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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.

Motorcycles

Kawasaki Motorcycle Maintenance: A DIY Guide For Common Issues

Kawasaki bikes are among the most strong obtainable, so brakes are important. In truth, in the event you personal one of many fastest motorcycles Kawasaki ever built, you’d higher guarantee your bike’s stopping energy is wholesome. Fortunately, there are some steps you’ll be able to take to determine and probably resolve issues along with your brakes.

First, you may must verify your brake fluid ranges and its colour to assist slim down the reason for your spongy brakes. If the fluid is low, you’ll be able to high it off and bleed the brake strains to take away any air inside the system. If the fluid seems darkish, flush the previous brake fluid out and change it with contemporary product. Remember, in the event you do not feel snug or assured addressing your brakes, it is best to take your bike to an expert store for help.

Bleeding the strains is solely the method of ridding the brake system of any air. You’ll must depress the braking lever, untighten the related bleeder valve, seize the fluid right into a protected container, retighten the bleeder valve, after which let go of the brake and permit it to return to its resting place. Repeat this till the brake lever feels tight and responsive if topping off the fluid. If flushing the system, you may proceed bleeding the strains till all of the soiled fluid is changed. The steps are the identical for each the entrance and rear brakes.

Technology

5 Of The Best Music Production And DJ Apps For Android In 2024

If you are in search of probably the most strong DAW you may get on Android, look no additional than FL Studio Mobile. As the cell equal of the legendary desktop DAW from Image Line, it isn’t as absolutely featured as its older sibling however stays able to much more than you’d assume, particularly in case your Android machine helps its most demanding options. The desktop FL Studio can open FL Studio Mobile initiatives (although not the opposite means round), making it a simple alternative for anybody already invested within the FL Studio ecosystem.

FL Studio Mobile handles each common audio tracks and MIDI tracks and comes with quite a lot of primary software program devices, sequencers, and extra. Still, understand that it is a cell app, so do not count on it to totally exchange a desktop-class DAW. There’s no technique to load third-party plugins into FL Studio Mobile, which suggests those that depend on instruments from corporations like Waves, iZotope, or different standard plugin producers shall be out of luck. The solely technique to get extra plugins is thru the in-app retailer, which has a really restricted vary of choices, albeit greater than you may count on.

Nevertheless, what’s included right here makes FL Studio Mobile extra strong than competing DAWs for Android, reminiscent of Cubasis 3. Firstly, the interface is far more intuitive, which suggests it is easy to get right into a beat-making session with out an excessive amount of problem. There’s additionally strong MIDI help, together with MIDI over Bluetooth, and a touch-friendly, sequence-based enhancing interface that, when you get the cling of it, may have you flying throughout the interface with ease.

Best of all, FL Studio Mobile is filth low cost for a DAW, costing solely $14.99 within the Play Store.

News

UK guarantees ‘robust measures’ on Chinese EVs

The UK will apply “robust measures” to make sure a degree taking part in discipline for native automotive makers within the face of elevated competitors from Chinese EV producers, Mark Harper, secretary of state for transport, advised the viewers of the SMMT Connected occasion right now.

The strain has elevated on the UK to reply to the EU’s toughened stance on subsidy-backed Chinese automotive makers. In March, the European Commission mentioned it had proof to indicate Chinese EVs had been being supported straight by state subsidies following an investigation begun in October into Chinese automotive costs. 

The EU is broadly anticipated to extend tariffs on Chinese

Volkswagen

Brand Group Core improves end result and return in 2023 – nearer cooperation between the amount manufacturers is gaining traction

The Brand Group Core delivered strong monetary ends in 2023. Higher quantity and value results, improved availability of elements and decrease mounted prices had a constructive impact, whereas larger product prices and the deconsolidation of Volkswagen Group Rus had a damaging affect on the end result. The world market and aggressive atmosphere stays difficult. The Brand Group Core is engaged on additional stabilizing its efficiency with a view to enhancing its resilience in opposition to exterior components, specifically given the slower growth of the e-mobility market in Europe.

The systematic growth of cooperation within the agreed cross-brand core motion areas is having a sustained constructive impact on key monetary efficiency indicators: Brand Group Core working revenue earlier than particular objects in 2023 grew 80% year-on-year to 7.3 billion euros (2022: 4.1 billion euros). The essential driver right here was a 19% enhance in unit gross sales to 4.826 million autos (2022: 4.069 million autos). Net money move elevated from 1.1 billion euros in 2022 to five.6 billion euros. This growth was mainly attributable to the one-off discount of inventories that largely corrected the stock build-up because of the scarcity of logistics assets within the earlier 12 months. The working return earlier than particular objects improved by 1.7 share factors to five.3% (2022: 3.6%), gross sales income climbed 21% to 138 billion euros (2022: 114 billion euros).

