Colin-on-Cars - Fossil-free steel for Volvo Trucks

With around 90% of the truck recyclable at the end of its working life, Volvo Trucks has now become the first manufacturer to use fossil-free steel in the manufacturing process.

The fossil-free steel is produced by the Swedish steel manufacturer SSAB and is made by using a completely new technology with fossil-free electricity and hydrogen. The result is a significantly lower climate impact and an important step towards a net-zero emissions value chain. Among the customers that will have fossil-free steel in some of their electric trucks are Amazon and DFDS and, through the transport company Simon Loos, Unilever.

Global

In September this year, Volvo Trucks started series production of heavy-duty electric, 44-tonne trucks, as the first global truck manufacturer to achieve this. Some of the electric trucks will also be the first trucks in the world that are built with fossil-free steel.

“Our journey to net zero emissions includes both making our vehicles fossil free in operation and over time fully replacing the material in our trucks with fossil-free and recycled alternatives,” says Jessica Sandström, Senior Vice President of Product Management at Volvo Trucks.

“At Amazon, we are on the way to making all of our operations net-zero carbon by 2040. We need partners like Volvo to make this transition happen,” says Andreas Marschner, Vice President Transportation Services Europe at Amazon.

“DFDS is committed to our green transition and to delivering greener transport and logistics solutions. Any step in the green transition of logistics brings us closer to a carbon-free society and we are therefore happy to learn that some of our new electric trucks soon to be delivered are also produced with fossil-free steel,” says Niklas Andersson, EVP of DFDS Logistics Division.

The first steel produced with hydrogen is being used in the electric truck’s frame rails, the backbone of the truck upon which all other main components are mounted. As the availability of fossil-free steel increases, it will also be introduced in other parts of the truck.

Recycled

Today, around 30% of the materials in a new Volvo truck come from recycled materials. Also, up to 90% of the truck can be recycled at the end of its life. Fossil-free steel will be an important complement to the traditional and recycled steel used in Volvo’s trucks.

Volvo Trucks is committed to the Paris agreement on climate change and to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in the entire value chain by 2040, at the latest.

https://bit.ly/3WXgdrr

Colin-on-Cars - New home for auto trainees

Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has launched of the Toyota Manufacturing Academy (TMA) at the Coastal KZN TVET College in Mobeni, Durban.

Officially opened by Minister Higher Education Dr Blade Nzimande, TMA forms part of the Automotive Training and Re-Skilling in the Post-COVID Economic Recovery for Vulnerable Youth and Women in South Africa project. Coastal KZN TVET College, as well as Tshwane South College (Pretoria) and Northlink College (Cape Town) are three beneficiaries of the programme.

“I have always advocated for an increased partnership between our TVET Colleges and the industry as we continuously enhance our curriculum to respond to the needs of the industry,” said Nzimande.

Signing

The launch of the TMA was preceded by the signing of a memorandum of understanding between UNDP South Africa and DHET – supported by the Government of Japan in July 2021.

The parties agreed to set up a project that would up-skill youth and women for skills relevant to the automotive industry, supported by the Government of Japan.

“Youth development is key to addressing address the triple development challenges of poverty, inequality, and unemployment.

Untapped

"Honing their skills and unlocking their untapped talent not only promote inclusive and sustainable economic development but also have a transformational impact on society.

"We are very proud of many achievements in youth development the project has made in such a short period through the multi-stakeholder partnerships,” confirmed Dr Dr Ayodele Odusola: Resident Representative for the UNDP in South Africa.

The project dates back to March 2021, and since then a series of interventions have been delivered to strengthen the capacity of TVET colleges to align with the post-COVID-19 economy and labour market needs, including the provision of learning equipment.

Provision

This support has benefited the Coastal KZN College automotive training through a provision of mechanical, electronics, electrical workshop and ICT equipment.

TSAM established the TMA to broaden and strengthen its training capacity and work towards further empowering youth to become future leaders in a reindustrialized South Africa. UNDP and GoJ provided the workshop equipment for TMA supporting 24 young people through the academy.

According to TSAM’s Senior Vice President of Corporate Services Group, Suben Moodley the automotive sector is facing what Toyota Motor Corporation President, Akio Toyoda described as a “once in century period of disruption”.

Future

This refers to transformation by a wide range of new technologies, and non-technological aspects such as social, economic, and environmental factors are part of our future landscape.

“Traditional markets are being redefined as new types of vehicles are introduced, ranging from hybrid to plug-in hybrid, battery electric and fuel cell electric vehicles, with a wide range of driver assistance systems, which require digitisation and smart factory systems with the skills set to go along with them.

“Equally important, soft skills such as resilience, flexibility, problem solving, and creativity will be highly valued. This aspect should not be underestimated and needs to be included into educational training programs. So, the challenge is not just technical skills but a combination of soft and technical skills,” concluded Moodley.

https://bit.ly/3wG245H

Colin-on-Cars - Isuzu pitches in

Colin-on-Cars - Isuzu pitches in

The South African Automotive Masterplan (SAAM) aims to achieve 60% localisation of components by 2035 and Isuzu Motors South Africa has pitched in with an investment of R580-million – a move that includes provision of the supplier tooling needed to manufacture specific components in preparation for the recently launched all-new 7th generation Isuzu D-MAX bakkie.

