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London, 20 February 2024, (Oilandgaspress): –Renault will unveil Renault 5 E-Tech electric for the world in Geneva The Renault brand will be at the 91st Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS), from 26 February to 3 March 2024, at the same 2,900 sq. metre stand as ever in Hall 4.
The press conference to unveil Renault 5 E-Tech electric will start at 9:30 am CET on Monday 26 February at the stand, and will be streamed live.
Renault’s new line-up in the spotlight
At its stand – R5VOLUTION IS A FRENCH THING – Renault is showcasing its product offensive with the latest models in its electric and hybrid line-up:
E-Tech electric: Renault 5, Megane and Scenic
E-Tech full hybrid: Espace and Rafale
Renault 5 E-Tech electric is the first vehicle to include Reno, Renault’s interactive avatar. At a demonstrator in the ovoid at the centre of the stand, visitors will be able to chat with this new, clever and friendly travel companion brimming with character. Read full article
Hyundai Motor Company today welcomed Fitch Ratings’ (Fitch) upgrade of the company’s Long-Term Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) and senior unsecured ratings to A- with a stable outlook from a previous rating of BBB+.
The rating upgrade reflects the continued improvement in Hyundai Motor’s brand strength and market position in key markets, Fitch said in its report. Geographical and product diversification as well as improved profitability and cash generation, and large liquidity buffers were also taken into consideration, it added. Read full article
Porsche Penske Motorsport will once again field three Porsche 963 race cars at the Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans in the 2024 season. The organiser, ACO, confirmed that the Porsche works team will campaign a third car at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.French works driver Mathieu Jaminet will helm the No. 4 car, with the other drivers announced at a later date. In addition to the three hybrid prototypes from Porsche Penske Motorsport, the customer teams Hertz Team Jota and Proton Competition will be competing in the top Hypercar class with three more 963 on 15/16 June. At least two Porsche 911 GT3 R will contest the LMGT3 category.
Extraordinary sporting event
In its 101st year, the 24 Hours of Le Mans is developing into an extraordinary sporting event with record-breaking spectator numbers. On the third weekend of June, Porsche has set its sights on clinching its 20th overall victory in the world’s biggest endurance race. To maximise its chances in the fierce competition between numerous manufacturers in the top Hypercar class, the Porsche Penske Motorsport works team applied early for the opportunity to enter a third Porsche 963. This Monday (19 February), the Le Mans organiser Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) accepted the application. The additional hybrid prototype from Weissach will take on the competition with the starting number 4. Works driver Mathieu Jaminet from France has been confirmed as the first driver. . Read full article
1,088 PS. From zero to 200 in 5.6 seconds, purely electric: Klaus Bachler drives the Porsche GT4 e-Performance. Klaus Bachler is right at home in the land by the river – which is what Austria calls itself in the second line of its national anthem. And currents in their electrified form have had a part in fuelling his professional life since 2020. As a race driver, the Austrian native of Styria races up to 25 weekends a year in petrol-powered GT Porsches. But when he talks about being one of the development drivers of the Porsche GT4 e-Performance, he especially likes to emphasise the word ‘privilege’.
This car made history one spring day almost three years ago, when Bachler drove the first few metres in this historic race car for Porsche. It is the first all-electric racing car to be built in-house, and it represents the future of racing – or rather, drives it. . Read full article
UAE – France High-Level Business Council 2nd Plenary meeting in Paris
H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, the UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and MD & CEO of ADNOC, and Mr. Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies chaired, this Monday in Paris, the second plenary meeting of the UAE – France High-Level Business Council, in the presence of H.E. Bruno Le Maire, French Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty.
H.E. Dr. Sultan Al Jaber conveyed the greetings of the UAE leadership to the French side and affirmed the leaderships’ keenness to enhance further the longstanding and strategic bilateral relations between the two countries. “I would like to emphasize the pivotal role the Council plays in reinforcing both leadership commitments to elevating the existing vibrant economic ties between the two countries and the importance of mobilising the private sectors on both sides to deliver sustainable economic development collaboration opportunities and partnerships,” said Dr. Sultan.
H.E. Bruno Le Maire stressed the importance of business dialogue between key French and UAE players. « The ambition we share is to develop very concrete joint-projects, contributing to our countries’ strategic goals in terms of innovation, industrial development, and ecological transition », declared the Minister. « I am particularly delighted to see that climate transition is becoming a central focus of economic cooperation between our two countries. Businesses have a central to play in this area, which must translate into larger volumes of green investments, and therefore more green projects developed between French and Emirati companies », he added.
