Volkswagen Group has reportedly decided to externalise the development of its upcoming Scout electric SUV and truck, opting for Magna Steyr to engineer the two models in exchange for €450 million (approximately RM2,307,300,007). This significant development contract marks a notable collaboration between the German automotive giant and Magna Steyr, a renowned contract manufacturer based in Graz, Austria.
The revival of the Scout brand by Volkswagen was announced in May 2022, with plans to introduce an electric pickup truck and SUV in 2026. Subsequent developments included the appointment of CEO Scott Keogh in July, the announcement of a new assembly plant in Blythewood, South Carolina, and the appointment of Chris Benjamin as Chief of Design in May 2023. The project has now taken a new turn with the decision to externalise the development process.
Magna Steyr, known for its extensive experience in contract manufacturing, is tasked with engineering the electric SUV and truck for Scout Motors. The €450 million agreement positions Magna Steyr as a key player in the development of these EVs. The company, which has been assembling vehicles since the late 1970s, has built various models, including the iconic Mercedes-Benz G-Class, and is currently involved in the production of models like the Toyota Supra/BMW Z4, Jaguar’s E-Pace and I-Pace, and the Fisker Ocean.
Volkswagen telah mengambil keputusan untuk memberikan pembangunan SUV dan trak elektrik Scout yang akan datang kepada Magna Steyr dalam satu perjanjian bernilai €450 juta (RM2,307,289,475). Pengenalan semula jenama Scout diumumkan pada Mei 2022, dengan rancangan untuk membawa trak pikap dan SUV elektrik ke pasaran menjelang 2026. Dalam perkembangan terkini, Volkswagen telah memilih Magna Steyr, pengeluar kontrak yang berpengalaman yang berpusat di Austria, untuk mengendalikan aspek kejuruteraan penting bagi kenderaan elektrik ini.
Magna Steyr mempunyai reputasi kukuh dalam industri ini kerana pengalamannya yang meluas dalam pengeluaran kontrak, dengan terlibat dalam penyusunan pelbagai model kereta untuk pembuat kereta yang berbeza, termasuk Mercedes-Benz G-Class yang ikonik dan model untuk Toyota, BMW, Jaguar, dan Fisker, antara lain.
Pasaran kenderaan elektrik (EV) global mengalami penurunan permintaan yang ketara, dengan beberapa faktor yang berkaitan menyumbang kepada perubahan ini. Walaupun jualan kenderaan masih berada dalam arah yang meningkat, minat yang membara terhadap EV tidak sejajar dengan jangkaan awal yang ditetapkan oleh industri automotif. Mari kita lihat dengan lebih terperinci elemen-elemen utama yang mempengaruhi pasaran EV antarabangsa:
Faedah Pinjaman Kenderaan Mengubah Keutamaan Salah satu sebab utama di sebalik penurunan permintaan EV ini adalah daya tarikan semakin meningkat bagi faedah pinjaman kenderaan dalam ekonomi maju. Insentif kewangan ini bertujuan untuk menangani kadar inflasi dalam landskap ekonomi pasca-pandemik. Walaupun kenderaan masih dibeli, insentif-insentif ini kini menggiurkan pembeli berpotensi ke arah kenderaan enjin pembakaran dalam (ICE) konvensional.
Pertumbuhan Pasaran Tidak Memenuhi Jangkaan Pemimpin industri mempunyai harapan tinggi terhadap pertumbuhan eksponensial dalam pasaran EV. Walau bagaimanapun, permintaan terhadap kenderaan elektrik tidak mencapai jangkaan awal, membangkitkan kebimbangan di kalangan pembuat kereta di seluruh dunia.
Pembatalan Kolaborasi Meningkatkan Ketidakpastian Pembatalan baru-baru ini kerjasama bernilai $5 bilion antara GM dan Honda lebih memburukkan ketidakpastian mengenai masa depan industri ini. Kolaborasi ini bertujuan untuk menyederhanakan pengeluaran EV yang berkos efektif, tetapi pembatalannya yang mendadak telah menimbulkan soalan mengenai halatuju pembangunan EV dan perkongsian yang berpotensi.
