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Ferrari’s Maranello Factory Takes Major Green Leap: Gas Plant Closed Ahead of Schedule

Ferrari has taken a significant step in its journey towards carbon neutrality by shutting down the gas-fuelled trigeneration plant at its Maranello factory. This early shutdown, three months ahead of schedule, is part of Ferrari’s decarbonisation plan, which was unveiled during the 2022 Capital Markets Day. The plant, which had been operational since 2009, generated electricity, heat, and cooling energy using methane gas and was known for its high-efficiency technology.

The closure will lead to a 60% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 CO2 emissions and a 70% decrease in methane gas consumption, making it a crucial move towards Ferrari’s 2030 carbon neutrality goals. In place of the trigenerator, Ferrari is doubling its photovoltaic systems with the aim of reaching a capacity of 10 megawatts peak (MWp) by 2030, up from the current 5 MWp.

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Hyundai’s Remarkable Milestone: 100 Million Cars Produced, With Eyes on the Next 100 Million

Hyundai has achieved a remarkable milestone, having built 100 million cars globally since its founding in 1967. To mark the occasion, the company handed over its 100 millionth and first vehicle, an all-electric Ioniq 5, to its new owner. The symbolic gesture of not highlighting the exact 100 millionth car, but rather the one after, reflects Hyundai’s philosophy of always striving to go “one step further” in its accomplishments.

Hyundai’s automotive journey began in 1968 with the production of its first car, the Pony, at its Ulsan plant in South Korea, which is still a cornerstone of the company and has the capacity to produce 1.6 million cars annually. Over the past 57 years, Hyundai has expanded its global footprint with factories in countries such as the Czech Republic, India, Turkey, and the United States.

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Jaguar Land Rover Pumps in £500 Million for Electric Vehicle Factory

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is investing £500 million to transform its historic Halewood plant, originally built in 1963, into a state-of-the-art facility for electric vehicles (EVs). This overhaul is a critical part of JLR’s strategy to transition towards full electrification, aiming to sell only electric cars by 2030 and achieve zero emissions by 2039.

Key Components of the Investment:
  1. Expanded Production Capabilities: The plant will be equipped to produce electric, combustion, and hybrid vehicles simultaneously.
  2. Platform Integration: The new facilities will produce mid-size electric SUVs based on the Electric Modular Architecture (EMA) platform.
  3. Solar Power Integration: Installation of 18,000 solar panels, providing 8,600 GWh of energy, which will cover 10% of the plant’s energy consumption.

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Hydrogen Power Triumphs: MAN hTGX Wins Truck Innovation Award 2025

The MAN hTGX hydrogen combustion truck has won the Truck Innovation Award 2025, a significant recognition for its contribution to zero-emission road freight transport. The award was accepted by Dr. Frederik Zohm, Executive Board member for Research & Development at MAN Truck & Bus, during the press event. MAN Truck & Bus became the first European truck manufacturer to produce a small series of trucks powered by hydrogen combustion.

Dr. Zohm expressed the company’s satisfaction with the recognition, highlighting that the MAN hTGX complements the company’s battery-electric vehicles by offering an alternative zero-emission solution for heavy-duty applications and special markets. The hydrogen truck’s classification as a zero-emission vehicle underscores its contribution to decarbonising road transport.

Highlights of the MAN hTGX:
  • Hydrogen Combustion Engine: Powered by a 16.8-litre H4576 six-cylinder in-line engine, it delivers diesel-like performance with almost zero emissions.
  • Range and Efficiency: The truck boasts a range of around 600 kilometres, enabled by a 56-kilo hydrogen tank with 700-bar pressure and a simplified exhaust gas aftertreatment system.
  • Production Plans: The small series, consisting of around 200 units, will be available for customers in Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Iceland, and selected non-European countries starting in 2025.

The MAN hTGX is designed for heavy-duty applications, including construction, tank transport, timber transport, and regions with insufficient charging infrastructure but available hydrogen supply. The truck will come in 6×2 and 6×4 axle configurations, allowing for a high payload and significant range. Its H45 hydrogen engine is based on the proven D38 diesel unit and will be produced at the Nuremberg engine and battery plant.

This award marks MAN Truck & Bus’s third win, with previous honors in 2024 for autonomous driving projects (ANITA and ATLAS-L4) and 2019 for the AFAS automated construction site protection vehicle.

Volkswagen Warns of Factory Closures as It Downgrades 2024 Financial Forecast

Volkswagen has downgraded its 2024 financial outlook amid significant challenges, marking a difficult period for the automotive giant. Facing high production costs, slow progress in its transition to electric vehicles (EVs), and rising competition in key markets like China, VW has warned of potential factory closures in Germany, a move that could lead to major job cuts.

Key Updates:
  • Revenue Forecasts: VW now expects 2024 revenues to be around €320 billion, down from earlier projections of a 5% increase over 2023’s €322.3 billion.
  • Vehicle Deliveries: The company anticipates delivering around nine million vehicles, scaling back from a previous goal of up to 3% growth over 2023’s 9.24 million vehicles.
  • Operating Return on Sales: VW reduced its projected operating return on sales to 5.6%, from a previously forecasted range of 6.5% to 7.0%.

