Category Archives: mobility company

BMW Group Plants Dingolfing, Regensburg Going Photovoltaic

Posted on 21 October 2024 by Ken Zino

BMW said today that Group Plants Dingolfing and Regensburg will obtain electricity generated from renewable energy directly from their own roofs. Dingolfing’s rooftop PV system, with a capacity of 11.1 MWp, will be one of the most powerful in Germany. To achieve this objective, the premium automotive manufacturer is renting roof space at its two plant sites in Eastern Bavaria to Sunrock Holding Deutschland GmbH, which will generate electricity using photovoltaics and make it available to the plants under direct supply contracts from 2025 onward.

“With this project, we are not only creating one of Germany’s biggest rooftop photovoltaic systems – we are also promoting the generation of renewable energy directly on site at BMW Group plant locations,” said Nicole Haft-Zboril, head of BMW Group Real Estate Management. Continue reading →

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Mercedes-Benz Opens Battery Recycling Plant in Kuppenheim

Posted on 21 October 2024 by Ken Zino

“Mercedes-Benz has set itself the goal of building the most desirable cars in a sustainable way. As a pioneer in automotive engineering, Europe’s first integrated mechanical-hydrometallurgical battery recycling factory marks a key milestone towards enhancing raw-materials sustainability. Together with our partners from industry and science, we are sending a strong signal of innovative strength for sustainable electric mobility and value creation in Germany and Europe,” said Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG. Continue reading →

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Off The Grid! – New GM Energy PowerBank

Posted on 10 October 2024 by Ken Zino

GM Energy said today that it is launching the so-called GM Energy PowerBank, a stationary storage product that allows EV owners the ability to store and transfer energy from the grid. It also has the option of integrating with solar power equipment. The General Motors* subsidiary has also expanded access to energy management products across all 50 states. It’s the latest step whereby EV customers can gain increasing independence from utility companies and the unreliable, climate change vulnerable power grid. It’s also the latest move that shows fossil-fueled stock analysts  – many of them reflexively negative on GM – are headed for extinction. Continue reading →

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First Glance – Volkswagen Tiguan Update via Tayron

Posted on 9 October 2024 by Ken Zino

“The new Tayron is a bonafide Volkswagen: its quality is reflected in every detail; it is comfortable and practical for everyday life, and it is available with a wide range of drive systems. With this new Volkswagen SUV, we are further expanding our range in a growing segment and closing the gap between our best-seller, the Tiguan, and our luxury SUV, the Touareg. I am convinced that the Tayron will make its mark and be well received by our customers,”said Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars. Continue reading →

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Deputy CEO Björn Annwall Leaves Volvo Cars

Posted on 9 October 2024 by Ken Zino

Volvo Cars (VOLCAR-B.ST)* today announced organizational changes that it said, “are designed to increase simplicity, speed and collaboration and reduce complexity by flattening our structure in the Commercial part of the business.” It is enhancing the responsibilities of the regions and empowering the employees that are closest to the customers to make key decisions. In a surprising move, Björn Annwall, current Chief Commercial Officer & Deputy CEO will support the transition of the new organization before taking his next step “outside of Volvo Cars.” The stock is currently trading at an all-time low.

“In a rapidly changing world, we need to ensure our organization is equipped to navigate a more challenging market. We are now regrouping our commercial leadership team with a focus on making Volvo Cars even stronger with increased speed and efficiency,” said Jim Rowan, CEO at Volvo Cars. Continue reading →

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Yawn or Yikes? Hyundai, Waymo Link on Autonomous SUVs

Posted on 4 October 2024 by Ken Zino

Hyundai Motor Company and Waymo today said they have entered into a multi-year, strategic partnership that will integrate Waymo’s sixth-generation fully autonomous technology, dubbed the Waymo Driver, into Hyundai’s all-electric IONIQ 5 SUV, which will be added to the Waymo One fleet over time.*

“We are thrilled to partner with Hyundai as we further our mission to be the world’s most trusted driver,” said Tekedra Mawakana, co-CEO, Waymo. “Hyundai’s focus on sustainability and strong electric vehicle roadmap makes them a great partner for us as we bring our fully autonomous service to more riders in more places.” Continue reading →

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GM Milford Proving Centennial Noted

Posted on 25 September 2024 by Ken Zino

More than 7,000 General Motors employees, retirees, and their families gathered at the company’s Milford Proving Ground site in southeastern Michigan last Saturday to mark the 100th anniversary of the company’s flagship vehicle testing facility.

“The Milford Proving Ground is at the heart of GM’s long history of innovation that has revolutionized the auto industry, from safety technology to Super Cruise – it’s where vehicles get better, and it’s where I started my career as a summer intern working on V6 noise and vibration,” said Mark Reuss, president, General Motors. “Today, we celebrate 100 years of Milford and look forward to its next century of leadership in vehicle testing and development.” Continue reading →

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C’est Fou – Chinese EVs Will Be at 2024 Paris Motor Show

Posted on 25 September 2024 by Ken Zino

Stellantis today announced it will participate in the 90th edition of the Mondial de l’Auto 2024 (Paris Motor Show) from14 – 20  October with its three traditional brands – Citroën, Peugeot, and Alfa Romeo. More controversial will be the Chinese brand, Leapmotor making its debut at the show.

