood’s campuses will recycle, refine, and manufacture battery materials, aiming to scale production of components to 100 GWh annually. More information is available at redwoodmaterials.com.

News

Tesla Quietly Removes Cybertruck Resale Lawsuit Clause

The previous version of Tesla’s documentation included strict rules for reselling. Initially, the company prohibited any sale within the first 12 months of ownership. However, if an exception was necessary, the buyer would need to obtain written permission from Tesla. Tesla stated that it had the sole authority to consider a resale and remained the exclusive buyer for such Cybertruck units.

Under the previous rules, Tesla would deduct costs such as repair expenses and charge a fee of $0.25 for each mile on the odometer. Interestingly, the updated Cybertruck Motor Vehicle Pre-Order Agreement no longer includes these rules. However, it still maintains a “No Resellers” stance, and any breach of that clause would result in punitive action.

The document states, “We may unilaterally cancel any order that we believe has been made with a view toward resale of the Vehicle or that has otherwise been made in bad faith.” It’s worth noting that there is no mention of the company blocking any future purchase of Tesla cars for the bad actor. It’s important to note that Tesla isn’t the only carmaker to take this approach, as companies like Ferrari, Ford, and Aston Martin also have strict regulations around flipping new cars for a profit.

Motorsport

New Nissan Armada Rendered After The First Spy Photos Looking Boxy

Nissan is currently selling the previous generation Armada in the United States for the 2023 model year, starting at a price of $52,095. However, the next-generation Armada is already in the works, as evidenced by the first spy photos of the SUV that were released about a month ago. Using these spy photos, our colleagues at Kolesa.ru have created early renderings of the next-gen Armada without camouflage.

The spy photos revealed a partially camouflaged front fascia, but the new renderings give us a clearer idea of what to expect. The front end features a large radiator grille with a massive C-shaped chrome bar surrounding it. Above the grille, there is a coast-to-coast LED strip and two large headlight units with L-shaped daytime running lights (DRLs).

The spy photos didn’t provide much information about the design of the rear end. The rendering of the rear end is more speculative than accurate, but there are some interesting details worth noting. It appears that the taillights will be connected through the hatchback with an LED strip and a Nissan logo in the center. The main lighting units could be limited to the rear quarter panels, as seen in the spy photos. However, it’s possible that the prototype’s camouflage is hiding some design surprises.

According to the available information, the new Armada will be even bigger than the current model and will be positioned as a slightly more rugged SUV. It is expected to be powered by a twin-turbo V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This setup is projected to deliver a peak power of around 421 horsepower to all four wheels.

The first generation of the Armada was introduced in North America in 2003. It was based on the Nissan Titan and manufactured in Canton, Mississippi. For the second generation, Nissan decided to globalize the SUV and use different underpinnings. The current Armada is assembled in Yukuhashi, Kyushu, Japan, and shares its platform with the Infiniti QX80. A new version of the QX80 is also currently in development, and its design was previewed earlier this year with the QX Monograph Concept.

Car review

Porsche 911 S/T

The Porsche 911 S/T is designed to be a unique car in the 911 GT lineup. The main focus of its development was to create the ultimate driver’s car by making it the lightest 992-generation 911. To achieve this, the S/T features carbon fiber components such as door skins, front wings, boot lid, and roof. The wheels are made of magnesium and the interior does not include rear seats.

Weight reduction was also achieved through other means. The car is powered by a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six engine borrowed from the Porsche 911 GT3 RS, generating 518bhp. To enhance the driving experience, a lighter clutch for the six-speed manual gearbox and a single-mass flywheel were installed.

In addition to shedding weight, the S/T made further changes compared to the GT3. The hydraulically activated rear-steer system was removed to save weight and increase engine power. The rear anti-roll bar and its drop links are made from carbon fiber, and carbon-ceramic brakes are used. The S/T weighs 1380kg, which is 38kg less than a manual GT3 Touring and only 10kg more than a 911 R. It also benefits from lower gear ratios and a shorter gear lever, resulting in improved responsiveness. The spring and damper hardware and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires are the same as those on the GT3 Touring, but the adaptive damper’s software tuning is different. Furthermore, the steering has been adjusted to provide a more linear and responsive feel.

