Automotive News Roundup; LPG, Aviation, Fuel, Hydrogen, Electric ,EV, Gas,
London, 20 September, 2023, (Oilandgaspress): – Ford has announced a global $50 billion commitment to electrification, launching nine electric vehicles by 2025. The range is supported by £430 million invested in Ford’s UK development and manufacturing facilities, with further funding planned for the 2030 time frame. This is the biggest industry transformation in over a century and the UK 2030 target is a vital catalyst to accelerate Ford into a cleaner future. Our business needs three things from the UK government: ambition, commitment and consistency. A relaxation of 2030 would undermine all three. We need the policy focus trained on bolstering the EV market in the short term and supporting consumers while headwinds are strong: infrastructure remains immature, tariffs loom and cost-of-living is high. Read More
The Opel Corsa is not only the best-selling small car of 2021 and 2022 in Germany and the United Kingdom. With its new appearance, including the characteristic Opel Vizor brand fascia and fully digital cockpit, it is now officially the best-looking in its market segment. This has been confirmed by more than 14,500 readers of auto motor und sport, the German car magazine, who voted the new Opel Corsa the “Best New Design of 2023”. An overwhelming majority of 53.7 per cent of the votes in the “Small Car” category went to the bestseller from the brand with the Blitz. The “autonis” design award therefore goes to Opel for the second time in succession. Last year, the Opel Rocks Electric won the prize in the “Mini Cars” category with a similarly convincing result.
“The new Opel Corsa is bold and pure inside and out; it combines practicality with driving pleasure and arouses emotions. Also, it already drives purely electrically and gives our electrification offensive major impetus. At Opel we are very pleased about the clear vote,” said Opel Vice President of Communications, Harald Hamprecht, who accepted the award during the awards ceremony in Stuttgart. Bold, pure, full of emotions: New Corsa excites with performance and design
The new Opel Corsa recently celebrated its world premiere at the IAA Mobility in Munich and thrilled the public there. As the Corsa Electric, it comes in two performance levels: with 100 kW/136 hp and a range of up to 354 kilometres and now with 115 kW/156 hp and up to 402 kilometres of locally emissions-free driving fun (according to WLTP1). Read More
DS 3 ESPRIT DE VOYAGE features a bright Pebble Grey interior, with a wide expanse of Pebble Grey Nappa Leather on the dashboard, enhanced with ESPRIT DE VOYAGE embossing. This design illustrates the desire to promote the DS Automobiles expertise from Paris. The manifestation of a map of Europe is plotted by spokes radiating from a Clou de Paris representing the place where this Collection was conceived: the DS DESIGN STUDIO PARIS. The seats have a dual-material finish of Luxembourg cloth paired with Pebble Grey Nappa Leather. As an option, the seats can be in Basalt Black Grained Leather. The front door sills also get the ESPRIT DE VOYAGE signature with this iconic map and the carpet mat edging features a Pearl Grey colour in keeping with the interior. The Pebble Grey headlining further enhances the lightness of the cabin. The bright interior atmosphere is complemented by the Pebble Grey door trim. On the outside, the ESPRIT DE VOYAGE signature is displayed on the front doors and the mirror housings have a special laser-engraved pattern, adapted to suggest movement and aerodynamics and thus symbolise travel. At the front, the grille showcases Gloss Black DS WINGS with a Gloss Black grille punctuated by chrome highlights. The 18-inch KYOTO wheels, now specific to ESPRIT DE VOYAGE, feature an Anthracite Grey diamond finish with a matt coating. Based on the RIVOLI specification, DS 3 ESPRIT DE VOYAGE offers keyless entry and start, DS IRIS SYSTEM multimedia with connected 3D navigation, as well as equipment packs that include heated front seats, front centre armrest, frameless auto-dimming interior mirror, sun visors with illuminated LED courtesy mirrors, footwell lighting, rear privacy glass and LED tail lights. DS 3 ESPRIT DE VOYAGE is a multi-energy model, available as 100% electric (power of 115 kW / 156 hp and 54 kWh of gross battery capacity for 402 kilometres of WLTP range), petrol PureTech 130 Automatic (130 hp with eight-speed automatic transmission) or Diesel BlueHDi 130 Automatic (130 hp with eight-speed automatic transmission). Read More
Orders are now open in Italy for the exclusive closed version of the New Fiat Topolino – the new quadricycle aimed at sustainable mobility, happiness, and the Dolce Vita. The Topolino is the ideal solution for urban and short-range mobility and is accessible to all. “Be the First,” a special online initiative launched on July 4, gave customers the chance to express their desire to purchase and drive the new electric Topolino. The online request was hugely successful, attracting the interest of thousands of customers and covering more than 10,000 units. And now, Italian enthusiasts can order the car. Both the purchase process and delivery – which will be made directly to customers’ homes from January 2024 – will be extremely simple thanks to FIAT’s easiest and most accessible digital ordering process yet. FIAT is staying true to its mission of developing sustainable mobility for cities by making electric driving easy and accessible to all. Joyful, 100% electric, free to circulate everywhere, easy-to-park, and only 2.53 meters long, the New Fiat Topolino is more agile than a car. Read More