Kredit: Tesla
Amaran daripada Pengeluar Bateri Perkembangan penting datang daripada LG Energy Solution, pengeluar bateri utama dari Korea, yang telah mengeluarkan amaran. Menurut laporan mereka, ketidakpastian ekonomi global boleh menyebabkan permintaan EV jatuh di bawah jangkaan awal dalam tahun yang akan datang.
Sentimen Pelabur Menyimbangkan Ketidakpastian Pasaran Pelabur dalam sektor EV mencerminkan sentimen yang serupa. Nilai saham syarikat-syarikat yang berkaitan dengan EV mengalami penurunan, menunjukkan rasa ragu dan ketidakselamatan dalam pasaran.
Penangguhan Elon Musk Dalam pusingan yang mengejutkan, CEO Tesla, Elon Musk, baru-baru ini mengumumkan penangguhan pembinaan Gigafactory di Mexico. Keputusan ini disebabkan oleh kadar faedah pinjaman kenderaan yang meningkat dan persekitaran ekonomi global yang rumit.
Walau bagaimanapun, penting untuk mengakui bahawa pasaran EV telah menunjukkan pertumbuhan dalam pelbagai kawasan:
Amerika Syarikat: Di Amerika Syarikat, jualan EV pada suku ketiga tahun ini mencapai 300,000 unit, mencatat pencapaian penting dalam pasaran EV Amerika.
Kesatuan Eropah: Kesatuan Eropah telah menyaksikan peningkatan jualan EV sebanyak 14.3 peratus, menekankan komitmennya kepada pengangkutan lestari.
China: Sebagai pemimpin global dalam penggunaan EV, China melaporkan peningkatan jualan EV sebanyak 22 peratus, memperkuatkan kedudukannya dalam sektor kenderaan elektrik.
Dalam negara-negara Kesatuan Negara-negara Asia Tenggara (ASEAN), termasuk Malaysia, insentif kerajaan telah merangsang pertumbuhan jualan EV. Walau bagaimanapun, pergeseran dasar yang berpotensi, seperti penarikan insentif cukai EV (termasuk pengecualian cukai import), boleh mempengaruhi harga EV, mendedahkan permintaan sebenar untuk kenderaan elektrik di kawasan ini.
Semasa pasaran EV mengharungi cabaran ini, adalah penting bagi pembuat kenderaan dan pembuat dasar untuk memantau dengan rapat sentimen pengguna, menyesuaikan diri dengan dinamik ekonomi yang berubah, dan berterus-terang dalam memajukan penyelesaian mobiliti lestari. Walaupun keadaan pasaran semasa mungkin menguji air, komitmen jangka panjang terhadap kenderaan elektrik tetap teguh.
BMW Group Logistik, in collaboration with Trailer Dynamics, has successfully tested an electrically powered semi-trailer in real-world logistics operations. This innovative e-trailer concept achieved remarkable fuel savings when paired with a diesel truck. The testing occurred over various distances and routes, and the results were promising.
Short and Medium Distances: The e-trailer, when combined with a diesel truck, achieved average fuel savings of over 46% for short and medium distances.
Long Distances: For long-distance routes, the fuel savings exceeded 48% compared to conventional trailers.
The e-trailer is unique in that it features its own battery and electric drive axle, which assists the semi-truck’s engine. Integrated sensors optimize the load ratio, further improving fuel economy. The e-trailer’s powered axle not only reduces the tractor’s energy consumption but also provides additional power during acceleration and on inclines.
The tests were conducted over both medium and long distances, with up to 250km per day on motorways and main roads. The e-trailer data was collected automatically during these journeys. Over long distances, energy modules for BMW electric cars were transported over 450km, resulting in significant diesel savings. The e-tailer’s battery was charged with 100% green energy, further contributing to its environmental benefits.
A remarkable achievement was demonstrated on the final day of testing, where an electric Volvo tractor was used in combination with an e-trailer. This combination achieved a driving distance of more than 600km without recharging and, therefore, a 100% CO2 reduction when using an e-truck and e-trailer together.