Compared to the GT3 Touring, the steering of the S/T is heavier and more deliberate. The two cars feel noticeably different despite sharing many components. The S/T offers a more authentic driving experience, with a stronger connection to the road and a better sense of the forces at play.

Accessories and Peripherals

How To Use Your Apple EarPods To Fast Forward A Song

While the AirPods only allow you to move to the previous or next track, the EarPods have more precise controls that let you quickly find your favorite part of the audio without skipping the track completely. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Ensure that your Apple EarPods are connected properly to your mobile device.
  2. To fast forward while an audio track is playing, press the center button (the space between the “-” and “+” buttons) on the remote twice quickly. Press and hold the button on the second press to continue fast-forwarding. Release the button when you reach the desired part of the audio.
  3. To rewind within the track, triple-press the middle button instead and hold the last press to continue rewinding. Release the button when you return to the section you want to hear again.

In addition to the precise skipping feature of the EarPods, you can also use the following playback controls:

  • Press the center button once to pause, and press it again to resume playback.
  • Double-press the center button quickly to skip to the next track.
  • Triple-press the center button quickly to go back to the previous track.

If you’re using EarPods on an Apple device with Siri enabled, you can long-press the center button to activate the virtual assistant. When you hear a beep, release the button and speak your Siri command.

Volkswagen

More progressive, more digital, more international: New Volkswagen Group corporate design

The Volkswagen Group is updating its corporate design, replacing the previous look from 2007. The word mark has been changed from “Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft” to “Volkswagen Group” to emphasize the Group’s global orientation and enhance its distinct appearance in relation to the Volkswagen brand. The word mark, font, colors, design elements, and visual language have all been completely refreshed. The new corporate design will be introduced gradually, starting in Germany, with international markets following next year.

The Volkswagen Group is undergoing a transformation from an automaker to a sustainable mobility provider. With its portfolio of iconic brands, attractive products, and services, the Group aims to shape the electric, digital, and sustainable future of mobility. Its guiding principle is “Shaping Mobility for Generations.” A contemporary, modern, and digital appearance is a key factor for success in this endeavor. Therefore, a new corporate design has been developed in close collaboration between Group Communications and Group Marketing & Brand Strategy.

Sebastian Rudolph, Head of Global Group Communications, states: “The Volkswagen Group is committed to attractive brands, products, and technologies. Communication plays a crucial role in addressing employees, customers, journalists, investors, and analysts. A well-designed corporate identity can provide the best possible support in this regard. Our new appearance provides identity, both internally and externally.”

Jason Lusty, Head of Group Marketing & Brand Strategy, explains: “The new corporate design serves several purposes. It expresses the strategic ambitions of the Volkswagen Group and represents its new mindset. It also differentiates the corporate brand’s appearance from the Volkswagen brand. The corporate design offers a flexible framework that is progressive and high-quality, while remaining accessible and human.”

The new corporate design, developed in collaboration with the international design agency Landor & Fitch, uses four primary colors for classic use cases such as office applications: Deep Space Blue, Vivid Green, and Pure White, with Electric Neon as an accent color. Other colors can be used for websites or brochures. A new element introduced is color gradients, which symbolize mobility, motion, and humanity. These attributes are also reflected in the unique font “The Group,” developed specifically for the Group by Studio René Bieder. The font embodies a balance of motion and high quality, allowing for flexibility and emphasis through different styles and expressions. It has been optimized for both digital and analog applications and can be used across all platforms and media.

As part of the introduction of the new corporate design, the Volkswagen Group’s website at volkswagen-group.com has also undergone a complete redesign. The focus was on meeting the needs of the core target groups of the financial public and business media. The simplified and focused website highlights the strategic core topics and current corporate news, with the Group’s newsroom now integrated. The display has been improved for mobile devices, enhancing the user experience and content findability.