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Volkswagen

Brand Group Core will increase working revenue in Q1 2024 regardless of difficult market surroundings

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The Brand Group Core delivered sturdy monetary ends in the primary quarter of 2024. With steady car gross sales and barely decrease gross sales income, the Brand Group Core reported a big year-on-year enhance in working revenue and working return. At 6.4%, working return was nicely throughout the goal hall of 6-7% for 2024. All manufacturers contributed to this achievement, reporting greater returns on the idea of centered price administration in addition to elevated implementation of synergy and effectivity measures throughout the Brand Group. The monetary efficiency within the first quarter felt the influence of offsetting results – these included, for instance, the abrupt termination of presidency incentives for electrical vehicles within the German market and the associated low cost measures firstly of the 12 months. Furthermore, there was excessive depreciation attributable to investments in product campaigns and the associated ramp-up of electrical merchandise.
The Brand Group Core was, nonetheless, capable of counteract these results within the first quarter of 2024 with a balanced product combine. The slight dip in demand for all-electric autos (BEV) was offset by greater deliveries of ICE fashions. Overall, steady Q1 unit gross sales figures at Brand Group stage mirror these results.

Brand Group Core increases operating profit in Q1 2024 despite challenging market environment

Significant enhance in Brand Group revenue and return on the again of strong car gross sales and gross sales income.

Key monetary efficiency indicators affirm the energy and resilience developed by the Brand Group Core: with unit gross sales of 1,191,926, the Brand Group’s car gross sales virtually matched the excessive prior-year stage (Q1 2023: 1,192,974 autos). Even although gross sales income got here in at 32.8 billion euros – thus barely decrease than the very robust gross sales stage of the earlier 12 months (Q1 2023: 33.2 billion euros) – working revenue earlier than particular objects grew 21% to 2.1 billion euros (Q1 2023: 1.7 billion euros).

The working return (earlier than particular objects) improved by 1.2 proportion factors to six.4%. Cash outflows within the first quarter had been primarily attributable to preparations for brand new mannequin ramp-ups.

The Brand Group Core delivered 1,543,500 autos to prospects within the first quarter of the 12 months, 6.2% greater than the identical prior-year quarter (Q1 2023: 1,453,500 autos). All-electric fashions accounted for an necessary share of deliveries: essentially the most profitable all-electric fashions from the Group delivered worldwide within the first quarter of 2024 had been the ID.4, ID.3, Škoda Enyaq and ID. Buzz. Škoda delivered 12.3% extra all-electric autos in Q1 2024 in contrast with the identical prior-year quarter. At Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, the rise was as excessive as 29.4%.

Key figures for the Brand Group Core:

Key financials

Q1 2024

Q1 2023

Change 24/23

Unit gross sales (in 1000’s)
(incl. different autos from different manufacturers)

1,192

1,193

0%

Sales income

32.77 billion euros

33.16 billion euros

-1%

Operating revenue earlier than particular objects

2.11 billion euros

1.74 billion euros

+21%

Operating return earlier than particular objects

6.43%

5.25%

+1.2%-points

The Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Škoda, SEAT/CUPRA and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles manufacturers every contributed to the sturdy Brand Group Core Q1 outcomes for fiscal 2024.

Unit gross sales on the Volkswagen Passenger Cars model within the first quarter of fiscal 2024 ran at 694,617, 5% down on car gross sales for a similar prior-year quarter (Q1 2023: 730,797 autos). Given the commonly difficult market surroundings, a really robust efficiency within the first quarter of the earlier 12 months and mannequin adjustments in key quantity drivers (Golf, Tiguan, Passat), gross sales income firstly of the 12 months got here in at 19.3 billion euros, 6% decrease than the prior-year determine (Q1 2023: 20.5 billion euros). At the identical time, nonetheless, the working revenue earlier than particular objects improved by 26.8% to 770 million euros, confirming the Volkswagen model’s steady place total in a risky market. At 4.0%, the working return (earlier than particular objects) was noticeably greater than the prior-year determine of three.0%, pushed by a constructive regional combine and worth results that in flip had been counteracted by pay will increase.