Leapmotor Founder, Chairman and CEO Zhu Jiangming, together with Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares, will unveil the all-new B10, a C-segment SUV, expanding its product line-up in Europe’s core segment through this distinctive partnership in the automotive industry. Continue reading →

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Stellantis to Invest +$406M in Three Michigan Plants for EVs

Posted on 11 September 2024 by Ken Zino

“Sterling Heights Assembly has performed an incredible transformation in record time and I want to thank our colleagues for this great achievement,” said Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares. “Gearing up to build our first-ever Ram electric truck and the range-extended version in Michigan is a meaningful moment of pride for our teams. With these investments supporting both Jeep and Ram, we’re adding innovations to our Michigan manufacturing footprint to support a multi-energy approach that is laser-focused on customer demand.” Continue reading →

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Toyota’s Next-Gen Battery Plan Certified by METI

Posted on 6 September 2024 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor Corporation said today that the development and production plans for its next-generation batteries (performance version) and all-solid-state batteries were certified by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) as part of the Japanese government’s “Supply Assurance Plan for Batteries. Certification was granted for (1) production of next-generation batteries (performance version) at Prime Planet Energy & Solutions, Inc. (PPES), (2) production of next-generation batteries (performance version) at Primearth EV Energy Co., Ltd. (PEVE)* and (3) R&D and production of all-solid-state batteries.

“By advancing battery development and production in Japan, Toyota aims to contribute to the further development of the industry and the strengthening of the production infrastructure of batteries. Additionally, by enhancing the competitiveness of batteries, Toyota seeks to improve the marketability of electrified vehicles and achieve carbon neutrality through a multi-pathway approach,” Toyota said in a release. Continue reading →

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GM BrightDrop Electric Commercial Vans To Join Chevrolet

Posted on 29 August 2024 by Ken Zino

General Motors (NYSE: GM) said today that it is moving its BrightDrop electric commercial vans* under the Chevrolet brand. The shift brings BrightDrop EVs to Chevrolet’s broad commercial vehicle sales and service dealer network. BrightDrop EVs offer GM-estimated 272 miles of combined city/highway range** and advanced features to help keep drivers safe and alert. This give BrightDrop customers access to one of the industry’s largest and most extensive commercial sales and service networks. All Chevrolet dealers will sell BrightDrop vans if they meet certain commercial EV requirements.

“With the addition of BrightDrop to the Chevrolet lineup, we are combining advanced EV technology with the dependability and widespread accessibility that only Chevrolet can offer,” said Scott Bell, vice president, Chevrolet. “This move strengthens our EV offerings and reaffirms our role as a leading commercial brand that enables businesses large and small to get work done.” Continue reading →

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EV Grumblings – Hyundai Motor Changes Its Way

Posted on 28 August 2024 by Ken Zino

Hyundai Motor said today it intends to leverage its expertise to bolster its position in the hybrid market under its new Hyundai Dynamic Capabilities strategy, a flexible response to the EV market based on core capabilities. Executive summary – Hyundai is modifying its EV strategy in the face of weak EV demand. Under this change in ways, Hyundai will expand the application of its hybrid system beyond compact and mid-size cars to small, large and luxury vehicles. This will increase its current range from seven to 14 models. This expansion will encompass not only Hyundai vehicles but also its luxury brand, Genesis, which will offer a hybrid option for all models, excluding those that are exclusively electric.

“In the electrification era, Hyundai has distinguished itself by rapidly launching a comprehensive lineup of EVs, catering not only to mass-market brands but also to the luxury and high-performance segments,” said Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company. “Building on our advanced technology and dedication to innovation, we aim to secure a leading position in the market as the adoption of electrified vehicles gains momentum.” Continue reading →

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Freshened 2025 Acura RDX Now at Dealers

Posted on 27 August 2024 by Ken Zino

Acura said this morning that the refreshed 2025 RDX is now arriving at dealers ranging in price from $46,050 to $55,800 including destination. RDX has a new “frameless” Diamond Pentagon grille and “aggressive grille mesh.” Standard RDX now has a “premium gloss-black exterior trim.” All RDX models have new wheel designs, with standard Berlina Black 19-inch wheels. New paint colors include Solar Silver Metallic, and new to RDX – Canyon River Blue Metallic and Urban Gray Pearl. Continue reading →

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Mercedes-Benz 2025 GLC PHEV – 54 Miles Electric Range

Posted on 23 August 2024 by Ken Zino

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) said this morning in Atlanta that the new 2025 GLC 350e 4MATIC SUV is best in its class at 54 miles of all-electric range, according to EPA certification [see footnotes below – 1]. The Hybrid SUV is available now at U.S. dealerships starting from $59,900 [2].

This in German marketing theory makes “most daily commutes more flexible and economical in all-electric mode without the need to rely on the internal combustion engine.” Further optimizing efficiency, the “Hybrid” drive program prioritizes electric propulsion for the most appropriate driving situations, for example, during city driving. The standard 60-kW DC charging capacity enables a full battery charge to be achieved in as little as 30 minutes. Continue reading →

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EV Moves – Porsche Grabs Majority Stake in V4Drive Battery

Posted on 23 August 2024 by Ken Zino

“Varta and Porsche are already working closely together on the topic of high-performance battery cells. With the planned majority takeover of V4Drive, we aim to drive the company forward and would make an important contribution to keeping key technologies in Germany,” said Lutz Meschke, Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board and Member of the Executive Board for Finance and IT at Porsche AG. Continue reading →

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