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BMW

Training center opened at BMW Group plant in Debrecen

+++ 100 students starting training in Debrecen +++ 6,500m² state of the art Training Centre for associates and students +++ Milestone on the road to NEUE KLASSE +++

 

Debrecen / Munich. The BMW Group has officially opened the Training Center at its new plant in Debrecen, Hungary. The company is making a significant investment of over one billion euros in the site, which will be the production hub for the first all-electric model of the Neue Klasse starting in 2025. The BMW Group recognizes the critical role of education and training in developing highly skilled employees.

The Neue Klasse represents the next generation of BMW models, combining the company’s innovation in the areas of electrification, digitization, and circularity.

The opening of the Training Center in Debrecen marks an important milestone in the BMW Group’s journey towards commencing Neue Klasse production in 2025.

The newly equipped Training Center spans an impressive area of almost 6,500 square meters, with an investment of nearly 20 million euros. It is specifically designed to provide training to employees of the BMW Group Plant in Debrecen, as well as trainees and dual education students, equipping them with the necessary skills required for the production of the new generation of models.

Ilka Horstmeier, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, People and Real Estate, Labour Relations Director, highlighted the significance of the event, stating, “The Neue Klasse represents our vision for the future, as it enables us to completely rethink mobility and collaboration. Our employees play a crucial role in shaping our transformation, and education and training are pivotal factors in our company’s future direction. By commencing the training of the first 100 students and the opening of the Training Center in Debrecen, we emphasize the importance of education and training for the future success of our company.”

The number of trainees is expected to reach a total of up to 300 by 2025, making it one of Hungary’s largest apprentice training programs.

Through collaboration with the Debrecen Vocational Training Center, the BMW Group offers a dual training program that provides students with valuable skills for a potential career. The program, which lasts for three years, covers areas such as mechatronics, electronics, automotive mechatronics, and IT systems and applications. All these capabilities are vital for future automotive production. The state-of-the-art Training Center offers advanced facilities and a high-tech learning environment. After successful completion of the apprenticeship, trainees are offered employment contracts by the BMW Group or have the option to pursue further education.

Hans-Peter Kemser, President and CEO of BMW Group Plant Debrecen, expressed his enthusiasm for the new Training Center, stating, “We are delighted to welcome the first apprentices to our facility. Here, we will provide them with comprehensive knowledge about automotive production, our processes, and the BMW culture. Our culture is key to a successful future in Debrecen. We function as one plant, one team, counting on each other and valuing everyone’s contributions and knowledge.”

In addition to its initiatives for students and trainees, and creating new employment opportunities, the BMW Group plans to collaborate with local and regional universities to support and implement art and cultural projects. This commitment reflects the company’s commitment to being a responsible corporate citizen and actively engaging with local communities.

Peter Szijjártó, Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, commented on the occasion, saying, “We are delighted that the BMW Group is bringing its latest technologies to Hungary and will produce its newest battery-electric model here in Debrecen in the future. The Training Center will enhance cooperation between Hungary and Germany, providing young students with excellent prospects for the future through the joint education and training program.”

The Training Center at the BMW Group plant in Debrecen is one of the first fully completed buildings on the 400-hectare site that is already operational. The Communication Center will be the next major structure to be completed and functional.

The BMW Group planned and developed the Debrecen plant as an iFACTORY and aims to power it entirely with fossil-free energy, making it the world’s first production plant of its kind. A significant portion of the energy needed will be generated by a 50-hectare photovoltaic system directly installed on the factory premises.

The plant has been designed to have a production capacity of 150,000 units per year.

Motorsport

2024 Toyota Tundra 1794 Limited Edition Unveiled At State Fair Of Texas

Toyota created a buzz at the State Fair of Texas when they unveiled the 2024 Tundra 1794 Limited Edition. This special edition is based on the 1794 Edition Tundra, known for its luxurious leather interior and impressive off-road capabilities. However, the Limited Edition takes it a step further by offering exclusivity and unique accessories.

The 1794 Edition Toyota Tundra is named in honor of Texas’ oldest ranch, established in 1794 near present-day San Antonio. Toyota purchased a significant portion of this ranch for its San Antonio plant, where both the Tundra and Toyota Sequoia are manufactured.