Patrick A. Mayer, Member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Brand answerable for “Finance”, commented: “The solid results for the first quarter of 2024 show that our cost optimization measures are having an effect and the brand is successfully strengthening its resilience. Implementation of the Volkswagen brand’s comprehensive performance program continues to gather momentum and will make us even more effective and faster in this challenging year of 2024.”

Škoda Auto delivered 220,500 autos worldwide within the first quarter of 2024, a rise of 5.2% in contrast with the earlier 12 months. The order consumption stays promising. Sales income got here in at 6.6 billion euros, barely down on the determine for Q1 2023 (6.8 billion euros). This is partly attributable to greater materials prices. The working revenue earlier than particular objects ran at 535 million euros and the working return (earlier than particular objects) was 8.1%, barely above the extent for a similar prior-year quarter
(Q1 2023: 8.0%). With deliveries operating at 61,200 (+36%), the Octavia remained the model’s best-selling mannequin.

SEAT/CUPRA reported a constructive begin to enterprise 2024. First-quarter car gross sales by the model ran at 164,300 models, a rise of 6.2% in contrast with the primary quarter of the earlier 12 months. SEAT/CUPRA generated gross sales income of three.8 billion euros, a rise of 6.8% on the determine for Q1 2023. The working revenue earlier than particular objects developed significantly nicely, rising 57% to 226 million euros. The working return (earlier than particular objects) improved to five.9%, similar to an increase of 1.9 proportion factors on the determine for Q1 2023. These constructive figures mirror the profitable market penetration of SEAT/CUPRA and the rising recognition of SEAT/CUPRA fashions.

Business improvement on the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles model within the first quarter of 2024 was constructive. Vehicle gross sales of 121,906 models represented 17% progress in contrast with similar quarter in 2023. There was corresponding 16% progress in gross sales income to 4.2 billion euros. Particularly noteworthy is the rise in working revenue earlier than particular objects, which greater than doubled to 400 million euros (+ 134%). The working return (earlier than particular objects) got here in at 9.6%, a rise of 4.8 proportion factors.

Outlook
 The subdued financial prospects, rising competitors and political challenges will proceed to form the present fiscal 12 months. Against this backdrop the Brand Group Core because the “core of the Volkswagen Group” has outlined its key priorities: to spice up its monetary energy and innovativeness in addition to enhance its resilience. 2024 can be a 12 months of complete mannequin change. The Volkswagen model started the present 12 months with the market launch of the three most necessary quantity fashions: Tiguan, Golf und Passat. The Brand Group Core will additional strengthen its market place by debuting additional enticing new fashions such because the all-electric Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer, the long-wheelbase ID. Buzz and the CUPRA Tavascan. The Brand Group Core’s working return in Q1/24 was throughout the full-year goal hall of 6-7%. With a transparent give attention to additional decreasing complexity, shortening improvement cycles and systematically tapping into synergy potentials, the Brand Group Core is on monitor to satisfy its goal of an working return of 8% by 2026.

Featured

Jaguar Land Rover Enjoyed Best Sales Result In India Last 5 Years In The FY23-24

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Luxury SUV marque Jaguar Land Rover retailed 854 items within the final quarter of the FY23-24 in India

Jaguar Land Rover FY23-24 sales

Tata Motors-owned Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has introduced its outcomes for the earlier monetary 12 months (FY) that simply concluded, FY 2023-24. The luxurious model dispatched 4,436 items within the interval of April 2023 to March 2024, a year-on-year (YoY) bump in gross sales by a formidable 81 %. JLR bought 854 items within the final quarter alone of the mentioned monetary 12 months.

Model-wise Sales Details

It looks as if the star performers these previous 12 months for JRL had been the brand new Land Rover Range Rover flagship SUV and the Land Rover Defender, every having fun with a YoY retail gross sales progress of a mammoth 160 % and 120 % respectively. Meanwhile, the 2024 Land Rover Discovery Sport noticed a 50 % progress in YoY demand, whereas the smallest SUV of the luxurious lineup – the Range Rover Evoque – witnessed a YoY uptake of 55 %.

