Energy/Automotive News 19 October, 2023|
London, 19 October, 2023, (Oilandgaspress): – U.S. oil refiners have reportedly increased output of diesel, heating oil and jet fuel for winter but are struggling to turn a profit because gasoline margins have fallen over 80% since the summer driving season ended.
Angola expects to maintain its current crude oil production of 1.1 million barrels a day (bpd) into next year, a government official said on Thursday, even as the country looks to stabilise declining output from mature fields. Belarmino Chitangueleca, executive director at the National Agency of Petroleum, Gas and Biofuels (ANPG), also told Reuters in an interview that Angola would announce the winning bidders for its latest onshore licensing round by March. Read full article
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing a supplemental proposed rule to reduce the spread of invasive species that occurs with normal operation of large marine vessels. Following public input on EPA’s 2020 proposed rule—including meetings with states, Tribes, and other stakeholders—the agency is now issuing a Supplemental Notice to share new data and control options raised by stakeholders. This supplemental proposal will bolster the development of a final rule to stem the spread of invasive species and better protect our nation’s aquatic ecosystems.
“The Biden-Harris Administration recognizes that healthy aquatic ecosystems provide real benefits to communities—they help clean our waters, they support commercial fishing, and they enhance recreation opportunities,” said EPA Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator for Water Bruno Pigott. “This supplemental notice will help EPA develop a stronger final rule to protect our nation’s aquatic resources as Congress intended when it passed the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act.” EPA’s proposed Vessel Incidental Discharge National Standards of Performance would reduce the environmental impact of discharges, such as ballast water, that are incidental to the normal operation of commercial vessels. The proposed standards would apply discharges to waters of the United States from:
- Commercial vessels greater than 79 feet in length
- Other non-recreational, non-Armed Forces vessels, such as research and emergency rescue vessels
- Ballast water only from small vessels (vessels less than 79 feet in length) and fishing vessels of all sizes
This supplemental notice shares new ballast water information from the U.S. Coast Guard and additional regulatory options EPA is considering for the final rule for ballast tanks, hulls and associated niche areas, and graywater systems. The agency is requesting comments on the issues identified in the supplemental notice during a 60-day public comment period. The public does not need to resubmit comments from the 2020 proposed rule, as the final rule will address comments received on both the proposed rule and the supplemental notice. Read full article
LSEG: UK gas demand rises to highest levels since February as cold snap hits
Wayne Bryan, Director of Gas Research at LSEG, comments: “Yesterday (Monday 16th October), UK gas demand hit a peak of 135.175 MCM (million cubic metres) – the largest since February this year and the largest in October since 2021.
“The jump in demand was almost certainly due to the warmer than usual start to the heating season, followed by a big drop to a below average daily temperature of 7.3C which prompted many to dust off their thermostats.
“The strong likelihood of lower energy prices in the residential sector this winter compared to last also impacted the ramp up. However, we can still expect consumer behaviour towards energy saving measures to still be present this winter but not at the levels observed last winter.” Read full article
(Reuters) – Ford Motor (F.N) said on Wednesday it is recalling 35,000 Mustang Mach-E electric vehicles because high voltage battery main contactors may overheat resulting in a loss of driving power. The new recall of 2021 and 2022 model year Mach-E vehicles with extended range followed an August investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) into whether Ford’s June 2022 recall of 49,000 Mach-E vehicles properly addressed the issue. Read full article
INDONESIA Driving the EV Revolution. Target of 400,000 battery electric vehicles by 2025. Target of 1.8m battery electric bikes by 2025. Indonesia experienced huge growth in EV sales in 2022 Indonesia’s location in Southeast Asia provides access to a rapidly growing regional market for EVs. Potential of huge domestic demand. Indonesia has the largest population in Southeast Asia and is expected to be the 4th largest economy in the world by 2050. Read full article