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VW Commits to Sustainable Interiors, Phases Out Cheap Plastics for Premium Materials

Volkswagen is making a significant shift in its design philosophy, moving away from the use of cheap, scratchy plastics in favour of higher-quality fabrics in its interiors. This decision is part of a broader commitment to enhancing cabin quality while also streamlining production processes, ultimately saving money for the company. This change, as described by Andy Mindt, VW’s head of design, and Christian Schreiber, head of design strategy, is intended to create a more refined and functional experience for Volkswagen drivers.

Schreiber highlighted that the brand’s cabins will focus on simplicity and usability, ensuring that design choices prioritize function over unnecessary decoration. He emphasised that a Volkswagen should feel intuitive and supportive to its user: “When you open the door of a Volkswagen, it needs to be simple and usable, and not overly decorated,” Schreiber explained. Additionally, Volkswagen will incorporate nostalgic design elements, such as specific patterns for GTI models, maintaining a sense of heritage without overextending these unique features across the range.

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2025 Chery Tiggo 9 and Tiggo 9 C-DM Officially Launched in China

The 2025 Chery Tiggo 9 is available in five variants, with prices ranging from 152,900 – 203,900 yuan (approximately RM90,187 to RM120,199). Additionally, the Tiggo 9 C-DM plug-in hybrid comes in two variants priced between 165,900 – 175,900 yuan (approximately RM97,817 to RM103,620). Both models offer the choice of 5- or 7-seat configurations, making them versatile for various customer needs.

Exterior Design

The Tiggo 9 retains its signature wide front grille, now with a more refined “waterfall” pattern. Design features such as hidden door handles, a floating roof, roof rails, and an electric tailgate remain. The model comes in five exterior colors, including black, silver, gray, and two-tone white. The rims have been updated for a more stylish look.

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Hyundai, Kia and Samsung Join Forces to Develop Next-Gen Infotainment System

Hyundai, Kia, and Samsung have joined forces to create a next-generation infotainment system that will link software-defined vehicles from the automakers with smartphones. This collaboration, alongside Hyundai Motor Group’s global software centre, 42dot, will integrate future Hyundai and Kia models into Samsung’s ‘SmartThings’ ecosystem, allowing vehicle owners to operate smart Samsung devices remotely via an Internet of Things (IoT) platform.

This partnership will enable drivers to control smart home devices, like Samsung air conditioners, wirelessly from their vehicles. Additionally, the ‘SmartThings Find’ feature will allow Hyundai and Kia drivers to track their vehicles using crowdsourced data from millions of Samsung Galaxy devices, enhancing vehicle security. If a vehicle is stolen, this system could help locate it globally.

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Stay in Your Lane: Experts Warn Against Switching Lanes in Stop-and-Go Traffic

Switching lanes in stop-and-go traffic might seem like a good idea, but experts advise against it. According to safety specialists from Tüv Thüringen, a German technical inspection agency, changing lanes does not save time and can increase the risk of accidents.

Drivers in traffic jams often get distracted, which means they may not notice someone switching lanes until too late, raising the likelihood of rear-end collisions.

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P1 Successor Set to Break Cover: McLaren Teases New Hypercar Reveal

It’s been over a decade since the McLaren P1 debuted, and it seems a successor may finally be on the horizon. McLaren recently released a video highlighting its iconic “1” cars, the F1 and P1, with employees discussing what makes these models legendary. The video concludes with a date and time: October 6th, 1:00 PM British Summer Time, hinting at a potential unveiling, possibly of the long-awaited P1 successor, or at least a teaser.

Earlier this year, McLaren reportedly gave dealers a preview of a new hypercar, code-named P18, which is expected to feature a hybrid V8 powertrain. This new engine, which McLaren confirmed to be in development last year, will replace the twin-turbo V8 that has powered the brand’s models since 2011’s MP4-12C. Alongside this new engine, the P1 successor will introduce a fresh design language.

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EV Market Faces First Decline as Hybrids Gain Ground in 2024

  • 07/10/2024
  • English, Global News
  • Timothy Prakash

McLaren W1: McLaren’s Most Powerful Road Car – 1,258hp, 1,339Nm of Torque

  • 07/10/2024
  • English, Global News
  • Timothy Prakash

Toyota to Invest $500 Million in Electric Air Taxis

  • 04/10/2024
  • English, Global News
  • Timothy Prakash

Rolls-Royce Spectre Lunaflair: One-Of-A-Kind Bespoke Creation

  • 04/10/2024
  • English, Global News
  • Timothy Prakash

BMW Warns of Trade Dispute Fallout as EU Considers High Tariffs on Chinese EV Imports

  • 04/10/2024
  • English, Global News
  • Timothy Prakash

Caterham Project V’s Electric Powertrain Components Will be Developed by Yamaha

  • 03/10/2024
  • English, Global News
  • Timothy Prakash

Mercedes-Amg One Breaks Its Own Lap Record On The Nürburgring

  • 03/10/2024
  • English, Global News
  • Timothy Prakash

Toyota Delays First US Electric Vehicle Launch Amid Strategic EV Expansion

  • 03/10/2024
  • English, Global News
  • Timothy Prakash

Bentley Unveils Mulliner Editions of Continental GT, GTC, and Flying Spur

  • 03/10/2024
  • English, Global News
  • Timothy Prakash

Ford Says Goodbye to Mainstream Models, Hello to Iconic Enthusiast Cars

  • 02/10/2024
  • English, Global News
  • Timothy Prakash
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