Abarth 500e has been selected by the readers of the specialized German automotive magazine “Auto Motor und Sport” as one of their favorites among the automotive design innovations of the year. With a 65.1 percent share of the vote, the first fully electric model from the Scorpion brand was handed the “Autonis award” in the “Minicars” category. This victory is a further confirmation of the passion for the Scorpion brand in the German market, as was also demonstrated by the several “Best Car” titles awarded to the Abarth 595/695 model range by the prestigious magazine. The “Autonis” awards were held for the 18th time. In the 2023 edition, 105 automobile design releases in 11 categories were judged by the readers, with more than 14,500 casting their vote. “Auto Motor und Sport” is one of the top car magazines in Germany and its readers’ choice represents a major benchmark for the trends in the automotive field—further proof of this award’s importance. Voted best design release, the new Abarth 500e perfectly embodies the three pillars of the Brand: performance, style, and sound. Performance – Thanks to its electric architecture, improved weight distribution, instant torque, and wider wheelbase, the New 500e is more Abarth than Ever, offering electric mobility under the Scorpion logo with an authentic driving experience. The 42-kWh battery feeds an electric motor with an output of 113 kW (155 hp), powering the car from a standstill to 100 kph in just 7.0 seconds. Style – The Abarth 500e features a bold and eye-catching design which was also inspired by the appearance of the Scorpion to highlight its power, lightness, and aerodynamic strength. While studying the Abarth 500e design, the Centro Stile’s car designers have tried to weave the animal’s essence into its interiors and exteriors. Outside, the bold exterior look is also highlighted by sporty details and the dedicated Abarth badges and signature. Inside, sportiness and style find their fullest expression with the dark ambience, the Alcantara inserts in the dashboard, the sporty seats, and the steering wheel. Sound – The New Abarth 500e is also the only hot hatch in the field to offer the Sound Generator, which reproduces the legendary sound of the Abarth engine and brings the brand’s sportier soul to everyday roads. Read More
Hongqi is a Chinese luxury car marque owned by the automaker FAW Car Company, itself a subsidiary of FAW Group. Hongqi was launched in 1958, making it the oldest Chinese passenger car marque. In Chinese, hongqi means “red flag.” Originally, Hongqi models were only for high-ranking government officials. Full-Size Smart Electric SUV
In a groundbreaking demonstration of Porsche electric performance, the Porsche Taycan 4S Cross Turismo, has successfully completed the journey across Australia, from Darwin to Bondi Beach, reaffirming the power and viability of electric vehicles in long-distance travel. Covering a distance of 5,000 kilometres, the adventure was not only a testament to the Taycan’s impressive range and performance but also to the growing network of electric charging infrastructure that is rapidly transforming the way we think about all electric travel. From the Northern Territory to the iconic Bondi Beach
The expedition incorporated a vast array of charging options from outback cattle stations, to fast charging stations and Porsche Destination Charging. The Taycan 4S Cross Turismo, equipped with its cutting-edge battery technology, showcased its remarkable endurance and efficiency as it navigated through diverse terrains, off road adventures and a range of weather conditions during the three-week drive from the Northern Territory to the iconic Bondi Beach in Sydney. Configured with the optional 22kw on-board charger, the Taycan 4S Cross Turismo was able to optimise charging times in remote locations. The 19-day journey included 27 charging stops and within the three weeks a total of 85 hours was spent charging, which was mostly completed overnight. Read More
Bentley Motors is opening a new chapter in the ‘Eternal City’, with the inauguration of a new showroom in Rome. Bentley Rome’s state-of-the-art facility is prominently located on the busy Via della Magliana, at the foot of Colosseum Square and in the very heart of Rome’s Universal Exposition. Bentley Rome becomes the brand’s fourth retail partnership in Italy, complementing existing locations in Milan, Padova and Florence. The expansion reflects the growing demand and interest across the country in the luxury British marque and its products. As well as a new showroom offering the brand’s full model line-up and a wide range of Bentley Collection handcrafted accessories, Bentley Rome is also home to a dedicated aftersales facility equipped with three vehicle lifts.