Guinea-Bissau’s capital was plunged into darkness on Tuesday after Turkish company Karpowership cut off electricity supplies to the West African nation due to an unpaid debt of $17 million, the economy minister said. Minister Suleimane Seidi said arrangements were under way to pay $15 million of arrears owed by the Electricity and Water Company of Guinea-Bissau and promised the issue would be resolved within 15 days. Karpowership, one of the world’s largest operators of floating power plants and part of the Karadeniz Energy Group, has been supplying 100% of Guinea-Bissau’s electricity needs since signing a deal in 2019, according to its website.(Reuters) Read full article
General Motors announced that it is contributing a vehicle services definition called “uServices” to the automotive software developer community. uServices aims to standardize software interfaces to securely access vehicle systems from anywhere in an OEM’s vehicle ecosystem. This standardized interface and associated programming model enables efficient development of distributed software required by Software Defined Vehicles (SDVs). GM is contributing uServices by joining the Connected Vehicle Systems Alliance (COVESA), a global, member-driven alliance focused on the development of open standards and technologies that accelerate innovation for connected vehicle systems.uServices was introduced to COVESA’s Data Expert workgroup during a meeting in July 2023. GM will be contributing uServices to COVESA throughout October 2023, continuing to add to the program as it is developed. Read full article
General Motors and its joint ventures delivered over 541,000 vehicles in China in the third quarter of 2023.
New energy vehicles (NEVs) continued to post robust growth momentum across brands. The new members of the EV family empowered by GM’s Ultium platform and SAIC-GM-Wuling’s GSEV platform – including the Buick ELECTRA E5 and E4, and the Wuling Bin Guo – have been quickly gaining popularity in the market.
Q3 Performance by Brand
Buick deliveries topped 151,000 units. The performance of the MPV segment leader – the Buick GL8 – remained strong, with sales increasing 9.7% to nearly 40,000 units. The cumulative sales of the brand’s first Ultium models – the ELECTRA E5 and E4 – reached 20,000 units following their launch in the second quarter.
Cadillac had deliveries of over 45,000 units. The CT5 luxury sedan maintained its position as the brand’s best-selling model, with sales surpassing 18,000 units.
Chevrolet deliveries exceeded 50,000 units. Sales of the brand’s best-selling nameplate – the Monza sedan – grew 15% to over 35,000 units. SAIC-GM-Wuling’s deliveries surpassed 295,000 units. The Wuling Bin Guo EV had sales of over 47,000 units. The Baojun Yun Duo was introduced in August to further expand the joint venture’s EV portfolio. The all-new Wuling Star hybrid SUV was launched in September as the brand continues to strengthen its foothold in the passenger vehicle segment. GM also continued to accelerate the development and deployment of intelligent driving solutions tailored for the Chinese market. A new software and digital business organization was established at SAIC-GM in August. It will design, develop and operate software and digital solutions and services aimed at creating a best-in-class intelligent connected experience for the Chinese consumers. Read full article
KBR announced today that its Board of Directors has declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.135 per share on the company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share, to be paid on January 16, 2024, to stockholders of record on December 15, 2023. Read full article
bp’s Archaea Energy announced the official startup of its original Archaea Modular Design (AMD) renewable natural gas (RNG) plant in Medora, Indiana. Located next to a landfill owned by Rumpke Waste and Recycling, this is the first plant to come online since bp’s acquisition of Archaea in December 2022.
Landfill gas, a natural byproduct of the decomposition of waste in landfills, is a form of greenhouse gas. Using the AMD design, the Medora plant captures the gas from Rumpke’s landfill and converts it to electricity, heat or renewable natural gas, which leads to cleaner air, less odor and more sustainable energy when compared with traditional fossil fuel energy.
The Medora plant can process 3,200 cubic feet of landfill gas per minute (scfm) into RNG – enough gas to heat around 13,026 homes annually, according to the EPA’s Landfill Gas Energy Benefits Calculator. Read full article
Saab has received an order from the Japan Self-Defense Forces, JGSDF, for the supply of the man-portable, multi-role weapon system Carl-Gustaf®. The order includes over 300 systems and deliveries will take place in 2025.
