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Continental AMBIENC3 concept vehicle shows interior of the future

As the actual job of driving a car gets taken over by a computer in future, the interior space will become more than just a place to sit while travelling, it will be a space where the occupants, besides driving when necessary, can relax or work. These three activities are set to merge in the digital, connected and sustainable vehicles of the future.

Continental has been looking at interior spaces which it terms “Third Space”. To show what the future of vehicle interiors could be like, it has built the AMBIENC3, a concept vehicle in which everything is designed and imagined within a shared blueprint. It has stylish, light and robust surfaces for the floor, walls and ceilings, the seats, lounge and tables; natural, subtle and bright colours; warm, clearly defined lighting effects; and unobtrusive sounds.

The AMBIENC3 is full of new surface solutions made from innovative and sustainable materials. It is based on a Volkswagen T2 microvan, a vehicle of rich emotional charm that provides a meeting point for retro appeal and future direction.

“With the AMBIENC3, we are connecting a globally renowned icon of the automotive world with new, intriguing surfaces and future-focused technologies, whose attributes assist driving, working and relaxing as effectively as possible and distinguish them through colour, design and material,” said Ralf Imbery, Global Director Innovation, Transformation & Design at Continental’s surface experts. “With the AMBIENC3 we are demonstrating our expertise in terms of sustainability, design, functionality, ‘third space’ development and customer centricity. It sees us bringing together key drivers for the future of the mobile interior.”

Focus on sustainability
One highlight of the concept vehicle from Continental is a light and sound concept that creates different moods. Natural and renewable raw materials are used for the surfaces, as well as recycled and reclaimed materials – with no compromise in quality. Passengers in the AMBIENC3 can breathe clean air, thanks to low-emission, low-pollutant materials.

Light surfaces also help to lower the vehicle weight. This reduces energy consumption – and, by extension, CO₂ emissions – and therefore also increases the driving range of electric vehicles.

Natural, subtle, bright colours, plus gently flowing forms are defining elements of the AMBIENC3 interior and give it a cozy yet modern feel. The interior helps motivate passengers to work, but also encourages them to relax. Although the functions in the AMBIENC3 are always intuitive to use, there are no permanently visible controls. In fact, buttons and switches are nowhere to be seen. This is ‘Shy technology’ in use where, in OFF mode, the functions in the surfaces are invisible.

Design and function go hand in hand
Other innovative highlights of the concept vehicle include a light and sound concept that creates different moods, and heatable materials. Made using functional printing methods, these can generate heat in seconds. Other surfaces in the AMBIENC3 are distinguished by special attributes such as optimized soiling characteristics, maximum abrasion resistance and even self-healing in the event of damage.

The AMBIENC3 sets new standards in customer orientation. With solutions and surfaces that can be customized using digital printing techniques, Continental offers automakers with a host of options when it comes to tailoring vehicles to their customers’ individual requirements, upgrading interiors with new and surprising functions, and ensuring connectivity.

For example, staynu (stay new) technology makes surfaces more dirt resistant, easier to look after and more robust than ever. As the name implies, this technology helps the material to stay (and look) ‘as new’ for longer. Material equipped with this protection is used for the driver’s seat in the AMBIENC3. Stains are no longer an issue, and the material is long-lasting, low-cost and environment-friendly.

Other surfaces in the AMBIENC3 use laif technology, which delivers outstanding breathability –allowing air and water vapour to pass through – and an exceptional soft feel. An agreeable side effect of this new technology is that the breathable surfacing provides passive temperature control. Offering the look and feel of real leather, surfaces with laif technology provide an excellent alternative for which no animal needs to give up their life.

External designers create Virtual Interiors for Lexus LF-Z Electrified concept

Vaccination does not make you immune to COVID-19 infection. You can still get infected and although you may not show symptoms, you can spread the coronavirus. Do not stop taking protective measures such as wearing a facemask, washing hands frequently and social distancing.

BYD Auto unveils e-platform 3.0 for next generation of high-performance smart EVs

Moving forward with the technology for New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) is vital for carmakers operating in China as the government’s industry development plan from 2021 to 2035 aims to boost this segment of the world’s largest automobile market. BYD (Build Your Dreams) has been among the leaders in electric vehicles (EVs) and is preparing for a new range of products with a dedicated platform.