Brand Group Core improves result and return in 2023 – closer cooperation between the volume brands is gaining traction

Focus on rigorous price self-discipline and profitability within the Brand Group Core.

Thomas Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, Head of the Brand Group Core & CEO of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars Brand, stated: “The closer cooperation in the Brand Group Core is gaining traction. Our work is beginning to pay off. Our networking has become stronger and more systematic. We now have several projects where cooperation extends beyond former brand boundaries. We have the right team spirit. As the volume brands’ CEO team, we have pushed hard to drive this transformation forward in recent months. Our common goal: to fully exploit our performance potential as a brand group by sharing knowledge and working together to find the best solutions. With our strong, clearly differentiated models we ideally cover important market segments without cannibalizing business for our sister brands. And our networking will become ever closer in order to leverage our enormous combined potential even more effectively in future under difficult economic conditions and within a rapidly changing automotive industry. That is good for each brand, for the Group and for our customers.”

Key figures for the Brand Group Core:

Key financials

2023

2022

Change 23/22

Unit gross sales
(incl. different manufacturers’ autos)

4,826,276 autos

4,069,342 autos

+19%

Sales income

137.770 billion euros

113.762 billion euros

+21%

Operating revenue earlier than particular objects

7.273 billion euros

4.045 billion euros

+80%

Operating return earlier than particular objects

5.3%

3.6%

+1.7%-points

Net money move

5.625 billion euros

1.131 billion euros

All the person manufacturers Volkswagen, Škoda, SEAT/CUPRA and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles contributed to the constructive total efficiency of the Brand Group Core – and thus additionally the Volkswagen Group – within the 2023 fiscal 12 months.

Unit gross sales on the Volkswagen model grew by 13% to 2,519 million autos (2022: 2,236 million autos) within the 2023 fiscal 12 months. The model’s gross sales income climbed to 86,4 billion euros (2022: 73,8 billion euros). The essential drivers right here have been the license enterprise with China and a powerful efficiency in after-sales enterprise. The working revenue earlier than particular objects of three.5 billion euros (2022: 2.6 billion euros) additionally mirrors the brand new give attention to effectivity and profitability. At 4.1%, the working return earlier than particular objects was 0.5 share factors above the determine for the earlier 12 months (2022: 3.6%). The improved working end in 2023 exhibits that the model is strengthening its resilience and enhancing its competitiveness. Given the growing depth of competitors worldwide and the related monumental stress on costs and prices, the efficiency program agreed final December will contribute to stabilizing the return on gross sales trajectory from 2024. The Volkswagen model is thus laying the groundwork to strengthen resilience in a persistently difficult market atmosphere.

Patrik A. Mayer, Member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Brand liable for “Finance”, commented: “The solid results for the 2023 fiscal year show we are becoming more financially robust. Volkswagen is the Group’s core brand and we must live up to our responsibility – with good products, and also with good figures. Systematically implementing our Accelerate Forward performance program will make us significantly more effective and faster by 2026: not only in our factories and in development, but also in administration and sales. We therefore believe we are well prepared for a demanding year in 2024 with its muted economic outlook.”

Škoda Auto additionally reported a profitable 2023 fiscal 12 months. Global unit gross sales by Škoda Auto final 12 months ran at 866,800 autos (+18,5%), with the all-electric Enyaq recording the very best progress (81,700 autos bought; +52%). The all-electric mannequin was one of many best-selling electrical autos in lots of European markets. The Škoda Auto Group reported report gross sales income of 26.5 billion euros in 2023 (2022: 21,0 billion euros; +26,2 %). The model’s working revenue earlier than particular objects got here in at 1.8 billion euros, 183% larger than the prior-year degree (2022: 0.63 billion euros).

At 6.7%, the working return earlier than particular objects was effectively above the extent of the earlier 12 months (2022: 3.0 %). These sturdy outcomes underpin the corporate’s strong enterprise mannequin for making the mandatory investments within the ongoing transformation to e-mobility.

SEAT/CUPRA placed on a convincing efficiency final 12 months with a marked 28% rise in unit gross sales to 602,000 autos (2022: 468,000 autos). The model reported 31% progress in gross sales income to 14,3 billion euros (2022: 10,9 billion euros). Operating revenue earlier than particular objects ran at 625 million euros, effectively up on the earlier 12 months’s determine of 33 million euros. The group-wide enhance in profitability is clearly seen: the working return earlier than particular objects rose to 4.4% (2022: 0.3%). This is mainly attributable to the success of CUPRA with larger unit gross sales and constructive results from effectivity enhancements.