This has been a four-year journey for Isuzu and one they have travelled together with their local suppliers, as they embarked on a new sourcing strategy at the beginning of 2018. 

Technical

The process included classifying local suppliers that had the technical capability to manufacture a list of Isuzu components required for the new D-MAX bakkie.

Billy Tom, Isuzu Motors South Africa President and CEO says, “Localisation is essential in transforming the automotive sector. SAAM 2035 could see the automotive industry growing from 600 000 to 1,4-million vehicles a year in production. 

Opportunity

"This presents a huge opportunity for us to support black-owned automotive suppliers in building their businesses in the industry. It will help drive transformation and create jobs."

“With the relevant commodities intellectual property rights secured we’ve collaborated with our local supply partners to develop the necessary capabilities to sustainably manufacture those commodities in South Africa,” says Komane Pitso, Isuzu Motors South Africa Senior Vice President Commercial Operations.

Consequent to the R580-million investment, suppliers now have the necessary machinery and equipment required to manufacture the components needed by Isuzu. 

Process

Through this process Isuzu has had the opportunity to work with 107 local component manufacturers, maintaining a local value add content footprint and creating at least 235 new job opportunities at local component manufacturers.

One such example of our localisation strategy is the partnership between Isuzu Motors South Africa and 73% black-owned supplier Acoustics, based in Gqeberha. They were awarded with both the sound and carpet assembly contracts specifically for the new D-MAX bakkie.

Assisted

Responsible for the manufacturing of smaller boot liners, Acoustics have assisted Isuzu in achieving an industry first through the installation of local vinyl mats.

“We have to do things differently if we are to draw on local content, and Acoustics is an example of drawing on local content and capabilities. Over the last few decades design capability has transitioned to being more multinational, so we have to get involved locally,” says Pitso.

“Great strides have been made in the alliance between the automotive industry and government, and the progressive automotive policies in the country are testament to the strength of the pro-government/industry collaboration. 

"But this isn’t enough, the automotive industry still faces tough challenges in accelerating localisation and developing a future-proof supply chain, and without localisation the automotive industry will struggle to remain competitive.” concludes Pitso.
https://bit.ly/3ybEMak

Colin-on-Cars - Opel celebrates 160 years

Opel is 160 years old this year and, from assembling sewing machines to making bicycles and then cars, the company, based in Rüsselsheim, Germany has been a pioneer – from the first bicycle designed for women to assembly line technology and record attempts on the road and track.

“Opel has been moving people for 160 years. Today we are driven by the same spirit as the company founder Adam Opel: technology and innovations for everyone – whether sewing machines, bicycles or cars. All this with a clear view of the future, always ready to face new challenges. Many bestsellers from Opel's rich history stand for this, as do our current models, most of which are already electrified. From 2028, Opel will be a purely electric brand in Europe. We are therefore well prepared for the next 160 years,” says Opel CEO Uwe Hochschurtz.

Assembled

The story began at the end of August 1862. Adam Opel assembled his first sewing machine in Rüsselsheim, laying the foundation stone for the young Opel company.

Production figures quickly rose – not least because Opel accommodated individual customer wishes and designed special sewing machines for special requirements.

As early as 1868, Adam Opel and his employees moved into a new factory. The company soon developed into one of the largest sewing machine manufacturers in Germany and exported to the whole of Europe.

After the sewing machines, Opel built up its next successful pillar with the bicycle. In 1886 the first penny-farthing bicycle was built in Rüsselsheim - making Opel one of the first bicycle manufacturers in Germany.

Expanded

Soon the range of models expanded to include tricycles in 1888 the first factory building was inaugurated, reserved solely for the production of bicycles. Opel was quick to adopt modern technology such as pneumatic tyres, ball bearings and free-wheel hubs for its bicycles. From 1894 onwards, Opel introduced bicycles specially designed for women.

The decisive developmental step in the history of the company – driven forward by the five sons after Adam Opel's death – was the start of automobile production in 1899. Automobile production in Rüsselsheim started with the Opel “Patent-Motorwagen System Lutzmann”. In 1906 the 1 000th vehicle was built.

Cost

The final breakthrough came in 1909 with the legendary 4/8 PS “Doktorwagen”. At 3 950 marks, it cost half as much as luxurious competitors and paved the way for a broader section of the population to own their own car.

Opel was the first German manufacturer to introduce large-scale production using assembly line technology. The first car to roll off the assembly line in Germany in 1924 was the 4/12 PS “Laubfrosch”, always painted green.

PS “Laubfrosch”

In 1935, the new Olympia model became the first German mass-produced vehicle with a unitary all-steel body, which, thanks to its low weight, ensured improved driving performance and low fuel consumption.

Faster

For the first time, the new design enabled the so-called ‘marriage’ between the body and the power units. The entire production process was thus faster and more efficient, paving the way for the construction method to enter large-scale production.

The most enduring and traditional model line was the Kadett, the first version of which saw the light of day in 1936. In 1962, the Kadett A became a million-seller: as a compact car, it was the driving force behind the German ‘economic miracle’, and in the 12th generation – since 1991 under the name Astra – it continues to ensure that innovations find their way into the compact class.