Recapping JLR’s India Run In FY23-24

2024 Land Rover Discovery Sport

While the Jaguar a part of JLR has had a comparatively silent journey in FY23-24, Land Rover introduced out a couple of new launches and updates to a few of its India-spec fashions. It launched the facelifted Velar in July 2023 and adopted it up with the V8 powered variants of the Range Rover Sport in December 2023. In the final quarter of the mentioned monetary 12 months, the luxurious marque launched the up to date Discovery Sport and Evoque – each that includes slight beauty tweaks and minor function updates – to Indian shores.

Also Read: Hyundai Creta Facelift Crosses 1 Lakh Bookings Milestone In India, Sunroof Variants Are The Top Pick

What Do Jaguar And Land Rover Offer Currently?

Jaguar F-Pace

Jaguar presently has solely three fashions on sale in India: the F-Pace SUV, I-Pace electrical SUV and the F-Type sports activities coupe. The trio is priced between Rs 72.90 lakh and Rs 1.56 crore with the latter more likely to be discontinued quickly in India. On the opposite hand, Land Rover affords greater than 5 SUVs in India together with its line of Range Rover fashions. Its fashions are priced within the vary of Rs 67.90 lakh to Rs 4.47 crore.

All costs ex-showroom pan-India

Read More on : Range Rover Automatic

Motorsport

Skyrocketing Toyota Prius Sales Proves People Want Hybrids, Not EVs

Toyota on Tuesday introduced gross sales figures for the primary quarter of 2024, and the most important information comes from gross sales of the Prius. The firm’s iconic hybri is as standard as ever, with a year-over-year enhance of 138.6 % by means of the primary three months of the yr. That interprets to 13,327 items offered versus 5,586 items in 2023. While the Prius remains to be removed from being Toyota’s hottest automobile, it is a clear indication that hybrids aren’t fading away anytime quickly.

By comparability, the all-electric Toyota bZ4X gross sales reached 1,897 items for a similar interval. That’s a rise of 11.7 %, however nonetheless far under Prius ranges. Its up-market Lexus RZ sibling logged 1,603 gross sales, which means Toyota offered 3,500 EVs at a time when many of us believed absolutely electrical automobiles can be taking off. To be honest, Toyota hasn’t taken main strides towards EV manufacturing as different manufacturers have, and that is mirrored in lackluster reviews for each the bZ4X and RZ.


Motorsport

Toyota Supra Sales Are Down Nearly 50 Percent This Year

Toyota’s newest gross sales figures for the primary quarter of 2024 counsel the fanfare surrounding the Supra at its launch is dwindling. The automaker solely bought 484 examples of the sports activities automobile within the first three months of the yr, down a whopping 44.4 p.c in comparison with the identical interval final yr, when Toyota bought 871 coupes.

Supra gross sales have been falling since they peaked at 6,830 models in 2021. They fell to 4,952 in 2022 and even additional to 2,652 in 2023. This yr isn’t trying as if the trajectory will enhance. This quarter marked the primary time gross sales for Toyota’s coupe dipped beneath these of the revamped Nissan Z. The Z’s gross sales elevated by 44.0 p.c in Q1 2024, going from 466 to 671 coupes for a similar interval in 2023.


Lexus

Toyota Motor North America Reports March, First Quarter 2024 U.S. Sales

  • First quarter gross sales of electrified automobiles surges 74 % on a quantity foundation; represents 36.6 % of complete gross sales quantity
  • 27 electrified Toyota and Lexus automobile choices accessible at dealerships, essentially the most amongst any automaker 

PLANO, Texas (April 2, 2024) – Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) in the present day reported March 2024 U.S. gross sales of 214,894 automobiles, up 21.8 % on a quantity and day by day promoting fee (DSR) foundation versus March 2023. Sales of electrified automobiles for the month totaled 78,157, representing 36.4 % of complete gross sales quantity. 

For the primary quarter, TMNA reported gross sales of 565,098 automobiles, up 20.3 % on a quantity foundation and up 17.2 % on a DSR foundation versus March 2023. Sales of electrified automobiles for the primary quarter totaled 206,850, representing 36.6 % of complete gross sales quantity. 

