Tag Archives: will

BMW

Ready for the Electric Future: Groundbreaking on New BMW Group High Voltage Battery Assembly Factory in South Carolina, USA

  • New BMW Group Plant Woodruff will produce high-voltage batteries for fully electric BMW X models at Plant Spartanburg.
  • Investments of $700 million in the construction of the new Plant Woodruff and $1 billion in Plant Spartanburg in preparation for electric vehicle production
  • Local for Local: short distances between cell supplier, battery assembly, and vehicle production plant

Woodruff, S.C., U.S.A. – The BMW Group broke ground for a new high-voltage battery assembly plant in Woodruff, South Carolina, signaling a major step towards building electric vehicles in the United States. The BMW Group Plant Woodruff will produce sixth-generation batteries to supply fully electric vehicles at nearby BMW Manufacturing in Spartanburg. The plant is expected to create over 300 jobs and has potential for further growth.

According to Ilka Horstmeier, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for People and Real Estate, the new battery assembly plant in Woodruff will play a vital role in the company’s electric future in the USA. The expansion is not just about increasing the company’s footprint in South Carolina, but also about preparing the associates for future electric vehicle production through the new Technical Training Center at the Spartanburg plant.

Robert Engelhorn, president and CEO of BMW Manufacturing in Spartanburg, stated that the groundbreaking ceremony marks the beginning of a new era for Plant Spartanburg, which will now produce fully electric BMW X models for the global market. The Woodruff plant is expected to be state-of-the-art, focusing on sustainability, flexibility, and digitalization.

Extensive Investments in Plants Spartanburg and Woodruff

In October 2022, the BMW Group announced a significant $1.7 billion investment in its U.S. operations. This includes $1 billion for preparing Plant Spartanburg for the production of fully electric vehicles and $700 million to construct a new high-voltage battery assembly plant in Woodruff. The Woodruff facility will occupy approximately 100 acres of land and will house various buildings such as a technology building, cafeteria, fire department, and energy center.

Local for Local: Short Distances between Battery and Vehicle Production.

To promote localization, the BMW Group will source battery cells for its electric vehicles from partner AESC’s new battery cell factory in Florence, South Carolina. The cells will be specifically designed for the sixth generation of BMW eDrive technology, offering increased energy density, faster charging speed, and extended range. The company aims to reduce the carbon footprint in battery cell production by up to 60 percent by utilizing cobalt, lithium, and nickel that include secondary material and by using green power from renewable energy sources.

High Ecological Standards: Binding CO2 when pouring concrete

The BMW Group Plant Woodruff, known as the next BMW iFACTORY, will meet high ecological standards. The plant will operate without fossil fuels, relying solely on 100% green electricity. The BMW Group has set a goal to reduce CO2 emissions in its global production network by 80 percent by 2030 compared to 2019. The plant will have photovoltaic systems installed on its roofs, use intelligent LED lighting with motion detectors and efficient dimming strategies, and collect rainwater for non-production purposes. Furthermore, an innovative technology that injects captured CO2 into the fresh concrete during the mixing process will be used, enhancing both carbon sequestration and concrete strength.

BMW Group in South Carolina

Since 1992, the BMW Group has invested around $12.4 billion in its South Carolina operations. BMW Manufacturing in Spartanburg is the largest BMW Group plant globally, producing over 1,500 vehicles each day. The plant is crucial for meeting the high demand for BMW Sports Activity Vehicles and Coupes in the U.S. and international markets. Approximately 60 percent of BMW vehicles sold in the U.S. in 2022 came from Plant Spartanburg, showcasing its significance. The plant has a production capacity of up to 450,000 vehicles annually and employs over 11,000 people.

Ongoing Commitment in the U.S.

Aside from sales and marketing operations, the BMW Group has a strong presence in the U.S., with nearly 30 locations in 12 states and a wide dealer network. The company’s operations, both directly and indirectly, provide and support more than 120,000 jobs in the U.S. and have contributed $43.3 billion to the U.S. economy. The BMW Group aims to continue making significant contributions to the country’s automotive industry.

News

Update: Aston Martin partners with Lucid for 2025 electric SUV

Aston Martin has announced a partnership with Lucid to develop their 2025 electric SUV. As part of the agreement, Aston Martin will have access to Lucid’s electric drive units. These units integrate the motor, invertor, and transmission and boast a power density of 9hp per kg. This is more than double Tesla’s power density and eight times that of Hyundai’s motors. Additionally, Lucid is working on motors for racing that have an impressive 17hp per kg.