“I am pleased to welcome our colleagues from the UAE here in Paris, to reinforce the dialogue initiated last year in Abu Dhabi and celebrate the Council’s first achievements. They have been made possible by the strong commitment of the private sector in key domains, ranging from energy to transport, and beyond. I look forward to witnessing further strengthening of these collaborations, as I am convinced that the Council is a fruitful platform for the development of mutually beneficial sustainable investments”, stated Mr. Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies.
The meeting witnessed the signing of the MoU to establish the ”UAE- France Bilateral Climate Investment Platform”, a pragmatic investment framework that will enable French and Emirati investors to accelerate the deployment of joint projects and investments of mutual interest in the clean energies sectors, with a particular focus on advancing the decarbonisation of Hard-to-Abate (HTA) Industries. The Platform includes French and Emirati Anchor Partners, ADNOC and Masdar from the Emirati side; TotalEnergies, Bpifrance, and CMA-CGM from the French side. The Platform is aimed to attract additional investment partners over time. The MoU was signed by H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, the UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and H.E. Bruno LE MAIRE, French Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty.
In addition, TotalEnergies and Masdar signed an MoU for partnership in the development of Renewable Energy Projects in emerging markets. The MoU aims to explore potential collaborations and development of joint projects in the field of renewable energy in emerging markets of common interest in Central Asia and Africa, as part of the two countries’ efforts to develop joint projects and contribute to supporting global goals for reducing emissions and achieving climate neutrality and confirming their commitment to supporting efforts seeking to achieving a well-organised, responsible, fair, and realistic transition. The MoU was signed between Mr. Mohammed Jamil Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, and Mr. Patrick Pouyanné, CEO of TotalEnergies.
The Council reviewed the progress of the working groups during the past year and praised ongoing joint projects between Emirati and French companies in several strategic sectors, including energy and climate, transport and logistics, and financial investments. Read full article
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing is renewed and ready to defend its FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) titles against the biggest-ever grid of Hypercar competition when the 2024 season begins in Qatar on 2 March.After seeing off challenges from Cadillac, Ferrari, Peugeot and Porsche last season on its way to a fifth consecutive world title double, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing joins a field of 19 Hypercars this season, including newcomers Alpine, BMW, Isotta Fraschini and Lamborghini.
An experienced and proven line-up will be in the driving seat. In the #7 GR010 HYBRID, Mike Conway, 10 years on from his debut with the team, races alongside Team Principal Kamui Kobayashi and newcomer Nyck de Vries, a former TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Test and Reserve driver..The GR010 HYBRID Hypercar has won 16 of its 19 races since its 2021 debut. The car’s appearance takes on a striking updated identity for 2024. An all-new matt black livery represents TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s commitment to making ever-better motorsports-bred cars and continuous evolution, refining its hybrid technologies through competition in endurance racing. Read full article
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Stellantis is considering building up to 150,000 low-cost electric vehicles (EVs) in Italy, in its Mirafiori complex in Turin, as part of its agreements with Chinese automaker Leapmotor, Automotive News Europe said on Monday.
The Franco-Italian automaker last year bought a 21% stake in electric vehicle maker Leapmotor in a $1.6 billion deal. As part of that deal, the two groups announced a joint-venture, which is 51%-controlled by Stellantis and which gives the European carmaker exclusive rights to manufacture Leapmotor’s products outside China. Stellantis Chief Executive Carlos Tavares said at that time that Leapmotor’s cars would be visible in Europe within a maximum of two years. Production of Leapomotor’s cars in Italy could start as soon as 2026 or 2027, Automotive News Europe said, quoting sources familiar with the matter. Read full article
Bentley’s sector-defining Continental GT has started 2024 by attaining two significant awards, as Best Car in two major European markets. The definitive Grand Tourer has been elected by the readers in Germany and in Switzerland.
In Germany, the class-leading Bentley Continental GT has won the ‘Best Cars’ title at the Auto Motor und Sport awards for a third consecutive year. More than 92,000 readers took part in the 48th annual poll, choosing from a record 455 cars in 13 categories. Despite strong competition, Bentley’s definitive Grand Tourer was selected winner of the prestigious luxury import category.
In Switzerland, the Continental GT received the title of ‘Best Car’ in the luxury class, elected by the readers of Auto Illustrierte for the first time ever. Readers took part in the election, choosing from 422 cars in 13 categories.