Toyota division posted March gross sales of 184,123 automobiles, up 22.7 % on a quantity and DSR foundation. For the quarter, Toyota division reported gross sales of 486,627 automobiles, up 21.3 % on a quantity foundation and up 18.1 % on a DSR foundation. 

Lexus division posted March gross sales of 30,771 automobiles, up 16.7 % on a quantity and DSR foundation. For the quarter, Lexus division reported gross sales of 78,471 automobiles, up 15.0 % on a quantity foundation and up 12.0 % on a DSR foundation, the division’s best-ever first quarter. 

“Thanks to our diverse portfolio of 27 electrified vehicle options between the Toyota and Lexus brands, customer demand for our products continued to grow in March and in the first quarter,” stated Jack Hollis, government vice chairman, gross sales, TMNA. “Our teams are preparing to launch more than 20 new, refreshed or special edition vehicles later this year including the all-new 2024 Tacoma with available hybrid powertrain, plus the all-new 2024 Land Cruiser and 2025 Camry, both exclusively with hybrid powertrains, offering even more electrified options that fits customers’ lifestyles and needs.” 

March and First Quarter 2024 Highlights (quantity foundation until in any other case famous) 

TMNA: 

  • March gross sales of electrified automobiles had been 78,157, surging 60.9 %, representing 36.4 % of complete gross sales quantity 
  • First quarter gross sales of electrified automobiles had been 206,850, surging 74.1 %, representing 36.6 % of complete gross sales quantity 
  • Cars up 36.2 % in March and up 31.2 % within the first quarter 
  • Trucks together with SUVs up 16.1 % in March and up 16.0 % within the first quarter 
  • 27 electrified Toyota and Lexus automobile choices accessible at dealerships  

Toyota Division:  

  • March gross sales had been 184,123, up 22.7 % 
  • First quarter gross sales had been 486,627, up 21.3 % 
  • March electrified automobile gross sales had been 66,492, up 57.0 % 
  • First quarter electrified automobile gross sales had been 177,778, up 76.4 % 
  • Cars up 40.8 % in March and up 35.5 % within the first quarter 
  • SUVs up 30.9 % in March and up 31.9 % within the first quarter 
  • Trucks up 15.3 % in March and up 15.2 % within the first quarter 
  • Prius, Prius Prime, Camry HEV, Crown and RAV4 HEV all posted robust triple-digit good points within the first quarter 
  • All-electric bZ4X gross sales had been up 13.1 % in March and up 11.7 % within the first quarter 
  • Total RAV4 gross sales had been up 45.1 % in March and up 47.4 % within the first quarter 
  • 4Runner gross sales had been up 70.4 % in March and up 60.2 % within the first quarter 
  • Sienna gross sales had been up 53.2 % within the first quarter 
  • Tundra gross sales had been up 41.3 % in March and up 31.0 % within the first quarter 
  • Best-ever March gross sales:  
    • GR 86 
    • bZ4X 
    • GR Corolla 
    • Crown 
    • RAV4 PRIME 
  • All-time best-ever month: 
    • Corolla HEV 
    • Corolla Cross HEV 
    • Crown 
    • RAV4 HEV 
    • Sequoia 
    • Tundra HEV 
  • Best-ever first quarter: 
    • bZ4X 
    • GR Corolla 
    • Corolla HEV 
    • Corolla Cross 
    • Crown 
    • RAV4 HEV 
    • RAV4 PRIME 
    • Sequoia 
    • Tundra HEV 

Lexus Division: 