Tradition

Opel remains conscious of its tradition. For example, the side ‘gill’-look in the new Astra hatchback is reminiscent of earlier Kadett generations.

In 1953, the carmaker launched the Olympia Rekord Caravan, a mixture of ‘car and van’, the first large-series station wagon from a German manufacturer.

Olympia Rekord Caravan

But Opel was also an early player among the big stuff. The first post-war Opel, a 1.5 tonne Blitz truck, left the factory in 1946.

Today, the light commercial vehicles Combo, Vivaro and Movano, all of which have already been electrified, are practical, have a large load volume and are fully up to date – the latter even comes in two CO2-free versions: the battery-electric Vivaro-e and the hydrogen fuel cell transporter Vivaro-e HYDROGEN.

Smaller

Opel has also enjoyed great success with smaller models over the decades. First and foremost, the Corsa small car, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.

Opel also established a new vehicle class in 1991 - the Frontera, an all-wheel drive recreational vehicle, made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

The compact Opel Frontera Sport was the first to demonstrate what is now widely known as an SUV and the five-door Frontera with a long wheelbase became the forerunner of the modern off-road vehicle. Around 30 years ago, it immediately became the market leader and triggered a four-wheel drive boom throughout Europe.

Opel Frontera

In 2003, Opel was the first vehicle manufacturer to introduce AFL (Adaptive Forward Lighting), dynamic cornering lights and 90-degree cornering lights in the mid-size class; in 2008, the next generation of lights, AFL+, also made its debut with the introduction of the first Insignia.

Adaptive

And, in 2015, the Opel Astra was the first to feature the adaptive Intelli-Lux LED Matrix Light, the latest generation of which, as Pixel Light with a total of 168 LED elements, now provides situation-specific, precise illumination in the Insignia, Grandland and the new Astra without dazzling other road users.

The emotions that extraordinary cars can arouse were recently demonstrated by the Opel Manta GSe ElektroMOD - the electrified homage to the Manta sports coupé that became a cult car in the 1970s and 1980s.

Even back then, the Manta A inspired with its design and characteristic front ‘visor’, which today adorns all new Opel models from the current Mokka to the Grandland as the Opel Vizor.

Almost five decades ago, Walter Röhrl put Opel front and centre in motorsport. In 1974, he and co-driver Jochen Berger became European Rally Champions in an Ascona SR, and in 1982, together with Christian Geistdörfer, he won the Monte Carlo Rally in an Ascona 400 against strong four-wheel drive competition, and at the end of the season claimed the World Rally Championship title.

Exclusive

The Opel Corsa-e Rally is currently proving that top performance and environmental compatibility are not mutually exclusive. With the emission-free small car, Opel is the first manufacturer to develop a battery-electric rally car that has been competing in the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup, the first electric rally one-make cup worldwide, since 2021 and thus demonstrates the future of rallying.

Opel Rekord

With the electrified Opel Ampera, Europe's ‘Car of the Year 2012’, the traditional brand established a new segment in the European automotive market. With its range extender, the coupé-like four-seater was the first electrically driven vehicle suitable for everyday use with a range of around 500 kilometres.

Opel Manta GSe ElektroMOD

The Opel Ampera-e, a purely battery-electric compact car, followed in 2016. A single charge of the 60-kWh lithium-ion battery provides a driving range of up to 520 kilometres (according to NEDC). And in 2019, Opel launched the Corsa-e, the brand's first all-electric compact car, affordable e-mobility accessible to many customers across Europe.

The range of electric models – as plug-in hybrids as well as battery-electric – has continued to grow ever since, so that by 2024 all Opel models will also be available in electrified variants.

https://bit.ly/3MiQzaH

Colin-on-Cars - Augmented reality to become more disruptive

Increased levels of disruption will continue as autonomous vehicles become more widely available and, with hype around the metaverse continuing to gain traction, AR-related technologies such as simultaneous localisation and mapping (SLAM), facial recognition and motion tracking will be vital for automotive companies developing metaverse-based use cases.

This is according to a recent report by GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, and Thematic Analyst, Emilio Campa, says: “The metaverse is a virtual world where users share experiences and interact in real-time within a simulated scenario, while AR is a technology that allows the user to see the real world overlaid with digital data. While the automotive sector is certainly making greater use of AR, adoption is slow and use cases limited.”

Opportunity

According to GlobalData’s latest report, ‘Augmented Reality (AR) in Automotive – Thematic Research’, level 4 autonomy (which describes vehicles that entirely drive themselves within set parameters) will be available in the mid-2020s, giving AR the opportunity to be more widely implemented in windscreen head-up displays (HUDs) for information and entertainment purposes.

Level 5 autonomous vehicles—fully self-driving vehicles that can handle all driving tasks in all circumstances—will not be available until at least 2035. By the time these vehicles launch, even more use cases for AR should have emerged.

Display

AR is already in use in several specific areas of the automotive sector. For example, some car infotainment systems—the display monitor in cars that allows the driver to control air-conditioning, radio, GPS, for instance—have integrated AR as part of an augmented GPS navigation system, displaying holographic arrows on a live image feed from the front of the car. AR headsets are also being used in maintenance and manufacturing to reduce training time and more efficiently and accurately perform quality control checks.

“The automotive sector is not immune to the hype around the metaverse, which is likely to be based on AR-related technology, as some automotive companies have already begun exploring it,” adds Campa.