Known as the ‘e-platform 3.0’, it will be used for vehicles of varying sizes and will be open to the industry to facilitate the development of intelligent EVs worldwide. Equipped with ultra-safe blade batteries integrated into the car body, the e-platform 3.0 is the basis of a special pure electric vehicle frame structure to increase the rigidity of the vehicle.

5-minute charge = 150 kms range
The new platform enables ranges claimed to be able to exceed 1,000 kms with the world’s first 8-in-1 electric powertrain. In addition, the world’s first fast charging technology enables a range up to 150 kms after just 5 minutes of charging. The original designed direct cooling and heating system for batteries increases the thermal efficiency by up to 20% while reducing energy loss.

Additionally, the heat pump system which can work at temperatures from -30℃ to 60℃, has increased the range by up to 20% in winter, since the system leverages the residual heat from surroundings, the powertrain, passenger compartment and even the batteries. Finally, there’s an electric AWD system that will enable a 0 – 100 km/h time claimed to be 2.9 seconds. The energy consumption is said to be comparable to that of 2WD vehicles.

Ocean-X concept
To present the e-platform 3.0, BYD designers came up with the Ocean-X concept, a mid-size sporty sedan with high performance. Featuring short overhangs and a long wheelbase, the Ocean-X has generous passenger space, while the low body helps in aerodynamic efficiency, bring the drag coefficient down to 0.21 Cd.

The e-platform 3.0, which encompasses the drivetrain, braking, and steering systems, was originally developed in 2018. It uses the industry’s first drive train domain controller which has been developed through the full utilization of the electric motors’ fast response (already applied to the EA1 model). BYD has independently developed the BYD OS which decouples hardware and software, offering a superior collaboration system for high levels of intelligent driving.

THE BYD STORY
Like many of the carmakers in China, BYD has a history that goes back only to the pate 20^th century. It was established in 1995 with just 20 employees and focussed on rechargeable batteries. Its timing was good as demand or mobilephones and portable electronic devices began to rocket in the 1990s. By 2005, BYD was China’s largest battery manufacturer and produced half of the mobilephone batteries on the world market.

BYD describes itself as a high-tech company which has a presence in industries related to electronics, automobiles, new energy and rail transit. To enter the automobile market, it acquired Qinchuan Automobile Company in 2002 which became BYD Auto. Its focus on electrically-powered vehicles complemented its leadership in battery production, and in 2003, it produced its first car. 5 years later, its F3DM was the first commercially-produced plug-in hybrid in the world.

*The plug-in hybrid powertrain in the F3DM was the first commercially produced PHEV in the world.*

The carmaker got a boost in 2008 when one of the richest men in the world, Warren Buffett, became a shareholder, paying US$232 million for an 8.2% through his company Berkshire Hathaway. Its share in the Chinese company is even higher than in General Motors which is 3.7%.

Today BYD Auto’s EV is very broad and includes buses, taxis, coaches and passenger cars, as well as logistics, construction and sanitation vehicles. Its products are sold in more than 50 countries and regions. In the USA, its 4-year old factory making electric buses is the largest of its type wholly owned by a Chinese company.

*The company’s factory in America makes electric buses which are used in many cities.*

*Last year, BYD set up a factory in India to make 3 million facemasks a day to meet the sudden surge in demand globally.*

Last year, in support of the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, BYD established the world’s largest facemask factory in India. It can produce 5 million facemasks, as well as 3 million disinfectant bottles, every day.

According to available data for EV Sales, in July 2021, BYD returned to the top of the global NEV sales in a single month after 26 months, surpassing Volkswagen to claim third place in terms of cumulative sales from January to July. After hitting the 50,000-unit mark, BYD’s monthly new-energy passenger vehicle sales continue to grow, positioning BYD as a dominant player in terms of market share.

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Connectivity technologies make motoring safer and give more peace of mind to Toyota owners

Connectivity is a popular term in use today; in the context of the car, it refers to the ability for different electronic devices to interface and interact. Connectivity in earlier days could be said to have started from the radio sending broadcasts that could be received on the radio in the car. As time went on, drivers could also connect their own devices to listen to a personal selection of music, usually via a cable and then wirelessly by Bluetooth.