Business growth on the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWN) model was additionally constructive: unit gross sales elevated by some 25% to 423,000 autos (2022: 340,000 autos) and gross sales income grew 34% to fifteen billion euros (2022: 11 billion euros). Furthermore, there was a 65% rise in working revenue earlier than particular objects to 873 million euros (2022: 529 million euros). Progress with driving profitability was confirmed by a rise within the working return earlier than particular objects to five.7%, in comparison with 4.6% within the earlier 12 months. This report efficiency is attributable to the model’s strong positioning. Vehicles for personal and industrial clients, the enduring ID.Buzz and the distinctive California fashions fulfill particular person buyer needs. This efficiency was achieved by the systematic implementation of the effectivity program at VWN and the related price self-discipline.

Outlook
The Brand Group Core plans to extend its end in 2024, bolstered by the associated results from the amount manufacturers’ ongoing efficiency packages.
Overall, the Brand Group Core continues to focus on an working return of 8% in 2026. Improved cooperation among the many sister manufacturers is predicted to leverage synergy and scale results and contribute to attaining this goal. This contains optimizing product prices, decreasing overheads below the assorted efficiency packages in place on the particular person manufacturers, and thereby safeguarding sustainable progress. In addition, the Brand Group Core plans additional quantity progress on account of the improved provide state of affairs for vital uncooked supplies and elements. Further progress in key areas (e.g. North America) in addition to the event of latest markets (e.g. Škoda Auto / Vietnam) are anticipated to have a constructive impact on return. The present fiscal 12 months will likely be formed by sturdy competitors, political challenges and the mandatory investments for the longer term. Clear-cut tasks and a task-sharing strategy kind the premise for the sturdy cooperation that can proceed to drive the success of the Brand Group and your complete Volkswagen Group in future.


Organizational observe:
Škoda Annual Press ConferenceFriday, March 15, 10:00 a.m.
VWN Annual Press ConferenceThursday, March 21, 09:00 a.m.
SEAT/CUPRA Annual Press Conference Thursday, March 21, 11:00 a.m.

Replay

Annual Media Call 2024

Fiscal Year 2023 of the Volkswagen Brand

Fiscal Year 2023 of the Volkswagen Brand

Charts Thomas Schäfer

Annual Media Call 2024

Charts Patrik Mayer

Annual Media Call 2024

More details about the Brand Group Core

Brand Group Core

The model group CORE is the organizational merger of the Volkswagen Group’s quantity manufacturers. With greater than half of the Group’s automobile gross sales and over 200,000 workers from 5 manufacturers, the cross-border model group CORE is the reply to lots of the challenges we’re at present dealing with.

Images

Internet

5 RSS Feed Readers For Staying Up To Date On The Internet

Feedly is an all-rounder RSS feed reader designed with a user-friendly, clear interface and a sturdy group system, making it beginner-friendly. It makes use of machine studying and pure language processing to assemble, analyze, and prioritize intelligence from hundreds of thousands of sources in actual time.

Feedly permits you to subscribe to and browse content material from numerous web sites in a single place, comparable to information, blogs, social platforms, and newsletters. You even have the choice to import your feeds from Google Reader or different RSS readers.

Here, you possibly can learn your feeds of their unique format or in a simplified view. You can save articles for later, mark them as learn, or tag them with key phrases. Additionally, you possibly can share articles together with your group members, add notes and highlights, and use the Power Search function to seek out articles by key phrases, subjects, or domains.

To begin utilizing Feedly, go to the Feedly web site and click on on the Sign Up button. Once you have signed up, you may be prompted to arrange your account. This sometimes includes selecting your pursuits to personalize your feed.

To add feeds to Feedly, you possibly can:

  • Search for particular web sites or blogs by typing their names into the search bar on the prime of the web page.
  • Browse by way of classes or trending subjects to find new content material.
  • Import your present feeds from one other RSS reader by clicking on the Import OPML choice within the settings menu.

Once you have added your feeds, you possibly can arrange them into folders based mostly in your pursuits.

Smartphones, Tablets

Understanding the Importance of Right-To-Repair

The Right to Repair Act, which was signed in California in October 2023, aims to expand the protection provided by the state’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. This act, established over five decades ago, ensures that products purchased in California are covered by their warranties and allows for necessary repairs to be made. If the same issue persists after a reasonable number of repair attempts, the manufacturer is required to either refund the buyer or provide a replacement.