Aston Martin’s electric cars will utilize four motors, potentially reaching power outputs of up to 1500bhp. Lucid CEO and Chief Technology Officer, Peter Rawlinson, highlighted the difference in their approach: “Aston will use four motors, we’re three. Aston Martin is taking it to the next level.” Aston Martin’s four motor technology will feature a twin-motor front axle that will be unique to their vehicles.

Lucid will also supply battery cells and modules, which Aston Martin will incorporate into a battery pack of their own design. All components will be manufactured at Lucid’s factory in Arizona and then shipped to the UK.

Rawlinson noted that the technology is derived from Lucid’s Air model but with significant software changes. The main differences lie in thermal integration and battery layout. Aston Martin’s technical chief, Roberto Fedeli, aims to have the first electric Aston drivetrain operational on a test bench by the end of the year and a prototype running on the roads by early 2024.

The powertrain will be installed in a “fully flexible BEV platform, modular in height and wheelbase” that is designed to endure until the 2030s, according to Fedeli. This platform will allow Aston Martin to create a sports car that is 2cm lower than their current Aston Martin Vantage, thanks to the compact size and design of Lucid’s cells. Fedeli emphasized the importance of maintaining Aston Martin’s tradition of producing low, sports cars.

However, Aston Martin’s first electric vehicle will not be a sports car but an electric SUV crossover, as hinted in a teaser sketch released alongside the news about the partnership with Lucid. It is expected that an electric GT model will follow by 2030, but for now, the focus is on the SUV crossover.

News

BMW M5 Touring to Make a Comeback in 2024 as a 700bhp-Plus Hybrid

The BMW M5 Touring will be making a return in 2024, after being absent from the lineup since the discontinuation of the E60-generation model in 2010.

BMW has confirmed that the new M5 will be available as both a saloon and estate model, and will feature a hybrid powertrain, as previously reported by Autocar.

The hybrid powertrain is expected to combine BMW’s 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged S63 V8 engine with a rear-mounted electric motor. Sources close to BMW claim that the combined power and torque outputs of the two units will be around 790bhp and 737lb ft.

Early prototypes of the new M5 were said to use a lithium-ion battery similar to the 12.0kWh unit found in the outgoing BMW 545e. It is still uncertain whether this battery will be used in the production versions of the next M5, as BMW M is rumored to be developing its own performance battery with ultra-rapid discharge properties.

The larger batteries found in the upcoming 530e and 550e PHEVs suggest that the new M5 may also receive a more capacious battery pack.

“We are now also installing a hybrid drive system with typical M performance in other high-performance cars,” said BMW M development head Dirk Häcker.

The power from the hybrid powertrain will be delivered through an eight-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox, and the M5 will feature a rear-biased xDrive four-wheel drive system.

The next generation of the M5 will also have a heavily reworked chassis, with notable features such as a wider front and rear track.

The introduction of the new BMW i5 won’t bring an all-electric M5, but the M division has made modifications to the electric saloon. The i5 M60, while not as focused on performance as the M5, can still accelerate from 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds, thanks to its dual-motor powertrain that produces a combined output of 593bhp and 605lb ft.

News

Fiat Ends Production of Grey-Coloured Cars to Emphasize Joy and Optimism

As part of its effort to position itself as a “brand of joy, colours, and optimism,” Fiat has decided to stop producing cars painted in grey, despite it being the most popular car colour in the UK. The change will begin with the release of the 600, Fiat’s answer to the Jeep Avenger, which will be available for sale later this year. The new strategy aims to give Fiat’s cars a distinctive character in their respective markets and provide the company with a competitive advantage.

Grey has traditionally been the preferred colour choice among UK customers, with over a quarter of new cars sold in the country last year being grey. Fiat’s CEO, Olivier Francois, explained that the decision to eliminate grey cars is intended to reinforce the brand’s leadership in joy, colours, and optimism. The change aligns with the company’s vision of conveying the values of “dolce vita” and the Italian DNA embodied by the brand.

In conjunction with the elimination of grey cars, Fiat has introduced a new tagline: “Italy. The land of colours. Fiat. The brand of colours.”

Fiat’s current lineup includes five models: the 500, electric 500, 500X, Panda, and Tipo. All of these models are now available in white, orange, red, blue, green, gold, and black, with each colour named after Italian landscapes.