Today, connectivity is at a far more advanced level as connections can be made to the internet with wireless broadband services, and smartphone apps can also be mirrored on the infotainment system of the car. The location of the vehicle can also be determined precisely – anywhere on the planet – using GPS (Global Positioning by Satellite) systems.

*Today’s connectivity technologies in cars can bring smartphone apps to the dashboard and even connect to the internet for information and entertainment.*

Carmakers have used these new technologies to the fullest to make motoring safer and also give drivers more peace of mind. For Toyota owners, the GPS technology is used not only for route guidance and navigation systems that make it easier to find a location but also for enhanced vehicle security.

Toyota Vehicle Telematics System
This is the Toyota Vehicle Telematics System (VTS) available in many models today. It was introduced by the UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) in 2019. With VTS, the vehicle’s location is monitored using GPS, and its location can be pinpointed on a mobile application. This means that it will be easier for relevant authorities to find the vehicle in the event it is stolen.

Furthermore, VTS is also able to detect an impact experienced by the vehicle. This would suggest an accident, in which case emergency services may be dispatched by the 24/7 command centre to the scene, speeding up rescue actions and perhaps saving a life.

VTS also allows vehicle owners to review their trip history with minute-to-minute reports. They can know the distance covered and overall duration of their journey – useful for those who make claims for travelling expenses. The mobile application. Which can track multiple vehicles, can also review driving patterns during each journey as well as set driving parameters as safety measures with younger or new drivers.

“Connected mobility is a concept that is revolutionizing the automotive industry and it essentially brings greater peace of mind with the ownership of a car. This enables the driver to form somewhat of a personal and unique relationship with his vehicle, an interaction that was never available 20 to 30 years ago,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.

*Toyota’s use of connectivity technologies provides more peace of mind when travelling long distances as assistance is immediately available should an emergency occur.*

Toyota 24Seven Road Assist
UMWT also offers vehicle owners Toyota 24Seven Road Assist via its mobile application, an industry first. This is an evolution of what used to be ‘a call away’ for around-the-clock roadside assistance. With almost everyone having a smartphone these days, the mobile app is more convenient and all it takes is just a few swipes on the phone to get immediate assistance.

“We have been providing our customers with Toyota 24Seven Road Assist for the last 20 years. This is a service that continually undergoes enhancements to ensure that they never have to worry when they are on the road. As mobile technology grows more advanced, naturally the next logical step would be to introduce a mobile application that would bring this service to the next higher level,” said Mr. Ravindran.

Toyota 24Seven Road Assist is not just for the time when accidents occur but can even be called upon if the vehicle has run out of fuel or has a puncture. This is certainly a welcome support service when on a long journey. A request via the mobile app will bring help quickly and because the location is known via GPS, it is easier for the support team to find the vehicle.

Free minor on-the-spot repairs and nationwide towing (up to 50 kms) are offered to all Toyota owners using Toyota 24Seven Road Assist (terms and conditions apply).

A key feature built into the mobile app is an SOS button with a real-time tracking feature. Users have the ability track the travel route and time of the help that is on the way to them. Further assurance is in the fact that the help is from a trusted authorised Toyota outlet or service provider. If necessary, Toyota’s Freephone number 1-800-888-247 can be used to speak to a human operator, 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

“As technology advances, so will cars. This is inevitable, and we have seen vehicles rapidly evolving over the last 20 to 30 years to becoming increasingly safer, cleaner, more economical, offering better performance, to now growing even more intelligent and are able to provide greater forms of interaction with the driver. Suffice to say that transportation and communication will become increasingly reliant on one another moving forward in an era of seamless and connected mobility,” said UMW Toyota Motor Deputy Chairman, Akio Takeyama.

UMW Toyota Motor introduces Toyota Synergised Mobility to present a new aspect of the brand

Clive Sutton customises the LEVC TX to become the world’s most luxurious taxi

The Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (commonly referred to as Geely) now owns many car companies, including Proton, but did you know that it also owns a company in England that originally produced the famous Black Cabs. Known today as the London EV Company Limited (LEVC), it was acquired in 2013 and has focussed on developing electrically-powered commercial vehicles.