California’s implementation of the Right to Repair Act goes even further. Manufacturers are now obligated to supply the parts, equipment, and manuals necessary for repairing products for a specified period of time, either three or seven years depending on the value of the product.

The essence of the Right to Repair philosophy is that consumers should have the right to expect their products to function as intended for their entire lifespan. While issues and defects may arise, it should not be an arduous process to have them addressed and resolved. In some cases, legislation such as the UK’s right-to-repair laws allow for consumers to perform simpler repairs themselves, while ensuring that more complex repairs can be carried out by professionals with access to the necessary parts.

Volkswagen

Volkswagen Group Reports Strong Results for the First Nine Months of 2023

Despite challenges in the market, Volkswagen Group delivered solid nine-month results. Sales volumes and revenues increased in the third quarter, but profitability fell short of expectations. The company is focusing on implementing its 10-point plan and cross-brand performance programs to improve profitability.

Key highlights from the report:

Robust Results in the First Nine Months

The Group’s operating profit decreased by 7% to 16.2 billion euros, mainly due to negative valuation effects. Adjusted for these effects, the operating profit increased to 18.7 billion euros, with a return on sales of 8.0%.

A significant volume increase in Passenger Cars contributed to the positive results, but production disruptions and higher product costs affected profitability for the Core brand group.

Financial Outlook for Fiscal 2023

Volkswagen AG updated its outlook, expecting deliveries to customers to be between 9 and 9.5 million vehicles. Group sales revenue is expected to be 10 to 15% higher than the previous year.

The company no longer expects to compensate for the effects of negative valuation of hedging transactions by the end of the year, resulting in an operating result for the full year around the previous year’s level.

Electrification Strategy

Deliveries of battery electric vehicles (BEV) increased by 45% in the first nine months. The targeted annual range of 8-10% of total deliveries remains in sight.

Volkswagen-owned battery maker PowerCo and Belgian materials technology group Umicore announced the location for their cathode material manufacturing plant in Nysa, Poland. The partnership aims to produce materials for battery production sufficient for around 2.2 million fully electric vehicles annually by the end of the decade.

Competitive Product Portfolio

The all-electric ID.7 was voted “German Car of the Year 2024”. Volkswagen also unveiled the new generation of the Tiguan and launched pre-sales of the upgraded ID.4 and ID.5.

Audi launched several models in its Q8 family, including the SQ8 e-tron as the new top model of the all-electric SUV and crossover. Porsche increased the hybrid range of the Cayenne series.

Group-wide Performance Programs

All brands within the Group have launched performance programs to strengthen their competitiveness and achieve a long-term operating return on sales of over 10%.

Sustainability

Volkswagen Group published its Responsible Raw Materials Report, focusing on transparency in supply chains. The Group also issued its first Green Hybrid Bond and Green Bond through Volkswagen Leasing GmbH.

Brand Group Results

The Core brand group saw an increase in sales revenues, but profitability was affected by higher product costs and production disruptions. The Progressive brand group and Sport Luxury brand group reported positive results. TRATON and Financial Services divisions also showed growth in sales revenues.

Note: The article contains a summary of Volkswagen Group’s financial results and highlights. Please refer to the original article for complete information.

Motorsport

Watch Fox-Body Ford Mustang Pump Out 386 HP At The Wheels

The Fox-body Ford Mustang was available from 1979 through 1993 and has achieved robust aftermarket support that has let owners build vehicles into drag racers, track cars, or whatever else a person could want. This one from Late Model Restoration hits the dyno, and it’s ready to eat up the quarter mile. The company calls the machine Dragula because of the black paint and coffin-like cabin.

Under the hood, there’s a modified 351-based V8 engine that now displaces 393 cubic inches (6.44 liters). It also has new cylinder heads and camshafts. There’s a 90-millimeter throttle body. A Pro-M engine management system keeps things running. The gearbox is a five-speed manual that goes through an aluminum driveshaft with 3.55 gearing at the back. The exhaust gases exit through pipes that make a muscular note.

The dyno shows this Mustang making 386.1 horsepower and 410.6 pound-feet at the wheels. In comparison, even the 1993 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra, which was among the top versions of the factory-available fox-body models, made 235 hp.

This car previously had a turbo and an engine with different internals. It made 443 hp and 414.2 lb-ft in that guise. However, all of the power was at the top end of the rev range. This means that as a street car, the current setup would be superior because more power and torque are available at lower rpms. At reduced revs, this tune has around 100 hp and 75 lb-ft more than the forced induction setup. 

For comparison, the 2024 Ford Mustang GT makes 486 horsepower and 418 pound-feet. It weighs around 3,843 pounds and reaches 60 mph in an estimated 4.5 seconds.