Motorsport

Watch BMW 3 Series Crash Into Wall at 128 MPH After Police Pursuit

A dramatic dashcam video captured the moment when an Arkansas State Police trooper used a pit maneuver to stop a fleeing BMW, causing it to slam into a highway wall at a speed of 128 miles per hour. The incident took place on Interstate 40, which connects Memphis, Tennessee, to the state’s capital.

The video, which includes a date and time overlay, indicates that the incident occurred just before midnight on Monday, August 28, in the West Memphis, Arkansas area. It started when ASP Trooper Spencer Morris noticed a black BMW 3 Series E46 convertible with a faulty headlight.

Morris initially pulled over the BMW on the I-40 entrance ramp, but as he approached the vehicle on the passenger side, the driver sped off. Morris then chased the BMW down I-40, with both cars reaching speeds over 120 mph and narrowly avoiding other vehicles. When the road ahead was clear, Morris performed a pit maneuver by positioning his police cruiser along the rear passenger fender of the BMW.

As a result, the convertible’s passenger side collided with the front end of the police cruiser, causing the car to spin across the highway and collide with the wall, thereby ending the pursuit. The camera angle does not show the extent of damage to the vehicle, but the driver managed to escape without injuries. Authorities took him into custody and transported him to the Crittenden County Detention Center.

In the video description, it is stated that Damon Jones, the BMW driver, was charged with multiple offenses, including a defective headlight, reckless driving, speeding, felony fleeing, failure to register a vehicle, no insurance, and driving on a suspended license. Motor1.com reached out to the Arkansas State Police Public Information Office for additional information about the incident.

This dashcam video serves as a reminder that attempting to flee from the police is never a wise decision. Law enforcement agencies have advanced technology and tactics to apprehend fleeing suspects, and videos like these provide insight into the risks associated with such actions.

This particular chase had the potential to end in a tragic manner, with the BMW crashing into innocent motorists or veering off the highway. Not long ago, the Arkansas State Police had to pursue a Toyota Prius that was fleeing at speeds exceeding 100 mph.

Featured

America’s Once Most Expensive Home Sells For $138.83 Million

New England’s Copper Beech Farm, a symbol of luxury and architectural brilliance, has broken state records by selling for $138.83 million. Situated in Greenwich, Connecticut, this historic mansion stands as a testament to America’s rich past and ranks among the nation’s most expensive home sales. Built in 1898, Copper Beech Farm showcases a massive 13,519-square-foot main house with eight bedrooms, eight baths, oak paneling, plaster friezes, multiple fireplaces, and impressive 12-foot ceilings. The estate spans over 50 acres, nearly a mile of waterfront with commanding views of Long Island Sound, and offers luxury features like a pool, tennis court, walled gardens, apple orchard, and private beaches.

This masterpiece was first owned by George Lauder, Andrew Carnegie’s cousin and financial advisor, and later by timber mogul John Rudey. The property’s historical significance only adds to its appeal. In 2013, the property held the title of the most expensive listing in the United States at $190 million, finally selling to the Conservation Institute for $120 million. The latest Copper Beech Farm owner is the hedge fund billionaire Ray Dalio. Copper Beech Farm’s sale symbolizes a landmark moment in real estate, blending historical significance with modern luxury.


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Citreon

Three-Quarters of UK Drivers Believe British Roads Are Dangerous

  • A recent study conducted by Citroën reveals that 73% of UK drivers consider British roads to be dangerous† for those who use them.
  • Between 2017 and 2021, the police in England and Wales recorded 1,114 accidents resulting in injuries caused by defective road surfaces, which led to the serious injury of 355 individuals and the death of 16††.
  • 42% of surveyed drivers were not aware that they could file a claim with the relevant local authority to compensate for vehicle damage caused by potholes.
  • 46% of drivers avoid certain roads due to the risk of pothole damage.
  • A previous study by Citroën UK found that the amount spent on compensation in the last year could have filled an additional 340,000 potholes*.

Exclusive research by Citroën UK reveals that nearly 75% of UK drivers believe that the condition of the country’s roads poses a danger to motorists and other road users.

According to Citroën UK’s latest survey, 75% of respondents reported that their cars had sustained damage from potholes, requiring vehicle repairs. However, drivers lack knowledge on how to seek support after experiencing pothole damage, as 42% of those affected stated that they were unaware of the possibility of claiming compensation from the relevant local authority. Only 14% of those surveyed said they had previously claimed compensation from their local authority.