Carl-Gustaf is a man-portable multi-role weapon system that provides high tactical flexibility through its wide range of ammunition types. It is extremely light-weight, and has established itself as the main shoulder launched weapon in many countries. It has been in use with the Japan Self-Defense Forces since 1979.
“This order is further proof that our multi-role weapon system Carl-Gustaf meets the high standards of Japan Self-Defense Forces, and we look forward to continuing to support and strengthen their capabilities,” says Görgen Johansson, head of Saab’s business area Dynamics.
Proven to deliver results on the battlefield, Carl-Gustaf provides the effectiveness soldiers need. The wide range of ammunition types for Carl-Gustaf makes it flexible and able to handle any situation, whether it is to defeat an armoured vehicle or structure, or illuminating the battlefield during night operations. The Carl-Gustaf system has a long and distinguished history, which stretches back to 1948, and is now supplied to more than 40 countries around the world. Read full article
Will Toyota’s New Technology Get More People Hooked on Motorsport? No clutch pedal, no gear shifting, but this AT is faster than any manual. Toyota set out to develop a technology that could overturn an established motorsport norm and bring new faces to racing. Chairman Akio Toyoda, aka Morizo, drove a GR Yaris equipped with the new technology at Round 5 of the 2023 ENEOS Super Taikyu Series Supported by Bridgestone, held at Mobility Resort Motegi in Motegi, Tochigi Prefecture, on September 2-3. His team successfully completed the five-hour race. Read More
Renault Group’s Cléon factory, which specialises in manufacturing engines and components for both electric and internal combustion vehicles, could never be mistaken for a mere production plant. It is first and foremost a symbol of human ingenuity and technological innovation. Since the iconic factory founded in 1958, it has shaped the landscape of the automotive industry, recently hitting the impressive milestone of 100 million engines and gear boxes manufactured. Dive into this fascinating industrial arena, where the past meets the future. The Cléon factory is renowned not only for its legendary engines, but also for its gearboxes that have powered many Renault models over the decades. The factory began producing gearboxes for the Dauphine and the 4CV, called the B2 and B3 gearboxes, in reference to the number of gears available. The 1980s saw the development of the J-type gearboxes, with ball or tapered rolling bearings. Over 21 million of these drivetrains were produced! Then, in 1991, Cléon started manufacturing P-type manual gearboxes, boasting five or six gears depending on the version. This piece is still manufactured today, and production has already reached 8 million units. Read More
The Biden administration announced a goal to produce 50 million metric tons of clean hydrogen fuel by 2050 – a roadmap that, if successful, would cut around 10% of the country’s planet-warming pollution by the same date. For the US to transition to clean energy, it will take technologies beyond wind and solar to fuel airplanes, generate electricity and power industry. And the Biden administration is increasingly looking towards hydrogen to meet the demand – a source of energy that burns without pollution and that can be derived from water. But it also could be generated by the fossil fuels it seeks to replace. Read More
Biden’s Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program–or H2Hubs–includes up to $7 billion to establish six to 10 regional clean hydrogen hubs across America. As part of a larger $8 billion hydrogen hub program funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the H2Hubs will be a central driver in helping communities across the country benefit from clean energy investments, good-paying jobs and improved energy security.
Clean hydrogen hubs will create networks of hydrogen producers, consumers, and local connective infrastructure to accelerate the use of hydrogen as a clean energy carrier that can deliver or store tremendous amounts of energy.
