Tag Archives: Thomas

Motorsport

Polestar Says More BST Performance Models Are Coming

Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath is a bonafide automotive fanatic. He pushed to make the bottom Polestar 2 rear- as a substitute of front-wheel drive, and he’s shepherding the Polestar 5 four-door GT and Polestar 6 roadster into manufacturing. Ingenlath additionally helped flip the restricted BST Edition 270 and Edition 230 of the Polestar 2 into actuality. At the New York International Auto Show, Ingenlath confirmed to Motor1 that extra BST editions are on their method. 

He didn’t present a timeline or specifics but, however the earlier BST version automobiles give us an thought of what to anticipate. Essentially decrease, stiffer suspension, stickier tires, and many styling tweaks to speak the automotive’s elevated efficiency. Both BST variations of the Polestar 2 had the identical 476 horsepower because the common dual-motor sedan, however paired that with stiffer springs, a decrease experience peak, distinctive Ohlins dampers, distinctive wheels, and a customized spec of Pirelli tire. Polestar made 270 examples of the BST 270 and—you guessed it—230 examples of the BST 230. Evidently, they had been obtained nicely sufficient to maintain the mission going. 

 

While each the Polestar 3 and 4 had been delayed, Ingenlath says progress is sweet on the 5 sedan. He pulls out his cellphone to indicate us footage he posted to Instagram of pre-production automobiles rolling down the meeting line.  

We additionally requested concerning the perceived slowdown of EV gross sales within the U.S., and he had an fascinating perspective on the scenario. He doesn’t assume individuals are souring on electrical automobiles. “It’s just simply a period in economic time where people, of course, are more cautious about a purchase decision,” he says. “That has to do with interest rates, it has to do with psychology, and Jesus, the world is not in an easy place…. For the first time, EVs [have] experienced an economic cycle.” 

There’s additionally the truth that Polestar has completely different targets than different EV makers. “Let’s face it,” Ingenlath says, “we are not pitching for the million that Tesla is wanting to sell, we are not in competition with BYD. We are in competition with companies like BMW, Porsche and Mercedes.” He additionally argues that Polestar’s competitors extends past simply EVs—a Polestar 3, for instance, must tempt somebody out of a BMW X5, not simply an iX.  

With Polestar 3 deliveries starting this summer season and Polestar 4 deliveries deliberate for the fourth quarter, it is a massive 12 months for the model within the US. Thankfully, each fashions are cheaper than initially anticipated, one thing Ingenlath credit to robust residuals for the Polestar 2. Still, 2024 is a make-or-break 12 months for Polestar. Hopefully it’ll succeed, and we’ll get some extra efficiency fashions. 

News

Volkswagen near remaining design of £17k ID 1 electrical automobile

Volkswagen is ready to log off the ultimate design of the Volkswagen ID 1 imminently, model chairman Thomas Schäfer has stated, with 4 proposals being debated for the £17,000 entry-level electric car.

Conceived as a substitute for the 11-year-old e-Up, the brand new mannequin is deliberate to go on sale throughout Europe by the tip of 2027 at a worth equal to round £17,000.

Speaking on the firm’s annual accounts press convention, Schäfer confirmed Volkswagen will resolve throughout the subsequent few weeks what course the ID 1 will finally take.

“The working title is ID 1 and the vehicle is planned for 2027. We’re in the middle of it all. We know what the car should look like,” he stated.

The ID 1 will immediately rival the fourth-generation Renault Twingo, which is deliberate to be launched in 2026 as an electrical hatchback with styling extremely harking back to the unique and with a projected worth just like the upcoming Volkswagen’s.

As properly as deciding what type the automobile will take, Volkswagen has but to lock within the industrial plan for its new entry-level electrical mannequin. “This is extremely challenging,” stated Schäfer.

Given excessive battery and manufacturing prices in Europe, a worth of £17,000 is prone to be achieved solely with giant volumes and excessive economies of scale.

Development and manufacturing prices could be amortised throughout different Volkswagen Group manufacturers, together with Skoda and Seat/Cupra, Schäfer stated, including: “We will make the decision in the short term.”

Recent stories have urged that Volkswagen could join forces with Renault and presumably develop and produce the ID 1 in partnership with the Twingo.

Renault Twingo concept – front

At an earlier press convention this week, Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume stated a choice on an entry-level mannequin can be made in 2024, referencing the opportunity of a tie-up with Renault.

Motorsport

Volkswagen Arteon Production Ends, But The Wagon Soldiers On

In June 2023, Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schäfer introduced plans to axe several lower-volume models to concentrate on extra standard merchandise. The CEO particularly talked about the Arteon, however did not say when that might occur. As it seems, the fancier Passat is already useless. Sort of.

In an e-mail to Motor1, a VW official confirmed the final Arteon sedan (technically a liftback) was assembled in 2023. Martin Hube, spokesperson for the Arteon, Passat, Touareg, and the upcoming ID.2, confirmed the Emden plant in Germany now not makes the Arteon. However, the wagon stays in manufacturing on the manufacturing facility in Osnabrück.


