Latest Energy / Automotive News As Reported:
London, 25 August, 2023, (Oilandgaspress) : American Petroleum Institute (API) joined with the State of Louisiana and Chevron U.S.A. Inc. in filing a challenge to the Department of the Interior (DOI) Bureau of Ocean Management’s (BOEM) Final Notice of Sale for Lease Sale 261. Today’s challenge follows BOEM’s announcement yesterday to hold the final offshore lease sale mandated by the Inflation Reduction Act, but with significantly reduced acreage and severe restrictions on oil and natural gas vessel traffic.
“Today we’re taking steps to challenge the Department of the Interior’s unjustified actions to further restrict American energy access in the Gulf of Mexico,” said API Senior Vice President and General Counsel Ryan Meyers. “Despite Congress’ clear intention in the Inflation Reduction Act, the Biden administration has announced a ‘lease sale in name only’ that removes approximately 6 million acres of the Gulf of Mexico from the sale and adds new and unjustified restrictions on oil and natural gas vessels operating in this area, ignoring all other vessel traffic. Together with the State of Louisiana and Chevron U.S.A. Inc., we intend to use every legal tool at our disposal to challenge these actions.” Read More
Bentley Motors has made further investments in its customer experiences by creating new fully immersive, innovative and digitally engaging experiences at its historic Crewe headquarters, which will launch from September 2023. From 1 September 2023, this new adaption of the manufacturing base will allow customers to create their own Bentley design legacy as well as enjoying a transformational, digitally immersive, 3D lineage experience that will bring the story of Bentley’s long and rich history to life. This significant development is a further extension of its landmark £2.5 billion investment in future product development and the Bentley ‘dream factory’ headquarters which employs over 4,000 people.
Bentley customers will be welcomed to Crewe by a dedicated host who will create a personalised factory tour to inspire and stimulate ideas for their final specification.
A new customer experience area in the Excellence Centre for Vehicle Finish will offer every opportunity to create a piece of custom art. Clients will be invited to choose from a range of the latest paint finishes, sustainable hides, stitching designs, finest wood veneers, hoods, carpets and seatbelt varieties with design consultants on hand to provide advice on combinations and final aesthetic that will make their dream car a reality.
The dedicated wood shop with more than nine sustainable wood finishes from around the world will enable customers to select their own veneers and learn how their car will be precision book and mirror matched. Bespoke finishes such as stone, carbon fibre and machine turned aluminium are also offered.
Beyond100 will see the Bentley factory (already carbon neutral) becoming carbon positive by 2030. It has resulted in a complete transformation of the product portfolio, Crewe campus and greenfield facility, targeting benchmark production operations and sustainable luxury mobility leadership. The first ever Battery-Powered Electric Vehicle (BEV) Bentley will also be developed and built at the UK factory. The new Factory Tour celebrates its sustainability success at every part of the journey, showcasing not only dedication to ensuring materials are sourced ethically but also how solar power is harnessed, the environment is protected through planting on site and how Bentley is nourishing the future with its own family of Bentley Bees. Read More
Bank of America saw 44% growth in electric vehicle charging transactions during the first half of 2023. Additionally, 65% of active Customized Cash Rewards cardholders have used their card to pay for cable, internet, streaming and phone plans in the past year – with more than 70% of this spend including recurring charges. Customized Cash Rewards Features – With these enhancements, the Customized Cash Rewards card continues to stand out as a highly versatile option. Cardholders can earn 3% cash back in their choice of the following categories:
Gas & EV Charging Stations. Consumer and small business cardholders can now earn 3% cash back at electric vehicle charging stations as a part of the expansion to the gas category, and consumer cardholders can also earn 3% cash back on cable, streaming, internet and phone plans within the online shopping category. Read More
ROVOP, a leading supplier of subsea Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) to the energy industry, has secured a new five-year contract with Energean PLC, the leading independent, gas-focused E&P company in the Eastern Mediterranean. This milestone contract is ROVOP’s first dedicated field support award for an E&P company. The ROV system had been strategically placed in the region to support scopes such as this contract. ROVOP will deploy a work class ROV onboard Energean’s owned field support vessel, the Energean Star. The Star is a newly converted platform supply vessel (PSV) designed to carry out a range of support tasks for Energean.