Environment-friendly taxis
LEVC continues to produce taxis but they are environment-friendly vehicles now with zero emission electric powertrains. Due to their iconic background, the taxis are sometimes used for more than just ordinary transport and are purchased for more personalised use. One company which specialises in turning them into luxury models is luxury car specialist Clive Sutton.

Customisation for VIP taxis
The company’s bespoke coachbuilding division has developed customisation options for VIP LEVC Taxis. These can be appointed like a private jet for the road, with separated driver and passenger compartments. Customers can opt for a long list of luxury fittings from leather-clad, electronically-reclining heated rear seats with footrests, to a fibreoptic starlight roof, or electronic self-closing doors. Other features include built-in umbrella holders and a high-quality audio system.

Multiple seating configurations
The Sutton Bespoke team has created multiple configurations in which the taxi can be ordered. Customers can choose from a 4, 3, or even an ultra-spacious 2-seat set-up with a drinks fridge, on-board WiFi and Bluetooth as standard. Privacy can be upgraded as part of an optional exterior package that includes smoke-tinted rear windows, while a PlayStation or Xbox can be added for those with younger ones. The console is connected to a 20-inch media screen that is incorporated within a leather-clad divider, which separates the front and rear compartments.

“While many of our clients seek power, performance and stand-out style, another portion prefer discreet, unique, customisable luxury. Our Sutton VIP LEVC Taxi enables the most comfortable, spacious and private journey through the city with extravagant features usually reserved for superyachts and private jets,” said Clive Sutton, Founder and CEO of the company.

ECity range-extender
The LEVC TX Taxi uses the company’s ECity technology and is powered by an electric motor which drives the rear wheels. The motor is powered by a 31 kWh Drive Battery supported by a range-extender. This is an on-board generator (a small 1.5 litre petrol engine) that recharges the battery when required, and provides greater usability and flexibility than pure electric operation.

Running only on electric power on a typical driving pattern, the TX has a pure electric range equivalent to many of today’s BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles). To further maximise the range offered by driving on electrical power, there is also regenerative coasting and braking. The braking system harnesses energy that would usually be lost while slowing down, and uses it to recharge the drive battery. This increases efficiency and reduces wear on braking components.

Another limited edition GT-R from Nissan

It was 2007 when Nissan unveiled the GT-R at the Tokyo Motor Show, which makes it 14 years now that it has been in production. In comparison, the last Nissan Z was in production for 11 years and a new one was revealed last month for sale in 2022. However, the appeal of the GT-R has not diminished all these years, kept glowing by successes on the racetrack.

Over the years, Nissan has introduced special editions to keep interest high and also as evolutionary updates. Typically, performance has been improved in various areas, usually with work done by NISMO.

*Unveiling of the Nissan GT-R at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2007.*

JDM only
The latest edition unveiled today is for the Japanese market only, although some units might appear overseas eventually. This new version comes in two grades – GT-R Premium Edition T-spec and GT-R Track Edition Engineered by NISMO T-spec.

The two editions are equipped with exclusive carbon ceramic brakes, a carbonfibre rear spoiler and an exclusive engine cover. Customers will be able to choose from two new body colours, Midnight Purple and Millennium Jade, as part of the T-spec options.

‘Trend’ and ‘Traction’
‘T-spec’ refers to ‘trend and traction’, the former relating to the GT-R as being ahead of the times, and the latter to the robust grip which the engineers have always worked hard on. Developed with a focus on enhanced driving performance, the GT-R Track Edition engineered by NISMO T-spec is specially equipped with an exclusive carbonfibre roof and bootlid as well.

Also fitted as Rays forged alloy wheels (bronze), and suspension that takes advantage of weight reductions below the springs. An expanded wheel-rim width has increased tire rigidity, enabling smooth and sensitive handling.

Same 3.8-litre powertrain
Under the bonnet, the Japanese-spec powertrain is used, which is a twin-turbo 3.8-litre V6 petrol engine (VR38DETT) and a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission with all 4 wheels powered. In NISMO tune, the output can be up to 600 ps/637 Nm.

The production run will be limited to only 100 units and as orders are expected to exceed that number when sales start in the second half of October, Nissan will select purchasers by lottery.

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