This decision follows a series of changes made by Fiat as it transitions to becoming an all-electric car manufacturer by 2030. The company will continue producing small cars and has plans to introduce five new models within the next five years, in addition to its existing electric Fiat 500. Furthermore, Fiat is developing a range of models based on the 2019 Centoventi electric concept, which may see the revival of the Panda nameplate.

News

New 2024 Skoda Kodiaq gains hybrid power and overhauled interior

Skoda has announced the details of the upcoming version of its largest SUV, the new Skoda Kodiaq. The SUV will be fully revealed in the autumn and will be available for sale in early 2024. The second-generation Skoda Kodiaq offers more interior space, introduces electrified powertrains, and incorporates various new interior technologies. Skoda provided a sneak peek of the model through a camouflaged prototype.

The new Kodiaq will be offered with two petrol and two diesel engines, ranging in power from 147bhp to 201bhp. All-wheel drive will be available on top models. Additionally, the Kodiaq will now feature hybrid power for the first time. The electrified range includes a 147bhp 1.5-litre TSI mild-hybrid petrol engine and a 201bhp plug-in hybrid as the top of the range option. The plug-in hybrid model utilizes a 25.7kWh battery, enabling it to achieve a range of over 62 miles on electric power alone. Charging can be done at speeds of up to 50kW.

All engine options are paired with a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission, except for the plug-in hybrid model, which comes with a six-speed DSG. The Kodiaq will also undergo an exterior redesign, with the new SUV being 61mm longer than its predecessor. This increase in length allows for a boot space of 910 litres in the five-seat version, while the seven-seat version offers between 340 to 845 litres depending on the seating configuration.

In terms of the interior, the Kodiaq has undergone a significant overhaul. The gear lever has been relocated to the steering column for the first time, and a larger 12.9-inch touchscreen has been installed. The rear now features a new storage compartment with cupholders and a touchscreen display cleaner, and the driver’s door houses Skoda’s signature umbrella.

Klaus Zellmer, Skoda chairman, expressed his confidence in the new Kodiaq, stating, “The Kodiaq has been an absolute success for Skoda ever since its launch in 2016, when it kick-started our SUV campaign.”

Featured

Lower Variant Of Facelifted Kia Seltos Spotted Uncovered Ahead Of July Launch


It will finally be receiving one most-awaited feature: a panoramic sunroof

  • Kia will launch the facelifted Seltos on July 4.

  • New spy video shows a Tech Line variant of a white Seltos with black roof.

  • Its exterior changes include new alloy wheels and connected LED taillights.

  • The video also gives a quick glimpse of the cabin showing the connected screens setup.

  • New features onboard to include dual-zone AC and ADAS.

  • To be provided with the same 1.5-litre petrol, turbo-petrol and diesel engines as the Carens.

  • Prices are likely to begin from Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom).

We are just a week away from the launch of the facelifted Kia Seltos in India. Leaked images and videos of the updated compact SUV have been surfacing online, with the latest sighting revealing an undisguised Tech (HT) Line variant of the new Seltos.

What Does The Video Uncover?

The spy video shows the facelifted Seltos in a white with black roof exterior paint option, without any camouflage. It showcases the SUV’s bigger grille, new alloy wheel design, and connected LED taillights. The video does not confirm if the spotted model had the panoramic sunroof or not.

Interior Updates

While there isn’t much revealed about the SUV’s interior in the video, a brief glimpse shows an all-black cabin and the connected screens setup. Kia is expected to offer the Seltos with a revamped cabin and dashboard layout, featuring newly designed central AC vents and a more premium climate control panel.

More Tech To Play With

In addition to the new climate control panel and panoramic sunroof, the Kia Seltos is likely to come with a digital driver’s display. The touchscreen options will remain the same, with 8-inch and 10.25-inch screens. Key features like ventilated front seats, wireless phone charging, and an air purifier are expected to be retained.

The SUV’s safety kit will include advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), such as lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control. Other safety features onboard are expected to be six airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchorages, and a 360-degree camera.

A Familiar Set Of Powertrains

The new Seltos will be offered with the same 115PS, 1.5-litre petrol and 116PS diesel engines as the current model. The petrol engine will continue to be paired with a 6-speed manual transmission and a CVT, while the diesel engine will get a 6-speed iMT and a 6-speed AT. Instead of the 1.4-litre turbo-petrol unit, the facelifted Seltos will receive the Carens’s 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine (160PS/253Nm), paired with either a 6-speed iMT or a 7-speed DCT.