“For example, BMW has partnered with Nvidia, and Hyundai has partnered with Unity, both with the intent of building virtually accessible 3D digital twins of their factories. This will allow employees to collaboratively assess modifications and adjustments to production lines in the early planning stages.”

Remotely

WayRay has also developed a concept car, the Holograktor, tagged a ‘metaverse on wheels’ due to its heavy reliance on AR technology. It is a single electric motor ride-hailing car that can be driven remotely from an AR pod by a qualified driver via a 5G and satellite internet connection.

This gives the car the feel of autonomy while avoiding the currently immature fully autonomous-driving systems.

It also has car seats equipped with joysticks that can be used to play games on the windscreen’s AR HUDs and even comes preloaded with a Guitar Hero-esque online karaoke game. The remote connection would require almost zero-latency for the car to be driven safely on the roads.

However, since 5G is due to be more globally available and car ownership among young people is falling, this may be what the future of auto looks like.

Impact

“Despite these specific cases, the current impact of AR and the metaverse on the automotive industry is minor.

“However, as the use of AR in consumers’ day-to-day lives increases, adoption in automotive will increase, especially in autonomous vehicles. AR will then improve future entertainment experiences by overlaying content and video games over the outside world or repurposing car windows to display a different world entirely. It is very possible that these worlds will be part of the metaverse, allowing avatars of family members and friends to keep you company on those long—and boring—drives.”

https://bit.ly/389qUCh

Colin-on-Cars - Volkswagen's records still stand

A nearly missed note in my email inbox triggered a nostalgic rush – February 23 was the 20th anniversary of the date the Volkswagen W12 broke seven world speed records on the famed Nardò circuit in Italy.

On that date the W12 Nardo covered a distance of 7 694 kilometres and sustained an average speed of 200,6 mph (320,96 km/h). In achieving this average speed, the W12 Nardo set seven world records and 12 international class records in the process.

Volkswagen W12 Nardo

Volkswagen could then lay claim to nine of 12 world records relating to distance and time. The additional two were set by the ARVW (Aerodynamic Research VW) in 1980. According to the Federation International de l’Automobile (FIA), all nine world records stand to this day.

It was that mention of the ARVW that triggered things because shortly after establishing its records, I had the opportunity to drive this remarkable car – albeit at very slow speed around a skid pan at Volkswagen’s research centre.

The author with the ARVW in 1980

The near cylindrical shape and very narrow track meant it was not designed to turn corners at anything more than a snail’s pace. Rather it was intended for a high-speed banked circuit.

Still, the experience brought home the technology of the time working – in the wake of a fuel crisis – to improve efficiencies, reduce drag and eke out minimal consumption.

Called the ‘Aerodynamic Research Volkswagen’, the project was born as a result of the oil crisis of the 1970s and arrived at the test track in late 1980. The price of oil had spiked, sending shockwaves throughout the world and hitting the oil-dependent automotive industry especially hard. Automakers went from pumping out big, fuel-burning V8s to figuring out how to maximize efficiency. 

The ARVW was a study in demonstrating how an attention to aerodynamics and weight reduction can produce high speeds from considerably lower power. 

The first challenge in creating this super-light, air-slicing vehicle, according to Volkswagen, was to pack a powertrain, four wheels, and a driver into the tiniest car possible. Engineers tucked the wheels beneath the body and smoothed out the car's underbody. The end result stood just 84 cm tall and 110 cm wide, or less than three feet by four feet. 

The vehicle was incredibly light, built from an aluminium frame under a fiberglass and carbon body. Its drag coefficient was an incredible 0,15. 

The ARVW was powered by a version of the Volkswagen Rabbit engine: a 2,4-litre diesel inline-six. Volkswagen added a high-boost turbo-charger and an intercooler, which more than doubled the engine's original output to 130 kW. 

That figure of 130 kW also doesn't seem like much — it's about the output of a modern Honda Civic. But with the lightweight body and extreme dedication to pure aerodynamics, the ARVW was able to hit 353 km/h during its first hour of testing in October 1980. Eventually, it topped out at 360 km/h. 

The first supercar to feature a functioning example of Volkswagen’s unique ‘W’ engine was not the Bugatti Veyron with its quad-turbocharged W16 engine.

With aerodynamic styling penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro of ItalDesign, the W12 Concept Coupe that debuted at the Tokyo International Motor Show in 1997 was, just like the Veyron, an out-and-out supercar. Perhaps even more significantly, it broke the traditional notion that a Volkswagen had to be a regular family car, paving the way for range-topping luxury and performance models from the brand.

The W12 Concept Coupe was powered by a 5,6-litre W12 engine, made by mating two of the company’s compact and lightweight 2,8-litre VR6 engines on a common crankshaft. When married, the W12 made 308 kW, which was channelled through Volkswagen’s Syncro all-wheel drive and a six-speed sequential transmission.

Engine Study W12 Coupé

The W12 was a hit—at least in concept form. Though it never made it to series production, Volkswagen’s first supercar utterly exemplified the term. Its windshield was a single sheet of specially-curved glass that stretched all the way through the end of the roofline, splitting double gullwing doors and blending directly into a glass engine cover that allowed a view of the mighty W12 beneath.  With the flames stoked, a roadster variant was unveiled in 1998 at the Geneva Motor Show.