The production, processing, delivery, storage, and end-use of clean hydrogen, including innovative uses in the industrial sector, are crucial to DOE’s strategy for achieving President Biden’s goal of a 100 percent clean electrical grid by 2035 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Hydrogen energy has the power to slash emissions from multiple carbon-intensive sectors and open a world of economic opportunity to clean energy businesses and workers across the country. Getting hydrogen right would mean unlocking a new source of clean, dispatchable power, and a new method of energy storage. It would mean another pathway for decarbonizing heavy industry and transportation. Read More
Three championship titles are up for grabs at the finale of the 2023 Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland at the Hockenheimring (20 to 22 October). While the Dutchman Larry ten Voorde has already taken home the overall championship title, the Rookie, ProAm and Teams categories are yet to be decided. A 32-strong field of Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars will tackle the final two of this season’s 16 races on Germany’s Formula 1 racetrack. The titles in the other Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland classifications are still up for grabs. However, among the Rookies – including eleven young drivers from six nations – the title looks pretty much in the bag for leader Theo Oeverhaus (CarTech Motorsport Bonk). The German sits 41 and 42 points respective ahead of his pursuers, Vincent Andronaco (Allied-Racing) from Hamburg and Harri Jones (Scherer Sport PHX) from Australia. Ranking seventh overall, Oeverhaus is also the best-placed young driver from the Talent Pool of the Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland. Read More
Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) announced it will collaborate with smartphone platform companies to allow a wider variety of iOS and Android phone users to gain digital access to Hyundai, Kia and Genesis brand vehicles[1] via the Digital Key 2 convenience feature.
The Group’s Digital Key 2 is one of the first services in the automotive industry to support cross-platform compatibility for contactless sharing of digital key capabilities between smartphones. “We were the first in the automotive industry to offer Apple and Samsung’s contactless Digital Key 2 feature when we launched it on the Genesis GV60,” said Hyung Ki Ahn, Senior Vice President and Head of Hyundai Motor Group’s Electronics Development Center. “Through active collaboration with our partners in the smartphone industry, we will continue to enhance customer experience and security around car connectivity.”
In the past, it was not possible to share digital keys for Hyundai, Kia or Genesis vehicles between iOS and Android-based smartphones, but the expanded service now allows more users to unlock, lock and start compatible vehicles using select Apple iPhone, Samsung Galaxy or Google Pixel devices. Select phones will even allow automatic unlocking of the car as the user walks near it, removing the need to hold the smartphone against the driver-door handle. The Group has reorganized the way Digital Key 2 is provided through the manufacturer’s app to expand compatibility. The expanded service is available not only for Apple and Samsung smartphones, but also for Google Pixel phones. It will be expanded to other smartphone makers in the future. Read More
OPEC Secretary General receives highest rank of Brazil’s prestigious Order of Rio Branco
HE Haitham Al Ghais, OPEC Secretary General, was presented with the highest rank of the Order of Rio Branco (rank: Grand Cross) of the Federative Republic of Brazil in recognition of his distinctive achievements in the fields of energy and international cooperation, as well as the exceptional efforts exerted to promote dialogue and cooperation between OPEC and non-OPEC oil-producing countries in the interest of stability in the global oil market.
The honour was conferred by HE Ambassador Mauro Vieira, Brazil’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, during a ceremony held at the Itamaraty Palace in Brasilia.
The prestigious Order is bestowed by the President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, who serves as the Grand Master of the Order, through a presidential decree. It was created in memory of the notable Brazilian diplomat and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, HE Jose Maria da Silva Paranhos Junior, who is widely regarded as the father of the Brazilian diplomacy, to recognize distinguished individuals with outstanding merits that have provided meritorious service, and carried out actions and deeds worthy of honourable mention.
In his acceptance speech, Secretary General Al Ghais thanked the Government of Brazil led by HE President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for the recognition, noting that receiving such an acknowledgement is a testament to the efforts undertaken by the Organization and its 13 Member Countries in the interest of sustainable stability in the global oil market and energy security. Read More
| Oil and Gas Blends | Units | Oil Price US$/bbl | Change |
| Crude Oil (WTI) | USD/bbl | $86.86 | Down |
| Crude Oil (Brent) | USD/bbl | $89.74 | Down |
| Bonny Light | USD/bbl | $93.66 | Up |
| Saharan Blend | USD/bbl | $93.68 | Up |
| Natural Gas | USD/MMBtu | $3.03 | Down |
| OPEC basket 18/10/23 | USD/bbl | $94.46 | Up |
When the 2023 BMW Ladies Championship tees off on Thursday, it marks the start of the deciding stage of this season’s Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour, which culminates with the CME Group Tour Championship in Florida (USA) at the end of November.