Following a safe and successful mobilisation in Cyprus, the vessel has transited to the strategically important Karish gas field, located approximately 75km offshore Israel in 1750 meters water depth. The ROV system and offshore team will carry out a range of tasks from general ROV support to subsea survey and intervention works to support the maintenance and further development of the field. Read More
Porsche celebrates 60th birthday of the 911 with Retro and Heritage Design Sneakers. Porsche Lifestyle Group is presenting two special limited sneaker editions in collaboration with global sports company Puma. The launch and exclusive pre-sale will take place on September 5 at the Porsche pop-up store at the IAA Mobility in Munich.The sneaker models specially designed for the anniversary reflect the impressive history of the iconic sports car: the Retro Sneaker symbolizes the past and the Heritage Sneaker the present of the Porsche 911. Both models are not only limited, but individually numbered, making each pair unique. Read More
J.D. Power named Hyundai as its overall innovation leader for the mass market segment in the 2023 U.S. Tech Experience Index (TXI) StudySM. This marks the fourth consecutive year that Hyundai has secured the top position in the U.S. TXI Mass Market Innovation Index rankings. The 2023 Palisade also received the emerging automation award for reverse automatic emergency braking technology, known at Hyundai as Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA [i]). In addition, the 2023 Sonata received the infotainment and connectivity award for phone-based Digital Key [ii] technology. These awards underscore Hyundai’s steadfast commitment to pioneering advancements that redefine the driving experience for consumers nationwide.Hyundai SmartSense encompasses an array of technologies and features precisely designed to elevate driver safety, convenience, and the overall driving experience. Read More
Stellantis is expanding its SPOTiCAR program into the United States. SPOTiCAR, which first launched in 2019 across 11 countries in Europe, was created to simplify the individual purchasing experiences of customers and businesses, supported by a digital offering and specialized dealerships. SPOTiCAR offers a selection of pre-owned vehicles across the Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, FIAT, Jeep®, Ram and Wagoneer by Jeep brands that are selected, appraised and prepared by specialists across Stellantis, giving customers access to a broader range of vehicles and services.
“SPOTiCAR arrives in the U.S. at a time of rapid change in the fast-growing, extremely competitive and highly digitalized global used-car market,” said Head of U.S. Sales Jeff Kommor. “With SPOTiCAR, Stellantis further establishes itself as a multi-brand pre-owned vehicle operator. The program is designed to create a stress-free experience for customers in search of a pre-owned vehicle. Buyers can search the Stellantis brand vehicle of their choice through our designated SPOTiCAR website, and easily determine where to locate the one nearest to them before making their final purchase online or directly at the dealership.” Consumers can buy and sell pre-owned vehicles on SPOTiCAR.com by entering their zip code. The system will populate with all available vehicles within that area. SPOTiCAR offers a choice of vehicles from all brands, including Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, FIAT, Jeep, Ram and Wagoneer, through participating dealers across Stellantis’ 2,600-plus dealer network. SPOTiCAR is the new manufacturer-certified used-vehicle program for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Wagoneer, FIAT and Alfa Romeo. Read More
Over 700 operators, 250,000 m2 of exhibition space over 16 pavilions: this is the 62nd edition of the Caravan Salon Düsseldorf, a benchmark event in Europe for manufacturers and final customers of recreational vehicles (RV). The Stellantis booth at the German show covers 500 m2 in Hall 16 (D42) and, as in the 2022 edition, is a multibrand display including Citroën, Fiat Professional, Opel and Peugeot. This implies the renewal of a promise, based on precise and strategic communication guidelines that reflect the positioning as a “family for families”.