The exquisitely-crafted Continental GT created the modern, luxury Grand Tourer segment when it was first launched in 2003. Now in its third generation, the Continental GT offers a unique blend of unparalleled touring ability and driver-focussed technologies, features that again impressed the readers.
These awards are a fitting finale for the last, combustion-engined Continental GT models offered in Europe. Last November, Bentley Motors announced that order books for V8 versions of the Continental GT and GTC had closed in the European region, although they remain available in other markets. The move is in line with the company’s ground-breaking Beyond100 strategy that will see every Bentley model offered with the option of a hybrid variant by 2025. Production of Bentley’s iconic W12 engine will also end in 2024, with more than 100,000 units handbuilt in Crewe. Read More
Bentley Motors is proud to announce the limited edition one of one Private White V.C. Bentayga, by Mulliner. This bespoke Bentayga commissioned by Bentley Manchester and Mulliner is a true expression of British heritage, handmade craftsmanship and luxury fashion that both Private White V.C. and Bentley Motors represent. This unique specification of Bentayga has already secured its home, having been sold to a local enthusiast.
Private Jack White was born in 1896 and enlisted to help the war effort in World War 1. He returned to Manchester as a war hero after being awarded the Victoria Cross for his gallantry by saving an officer, men and equipment by tying a copper telephone line around himself, and swimming across a river under heavy gunfire to rescue others.
Taking inspiration from the courage of Private White and today’s clothing line, the specially commissioned Bentayga Azure uses multiple copper detailing throughout the cabin including seat piping, embroidery and bespoke features, representing the copper telephone line.
Additionally, to the seats and door interiors, clean purposeful sewing lines reflect the style and functionality of military inspired clothing. Bespoke embroidery including the Victoria Cross emblem to the headrests and Private White V.C. lettering finish the cabin details off perfectly. Loose cushions to the rear have been crafted from a Lancashire-woven cashmere cloth commissioned exclusively to commemorate Jack White’s regimental blanket stripe.
The dashboard includes organ stops finished in anodised copper and a silhouette of ‘Cottenham House’, the Private White V.C. factory built in 1853, to the passenger fascia. As a hidden delight not only are there bespoke treadplates, but in the door pockets a subtle embroidered bulldog can be found representing the company’s unofficial mascot who can often be seen at the factory today. Read More
Automobili Lamborghini and Bologna FC 1909 strengthen their collaborative relationship and sign a sponsorship agreement until June 2025 for the women’s football team. For the occasion, Automobili Lamborghini welcomed the entire delegation of the first women’s team including players and technical staff, to its museum in Sant’Agata Bolognese. During the tour the athletes explored the history of Lamborghini through the super sports cars exhibited in the museum and had the opportunity to test drive the Lamborghini Urus.
Already a historic institutional partner of Bologna FC 1909, Automobili Lamborghini further strengthens the relationship between the automotive world and that of sport, adding projects dedicated to the women’s team for the next two seasons. Initiatives linked to the men’s team will be joined by those communicating and raising awareness of the association’s themes around diversity, equity and inclusion. Read More
Alpine returns to the sport’s premier class with the A424, a prototype developed over the last year and a half.
As tradition dictates, the Prologue kicks off the FIA WEC season. A true rehearsal, this two-day test gathers all the competitors for their final preparations before the first race. With a maximum of 14 hours of track time over four sessions, Alpine Endurance Team and its crews are about to step up their efforts to perfect their automatisms with the A424.
The Lusail International Circuit, a new addition to the calendar, represents an unprecedented challenge for the entire field. Inaugurated in 2004, the 5.419 km track features a rhythmic sequence of 16 medium and high-speed corners, coupled with one of the longest straights of the season (1,068 metres). Although the track offers flexibility in terms of set-up, the French team will have to deal with challenges specific to Qatar. As Alpine discovered when it scored a podium finish at the inaugural Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix in 2021, gusty winds and sand can dramatically impact conditions, while the kerbs can be particularly aggressive towards the cars.