It would be another three years before reasoning for the earlier prototypes’ existence became clear. In 2001, Volkswagen announced it would attempt to set the 24-hour speed record at the 12,4 km Nardò Ring in southern Italy.

The W12 Concept Coupe seen in auto shows had evolved significantly—the W12 engine was enlarged to 6,0-litre, which, among other mechanical differences, resulted in power leaping to 440 kW and it sprinted from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3,5 seconds.

On the ground in October 2001, the W12 was instantly in its element, clocking an average speed of 293,6 km/h over 7 043 km, shattering the World Record.

https://bit.ly/350b4cc

Colin-on-Cars - Aluminium body for Polestar 5

Using a new bonded aluminium platform, the upcoming Polestar 5 electric performance 4-door GT will be lighter and faster.

Bonded aluminium is light-weight and rigid, offering superlative performance and environmental advantages but has previously proven labour-intensive and difficult to use in mass production vehicles without sacrificing quality.

Polestar’s 280-strong team of former Formula 1, low volume and bespoke sports cars engineers working in the heart of the UK’s Motorsport Valley in the Midlands have resolved this challenge by developing an entirely new, faster manufacturing process that develops both body and platform in unison.

Smaller

As a result of the new materials and techniques involved, the body-in-white (completed platform and body) is expected to weigh less than that of cars in smaller segments, contributing to improved vehicle efficiency, real-world EV range and dynamic responsiveness, all while delivering leading safety levels. The new bonded aluminium platform will also help drive faster product introduction, high quality and platform rigidity.

“Our UK R&D team is one of Polestar’s greatest assets,” says Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO. “Their mix of engineering and technological expertise enables us to develop advanced, light-weight sports car technology with a creative mindset and a spirit that embraces innovative engineering. This will set Polestar apart in the years to come.”

Rigidity

By further developing this technology for Polestar’s first in-house platform, the 4-door Polestar 5 is being designed with torsional rigidity superior to that of a traditional two-seat sports or supercar. The decision to develop a bespoke platform has also enabled the brand to deliver a production model that remains true to the Precept concept car that inspired it.

“We knew we wanted this car to be light-weight, we knew we wanted high quality and we knew we wanted it quickly,” says Pete Allen, Head of Polestar UK R&D. “This architecture delivers outstanding dynamic and safety attributes, with low investment technology applicable to high production volumes.”

Polestar was established as a new, standalone Swedish premium electric vehicle manufacturer in 2017.

Markets

Founded by Volvo Cars and Geely Holding, Polestar is headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, and its vehicles are currently available and on the road in markets across Europe, North America, China and Asia Pacific. By 2023, the company plans to be present in at least 30 global markets.

Polestar cars are currently manufactured in two facilities in China, with additional future manufacturing planned in the USA.

Polestar has produced two electric performance cars. The Polestar 1 was built between 2019 and 2021 as a low-volume electric performance hybrid GT with a carbon fibre body, 1 000 Nm and an electric-only range of 124 km (WLTP) – the longest of any hybrid car in the world.

Variants

The Polestar 2 electric performance fastback is the company’s first fully electric, high volume car. The Polestar 2 model range includes three variants with a combination of long and standard range batteries as large as 78 kWh, and dual- and single-motor powertrains with as much as 300 kW and 660 Nm.

In the coming three years, Polestar plans to launch one new electric vehicle per year, starting with Polestar 3 in 2022 – the company’s first electric performance SUV. Polestar 4 is expected to follow in 2023, a smaller electric performance SUV coupé.

https://bit.ly/3LGNx0q

Colin-on-Cars - Real smart Ranger

Tech is new definer of automobiles for car buyers with power, torque and performance having largely given way to the kit inside the cabin and Ford is following this trend by making the next-gen Ranger the smartest Ranger yet.

From the new-generation SYNCi 4A infotainment system to large-format screens that behave more like smartphones and digital instrument displays replacing analog clusters, next-gen Ranger pushes the boundaries of what a smart truck should be with its customer-focused technology.

“Customers had an overwhelming response to the next-gen Ranger’s new interior design and the technologies our teams had integrated on the inside,” says Graham Pearson, Ranger vehicle program director. “Once again, Ranger will re-define the segment with a premium interior that clearly shows people don’t have to sacrifice interior comfort or technologies just because they desire a truck.”

Panel

Inside is an 8-inch colour, reconfigurable, digital instrument panel that allows more information to be presented to the driver than an analog system. Additionally, the large-format, 10,1 or 12-inch infotainment screens, featuring Ford’s SYNC 4A communication and entertainment system, have helped declutter the dashboard.

Ranger’s electric parking brake and first-in class e-shifter bring a more tech feel to the interior and allow greater accessibility and space to drivers.

It also takes lighting to the next level with full LED lighting for both front and rear, as well as zone lighting.

The FordPass app enables owners to use their smartphone to organise things such as service scheduling, remote start, vehicle location, vehicle health alerts, remote locking or unlocking, and activating the heating or cooling to the previously set temperature.

Cluster

The new Ranger has done away with a physical instrument cluster for things such as the speedometer, replacing them with an 8-inch digital instrument panel that can be customised. These displays boast a start-up and farewell animation and a digital speedometer and tachometer. The graphics also feature realistic body-style avatars.