A family of products expanded two years ago as a result of the merger between the FCA and PSA Groups, offering the opportunity to extend and complement the line-up. With four distinct brands, Stellantis can now meet every need of families that use RV and visit the Salon to discover the latest trends and news in a constantly expanding market, even thanks to a greater professional flexibility given by new broadly adopted smart-work habits and to the appeal of taking vacations in single-family households, in quieter locations, and in contact with nature. Hence the decision to mount a powerfully inspirational stand, recalling the emotive values of freedom, independence and taste for discovery. The predominance of green, recalling the closeness to the natural environment to be explored, is enriched with the photos of fascinating places and happy moments of family life, some of them directly collected by the customers themselves and exhibited in a diashow on a screen which looks like a picture frame. As well as at RV final customers, Stellantis is also showing its broad new range of products to the recreational vehicles manufacturers – demonstrating to offer the widest possible range of models and sizes intended for the market and for the road. Read More
Citroën has chosen to present its Type Holidays van at the Düsseldorf Caravan Show, one of the world’s leading leisure vehicle events, set to run this year from 25 August to 3 September 2023. The concept combines the iconic Citroën Type H with the more modern SpaceTourer, resulting in an interior arrangement that will soon be available across the Citroën network, through a range that will be called “Holidays”.. Citroën has always been inspired by the idea of freedom and sharing, and it was quite naturally that it should strengthen its commitment to this fast-growing market by building on the qualities of the SpaceTourer. Read More
Campervans and RVs remain very trendy and the freedom that comes with a camping holiday is attracting more and more people. It is therefore almost certain that the Caravan Salon 2023 in Düsseldorf (August 25 to September 3) will also prove to be a magnet for visitors. As in 2022, Opel will also be present this year and will be showing the flexible Opel Vivaro at Stellantis Stand D42 in Hall 16. The spacious van is the ideal basis for converting to a camper, as various specialists demonstrate at the exhibition. A dream for campers: The comfortable and flexible Opel Vivaro. With the Opel Vivaro, customers can choose from the lengths “M” (4.95 metres) and “L” (5.30 metres). The Vivaro M presented in Düsseldorf is configured as a two-seater and offers variable space for occupants and luggage if required. Manual sliding doors on each side of the vehicle allow easy entry and exit from the passenger compartment, while the dark-tinted side and rear glazing protects against prying eyes. Buyers can choose between the locally emissions-free, battery-electric Vivaro Electric with 100 kW/136 hp (battery size either 50 or 75 kWh) and efficient 1.5 and 2.0-litre turbo-diesels with outputs from 75 kW/102 hp to 130 kW/177 hp. Read More
The Toyota Sienna is bringing the beats with a one-of-a-kind 2023 Sienna special build called “Sienna:Remix”1. Featuring a professional grade 60-speaker sound system, high-resolution video screen, and LED lighting, this Toyota Sienna is the ultimate party machine. It’s a surprising concept that turns the van swagger all the way up, showing off a wild reimagination of Sienna as a DJ booth on wheels.
The “Sienna:Remix” is a concept vehicle that goes all-out in paying tribute to the shared language of music. “With this custom Sienna build, we wanted to amplify the moments we all share with friends and family through music,” said Toyota Marketing and Communications General Manager, Joe Moses. “By putting a creative twist on the style and function of Sienna, this unique concept celebrates those times when we’re all inspired and energized by music.” From the outside, the vehicle has Sienna’s sporty and spacious styling, but on the inside it’s anything but ordinary. Key changes to this Sienna used for the build were removal of the rear liftgate door, which was replaced with swingout doors, removal of the roof panel in the center of the vehicle, addition of a 2-inch lift with heavier springs and 22-inch wheels, and extensive use of noise dampening materials. Read More
On the heels of the highly anticipated reveal of the 2024 Tacoma, Toyota teamed up with DC’s newest Super Hero in his debut movie, “Blue Beetle,” which made its world premiere in theaters last week. The action-packed movie, filled with heart and humor, features multiple generations of Tacoma as Jaime Reyes is forever changed when an ancient piece of alien technology, the Scarab, transforms the college grad into the hero The Blue Beetle.
Jaime and the entire Reyes family depend on their favorite 3rd generation Toyota Tacoma throughout the movie. The “Taco” is the pride and joy of Jaime’s Uncle Rudy, played by George Lopez. Watch how Blue Beetle, his family, and their trusty Tacoma are able to take on anything. Also, be on the lookout for a special cameo appearance by the All-New 4th generation Tacoma.
Toyota’s design and engineering teams collaborated with DC to develop a unique 2024 Tacoma design and signature paint featured in the film.
“We tasked our talented CALTY Studio team, led by Scott Roller, to conjure up a Tacoma that matched the singular style of the beloved, soon-to-be-iconic ‘Taco’ Uncle Rudy has made his own over the years, but in a way that was modern and integrated with the new 2024 Tacoma design,” said Tacoma Chief Engineer Sheldon Brown. “This is where the design of the ‘Blue Taco’ came from, and it was a pleasure to work on.”