New Zealander Lydia Ko, who was born in South Korea, is the defending champion at the tournament, which takes place at the Seowon Valley Country Club for the first time. The former world number one triumphed last year at Oak Valley Country Club after an excellent final round of 65. The 26-year-old now tees off just a few kilometres from her birthplace of Seoul as she strives to defend her title. However, Ko will be up against some outstanding opposition. The field for the 2023 BMW Ladies Championship could hardly be stronger.
Eight of the top ten players in the “Race to the CME Globe” – the LPGA ranking list – will go head to head. In Lilia Vu (USA), Yin Rouning (CHN), Allisen Corpuz (USA) and Celine Boutier (FRA), the winners of all four majors in 2023 are also represented. The field also includes no fewer than eight of the twelve players that won the prestigious Solheim Cup for Europe in Malaga, Spain, at the end of September. Nelly Korda from the USA will also tee off at the BMW Ladies Championship for the first time. The 25-year-old daughter of former world-class tennis player Petr Korda won the gold medal at the Olympics in Tokyo in 2021 and will now enhance the high-class field in the metropolitan region of Seoul. <a href=”When the 2023 BMW Ladies Championship tees off on Thursday, it marks the start of the deciding stage of this season’s Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour, which culminates with the CME Group Tour Championship in Florida (USA) at the end of November.
New Zealander Lydia Ko, who was born in South Korea, is the defending champion at the tournament, which takes place at the Seowon Valley Country Club for the first time. The former world number one triumphed last year at Oak Valley Country Club after an excellent final round of 65. The 26-year-old now tees off just a few kilometres from her birthplace of Seoul as she strives to defend her title. However, Ko will be up against some outstanding opposition. The field for the 2023 BMW Ladies Championship could hardly be stronger. Eight of the top ten players in the “Race to the CME Globe” – the LPGA ranking list – will go head to head. In Lilia Vu (USA), Yin Rouning (CHN), Allisen Corpuz (USA) and Celine Boutier (FRA), the winners of all four majors in 2023 are also represented. The field also includes no fewer than eight of the twelve players that won the prestigious Solheim Cup for Europe in Malaga, Spain, at the end of September. Nelly Korda from the USA will also tee off at the BMW Ladies Championship for the first time. The 25-year-old daughter of former world-class tennis player Petr Korda won the gold medal at the Olympics in Tokyo in 2021 and will now enhance the high-class field in the metropolitan region of Seoul . Read full article
Stellantis introduced Pro One as the enhanced strategic offensive of the Company’s Commercial Vehicles Business to achieve global leadership, encompassing the professional offerings of six iconic brands of Stellantis – Citroën, FIAT Professional, Opel, Peugeot, Ram and Vauxhall.
Stellantis Pro One customers will benefit from this umbrella business that covers: class-leading vans, pickup trucks and micro-mobility options; leading and next-generation electrified propulsions; a connected converter/upfitter ecosystem; fully connected vehicle technologies; and, a full business partnership mindset to maximize professional customers’ business efficiency, minimize costs and grow profitability. With the Commercial Vehicles Business today accounting for one-third of Stellantis Net revenues with 1.6-million-unit sales annually, the Pro One strategy will help Stellantis to achieve the Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan targets: doubling of commercial vehicle net revenues by 2030, compared to 2021; a 40% electric vehicle (EV) sales mix; and, generating €5 billion in service revenues.
As part of the Stellantis Pro One launch, a fully renewed van lineup for each brand will be revealed on Monday, October 23 featuring second-generation zero-emission powertrains, a unique hydrogen solution, full connectivity, and top-level autonomous driving assistance systems. Read full article
Baker Hughes Rig Count: U.S. +3 to 622 Canada +13 to 193
U.S. Rig Count is up 3 from last week to 622 with oil rigs up 4 to 501, gas rigs down 1 to 117 and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 4.