Depending on the variant, owners can toggle between layouts showing information such as driver-assist technologies, tachometer on or off, and extra gauges. There’s also a ‘calm view’, which removes information on demand from the display.

Because it features on and off-road driving modes, the instrument panel displays a different theme for each selected drive mode, with animated mode changes when the driver scrolls from one to the other.

SYNC4A offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity and displays the latest features used to make the SYNC4A system easier to navigate. If the customer has cellular coverage, SYNC4A can provide real-time information – traffic alerts and more.  

Modem

The Ranger will be fitted with an embedded factory-fitted modem allowing connectivity on the go when linked with the FordPass App, so customers can stay connected to their bakkie. Ranger also is designed to evolve over time. In the future, customers will be able to secure Ford Power-Up updates, which offer enhancements from updating the SYNC 4A software, to upgrades that improve the vehicle’s quality, capability and convenience without the need to schedule a service.

With one button press, drivers can go to Ranger’s dedicated off-road screen where they can monitor the driveline, steering angle, vehicle pitch, roll angles and other controls. The cabin climate and entertainment can be controlled via the SYNC screen, with additional physical controls mounted just below the screen for quick and easy adjustments.

Breeze

The screen is linked to a 360-degree camera to make parking a breeze in tight urban spaces or to assist when negotiating particularly tricky terrain while out exploring. The system allows the driver to see what’s in front of or behind the vehicle as well as a top-down view of the area around the vehicle, including blind spots, for added confidence.

Another feature for Ranger is the new exterior zone lighting system, which can be controlled via the SYNC4Ascreen or the FordPass app on smartphones. This zone lighting consists of headlights, puddle lamps, number plate lights and cargo box lights. These lights can be controlled as a ‘zone’ or altogether, which means owners don’t have to work, camp, or do anything in the dark.

Enhanced

“We’ve not only made the next-gen Ranger smarter, but we’ve enhanced the user experience. Whether it’s being able to control certain vehicle features from your smartphone via the FordPass app, or the inclusion of new-generation infotainment, we’ve improved the interface between driver and vehicle,” says Chris Clarke, connectivity applications supervisor.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbReHKFiDxo

https://bit.ly/35MI3R0

Colin-on-Cars - Hyundai to showcase future vision

Hyundai Motor Company is presenting a vision of what the future might look like at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) that starts in Las Vegas, Nevada on January 5.

Hyundai will present its future vision for robotics and the metaverse under the main theme of ‘Expanding Human Reach’.

At CES 2022, Hyundai Motor will communicate how the company’s robotics business will drive the paradigm shift towards future mobility, going beyond the traditional means of transportation and fulfilling mankind’s aspiration for unlimited freedom of movement.

Reach

Under the main theme of ‘Expanding Human Reach’, Hyundai Motor will share its vision of how robotics will complete the metaverse by connecting the virtual world with reality as a medium, and eventually overcome the physical limitations of movement regarding time and space.   

Hyundai Motor will also showcase its new PnD (Plug & Drive) robotic module platform under the new concept of Mobility of Things (MoT), which aims for the provision of mobility in everything — from traditionally inanimate objects to even community spaces.

CES 2022 visitors will be able to experience the company’s exhibition booth that will show how mobility in the real world can be advanced with robots and offer a glimpse of the future robotics society, which will enable transportation between the virtual and real world. 

The company will also exhibit its robot product line up, including the recently revealed Mobile Eccentric Droid (MobED) as well as Boston Dynamics’ Spot and Atlas.

https://bit.ly/32qGQ0I

Colin-on-Cars - New technologies on display

Wild and wacky; clever and useful or just plain futuristic. These are the primary characteristics of the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES), held in Las Vegas, Nevada every January.

This year the show starts on January 5 and the Stellantis Group is making a major effort to highlight the technology that powers Stellantis’ global drive to deliver breakthrough technologies and customer-centric solutions that power the future of its 14 brands.

Integral

“Vehicles are an integral part of people’s digital lives and the future of mobility is fuelled by technology,” says Carlos Tavares, Stellantis CEO. “Electrification, with our 30 electrified models available including fuel cell vans, connectivity and autonomy are all important facets of that future but each cannot stand alone. Our creativity, engineering and innovative partnerships are accelerating our drive to build the best and most sustainable mobility for our customers.”

Viewers do not need to be in Las Vegas to connect with the Stellantis experience. The Stellantis CES 2022 virtual experience goes live January 5, 2022, at 6 p.m U.K time at: stellantisces2022.com. 

Elements of the Stellantis stand at CES 2022 include:

- Chrysler Airflow: Chrysler debuts the Airflow Concept, leading the brand's transformation to clean mobility and seamlessly connected customer experiences.

- Citroën Skate Mobility Concept: An autonomous and electric transport robot that moves around cities, paired with Pods to offer fluid, shared urban mobility.

- Citroën Ami: An ultra-compact, two-passenger urban EV. In France, the Ami is accessible by users as young as 14, with ‘à la carte’ offerings that target specific uses, a fully online journey, innovative distribution methods and a three-hour charge time.