  • March gross sales had been 30,771, up 16.7 % 
  • Record first quarter gross sales of 78,471, up 15.0 % 
  • March electrified automobile gross sales had been 11,665, up 87.5 % 
  • First quarter electrified automobile gross sales had been 29,072, up 61.1 % 
  • Cars up 4.5 % in March 
  • Trucks up 20.6 % in March and up 20.0 % within the first quarter 
  • ES HEV, NX HEV, NX PHEV, RX HEV and LS HEV all posted robust double-digit good points within the first quarter 
  • All-electric RZ gross sales had been up 363.8 % in March and up 766.5 % within the first quarter 
  • LS gross sales had been up 5.6 % in March and up 18.6 % within the first quarter 
  • LC gross sales had been up 21.6 % in March and up 13.9 % within the first quarter 
  • Total NX gross sales had been up 15.9 % in March and up 10.0 % within the first quarter 
  • Strong gross sales of the all-new TX; 9,956 bought within the first quarter 
  • Best-ever March gross sales:  
    • Total NX 
    • NX HEV 
    • NX PHEV 
    • RX HEV 
    • RZ 
  • Best-ever first quarter: 
    • Total automobiles 
    • Total LUVs 
    • Total NX 
    • NX HEV 
    • NX PHEV 
    • RX HEV 

Note: 
HEV = Hybrid Electric Vehicle 
PHEV = Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle 
FCEV = Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle 
BEV = Battery Electric Vehicle 

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About Toyota 

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been part of the cultural cloth in North America for greater than 65 years, and is dedicated to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility by means of our Toyota and Lexus manufacturers, plus our greater than 1,800 dealerships.

Toyota immediately employs greater than 63,000 folks in North America who’ve contributed to the design, engineering, and meeting of almost 47 million vehicles and vans at our 13 manufacturing crops. By 2025, Toyota’s 14th plant in North Carolina will start to fabricate automotive batteries for electrified automobiles. With extra electrified automobiles on the highway than another automaker, Toyota at the moment presents 27 electrified choices.

For extra details about Toyota, go to www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

Featured

Mahindra Thar 5-door To Be Unveiled On Independence Day 2024

It is predicted to go on sale within the ultimate quarter of 2024 with costs more likely to begin from Rs 15 lakh (ex-showroom)

Mahindra Thar 5 door

  • The 5-door Thar has been below growth for 2 years now.

  • To be based mostly on the 3-door mannequin however can have an extended wheelbase and two additional doorways.

  • Exterior revisions embrace new round headlights and a redesigned grille.

  • Will get much more function comforts than the common Thar based mostly on spy pictures.

  • Expected to get each petrol and diesel engines with selection of RWD and 4WD setups.

One of essentially the most anticipated SUVs of 2024 is the Mahindra Thar 5-door, and it is going to be launched quickly. While its costs are anticipated to be out within the second half of 2024, the carmaker has now set out an invitation for August 15, which we imagine is for the family-friendly Thar. It aligns with Mahindra’s latest historical past of unveilings and showcases on India’s Independence Day, which additionally consists of the second-gen Thar that was revealed on August 15, 2020.

Design And Size Differences

Being the elongated model of the 3-door mannequin, the Thar 5-door can have an extended wheelbase together with two additional doorways. These adjustments will improve the SUV’s practicality quotient, making it extra appropriate as a household SUV in addition to a life-style journey car. Although its design will stay largely much like the present Thar, earlier spy pictures have advised some revisions akin to round LED headlights and a redesigned grille. It’s additionally anticipated to get a hard and fast steel high choice, which isn’t out there on the 3-door Thar.

More Comforts

Mahindra Thar 5-door sunroof

The new and enlarged Thar may also sport extra options than the common 3-door Thar. Based on the take a look at mule spy pictures, we expect it to be provided with a bigger touchscreen infotainment system, auto AC and a sunroof. It may also get extra security options, possible together with six airbags and a 360-degree digicam.

Related: Mahindra Thar 5-door Will Offer These 10 Features Over The Thar 3-door

Powertrains On Offer

The Mahindra Thar 5-door is predicted to get the identical 2-litre turbo-petrol and a couple of.2-litre diesel engines as its 3-door iteration, possible with elevated outputs much like that of the Mahindra Scorpio fashions. Both engines ought to get handbook and computerized transmission choices. The Thar 5-door may also provide a selection of each rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and 4-wheel-drive (4WD) choices.

Expected Launch And Price

Mahindra Thar 5 door rear

We imagine the Mahindra Thar 5-door might be launched within the ultimate quarter of 2024. If it mimics the timeline of the second-gen 3-door Thar, it might reveal its price ticket on October 2. Its costs might begin from Rs 15 lakh (ex-showroom). It can be a bigger different to the Maruti Suzuki Jimny whereas rivaling the 5-door Force Gurkha.