BMW

Change at the top at BMW Group Plant Landshut: Stefan Kasperowski hands over to Thomas Thym.

Landshut. Thomas Thym is set to take over as Head of BMW Group Plant Landshut on 1 December, succeeding Stefan Kasperowski. Thym, aged 52, has been at Plant Landshut since 2019 in the role of Vice President Purchasing, Quality and Production Cockpit and Door Panels. Kasperowski, after nearly four years at Landshut, will assume the leadership of high-voltage battery production at Dingolfing and Regensburg. Carolin Seidel will become the new Press Spokesperson for Plant Landshut on the same date.

“With his extensive production experience, procurement and supplier network expertise and his strong ties to Plant Landshut, Thomas Thym is well positioned to lead the facility to further success in the future,” says Joachim Post, Member of the Board of Management, Purchasing and Supplier Network at BMW AG.

Thym began his career at the BMW Group in 1997 as a project manager in vehicle assembly at Plant Regensburg. He then held positions at the MINI plant in Oxford, England and at Group headquarters in Munich. After leading the international purchasing office in India, Thym took on the strategic direction of the BMW Group’s purchasing and supplier network.

Since 2019, Thym has overseen global purchasing and the supplier network for interior components, as well as production of interior parts such as cockpits and door panels at Landshut and Wackersdorf. “I’m really looking forward to my new responsibilities and can’t wait to write the next chapter in the plant’s more than 50-year success story – together with the excellent Landshut team,” says Thym. “It’s also very important to me to showcase Plant Landshut not only as the largest employer in the region but also as an enduringly reliable local partner with a sense of social responsibility.”

Kasperowski was instrumental in driving the plant’s future direction Under Stefan Kasperowski’s leadership, the company invested around €700 million in Plant Landshut, reinforcing the importance of the BMW Group’s largest component plant worldwide. With Kasperowski at the helm, the light metal foundry – one of the most advanced of its kind – has constantly upgraded its production and logistics solutions, both in terms of efficiency and innovation, and as far as sustainability and circularity are concerned.

New Press Spokesperson at Plant Landshut Also taking on a new role on 1 December alongside Thomas Thym is Carolin Seidel, who will begin work as Press Spokesperson of the Bavarian components plant. Seidel has been at the BMW Group since 2013, focusing on hydrogen/fuel cell technology and sustainability communications in vehicle development in her previous position as Press Spokesperson. Born in Chemnitz, Seidel is excited about her new role and the parallels between her previous areas of focus and the Landshut facility. The 35-year-old is bringing with her a wealth of experience in the world of communications. She spent 2013 to 2016 at the vehicle factories and engine plant run by the BMW joint venture in Shenyang, China. She was then spokesperson for the pilot plant and main plant in Munich up to 2021. “In Carolin Seidel, we are welcoming as our new spokesperson at Plant Landshut an extremely experienced and highly skilled communicator – as far as both our products and production are concerned,” says Julian Friedrich, head of communications at the Dingolfing and Landshut plants.

ToyotaUk

Olympian Gabby Thomas Is Making Strides with Team Toyota

Gabby Thomas, an accomplished athlete and Team Toyota member, made her mark at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 by clinching two medals. But she wants to be remembered not only for her achievements on the track but also for her character.

Thomas expressed her desire to be seen as a role model who exemplifies hard work. She aims to demonstrate excellence and dedication both in her athletic pursuits and in her personal life.

Thomas secured a silver medal in the 4x100m relay and a bronze medal in the individual 200m event in Tokyo. Her impressive performance at the trials, where she broke the Olympic Trials record with a time of 21.61, earned her a spot on Team USA for the 200 meters sprint. Recently having completed her master’s degree in public health from the University of Texas at Austin, Thomas now sets her sights on qualifying for the Olympic Games Paris 2024.

Joining Team Toyota’s prestigious roster, Thomas seamlessly fits among the remarkable lineup of athletes. She interprets Toyota’s motto, “Let’s Go Places,” as an invitation to tackle any challenges head-on. It signifies embracing the journey, striving to be the best version of oneself, and embarking on seemingly impossible endeavors.

New Dreams

Originally from Northampton, Massachusetts, the 26-year-old Thomas graduated from Harvard in 2019. In addition to her academic accomplishments, she excelled in the NCAA Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field Championships, even setting the collegiate record in the 200m event in 2018. Although Thomas initially aimed to pursue a career in medicine, her athletic success prompted a shift in her aspirations.

She explains, “I’ve discovered new dreams – Olympic dreams. Things have clearly changed, and that’s perfectly fine. I often tell people that your journey will evolve, and it’s okay to take detours.”