Launch And Price

The facelifted Kia Seltos is set to go on sale on July 4, with prices expected to start from Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom). It will compete against the Maruti Grand Vitara, Hyundai Creta, Skoda Kushaq, Toyota Hyryder, Volkswagen Taigun, MG Astor, and the upcoming Citroen C3 Aircross.

Image Source

Read more on: Seltos diesel

Motorsport

2024 Audi SQ8 High-Performance SUV Spotted Testing with Camouflaged Fascias

The Audi Q8 is set to undergo a mid-cycle refresh, and recent spy photos taken by Motor1.com reader Tom Ryan from Colorado gives us a glimpse of the upcoming SQ8 variant being tested on public roads. Despite the camouflage covering its front and rear fascias, we can still see some of the updated design elements.

These new photos offer a close look at the styling changes on the SQ8. The revised headlights, new bumpers, upgraded grille, and tweaked side skirts will position the SQ8 between the regular Q8 and the hotter RS Q8, which Audi is also planning to update. The quad oval exhaust tips confirm that this model is the performance-focused S trim.


Motorsport

2024 Kia Telluride: New Running Lights and Price Increase

The 2024 Kia Telluride is set to hit the market with a modest increase in pricing across its different trims. The base model LX, which is front-wheel drive, will start at $37,355 (all 2024 prices include the $1,365 destination charge). On the other end, the top-tier SX-Prestige X-Pro trim will have a price tag of $54,550. Limited inventory of the 2024 Telluride will be available this month.

Kia has made some minor styling changes to the 2024 Telluride, resulting in a more rugged and refined appearance. However, these tweaks may not be immediately evident. One notable addition is the inclusion of amber daytime running lights across all models of the SUV. In the X-Line and X-Pro trims, Kia has replaced the dark metallic trim on the bumpers, lower door garnish, grille surround, and headlight bezels with a sleek black gloss finish.


Motorsport

BMW M5 Touring Teaser Shows Off Upcoming, High-Performance Wagon

The next-generation BMW M5 will include a Touring wagon variant, and a recently released teaser provides a glimpse of its silhouette. The long-roof model is set to be released in 2024.

BMW has promised that the M5 Touring will offer “uncompromising long-distance comfort and impressive spaciousness.” The company has also confirmed that the vehicle will utilize a partially electrified drivetrain. This particular setup is believed to be related to the one found in the BMW XM, which includes a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine, an electric motor, and a 29.5-kilowatt-hour battery. While the Label Red version of the SUV generates 735 horsepower and 735 pound-feet of torque, the power output for the M5 family remains unknown at this time.


Citreon

Citroën Announce Partnership with Rewilding Social Enterprise Citizen Zoo

Citroën UK has partnered with Citizen Zoo to support their rewilding activities in the UK. Citizen Zoo will be using Citroën’s all-electric ë-Berlingo Van for their various rewilding projects, such as releasing Beavers in west London and Large Marsh Grasshoppers in Norfolk, as well as restoring Kingston’s largest nature reserve. The van will also be used to transport equipment for monitoring Water Voles in southwest London. The partnership aims to help Citizen Zoo travel across the country with zero-tailpipe emissions.

Citizen Zoo is a Social Enterprise dedicated to restoring nature and rewilding in the UK. Their engagement programs bring people and communities together to create a world full of diverse and abundant nature.

Lucas Ruzo, Chief Executive Officer of Citizen Zoo, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating that Citroën has shown true leadership in their commitment to rewilding and the electric car transition. He emphasized that the ë-Berlingo Van will provide the mobility needed to deliver on their projects and restore nature with the help of communities.

The Citroën ë-Berlingo Van offers load volumes up to 4.4m3 and payloads up to 803kg. With a 50kWh battery and a 100kw (136hp) electric motor, it has a zero-emission range of up to 171 miles (WLTP). It also supports 100kW rapid charging, with a 0-80% charge achieved in just 30 minutes.

Greg Taylor, Managing Director of Citroën UK, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership and the opportunity to support Citizen Zoo’s work in restoring habitats, reintroducing species, and empowering communities. He is looking forward to seeing the ë-Berlingo Van in action, supporting Citizen Zoo’s incredible work across the country.

Rewilding Our Future- Citizen Zoo – Join Us Today