Read More on : Mahindra Thar Automatic

ToyotaUk

TMC Announces April Through December 2023 Financial Results

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) at present introduced its monetary outcomes for the third quarter, which ended December 31, 2023.

TOYOTA CITY, Japan (Feb. 6, 2024) — Consolidated automobile gross sales totaled roughly 7,295,000 items, a rise of roughly 804,000 items in comparison with the identical interval final fiscal yr. On a consolidated foundation, web revenues for the interval totaled 34.022 trillion yen ($237.9 billion), a rise of 23.9%. Operating earnings elevated from 2.098 trillion yen ($15.4 billion) to 4.24 trillion yen ($29.7 billion), whereas earnings earlier than earnings taxes 1 was 5.357 trillion yen ($37.5 billion). Net earnings 2 elevated from 1.899 trillion yen ($14.0 billion) to three.9472 trillion yen ($27.6 billion).

Regions

North America: Vehicle gross sales totaled roughly 2,161,000 items, a rise of 309,000 items. Operating earnings, excluding the impression of valuation positive aspects/losses from rate of interest swaps, elevated by 503.2 billion yen ($3.5 billion) to 552.5 billion yen ($3.8 billion).

Japan: Vehicle gross sales totaled roughly 1,630,000 items, a rise of 228,000 items.  Operating earnings, excluding the impression of valuation positive aspects/losses from rate of interest swaps, elevated by 1.141 trillion yen ($7.9 billion) to 2.686 trillion yen ($18.8 billion).

Europe: Vehicle gross sales totaled roughly 884,000 items, a rise of 127,000 items. Operating earnings, excluding the impression of valuation positive aspects/losses from rate of interest swaps, elevated by 294.4 billion yen ($2.0 billion) to 308.8 billion yen ($2.1 billion).

Asia: Vehicle gross sales totaled roughly 1,376,000 items, a rise of 83,000 items. Operating earnings, excluding the impression of valuation positive aspects/losses from rate of interest swaps, elevated by 97.1 billion yen ($679 million) to 651.7 billion yen ($4.6 billion).

Other areas (together with Central and South America, Oceania, Africa, and the Middle East): Vehicle gross sales totaled roughly 1,245,000 items, a rise of 57,000 items. Operating earnings, excluding the impression of valuation positive aspects/losses from rate of interest swaps, elevated by 13.4 billion yen ($94 million) to 190.1 billion yen ($1.3 billion).

Financial Services

Financial companies working earnings decreased by 14.9 billion yen ($104 million) to 470.6 billion yen ($3.3 billion). Including valuation positive aspects/losses, working earnings elevated by 93.0 billion yen ($650 million) to 416.9 billion yen ($2.9 billion).

(*FY24 foreign money translations above are approximate and primarily based on a median 143-yen-to-dollar alternate price; FY23 is 136-yen-to-dollar alternate price)

Forecast

For the fiscal yr ending March 31, 2024, TMC estimates consolidated automobiles gross sales shall be 9.45 million items. Based on an alternate price assumption of 143 yen to the U.S. greenback, TMC forecasts consolidated web income of 43.5 trillion yen ($304.2 billion), working earnings of 4.9 trillion yen ($34.3 billion), earnings earlier than earnings taxes of 6.2 trillion yen ($43.4 billion), and web earnings of 4.5 trillion yen ($31.5 billion).

(*all foreign money translations above are approximate and primarily based on a median 143 -yen-to-dollar alternate price.)

1 Income earlier than earnings taxes and fairness in earnings of affiliated firms

2 Net earnings attributable to Toyota Motor Corporation

For extra info, click here.

News

BMW Z4 good points handbook gearbox for 2024

BMW will start manufacturing of a handbook model of the Z4 M40i roadster within the first quarter of 2024.

It would be the first time that BMW has put a clutch pedal within the current-generation Z4 because it was launched in 2019.

The previous-generation Z4 might be geared up with a handbook however not in top-spec 35i guise, which the M40i changed.