To celebrate this occasion, an exclusive Bentley model took pride of place at the official inauguration – a Flying Spur Speed Edition 12 in the sophisticated new paint finish, Opalite. This limited-edition model celebrates Bentley’s iconic 6.0 litre W12 engine, which will no longer be available to order in Europe from mid-November 2024. The Speed Edition 12, fitting farewell to an extraordinary engineering achievement, offers unique features and includes Edition 12 badging, treadplates, seat embroidery, fascia inlays, and numbered engine plaque. Other exterior features include Blackline specification exterior brightware, 22” black painted Speed alloy wheels, and self-levelling wheel badges. Read More
The Lamborghini Revuelto all-new hybrid V12 super sports car, has already captured the popular imagination with its combination of design, innovative technology and high performance. Now Automobili Lamborghini celebrates the arrival of the new car by involving one of the world’s greatest photographers, Anton Corbijn.
In a series of exclusive images, the Dutch artist has applied his incomparable eye to the Revuelto’s stunning yet highly efficient form. During a shoot spread over two days in the Dolomite mountains, Corbijn channelled 50 years of experience and vision into a subject he’s less well-known for: an automobile. “Some people call me a music photographer but I’m really not,” he says. “In any case I like to go beyond the area that I’m known for.” For anyone interested in music, photography or the graphic arts, Anton Corbijn really needs little introduction. Born in the Netherlands in 1955, he is one of the great artists of our time – a photographer, film maker and creative director. He began his career as a music photographer in his homeland before relocating to London in the late Seventies. Read More
After introduction of the fourth generation, exclusively hybrid Sienna in 2021, one of the most fuel-efficient 7-8 passenger minivans on the market, Toyota upped the van’s outdoors activity capability in 2022, with the Sienna Woodland Edition. In addition to the Woodland Edition, the 2024 Sienna is offered in LE, XLE, sporty XSE, luxurious Limited and ultra-plush Platinum trims. Altogether, it’s a lineup that’s as diverse as it is functional, with good looking swagger to boot.
