Tag Archives: spokesperson

Motorsport

Hyundai Kills All N Gasoline Performance Cars In Europe

Pour one out for Hyundai’s gasoline enjoyable vehicles in Europe. In a press release made to Motor1 Deutschland, a spokesperson for the corporate’s German division confirmed manufacturing of N fashions that feed on gasoline on the Old Continent will finish through the first half of 2024. It successfully means the i20 N, i30 N, and the lesser-known i30 N Fastback are being axed. However, in case you hurry, there is perhaps a number of out there in inventory.

“Hyundai Motor has decided to cease production of ICE N models for the European market during the first half of the year. This follows the brand’s commitment to offer European customers a zero-emission product range by 2035 and to be 100 percent carbon neutral in all phases of car production and operation by 2045. In Germany, the versions of the i20 N and i30 N are still shown in the configurator on hyundai.de and will continue to be available in dealerships this year (until probably the end of the year depending on the numbers available in stock).”


Motorsport

Mercedes Denies Telling Dealers It’s Chasing Volume With Cheaper Gas Cars

Update: A Mercedes-Benz spokesperson provided an announcement, saying “Our long-term technique is to go all electrical sooner or later the place market circumstances permit. In the quick/close to time period, we’ll leverage the energy of our high finish car portfolio (TEV); and steadiness the quick time period with tactical flexibility on ICE, EV, PHEV to maximise progress alternative and native market calls for.

We are poised to speed up progress in core segments this 12 months by advantage of latest merchandise like E-Class, stronger provides of GLC (vs. 2023 shortages) however nonetheless have loads of high-end launches with S63e, G-Class, G-Class Electric and AMG GT.

In 2024 our lineup will profit from 25 new merchandise, together with all new fashions in core segments. This is along with our long run objectives and emphasis on top-end segments.”

Mercedes’ 2022 “Economics of Desire” technique outlined a shift in the direction of extra worthwhile high-end autos. It allotted over 75 % of R&D funds for merchandise competing in probably the most worthwhile market segments, together with the “Top-End” vehicles such because the S-Class, SL, and G-Class, in addition to the AMG and Maybach manufacturers. However, Automotive News experiences the three-pointed star could be reversing its upmarket push within the United States.

While the wealthy could get richer, Mercedes allegedly conveyed to sellers at a gathering in Las Vegas this month that 2024 would be the 12 months when the main focus shifts to lower-priced vehicles to drive gross sales. According to a seller who attended the assembly, an government for the German luxurious model acknowledged: “Last year was about profitability; this year is about sales growth.” The plan is to extend the availability of gasoline and hybrid vehicles, counting on the C-Class and E-Class, together with the equal GLC and GLE, to be their bread and butter.


Motorsport

The Final Dodge Challenger Is A Pitch Black SRT Demon 170

The problem is full. Dodge produced the ultimate Challenger on Friday, an organization spokesperson confirmed to Motor1. The automotive was an SRT Demon 170 painted in Pitch Black. In June, the automaker held a charity public sale the place it offered the final obtainable mannequin allocation for an unimaginable $700,000.

It’s unclear whether or not the ultimate construct slot obtainable at public sale was additionally for this final car. Dodge might preserve the particular Challenger for the model’s personal assortment. No pictures of this automotive can be found at the moment.

The firm let the Challenger exit with a bang by introducing the SRT Demon 170 in March. It’s the brand new king of the muscle automotive energy wars, making 1,025 horsepower and 945 pound-feet of torque when working on E85 gas. Even on E10 fuel, the supercharged 6.2-liter V8 produces 900 hp and 810 lb-ft. The automotive can cowl the quarter-mile in 8.91 seconds at 151.17 mph, in accordance with Dodge’s official specs.


Motorsport

McLaren’s Surprise Supercar at the Velocity Invitational

McLaren is set to commemorate its 60th anniversary at the Velocity Invitational event held from November 10 to 12 at Sonoma Raceway in California. While the brand is bringing a selection of its classic models, it will also unveil a “very special supercar” during the event. Unfortunately, details about the model are scarce as McLaren has not yet provided any images or additional information. The company promises that the reveal will feature top-notch drivers and a stunning car that will leave fans awestruck.


Motorsport

New Kia K3 Compact Sedan Revealed, Could Preview Forte Successor

Update: A Kia spokesperson responded to our inquiry about the K3, saying “Kia US has made no official announcement regarding K3 and has no further comment at this time.”

Kia’s small car lineup in the US has been limited to the Forte and Rio models since they were introduced in the mid-2000s. However, Kia has now unveiled a new small sedan called the K3 for the Mexico market. With Kia renaming and refreshing its US lineup, there is speculation that the K3 could potentially replace both the Forte and Rio models.

In terms of size, the K3 sits between the subcompact Rio and the compact Forte. It measures 178.9 inches in length, making it larger than the Rio (172.6 inches) but slightly smaller than the Forte (182.7 inches). The K3 also offers 19.2 cubic feet of cargo space, compared to the Rio sedan’s 13.4 cubic feet and the Forte’s 15.3 cubic feet.

If the new Kia K3 looks familiar, it’s because it shares several design elements with the larger K5 sedan. The headlights framed by Kia’s signature Tiger Nose grille and the full-width taillight bar on the rear are reminiscent of the K5. Additionally, the K3 has a “fastback-style” silhouette similar to the K5 and the EV6 electric vehicle.

The interior of the K3 aligns with the rest of Kia’s lineup. It features a 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster screen and a 10.3-inch touchscreen that are integrated under a single piece of glass extending from the driver’s side to the center console. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also included as standard.

Powering the K3 are two engine options: a 1.6-liter four-cylinder and a more powerful 2.0-liter option. The smaller engine produces 122 horsepower, while the larger 2.0-liter engine, exclusive to the GT-Line trim, delivers 150 horsepower. The 1.6-liter engine is available with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, while the 2.0-liter engine is paired with a six-speed manual exclusively.

The K3 was initially unveiled in Mexico, where it will be manufactured. However, it remains unclear whether the small sedan will be officially introduced as a replacement for the Forte in the US. Given that Kia has rebranded the Forte as the K3 in markets outside of the US and has recently renamed the Optima as the K5, it wouldn’t be surprising if the K3 eventually makes its way to the US under the same name. More information is expected to be released by Kia in the coming months.

News, Technology

Women Accuse Contracting Firm of Intrusive Pre-Employment Questions at Bill Gates’ Ventures

According to a recent statement, a spokesperson from Gates Ventures denies any knowledge of inappropriate questions being asked during the screening process in their 15+ years of operation. They confirm that no job offers have been rescinded based on such information.

The security company named in the report is Concentric Advisors, accused of conducting these alleged applicant assessments. In response, Concentric Advisors states that while applicants may provide such information voluntarily, they never requested those details. The Wall Street Journal, however, claims to have reviewed documents, including one that describes a consent form for a “behavioral assessment” covering previous drug and alcohol use. The document states that the assessment would help determine the applicant’s “suitability for employment.”

The core concern revolves around the potential violation of employment laws if such questioning did occur. Concentric Advisors asserts compliance with pre-employment screening regulations and an internal email leaked to Gates Ventures employees reportedly indicates that the company was unaware of any such questions being asked.