While e-trailers come with a higher initial weight that affects payload capacity, the increased total weight for trailers allowed in the EU helps offset this concern. The higher acquisition costs are balanced by lower operating costs, especially over long distances.
The BMW Group is committed to reducing its environmental footprint and supports the development of innovative technologies in transport logistics to achieve these goals. These e-trailer pilot projects are a significant step in realising their “Green Transport Logistics” strategy.
Back in March of this year, Kia revealed its 2024 EV9 model and it is packed with tons of features including level-three autonomy and clever aerodynamics that reduce drag and thus increase range.
Kia America made an announcement regarding the upcoming 2024 Kia EV9, their premier three-row SUV electric vehicle (EV). This new model, positioned as the brand’s flagship in the EV segment, will begin at a competitive base price of $54,900 (RM258,469). The introductory variant, the EV9 Light RWD, boasts essential features, including DC fast-charging capability, ample seating for up to seven passengers, and SynTex leather-trimmed seats.
Moreover, it rides on 19-inch alloy wheels and offers an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat equipped with heating and ventilation. The heart of the EV9 lies in its seamless permanent magnet synchronous electric motor, delivering a robust performance with 215hp and 349Nm of torque.
Thailand’s Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, has unveiled that the country is anticipating substantial investments, amounting to a minimum of $5 billion, from major tech entities such as Tesla, Google, and Microsoft.
Thavisin disclosed that Tesla is actively exploring the potential establishment of an electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing facility in Thailand. Simultaneously, Google and Microsoft are considering the construction of data centres within the country. The meeting between the prime minister and Tesla CEO, Elon Musk, primarily centred on the electric vehicle industry.
Adventurous couple Chris and Julie Ramsey have accomplished a groundbreaking feat, driving an electric vehicle (EV) from the 1823 Magnetic North Pole to the South Pole in Antarctica, crossing the equator in the process.
Their chosen vehicle, a specially equipped Nissan Ariya, endured a gruelling journey covering over 20,000km through challenging terrains.
Geely has introduced its new model, the Panda Knight, in the Chinese market. As of the launch, the Panda Knight is available in a single-model variant.
It draws design inspiration from the Panda Mini and features a slightly extended body. It measures 3135mm in length, 1565mm in width, and 1655mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2015mm. Essentially, the Knight can be described as an off-road variant of the Mini, retaining the standard Mini EV body.
To enhance its off-road capabilities and rugged appearance, the Knight comes equipped with various features, including a side ladder, dual-colour luggage racks, blackened wheel arches, and 14-inch aluminium alloy rims.
In terms of its front design, the Panda Knight retains the signature large, round headlights that are characteristic of the Panda series. These headlights give the car a distinct appearance and contribute to its unique identity.
VinFast, a Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has raised eyebrows due to its sales distribution. Reports indicate that over half of VinFast’s electric vehicles sold this year, approximately 7,100 units out of 11,300, were purchased by Green and Smart Mobility (GSM), a Vietnamese taxi company. GSM is under the umbrella of Vingroup, the parent company of VinFast. This data was disclosed in VinFast’s filings to the US Securities and Exchange Commission in July and September.
VinFast made headlines when its stock price soared dramatically after its listing through a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) in the previous month. Despite having sold only 24,000 vehicles in the entire previous year, at one point in September, the company’s market capitalization reached a staggering $200 billion. This valuation briefly placed VinFast among the world’s most valuable automakers, surpassing established giants like Volkswagen, Ford, and General Motors, despite the latter’s significantly larger sales volumes.
In the wake of the recent fire incident at a warehouse storing electric vehicle (EV) batteries in Chatuchak district, Thailand, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has demonstrated swift and proactive leadership. Recognising the significance of the issue, he has directed local officials to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the warehouse that was affected by the fire. Moreover, he has announced plans to extend similar safety inspections to other warehouses and showrooms dealing with electric cars and motorcycles, according to Thai PBS World.
