Energy/Automotive News| WTI Crude $72.81/bbl, Brent $78.50/bbl, Opec $80.18/bbl
London, 14 January 2024, (Oilandgaspress): – Oil prices edged up on Monday as traders expect supply disruption risks in the Middle East. Brent Crude oil prices are expected to average $74 per barrel this year, Citi said in a note, revising down its previous forecast by $1 a barrel, due to expectations of excess supply.
Mercedes-Benz showcases class-defining digital tech at CES 2024
At CES 2024, Mercedes-Benz is pushing forward with an exciting range of digital advancements set to transform the customer experience – both in-car and beyond. Central to this is a new MBUX Virtual Assistant that uses generative AI and advanced 3D graphics. This makes interactions more natural, intuitive and personalised. Running on the new Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) that has been developed from scratch in-house, MBUX Virtual Assistant paves the way for an extraordinary digital experience. This year’s CES is also the backdrop for the North American premiere of the Concept CLA Class, which is based on the forthcoming Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA). Further highlights include a new in-car music experience called MBUX SOUND DRIVE that’s been developed by Mercedes-AMG in collaboration with American entrepreneur will.i.am[1]. Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz is elevating in-car audio storytelling with a collaboration with Audible and Amazon Music. Also making its North American debut on booth number 4941 is a camouflaged prototype of the new all-electric G-Class. Read full article
Mercedes-Benz, Audible, and Amazon Music write next exciting chapter of in-car audio in Dolby Atmos at CES 2024
The basis for the collaboration is the integration of the immersive Dolby Atmos audio experience in the Burmester 4D and 3D Surround Sound System. Both are available as options in Mercedes-Benz vehicles with the latest MBUX infotainment system. The incorporation of the Audible and Amazon Music apps in MBUX gives customers who have a subscription to these providers immediate access to a continuously growing choice of audio books, Originals, podcasts and music in Dolby Atmos. Audible and Amazon Music subscribers also have access to the entire catalogue of both streaming services. Imagine listening to your favourite author, podcast host or musician in such a fully immersive way that it feels like they are in the car with you. This is audio storytelling as never experienced before in a car. Read full article
Company Car and Van Awards 2024 in the UK
FIAT Professional Ducato has been proclaimed as the winner of the “Large Van of the Year 2024”, continuing its winning streak. For the fifth time in a row, the annual Company Car and Van Awards in the UK has awarded the successful model from FIAT Professional again.
The Ducato has been praised for the variety of models on offer and their magnificent ease of handling as well as the vehicle’s practical interior design and advanced safety features. FIAT Professional Ducato has long established itself as the leader among other commercial vehicles and this award is just another confirmation of the Brand’s ability to keep evolving and leading the innovation.
First unveiled in 1981, the most recent version of Ducato offers a cargo load capacity of up to 17 m3 and payload of up to 1.500 kg. It can also claim the best efficiency in the segment, meaning that a 6m van has the best loading bay length in this category, even 300 mm longer than its main competitors. The completely “in-house” electric version is equipped with a new 110-kWh battery for a best in class zero emission experience thanks to its autonomy up to 420km* in the WLTP cycle and 0-80% recharge in less than one hour thanks to its fast charger up to 150 kW, that makes the E-Ducato a top-performing within its category. An extensive line-up of diesel engines is also available with the latest generation of MultiJet engines, always at the top for performance and durability.
The New Ducato is the first commercial vehicle to be equipped with Level 2 autonomous Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS), enhancing driver and wider road safety to deliver a stress-free driving experience. The New Ducato also features multiple ADAS as standard, providing braking support for unexpected obstacles such as pedestrians and cyclists, lane support, traffic sign recognition and intelligent speed assist. Other exceptional technology features include the full digital cockpit, digital rearview mirror, and full LED headlights. Read full article
Toyota is introducing a series of enhancements to the all-electric bZ4X mid-size SUV, focusing on added convenience, practicality and comfort. Technical adjustments have been made to the battery heating system to reduce battery charging times in cold climates using a DC fast-charging power supply. A new water-to-water heat exchanger and a heating adjustment valve have been added to the heating circuit to help increase battery temperature.
Toyota expects these changes to reduce the 10%-80% DC fast-charging times, especially in cold temperatures and below freezing point.If the weather is cold outside, the cabin climate can be quickly warmed up with new radiant heater, provided as standard on the High grade bZ4X. Installed below the steering column and instrument panel, this provides rapid warmth around the driver and front passenger’s lower legs and feet – occupants will feel the benefit quickly from start-up. The update programme also introduces a new feature to help prevent rear-end collisions, for example in a highway traffic tailback. Provided on Mid+ and High grade models, this uses the Blind Spot Monitor radars to detect when there is a risk of a collision with a vehicle approaching from the rear, automatically activating the rear hazard lights to alert the other driver. The High grade bZ4X will be available with a new digital key. Compatible with both Apple and Android systems, this allows users to open and start the vehicle simply by having their smartphone on their person. The key can be shared between up to five people at any one time, making it simple to give access to family members or business colleagues, or vehicle maintenance and rescue technicians. Read full article
The new Toyota GR Yaris makes its world debut today at the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon, benefiting from technical, design and construction enhancements that promise to deliver an even greater driving experience. The GR Yaris met with such praise and enthusiasm on its launch, Toyota might have considered its work was done. Here was a car that at a stroke stormed to the top of the hot-hatch segment, a rally-born, thoroughbred machine that left all competitors in its wake.