The Hybrid-exclusive strategy has been a winner for Sienna, capturing 32% of the segment in 2022. The latest-generation Sienna also offers the choice of front-wheel drive (FWD) or Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive (e-AWD) that employs a separate rear electric motor to efficiently power the rear wheels. As a result, the Sienna delivers exceptional fuel economy with an EPA-estimated combined fuel economy of 36 MPG and 35 MPG in the FWD and AWD models, respectively. For 2024, the Toyota Sienna adds an XSE Premium package that includes leather seats with 8-way power adjustablity and memory function for the driver, orange accent stitching in the cabin, tilt telescoping steering column with memory function, 7-inch Multi-Information Display, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated side view mirrors with Blind Spot Monitor, auto reverse tilt, and puddle lamps. The LE and XLE grades receive darkened chrome accented headlights and the wheels on the XSE AWD and Woodland grade take on a darker finish too. With Toyota Sienna customers can choose from 12 different options across the various trims and two drivetrain options. Colors also abound inside and out, with a spectrum of paint colors, like Sunset Bronze Mica on the LE and XLE grade, and variety of seating options like Gray Flannel with Black Embossed Softex® trim on the Woodland Edition and XSE. The 2024 Toyota Sienna is expected to arrive at Toyota dealerships this October, with a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $37,185 (LE grade in FWD). Read More
Toyota Research Institute (TRI) announced a breakthrough generative AI approach based on Diffusion Policy to quickly and confidently teach robots new, dexterous skills. This advancement significantly improves robot utility and is a step towards building “Large Behavior Models (LBMs)” for robots, analogous to the Large Language Models (LLMs) that have recently revolutionized conversational AI. “Our research in robotics is aimed at amplifying people rather than replacing them,” said Gill Pratt, CEO of TRI and Chief Scientist for Toyota Motor Corporation. “This new teaching technique is both very efficient and produces very high performing behaviors, enabling robots to much more effectively amplify people in many ways.” Previous state-of-the-art techniques to teach robots new behaviors were slow, inconsistent, inefficient, and often limited to narrowly defined tasks performed in highly constrained environments. Roboticists needed to spend many hours writing sophisticated code and/or using numerous trial and error cycles to program behaviors. TRI has already taught robots more than 60 difficult, dexterous skills using the new approach, including pouring liquids, using tools, and manipulating deformable objects. These achievements were realized without writing a single line of new code; the only change was supplying the robot with new data. Building on this success, TRI has set an ambitious target of teaching hundreds of new skills by the end of the year and 1,000 by the end of 2024. Read More
Toyota’s approach to accelerate the future of car manufacturing. Since its foundation, Toyota has encouraged its production line members to gather on the shop floor to share their skills, ingenuity and wisdom to help create and mass-produce new products. Toyota employs many highly skilled manufacturing professionals called Takumi. Their delicate work realises high-quality product finishing at a level that robots cannot yet achieve. Since many Takumi skills are based on tacit hands-on knowledge, passing them on to the next generation poses a challenge. Toyota is using digital technology to visualise the practical skills of craftspeople in an easy-to-understand way for next generation and it has the potential to automate these skills in the future. This approach is already leading to new manufacturing and processing methods. For example, Takumi engineers are now able to use advanced processing technologies to realise highly unique designs which were previously considered too difficult to produce. A good example is the world’s first bumper processing technology that successfully applies incremental moulding technology to plastic resin materials on the new Lexus LC. Read More
As a Worldwide Partner of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Toyota is committed to providing sustainable mobility solutions to help build a decarbonised and inclusive society. In the run-up to Paris 2024, Toyota is announcing the supply of 500 fuel cell Mirai vehicles as part of its official fleet for this major sporting event.In its goal to achieve carbon neutrality, Toyota believes in a multi-path approach to mobility through a diverse range of battery electric vehicles, fuel cell electric vehicles, full hybrid vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles. In this way, customers across all regions can benefit by having access to a range of zero and low-emission vehicles which best meet their needs. The Toyota Mirai is a prime example of the company’s commitment to offering zero-emission vehicles. This hydrogen fuel cell powered sedan, combines the advantages of electric mobility with unequalled comfort of use, autonomy, and rapid recharging, demonstrates Toyota’s determination to decarbonise. The Toyota Mirai fleet will be refuelled with hydrogen from renewable sources provided by Air Liquide, Official Hydrogen Supporter of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024. Read More
| Oil and Gas Blends | Units | Oil Price $ | change |
| Crude Oil (WTI) | USD/bbl | $89.90 | Down |
| Crude Oil (Brent) | USD/bbl | $93.14 | Down |
| Bonny Light | USD/bbl | $97.17 | Up |
| Saharan Blend | USD/bbl | $96.39 | Up |
| Natural Gas | USD/MMBtu | $2.74 | Up |
| OPEC basket 19/09/23 | USD/bbl | $97.00 | Up |
Dr. Jörg Homering (53), previously Head of Industrial Strategy at Mercedes‑Benz Vans, will take over as Head of Production and Site at Mercedes‑Benz Ludwigsfelde GmbH on November 1, 2023. He thereby follows Dr. Markus Keicher, who will devote himself to other tasks in the company. As the location and production manager of Mercedes‑Benz Ludwigsfelde GmbH, Jörg Homering will be responsible for the operations of the Brandenburg plant. In his new function, he will drive forward the further development of the site and, among other things, ensure a smooth ramp-up of eSprinter production, which will begin in the second quarter of 2024. Read More
Georgia Tech and Hyundai Motor Group signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on research and applications to support the future of sustainable mobility, including developing a hydrogen economy, workforce development, and making cities smarter and more sustainable, among many other areas of cooperation. The Group is investing $12.6 billion in new dedicated electric vehicle and battery manufacturing facilities in Georgia. This includes the $7.59 billion Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) site in Bryan County, Georgia that will create more than 8,500 direct jobs, and the $5 billion battery manufacturing facility joint venture with SK On in Bartow County, Georgia that will employ approximately 3,500 people. The close proximity of these facilities to Georgia Tech was an important consideration in choosing the locations.