- DS E-Tense FE21: Two-time defending champion in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, the 900 kilogram car (with driver) uses a 900-volt system that includes a 52 kWh battery, powering a 252 kW electric motor. The lightweight design combined with electric torque drives the car from 0-100 km/h in about 2,8 seconds.

- New FIAT 500: The new 500 is the FIAT flagship and stands for New Dolcevita, social relevancy and sustainability. New 500 is connected, has a range of up to 318 km, features 85 kW fast charge and is the first city car with Assisted Driving Level 2. The New 500 is the most sold EV within the Company.

- Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer: The premium extension of the Jeep brand offers 4x4 capability, on-road refinement and technology features, such as Fire TV built in and a front passenger screen experience.

- Jeep Wrangler 4xe: The most capable, technically advanced and eco-friendly Wrangler ever. Available in Europe, China and the United States, the Wrangler 4xe’s plug-in hybrid powertrain is capable of up to 33 km of nearly silent, zero-emission, electric-only propulsion.

- Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe: The first Grand Cherokee to offer a plug-in hybrid electric variant. Its introduction signals the continued pursuit of the brand’s global vision of accomplishing ‘Zero Emission Freedom,’ by offering a fully electric Jeep vehicle in every SUV segment by 2025. The Grand Cherokee 4xe targets an estimated 40 km of all-electric range with 279 kW and 637 Nm of torque and is equipped with the award-winning Uconnect 5, which offers new technology for 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, including a 10,1-inchdisplay, five-times-faster operating speed (when compared to the previous generation) and over-the-air (OTA) updates.
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Iconic Ford GT40 re-imagined with electric power

Petrolheads reading this may well begin to weep into their pretzels but the reality of electric motoring is reaching deep into the classic heart with news a spark-powered re-creation of the iconic Ford GT40 is on its way. 

Everrati, a technology company specialising in the redefining and futureproofing of automotive icons through the integration of advanced electric vehicle powertrains and Superformance, a leading manufacturer of 1960s-era continuation component sports cars, have formed a strategic partnership – with the first new model being an electrified version of the legendary GT40.

Everrati was founded to further the legacies of some of the most desirable and iconic cars in the world, redefining and precision re-engineering them with state-of-the-art electric drivetrains, maintaining and enhancing the character of the original. 

Each Everrati is fitted with a custom-designed electric power unit and battery system, leading to enhanced performance and a zero-emissions future.  

Superformance offers a full line of high-performance component cars celebrating some of the most iconic vehicles of all time. All vehicles are built under license from trademark holders including GM and SAFIR GT40, adding authenticity and value. Sold as a rolling chassis, a Superformance car can be configured with heritage or modern drivetrains. 

The Everrati and Superformance partnership will allow enthusiasts to drive an electric-powered GT40, with development of this first model already underway. A prototype chassis has been built and is being comprehensively adapted from ICE power to advanced electric propulsion at Everrati’s UK development centre in Upper Heyford, a former US air base in the English Cotswolds. 

As with all Everrati vehicles, meticulous attention to detail is being applied to key factors such as battery location and weight distribution to maintain and enhance the character and soul of the original. Further details on this first new model from the partnership and reimagined icon will be announced in the coming months. 

Justin Lunny, Founder and CEO, Everrati, says: “This is the perfect partnership. The sole focus of both Everrati and Superformance is iconic cars and Lance and his team are THE guys when it comes to authorised continuation chassis of some of the most legendary cars in history. 

“Marrying these chassis with our advanced EV powertrains and precision engineering will enhance performance while keeping the essence and soul of the original. We aim to create the best electric driver’s cars while, at the same time, future-proofing these true past masters.

“So many legendary cars were created by Anglo American partnerships during the 1960s. In fact, the very first GT40 was brought to life in the early Sixties by a UK-based team led by expat British engineer, Roy Lunn, at Ford Advanced Vehicles in Slough. Its body was even made by Abbey Panels in Coventry, before the finished car was shipped to the US for its unveiling the day before the New York Auto Show, in April 1964. 

“So, it feels highly appropriate for Everrati to be partnering with Superformance, furthering not only the legacy of automotive icons but the partnership between the UK and US. Another cross-Atlantic connection is that our development HQ is located on a former US air base in the Oxfordshire countryside.” 

 Lance Stander, CEO, Superformance, added: “I’m very excited about the partnership we are announcing today. Justin and the team at Everrati have a compelling vision for the future, along with the engineering pedigree and expertise to reimagine this automotive icon for the 21^st century. 

“While I will always love a V8-powered vehicle, there is no doubting the ultra-high performance of Everrati’s advanced EV powertrains. I am genuinely impressed with the lengths to which Everrati goes to maintain the weight distribution and character of the original car. Electrification is the future in so many ways and adds another option for those who love classic sports cars.” 

The benefit of research 

Harsh working conditions for trucks in South Africa conditions are a given but, truck makers still have to do thorough local testing to ensure their products can meet these demands.

 

Ongoing research and development (R&D) are key to the sustained growth and survival of any vehicle brand.

 

The same goes for FAW Trucks which is able to provide South African customers with products that have been researched and developed to excel in even the harshest working environments, without compromising on innovation, technology and comfort.