The M40i presently makes use of a ZF eight-speed computerized gearbox as customary, mated to BMW’s ‘B58’ turbocharged 3.0-litre straight six, which produces 335bhp.

The introduction of a handbook choice is positioned to offer the Z4 a singular promoting level over rivals such because the Audi TT and Jaguar F-Type, which are not supplied with a stick shift. 

It also needs to enhance dwindling gross sales. According to market analyst Jato Dynamics, the Z4 has bought 5448 instances in Europe to this point this yr – 260 fewer than the TT and 222 fewer than the Porsche 718 Boxster.

The handbook gearbox will doubtless command a premium over the automated M40i. In the BMW M2 Coupé, this quantities to £545.

The Z4 follows within the footsteps of its sister automotive, the Toyota GR Supra coupé, which gained the choice of a six-speed handbook final yr. However, it will not use the identical structure because the Toyota‘s gearbox, as a substitute getting the M2’s BMW six-speeder.

The handbook Supra dispatches 62mph 0.3sec slower than the automated mannequin, and it’s totally doubtless that the handbook Z4 will comply with go well with.

It’s unclear whether or not the handbook M40i will likely be produced in restricted numbers or whether or not this gearbox will likely be supplied in different variations of the Z4.

Autocar has approached BMW for additional remark.

News

Polestar 3 is first blank-sheet design by Chinese-Swedish firm

The upcoming Polestar 3 is set to debut in the second quarter of next year as the company’s inaugural SUV model, boasting a sleek design, luxurious features, and cutting-edge technology.

With a maximum power output of 510bhp in its twin-motor configuration, the vehicle incorporates advanced safety technologies and utilizes sustainable materials, aligning with the company’s commitment to creating a more relevant and environmentally responsible SUV.

The Polestar 3 made its first appearance in the UK at Salon Privé earlier this year, showcasing the Long Range Dual Motor variant finished in ‘Snow’ white paint and equipped with 22-inch four-spoke forged alloys.

Positioned as a direct competitor to the BMW iX and Jaguar I-Pace, the Polestar 3 follows the Volvo spin-off brand’s Polestar 2 electric saloon as the second model in its series production.

Built on the advanced new SPA2 platform, the Polestar 3 shares many of the same underlying technologies and systems with the upcoming Volvo EX90, effectively creating a close relationship between the two models. Unlike the Polestar 1 and 2, which were based on Volvo concept cars, the Polestar 3 is the first vehicle to be designed from the outset as a Polestar.

Despite being a large SUV, the Polestar 3 emphasizes aerodynamic efficiency with its sleek silhouette and various aero-channeling additions.

Drawing inspiration from the Polestar Precept concept, the vehicle features dual-blade headlights, a rear spoiler with an integrated wing, and a front aero wing, below which is a ‘Smartzone’ panel containing various sensors. Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath has highlighted these elements as defining characteristics of the brand.

In line with Polestar’s performance-oriented approach, the Polestar 3 will be launched with a rear-biased dual-motor powertrain, delivering 483bhp and 618lb ft of torque in standard form. This power enables the 2584kg-plus SUV to accelerate from 0-62mph in 5.0 seconds and reach a top speed of 130mph.

An optional Performance Pack offers an additional 27bhp and 51lb ft, reducing the 0-62mph sprint time by 0.3 seconds.

Motorsport

Yet Another Electric Ford Crossover Spied, Looks Ready For Production

Ford’s electric vehicle division faced a $1.3 billion operating loss in the third quarter, translating to a loss of around $36,000 for every electric vehicle sold during that period. A significant portion of this loss is due to ongoing investments in next-generation EVs. Recent evidence confirms that the Blue Oval manufacturer is actively developing new electric products. The gallery below showcases a new electric crossover from Ford, set to debut next year.

A few days ago, our spies provided photos of an upcoming zero-emissions SUV from Ford, based on Volkswagen’s MEB platform. The newly captured prototype hints at a smaller electric crossover, which will join the Puma family. Previously, the Puma served as Ford’s entry-level product in the European market after the discontinuation of the Fiesta hatchback. The new electric crossover is expected to follow suit.