Instead of medical school, Thomas pursued a master’s degree in public health with a focus on epidemiology. After obtaining her bachelor’s degree, she relocated to Austin to join a training group while simultaneously attending graduate school. While Thomas has developed a passion for track and field, she remains dedicated to her education.

Thomas acknowledges the significance of having diverse support networks. Besides her team, she values the friendship and guidance of her advisor and classmates. Knowing that she has people supporting her in various aspects of her life, beyond just athletics, provides her with a sense of grounding.

Leading by Example

Although balancing the demands of being a master’s student and an athlete presented challenges, Thomas attributes her perseverance to the numerous support systems in her life. With a lifelong involvement in athletics, particularly team sports, she feels that her experiences have equipped her with the necessary skills to collaborate effectively with others. Thomas thrives in team environments, whether it be with Team Toyota or her running teammates in Austin.

She takes on a leadership role within her training group, leading through her actions rather than through loud declarations. Thomas believes in setting an example and embodying the qualities of a leader.

Despite her exceptional achievements, Thomas understands that pursuing ambitious dreams often entails overcoming significant obstacles. As a young African American woman hailing from the Northeast and attending Harvard University, she has faced her fair share of challenges. However, these experiences have helped shape her into the person she is today.

Thomas believes in confronting obstacles head-on, even when they seem insurmountable. She recalls a devastating hamstring injury that kept her out of the World Championships last year. While heartbreaking, Thomas used this setback as an opportunity to showcase her resilience. Returning for the latter half of the season, she achieved remarkable results, exemplifying her unwavering dedication to both her athletic endeavors and personal pursuits.

News

Volkswagen CEO: No Revival for Beetle in Electric Era

The CEO of Volkswagen, Thomas Schäfer, has made it clear that there will be no revival of the Beetle in the electric age. In an interview with Autocar, Schäfer explained that while some of the brand’s nameplates will continue to be important, it is crucial to focus on the future rather than the past.

Recently, there has been much speculation about the future of Volkswagen’s longest-running nameplates. Schäfer had previously indicated that the Golf and GTI would likely continue in an all-electric lineup. Now, he has suggested that other iconic names are expected to make the transition from combustion to electric power.

Speaking to Autocar during a pre-production test drive for the upcoming third-generation Volkswagen Tiguan, Schäfer emphasized the value of current model names. He questioned why Volkswagen would discard names that have been successful and highly invested in, such as the Golf and Tiguan.

When discussing the criteria for an electric revival of a nameplate, Schäfer highlighted the global significance of the model. He stated that there are only a few truly iconic and globally recognized Volkswagen names, like the Golf and Tiguan. Names such as Scirocco and Arteon are unlikely to be revived. This naming philosophy is currently being finalized by the company.

As for the Volkswagen Beetle, Schäfer ruled out its return based on this strict criteria. He explained that certain vehicles, like the Beetle and the Scirocco, have had their time and it wouldn’t make sense to bring them back. Schäfer emphasized the need to invest in the best possible places, considering the costs associated with balancing different technologies.

News

Volkswagen CEO acknowledges the “damage” caused by frustrating interiors and promises improvement

The CEO of Volkswagen, Thomas Schäfer, has admitted that the introduction of touch-sensitive controls in the brand’s cars had a negative impact. He has vowed to create simpler and more functional interiors for future Volkswagen vehicles.

Schäfer made these comments during the pre-production launch of the next-generation Volkswagen Tiguan. The new model’s cabin represents a departure from the interior designs of the Volkswagen ID 3 and Golf. It features two larger infotainment touchscreens and fewer physical controls.

One of the key changes is the removal of the criticized elements from the previous Volkswagen control layouts, such as unlit climate control sliders and haptic steering wheel buttons. Additionally, a new rotary controller has been installed on the center console to facilitate quick access to drive mode and volume settings.

In response to customer feedback, Schäfer emphasized the company’s efforts to address criticism and improve the usability of Volkswagen cars. He acknowledged that the unconventional interior arrangements introduced by his predecessor had caused frustration among customers and had a damaging effect on the brand’s reputation.

Schäfer explained that they spent considerable time systematically evaluating the functions that customers interact with in a vehicle. They prioritized these functions and determined which ones should be assigned to buttons or the screen. They also considered the intuitive reach for specific controls, such as the light switch.

Furthermore, Schäfer highlighted the importance of aesthetics in the design process. They aimed to create a limited number of high-quality buttons with pleasant haptics, similar to the experience of using aircraft controls.

The CEO emphasized the collaborative nature of this effort, involving a large team and extensive planning. They meticulously categorized and analyzed the functions, resulting in a comprehensive Excel spreadsheet.

Schäfer expressed his commitment to maintaining consistency across the Volkswagen lineup. Once they establish the desired formula for interior layouts, he advised against making significant changes with each new model. Instead, he recommended optimizing and refining the existing design to meet future needs without confusing customers.

His ultimate goal is for Volkswagen cars to provide an intuitive experience, ensuring that drivers know the location of all controls without hesitation.