Today, the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger are in a sales battle. As of Q3 2023, Ford has moved 35,315 of its pony cars. Meanwhile, Dodge had delivered 35,350 units of the brand’s competitive product.

BMW

Minimalist all-rounder: The new MINI Countryman.

Munich. The new MINI Countryman offers more space, comfort, and safety in its interior, making it a versatile and reliable companion in any situation. It now features all-wheel drive and MINI Experience Modes, along with expanded driving assistance systems that include the voice-controlled MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant. With its all-electric drivetrain and two levels of power output, the new MINI Countryman delivers the brand’s signature driving fun. As the first MINI made in Germany, this model also represents a milestone in production.

The new MINI Countryman measures 4,433 mm in length, 1,843 mm in width, and 1,656 mm in height. With an increased wheelbase of 2,692 mm, it offers enhanced comfort. The all-electric MINI Countryman comes in two performance levels: the MINI Countryman E with 150 kW/204 hp and 250 Nm of torque, offering a range of 462 km; and the MINI Countryman SE ALL4 with 230 kW/313 hp and 494 Nm of torque, capable of covering 433 km.*

In its third generation, the MINI Countryman continues the brand’s journey into locally emission-free electric mobility. Since its market launch in 2010, this compact crossover model has been a success, with its all-wheel drive system ensuring safe and enjoyable driving experiences, both on and off the beaten track.

“The all-electric MINI Countryman sets a new standard for locally emission-free electric mobility in the MINI vehicle family. As the first MINI produced in Germany, it also upholds the highest level of environmental compatibility in production. With its versatility and powerful electric drive, it is the perfect companion for city driving and adventurous excursions,” says Stefanie Wurst, Head of MINI.

The new MINI design language is characterized by “Charismatic Simplicity.” It combines modern and digital elements with the brand’s body design and heritage, capturing the urban character and joy of innovation that MINI represents.

“The new MINI Countryman is a vehicle for the whole family. In its latest generation, it has not only grown in size and comfort but also in character, appearance, and experience. It is now even more present, spacious, and stable. The design language reflects its strong presence, with upright proportions, distinctive radiator grille, distinctive headlights, and sculptural bonnet,” says Oliver Heilmer, Head of MINI Design.

The exterior design of the MINI Countryman features a minimalist and expressive silhouette, representing its adventurous and reliable nature. The short overhangs, short bonnet, long wheelbase, and large wheels combine classic MINI design elements with a robust body.

The redesigned MINI LED headlights with Signature Modes add a striking radiance to the front end. The daytime running light elements can be switched to create three different light signatures, enhancing the vehicle’s distinctive character. The MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant is also introduced in the new MINI Countryman, allowing for voice-controlled interaction and making driving experiences more personalized and convenient.

The interior of the new MINI Countryman is spacious, digital, and immersive. The dashboard features a high-resolution OLED display, eliminating the need for an additional display behind the steering wheel. The materials used create a warm and comfortable atmosphere, with textile surfaces for the first time in the MINI Countryman. The front seats have increased comfort and width, while the rear seats offer adjustable positions and increased shoulder width. The optional panoramic glass roof allows for a bright and friendly interior ambiance.

The MINI Interaction Unit, with its high-resolution OLED display, is the central instrument for controlling various vehicle functions. The MINI Countryman also introduces MINI Experience Modes, which project different light graphics onto the dashboard, creating immersive driving experiences. The driving modes can be personalized and customized, allowing drivers to set their preferred background image, color schemes, and lighting patterns.

The new MINI Countryman offers advanced assistance systems for relaxed and safe driving. The Steering and Lane Assistant supports lateral guidance, while the Driving Assistant Professional package includes a new function that helps drivers take the right exit. The MINI Connected Package provides flexible bookings of additional vehicle functions, and the MINI Operating System 9 offers modern connectivity and user-friendly interface.

The new MINI Countryman delivers excellent driving dynamics with its balanced chassis and precise steering. It offers a choice between a comfortable and sporty chassis configuration, with the option of Adaptive Suspension for enhanced control. With its powerful drivetrain options, the new MINI Countryman combines electrified go-kart feeling with progressive drivetrain technology.

The battery of the MINI Countryman can be charged quickly using both alternating current and direct current, providing efficient and convenient charging options. The MINI Countryman also incorporates environmentally friendly materials in its production, reducing CO2 emissions and using recycled polyester for various interior surfaces.

The new MINI Countryman combines minimalist design, advanced technology, and environmentally friendly features, making it a versatile and appealing all-rounder.

*The technical data provided is provisional.