To make the most of this two-day test, the A-arrow brand can rely on the talent and adaptability of its drivers, as well as Mick Schumacher’s previous experience of the track. One of the few competitors to have already raced at Lusail, the German will be accelerating his endurance learning curve with the support of teammates Nicolas Lapierre and Matthieu Vaxiviere in the n°36, as well as Paul-Loup Chatin, Ferdinand Habsburg and Charles Milesi in the n°35. Involved in the A424’s development programme, the crews will also seek to collect valuable set-up and handling data on their prototype in the traffic. Read More
KBR (NYSE: KBR) announced today that its Board of Directors has declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share on the company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share, to be paid on April 15, 2024, to stockholders of record on March 15, 2024. . Read More
Marcus Decker, one of two men imprisoned for scaling the QE2 Dartford Crossing in October of 2022, has been released on bail, however now faces a potentially lengthy battle to avoid deportation. Marcus took action to demand that the UK government immediately halts all new licensing and consents for fossil fuel exploration and extraction. [1]
After climbing 60 metres (200ft) up the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge and releasing a Just Stop Oil banner, Marcus and fellow Just Stop Oil supporter Morgan Trowland remained on the bridge for almost 40 hours before being removed by police. [2]
Marcus has now been imprisoned for 490 days as of Monday the 19th of February and has served the longest sentence ever for peaceful protest in British legal history. Marcus is a German citizen with leave to remain in the UK. However, he now faces automatic deportation and potentially a prolonged legal battle for him to remain in the country with his partner and two step-children. [3]
On release from HMP Highpoint, Marcus addressed media outside with the following statement: . Read More
Renault, which is also an activist brand, is enhancing its iconic vehicle’s launch with 5 Movements, a programme with five French startups in the mobility sector. Each collaborative project revolves around a natural element – earth, water, air or snow – and all these mobility objects are groundbreaking, compact and high-performance.
Reverso – Antoine Simon
The first folding sailing dinghy
Reverso, a French startup, is blazing new trails with an eponymous compact, ultra-stable, rigid-hull sailboat. It is 3.40 by 1.45 metres and can be disassembled into four independent floating parts, making it convenient to store and transport. Reverso’s cutting-edge design, high-end materials and hand crafting in France make it the perfect choice for adventure on the water.
Evol BMX – Olivier Le Quellec
The first electric BMX
Evol BMX is the result of a collaboration between Olivier Le Quellec, an electric mobility enthusiast, and Vincent Coste, an eminent architect. Its design encapsulates a flawless alliance of vitality and high performance, making it ideal for keen bikers and urban-culture buffs. This exclusive model is powered by a 500W motor and can ride at up to 45 km/h.
Searacer – Flavien Neyertz
The first electric jet ski
Searacer is the first electric jet ski, created in southeast France by Flavien Neyertz and built for water sports. Its high-density motor’s performance is unrivalled, and Searacer is versatile enough to wow seasoned sportspeople as much as beginners. It has won an A’ Design Award as well as French Grand Prix motorcycle rider Fabio Quartararo’s endorsement.
Moonbike – Nicolas Muron
The first electric snow scooter
Moonbike is revolutionising wintertime travel with its electric snow scooter. It is lightweight and manoeuvrable, has a caterpillar track at the back and a ski at the front, can travel at over 40 km/h and has a 3-hour range. It is chainless and beltless, so it requires minimal maintenance – and is exceedingly reliable and efficient. This breakthrough is patented, built in the Alps, and will treat users to fun and memorable experiences in winter.
Plume foil – Etienne Monbereau
Electric foil
This high-end electric foil strikes the perfect balance with its uncompromising quality at a competitive price. It is packed with 5 years of R&D, is designed and built in France, can ride for up to 90 minutes and weighs less than 30 kg. It can reach 35 km/h and takes off at 15 km/h, providing a soothing and at the same time exhilarating experience quite unlike anything else. Read full article
Baker Hughes Rig Count: U.S. -2 to 621 Canada +2 to 234
U.S. Rig Count is down 2 from last week to 621 with oil rigs down 2 to 497, gas rigs unchanged at 121 and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 3.
Canada Rig Count is up 2 from last week to 234, with oil rigs up 3 to 144, and gas rigs down 1 to 90.
International Rig Count is up 10 rigs from last month to 965 with land rigs up 5 to 740, offshore rigs up 5 to 225. International Rig Count is up 64 rigs from last year’s count of 901, with land rigs up 65, offshore rigs down 1.
The Worldwide Rig Count for January was 1,784, up 45 from the 1,739 counted in December 2023, and down 115, from the 1,899 counted in January 2023.
| Region | Period | Rig Count | Change |
| U.S.A | 16 February 2024 | 621 | -2 |
| Canada | 16 February 2024 | 234 | +2 |
| International | January 2024 | 965 | +10 |
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