 

FAW Trucks places a high premium on R&D in order to not only maintain its leadership in the Chinese market, but also to ensure that it keeps up with the rapid advances being made in technology. Its R&D facility is based at the FAW Trucks manufacturing facility in Qingdao, China.

 

“The R&D centre greatly enhances the brand’s technological research and development capabilities, accelerates development of new products, and strengthens its position in global markets,” says Jianyu Hao, CEO of FAW South Africa. “One such global market is South Africa, where FAW Trucks is consistently ranked amongst the top sales  performers on the sales charts.”

 

All models sold in South Africa undergo testing to prove that they can withstand the unique – and often harsh – working conditions associated with African markets. In order to ensure that products live up to their reputation of being trucks that are built in South Africa, for Africa, most of the current model range such as the 6.130FL and 8.140FL as well as newer models such as the JH6 28.500FT are Euro 3 compliant.

 

“In the highly competitive South African commercial vehicle market, durability and quality are key factors,” explains Hao. “Customers expect their trucks to withstand a rough operational environment, but also expect the vehicles to be fuel efficient, lightweight and technologically advanced. They also want a wider choice. Thanks to the R&D facility in China, we are able to bring to market robust, high-quality vehicles.”

 

An example of this continued progress is the fact FAW Trucks is on the verge of introducing a new automatic model in the heavy commercial vehicle (HCV) segment of the local market. A new model in the eight-tonne segment will also go on sale here before the end of the year.

 

FAW Trucks achieved a significant milestone in its local history by taking the top spot in the Heavy Commercial Vehicle (HCV) segment of the local market for the first time in the first quarter of this year. It has performed consistently well in the segment ever since.

 More investment as C-Class rolls of the East London production line

With the manufacture of the latest generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class having started at the company’s East London plant, it has also announced an additional investment of R3-billion. 

The plant upgrades feature environmentally-friendly buildings including a technologically advanced paint shop, body shop, assembly and logistics warehouse. 

Jörg Burzer, Member of the Board of Mercedes-Benz Cars, responsible for Production and Supply Chain Management says: “South Africa is an important location in our global Mercedes-Benz production network. The team in East London made a remarkable contribution to the international ramp-up of the new C-Class that we produce through efficient, flexible, digital and sustainable operations.

 

Thanks to the exceptional work of our colleagues in South Africa and all over the world and their first-class cooperation, our modern plants are able to produce outstanding vehicles like the new C-Class. With our additional invest of R3-billion in East London Plant, we underline our commitment to contributing to the South African economy and the Eastern Cape region."  

Commenting on the additional investment and start of production of the new C-Class, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ebrahim Patel, said: “the launch of this new Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the latest generation to grace the roads of South Africa and the world, positions Buffalo City and the rest of Eastern Cape to continue its legacy of advanced manufacturing. Through the South African Automotive Masterplan, and the Automotive Production and Development Programme (APDP), we have created a platform for investment in the industry, deepening our technological expertise, creating local value chains, and securing jobs.”

Since the investment announcement in 2018, the R10-billion investment was utilised for a wide modernisation of the East London plant. The plant upgrades include a new Body Shop, which has been designed for higher capacities and features more than 500 ‘Internet of Things’ Industry 4.0-enabled robots. To allow the East London Plant to increase volume outputs, optimise the assembly line and achieve commercial synergies, a new Body Shop has been built at the East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ), where vehicle parts for the New Generation C-Class are manufactured. 

More than 700 tons of steel have been installed for the additional three lines in the assembly shop and a new logistics warehouse. Utilising new methods such as art application technology, the new paint shop is now even more energy efficient and more environmentally-friendly. 

Overall, the new buildings comprise an area of approximately 100 000 sq/m. This reflects an addition of two thirds of the already existing buildings for the passenger vehicle production. At the Mercedes-Benz Learning Academy, additional robotics were installed for training. The Mercedes-Benz Learning Academy (MBLA) is a flagship and sustainable Public Private Partnership in cooperation with the National Treasury and the Jobs Fund.

 

Commenting on the successful ramp up of the New Generation C-Class, CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director of Manufacturing, Andreas Engling said: “Despite a tough year in 2020, we were able to accomplish what we had planned. To date, all of our buildings are complete and we are ready for the production of the new generation C-Class in full force.” 

With Ambition 2039, Mercedes-Benz strives for a fully networked and completely CO2 neutral vehicle fleet in less than 20 years, aiming to have plug-in hybrids or all-electric vehicles to make up more than 50% of its sales by 2030. 

In support of Ambition 2039, locally, the Mercedes-Benz Plant in East London has embarked on numerous initiatives to help preserve the environment for future generations. The new paint shop is more energy-efficient, reducing energy consumption per vehicle by 25%. The new buildings have been equipped with energy efficient LED lighting, which uses up to 90% less energy per lumen output. 

Additional plant sustainability initiatives include battery storage containers; rainwater recycling with a water storage of 1-million litres; green areas which have been installed on the corridors and the roofs as well as soluble labelling which is being utilised on production parts packaging to minimize waste reduction. 

“At Mercedes-Benz South Africa we are committed to an environmentally-friendly production. As such, we focus our efforts on the efficient use of resources. Through the certification and carbon offset strategy, the East London Plant will become CO2 neutral as of January 2022. As an organisation, we remain committed to a sustainable present and a bright and hopeful future,” added Engling.