This collaboration builds upon the Group’s long history in Georgia. The Kia Georgia assembly plant began vehicle production in 2009 and was established under the leadership of Honorary Chairman Mong-Koo Chung and Executive Chair Euisun Chung. University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue was Governor of Georgia at the time of the Kia plant opening and also attended today’s ceremony. Read More
Another performance test passed for the BMW iX5 Hydrogen! After the successful Winter testing in Arjeplog, one of the world’s coldest regions, the pilot fleet of the BMW iX5 Hydrogen is now also underlining its suitability for everyday use even at high temperatures. The pilot fleet, which was launched in February 2023 and is powered by hydrogen, successfully completed intensive hot-weather tests in the United Arab Emirates. In this process, the vehicles were subject to many stress tests on various terrains and altitudes and under a range of driving conditions, and impressively proved the fantastic performance and readiness of the fuel cell drive system at up to 45°C. Regardless of whether it’s extreme inclines at high temperatures or changing humidity, the alternative drive of the BMW iX5 Hydrogen mastered all the challenges posed by Dubai both masterfully and effortlessly. The focus of the heat tests in the UAE included trialling and validating the fuel cell system, central vehicle control device, both hydrogen tanks, and the power-buffer battery. The development team based in Munich also paid particular attention to the functionality of all electrical systems and the constant provision of cooling performance. The result: no vulnerabilities whatsoever. It is tests like these that ensure that characteristic BMW driving dynamics can also be experienced in the BMW iX5 Hydrogen.
The pilot fleet is being tested worldwide. Selected target groups who have been road-testing the pilot fleet have been impressed by these BMW iX5 Hydrogen driving dynamics since the beginning of 2023. In this way, BMW Group is constantly driving forward the development of hydrogen fuel technology and underlining its approach of being open to alternative drive technologies. Read More
Baker Hughes Rig Count
U.S. Rig Count is up 9 from last week to 641 with oil rigs up 2 to 515, gas rigs up 8 to 121 and miscellaneous rigs down 1 to 5.
Canada Rig Count is up 8 from last week to 190, with oil rigs up 6 to 119 gas rigs up 2 to 71.
| Region | Period | Rig Count | Change |
| U.S.A | 15 September 2023 | 641 | +9 |
| Canada | 15 September 2023 | 190 | +8 |
| International | August 2023 | 952 | -9 |
Renault Group has decided to make France the heart of its strategy for batteries and electric vehicles. It’s an ambitious decision, covering R&D and engineering as well as production, repair and recycling, and one that is transforming traditional automotive skills. Thanks to its involvement at every stage in the life cycle of the battery, and more broadly of the electric car, the company is making a major contribution to value creation in France. The Group will soon be taking a new step forward with the creation of Ampere, a French-based entity dedicated to electrical and software activities. More than 300 patents have been registered around Mégane E-Tech electric and its CMF-EV platform, for example. A figure that demonstrates the vitality of innovation and the expertise of the engineering teams in France.