This recent research follows Citroën’s findings in May, which revealed that the total cost of compensation claims paid out last year due to pothole damage amounted to £22.7 million, equivalent to the average cost of filling 340,000 potholes.

Citroën UK compared figures from the Asphalt Industry Alliance over the past six years and discovered that £139.9 million had been spent on damage compensation since 2017. This amount could have filled an additional 2.3 million potholes**.

In the new study, Citroën asked drivers about their perception of the condition of UK roads over the past six years. Notably, 68% of respondents felt that the roads in the UK had worsened, while only 15% believed that the condition had improved since 2017. Almost half of all drivers (46%) stated that they avoid certain roads entirely due to the fear and risk of damage.

The East Midlands was identified as the region where drivers expressed the most concern about road conditions, with 56% of respondents stating that the roads in their area had deteriorated. In contrast, only 18% of drivers in London reported a decline in road conditions in their local area.

Greg Taylor, Managing Director of Citroën UK, commented, “The people of the UK are clearly concerned about the state of our roads. The Citroën Advanced Comfort Programme helps alleviate the discomfort of driving on damaged road surfaces and reduces the impact of hitting potholes for drivers. However, it is evident that more work needs to be done to improve road conditions nationwide and restore public confidence.”

Many Citroën models, such as the New C5 X, benefit from the Advanced Comfort® Programme, which includes enhanced suspension and supportive seating for a smoother ride. All versions of the New C5 X feature Citroën’s Progressive Hydraulic Cushion® technology, which incorporates hydraulic bump stops into the suspension system to better control compression and rebound on damaged surfaces.

The New C5 X also comes with Advanced Comfort® seats as standard, which feature broad cushions and seat backs. These seats combine high-density foam at the core and a 15mm thick layer of extra textured foam on the surface to provide comfort and relaxation for occupants traveling on the challenging road network in Britain.

Cars

2024 Jeep Wrangler First Drive: Exploring the 392 To 4xe

When I arrived at the Rock Bowl in Sand Hollow State Park, I was immediately struck by the breathtaking orange-red rock formations scattered throughout the area, as well as the numerous Jeeps parked in various adventurous positions. After a brief discussion about the correct pronunciation of the “Willys” trim level (pronounced either as it is spelled or as “Willis”), the event began (Jeep states that both pronunciations are acceptable).

Jeep aims to improve upon previous versions of the Wrangler with this new generation. Their goals include increasing ride comfort, offering more off-road options, providing side-curtain airbags, and keeping the price point reasonable for base trims (the starting price for the base-model two-door sport is $31,895).

However, the company also wanted to preserve the iconic “Jeep-ness” that made the vehicle famous. Options such as a six-speed manual transmission, the distinctive brick-like shape, easy removal of doors, and the ability to tackle sand, mud, and rocks are still available.

Cars

Bizarre Driving Laws You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

In Nevada, a state known for its vast desert landscapes, there is an unusual law related to camels. Many years ago, in 1856, the United States Military decided to use camels as pack animals for a short period of time in Nevada’s deserts instead of horses or donkeys. Unfortunately, this experiment did not succeed and the camels were either released or sold. However, a problem arose because these camels scared local horses, causing accidents on highways.

As a result, it is now illegal in the entire state of Nevada to take a camel on a public highway. It’s worth noting that horses are no longer commonly found on highways either, but this law remains in effect. Surprisingly, it is perfectly legal to drive a camel through the streets of Nevada cities, although the reason for wanting to do so is unclear.

Motorsport

Mercedes First To Receive Level 3 ADAS Approval For Use In California

Mercedes-Benz becomes the first automotive company to receive certification from California state to sell standard-production vehicles equipped with Level 3 conditionally automated driving. Basically, this means that certain Mercedes models can be driven in the largest US automotive market without interaction between the driver and the machine under certain conditions. The driver must still be ready to take over if the system disengages, though.

The automaker’s Drive Pilot system will be available as an option on the 2024 S-Class and 2024 EQS models and the first cars equipped with the tech are expected to be delivered to customers in late 2023. The same system made the German brand the first automaker in the United States to offer Level 3 automated driving back in January this year when Drive Pilot was certified for use in Nevada.