Think again: this was in fact just the start of the story. In the three years since the first car came off the line, intensive efforts have been invested in making it even better: more powerful, more responsive, more engaging and – believe it – more rewarding to drive.
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing engineers, Master Drivers, and race and rally professionals have worked together in the spirit of constant improvement to enrich the GR Yaris’ essential character as a “driver-first” car – one that is all about the special experience you enjoy from the moment you get behind the wheel and fire up the engine.
The check-list of changes is extensive, justifying the “new GR Yaris” description. Key elements include evolution of the world-leading turbocharged three-cylinder engine to deliver even more power and torque and the introduction of a brand-new eight-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission, engineered for competition-fast gear changes. The bespoke GR Yaris chassis has been further strengthened and in the cabin the cockpit layout and driving position have been redrawn for a more authentic sports car feel, whether on-road driving or in motorsports competition. The suspension has also been adjusted for greater handling control and robust performance under high loads, with revised spring rates and a strengthened front shock absorber assembly.The new GR Yaris offers everything that made the original such a success, but more so. As a result, it promises to set itself even further ahead of the competition. Read full article
The 2024 Toyota bZ4X is the Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) that’s made to electrify, blending bold, modern styling with tech-laden features in an extremely capable platform. Available in XLE and Limited grades, it delivers all the fun of electric driving to the daily commute or next round of errands. Its smartly styled SUV package comes in a choice of Front- or All Wheel Drive, has seating for up to five, ample rear cargo space, and premium touches throughout.
For model year 2024, the Toyota bZ4X adds new features focused on convenience and charging capability. A dual–voltage charging cable capable of Level One and Level Two charging* is now standard for both the XLE and Limited grades. The State of Charge percentage when charging, the estimated charge time to 80-percent, and estimated vehicle range will now be displayed via its fully digital Multi-Information Display (MID). Charging times in cold weather conditions have been improved for DC fast charging. Enhancements have been made to the battery thermal system, including the addition of a water-to-water heat exchanger and heating adjustment valve to increase battery temperature, allowing for faster DC charging in cold temperatures. The bZ4X’s refined interior also adds comfort, convenience, and tech for model year 2024. The XLE grade adds to bZ4X’s already refined features with an 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat and power rear lift gate for easy access. The Limited grade gets a tech boost with Advanced Park now standard, designed to assist the driver with hands-free parking when parallel parking or perpendicular parking. Read full article
The UAE and India signed investment cooperation agreements covering the renewable energy, health and food processing sectors as president of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al Nahyan, visits India. The UAE and India entered into a comprehensive economic partnership agreement in May 2022 to enhance trade between both countries. Total bilateral trade between India and the UAE is estimated at about USD 85bn from April 2022-March 2023. For the first six month’s of India’s 2023 fiscal year, India’s total imports from the UAE stood at USD 24.9bn.
Industrial production in Turkey dropped 1.4% m/m in November with declines across mining, manufacturing and utilities production. On an annual basis output was just 0.2% higher in November, its slowest performance since June 2023.
Inflation in Egypt eased to 33.7% y/y in December, its slowest print since May last year. On a monthly basis the headline index rose by 1.4%. Food inflation remains elevated at 60.5% y/y in December though it has slowed from more than 70% y/y earlier in 2023. Inflation may be at risk of re-accelerating after higher prices for electricity were announced earlier this month along with increases in the cost of metro tickets and internet services. The outlook for the next several months will depend in large part on the scale of any potential further devaluation of the pound, although exchange rate pressures are likely already manifesting to a degree through the parallel exchange rate. Elsewhere, the IMF’s managing director Kristalina Georgieva said that the fund remains a “strong partner to Egypt” and that she had met the finance and international cooperation ministers. Read More
Rig Count: U.S. -2 to 619 Canada +88 to 213
U.S. Rig Count is down 2 from last week to 619 with oil rigs down 2 to 499, gas rigs down 1 to 117 and miscellaneous rigs up 1 to 3.
Canada Rig Count is up 88 from last week to 213, with oil rigs up 75 to 133, and gas rigs up 13 to 80.
International Rig Count is down 23 rigs from last month to 955 with land rigs down 23 to 735, offshore rigs unchanged at 220.
The Worldwide Rig Count for December was 1,739, down 55 from the 1,794 counted in November 2023, and down 95, from the 1,834 counted in December 2022.
| Region | Period | Rig Count | Change |
| U.S.A | 12 January 2024 | 619 | -2 |
| Canada | 12 January 2024 | 213 | +88 |
| International | December 2023 | 955 | -25 |
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OilandGasPress Energy Newsbites and Analysis Roundup | Compiled by: OGP Staff, Segun Cole @oilandgaspress.
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