To cover a broader spectrum of innovation and share the risks, the company has been pursuing a strategy of horizontal integration, in other words an active policy of partnerships, for nearly 3 years. The aim is to work with the best partners, including many French and European leaders, to make rapid advances in the technologies of the future linked to the energy transition. Examples include the partnerships signed with Whylot (a French start-up in which Renault Group holds a 21% stake) to develop and industrialise on a large scale an innovative axial-flow automotive e-motor, with Airbus to develop new-generation battery systems, and with the CEA to develop a very high-efficiency bidirectional charger. Partnerships are also being developed with the best in the field of software, with Google, Qualcomm and Valeo in particular. But Renault Group also benefits from strong in-house software skills and expertise, following the integration of Intel teams in 2017 and the creation of the Software Factory in 2020. As a result, the Group can call on 2,800 specialist tech engineers, including 1,500 at the Toulouse and Sophia-Antipolis sites alone. Read More
Ferrari N.V. informs that the Company has purchased, under the Euro 200 million share buyback program announced on June 27, 2023, as the third tranche of the multi-year share buyback program of approximately Euro 2 billion expected to be executed by 2026 in line with the disclosure made during the 2022 Capital Markets Day (the “Third Tranche”), the additional common shares – reported in aggregate form, on a daily basis – on the Euronext Milan (EXM) and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as follows: Read More As of September 15, 2023, the Company held in treasury No. 13,082,084 common shares equal to 5.09% of the total issued share capital including the common shares and the special voting shares, net of shares assigned under the Company’s equity incentive plan.
Ferrari N.V. announce that Scuderia Ferrari has renewed its multi-year partnership with sports company PUMA, which will become its Premium Partner starting from next year. In the next years PUMA will also continue to be the licensing partner for Ferrari-branded products and the supplier of F1 team and race wear for Ferrari.
The renewal of the partnership continues and reinforces the successful collaboration between Ferrari and PUMA, which started in 2005.
“Our longstanding journey with PUMA is a testament to an enduring trust and synergy to continue to embrace new opportunities together,” said Benedetto Vigna, Ferrari Chief Executive Officer. “As leaders in our respective fields, we are ready to support each other, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to offer increasingly engaging experiences for our tifosi and brand lovers”.
“Since 2005, PUMA has the ambition to be the best brand partner for Scuderia Ferrari. We have celebrated many successes and the passion for Ferrari with the millions of tifosi worldwide over the past two decades. I’m very excited that we will further deepen our strong partnership by not only prolonging our partnership but further extending the scope of our collaboration,” said Arne Freundt, PUMA CEO. Read More
Volkswagen Group’s brand Elli will showcase new charging products and services as well as unveil its future plans at this year’s International Motor Show (IAA) in Munich. Elli will also give a sneak peek at upcoming energy innovations and its transition to providing holistic energy solutions.At the heart of Elli’s IAA product presentation is the Flexpole. This easy-to-install and flexible fast charging station with an integrated battery storage system can be connected to a low-voltage grid without a special transformer or costly construction work. The Flexpole’s two connectors can deliver fast-charging speeds at up to 150 kW which can deliver up to 160 km range within 10 minutes, depending on the vehicle. “With the new Flexpole and the continued expansion of Elli’s charging network to more than 540,000 charge points, we are quickly and reliably driving forward e-mobiliy’s expansion. Elli is already one of the largest e-mobility service providers in Europe. But, customers aren’t just interested in quantity – and that’s why we’re focusing much more on the holistic charging experience,“ explains Elli CEO Giovanni Palazzo in Munich. With this in mind, Elli offers its customers access to the so-called Selected Partner Network – a network of premium charging point operators that have been selected according to strict quality criteria. This network has optimal charging stops, high-performance charging infrastructure with on-site convenience (e.g. cafés, restaurants, sanitary facilities), and excellent operational reliability. Elli Drive Highway tariff customers also benefit from exclusive, lower energy prices. Read More
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OilandGasPress Energy Newsbites and Analysis Roundup | Compiled by: OGP Staff, Segun Cole @oilandgaspress.
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