Canada Rig Count is up 13 from last week to 193, with oil rigs up 8 to 116 gas rigs up 4 to 76 and miscellaneous up 1.
| Region | Period | Rig Count | Change |
| U.S.A | 13 October 2023 | 622 | +3 |
| Canada | 13 October 2023 | 193 | +13 |
| International | September 2023 | 940 | -12 |
Rig Count Overview |
drilling operations on a given well
The new Lancia flagship, launched in a 100% electric version in 2026, will be produced at the Melfi plant in Italy. It is almost 4.7 meters long, an elegant and innovative fastback, that will cover the largest segment of the market. It will be based on the STLA Medium platform and will be produced at the Italian plant in Melfi, thanks to the significant investments within the Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan.
“The new Lancia flagship will be a stunning and elegant Italian car, beautiful on the outside and on the inside, where you will really feel like being in the living room of an Italian home. The car will take the Italian spirit around Europe, with almost 50% of the units sold out of Italy. The STLA Medium platform will be perfect for Lancia: as a native BEV platform, it will be highly efficient to optimize comfort, and will be available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions. This platform will give to the new Lancia flagship an overall performance at the highest level, in terms of both efficiency and with a range of over 700 km.” stated Luca Napolitano, Lancia brand CEO.
Lancia has a 10-year strategic plan that includes three new products, one every 2 years. The New Ypsilon, launched as both hybrid and electric in 2024; the new Lancia flagship launched in 100% electric in 2026 and the Delta launched in 100% electric in 2028. The Lancia electrification strategy implies that starting from 2026, Lancia will offer in its lineup only electric vehicles, and from 2028, it will sell only electric vehicles. Read More
Stellantis Heritage department is making an exclusive one-off called the Fiat Multipla 6×6, which is destined to become a collector car.
The designer of the new creation is Roberto Giolito—the “father” of the Multipla and Head of Stellantis Heritage (Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Lancia, Abarth). In this video (link), Giolito speaks about the original model’s strengths and the genesis of such a unique vehicle. The Heritage operation was inspired by six amusing characters drawn by Giolito in 1998 to amusingly and unconventionally depict life on board the vehicle.
The designer stated: “These six characters, these six ways of perceiving the car, have made a comeback on and in the first collector Multipla. It is a joyous tribute, in typical Fiat style, to a model which still attracts interest 25 years later and continues to hint at new ways of transporting and accommodating people. That’s why six amusing characters for six different ways of experiencing this vehicle have inspired the Multipla 6×6.” Currently under production, the Multipla 6×6 will be on show from November 17th to 19th at the Milano Auto Classica show. Afterwards, it will be sold to a collector who is passionate about imaginative and unconventional Italian design. It is possible to receive information about it by writing to the following email, visiting the website (link), or contacting the Heritage team, which will be at the Auto e Moto d’Epoca show in Bologna from October 26- 29. Read More
The inaugural Southeast Asia edition of the Lamborghini Esperienza Giro kicked off with a convoy of over 40 Lamborghini super sports cars and super SUVs from Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, bringing together over 100 customers from across Southeast Asia for an unforgettable three-day journey from Penang, the Pearl of the Orient, to Kuala Lumpur, the dynamic capital of Malaysia. Celebrating 60 years of Lamborghini, the event allowed guests to enjoy a panoramic driving experience, indulge in exclusive cocktail receptions and Michelin-starred cuisines, before retreating to luxurious five-star accommodation over the course of the tour.
The driving commenced in Penang, a state steeped in rich cultural heritage, and continued to Ipoh on day two, where guests were welcomed by a tranquil oasis of natural hot springs, caves, and lush gardens. The convoy then proceeded to Genting Highlands to experience breathtaking mountain scenery and vibrant entertainment. The journey concluded in Kuala Lumpur, the dynamic and pulsating heart of Malaysia, where the capital’s charm lies in its unique blend of tradition and innovation, narrating a story of progress from its colonial past to its status as a modern metropolis. Read More
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