Toyota trucks have a history in Hollywood, as the 1985 Toyota SR5 Xtra Cab was the coveted truck of Marty McFly in the 1980s film “Back to the Future.” Additionally, the first-generation Tundra was featured in “Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines,” with 600 T3 Special Edition Tundras sold that same year. The 2024 Tacoma is the latest iteration of this off-road 4×4 icon and features an available i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain offering up to 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft. of torque. This new truck has a rugged style, multiple powertrain options, 4×4 capability, and the latest safety and tech features. Also, new for 2024 is the first ever Trailhunter grade, which has been engineered from the ground-up to be the ultimate overlanding machine. The all-new 2024 Tacoma will be in dealerships by the end of the year. Read More
Production start for Statfjord Øst project. With this project, Equinor and its partners expect to increase production by 26 million barrels of oil equivalents from Statfjord Øst. The project is completed with sound safety results and is expected to deliver within estimated cost, despite the inflation and weakened Norwegian krone. Production starts six months ahead of schedule. “This proves the importance of extending the life of mature fields and maximizing value creation from existing infrastructure on the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS). The project contributes to extending the life of Statfjord C to 2040. The profitability is high, and the value of increased production equals around NOK 20 billion at the current oil price. This is good use of resources which provide ripple effects for Norwegian suppliers,” says Camilla Salthe, Equinor’s senior vice president for Field Life eXtension (FLX). Two new wells have been drilled from existing subsea templates, and three additional wells are to be drilled. Statfjord Øst is tied to the Statfjord C platform, and the project includes a modification on Statfjord C and laying of a new pipeline for gas lift to the subsea wells. Read More
Saab showcases missile system on Oshkosh vehicle at DSEI
The purpose is to demonstrate the possibility to integrate the missile-equipped RBS 70 NG Mobile Firing Unit (MFU) with Saab’s ultra-rugged tactical electronics, low-latency video distribution system and the Barracuda Mobile Camouflage System onto the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV). Come to Saab’s stand H7-210 at DSEI to learn more.
The aim is to address the growing requirements for mobile air defence and strengthen land users capabilities to meet these current and future challenges. Saab’s industry-leading MFU uses the RBS 70 NG missile system with its unjammable laser guided missiles, which provide threats with little forewarning and even less means for countermeasures. The fully integrated multispectral Barracuda Mobile Camouflage System conceals the vehicle while also allowing the JLTV’s rapid deployment against air-based targets when needed.
“We are now offering the most modern mobile air defence solution, which is a perfect match with our existing multispectral camouflage capabilities on the JLTV vehicle. We are ready to support Oshkosh’s current customers as well as offering this to new users,” says Görgen Johansson, head of Saab’s business area Dynamics.
The Saab-provided tactical electronics and low-latency video distribution system aid the crew through increased situational awareness of the battlefield.
A partnership between Saab and Oshkosh Defense was announced in June 2022, focused on the fully integrated solution of Saab’s Barracuda Mobile Camouflage System (MCS) onto the JLTV. Read More
Gastech 2023, taking place 5-8 September at Singapore EXPO, has expanded to include a dedicated Climatetech exhibition and conference programme, in recognition of climate technology’s critical role to play in the world’s decarbonisation efforts.
As investor enthusiasm for climate technologies remains strong, and the wave of policy incentivisation continues, Gastech 2023’s Climatetech zone – hosted by ENGIE and ExxonMobil – will seek to accelerate the deployment of new climate technology solutions across the entire energy value chain and bring together established energy players, policy analysts, investors, and Big Tech.
The Climatetech zone will also – for the first time – host a European Pavilion, organised by the European Innovation Council of the European Commission, where 17 companies will promote the innovation and ingenuity of European companies in natural gas, LNG, hydrogen, low-carbon solutions, and climate technologies, as well as the wider energy value chain. Read More
Ithaca Energy, one of the largest oil and gas producers in the UK, has reduced investments and is deferring some projects this year and next, due to the burden of the windfall tax Britain has levied on the industry. The windfall tax, the so-called Energy Profits Levy, has prompted many companies operating offshore the UK to cut investments and review projects. After the UK raised the windfall tax to 35% at the end of last year, Harbour Energy, the biggest oil and gas producer in the UK North Sea, backed out of the latest licensing round aimed at awarding more than 100 new licenses. Shell has said it would be re-evaluating each project comprising its $30.5 billion (25 billion pounds) planned investment in the UK energy system, and TotalEnergies has said it would slash its investment in the UK by 25%. Read More
U.S. crude inventories fell by 6.1 million barrels in the week to Aug. 18 to 433.5 million barrels
| Oil and Gas Blends | Units | Oil Price $ | change |
| Crude Oil (WTI) | USD/bbl | $79.56 | Up |
| Crude Oil (Brent) | USD/bbl | $83.88 | Up |
| Bonny Light | USD/bbl | $84.91 | Down |
| Saharan Blend | USD/bbl | $83.23 | Down |
| Natural Gas | USD/MMBtu | $2.47 | Up |
| OPEC basket 24/08/23 | USD/bbl | $ 85.71 | Down |
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OilandGasPress Energy Newsbites and Analysis Roundup | Compiled by: OGP Staff, Segun Cole @oilandgaspress.
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