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Category: Automotive

Retail News Asia is committed to providing both local and global retailers with the latest Auto and Car news throughout the Asian market. This on a daily base.

  • Suzuki, Mazda, Subaru Join Toyota-Softbank Self-Drive Venture

    Suzuki, Mazda, Subaru Join Toyota-Softbank Self-Drive Venture

    Five Japanese automakers including Suzuki Motor Corp and Mazda Motor Corp said they would each invest 2 percent in the on-demand, self-driving car service venture set up by SoftBank Corp and Toyota Motor Corp. Suzuki, Mazda, Subaru Corp, Isuzu Motors Ltd and Toyota’s compact car unit Daihatsu will each invest 57.1 million yen ($530,620) in the venture – dubbed Monet – in return for a 2 percent stake, the companies said in a statement.

    SoftBank and Toyota will each retain their 35% stakes in the company, which is now capitalized at $26.6 million. The latest investors join Honda Motor Co Ltd and Hino Motors Ltd, Toyota’s truck-making operations, which each own 10 percent stakes. Launched in October, the venture plans to roll out on-demand bus and car services in Japan in the next year, and a services platform for electric vehicles in the country as early as 2023 based on Toyota’s boxy “e-palette” multi-purpose vehicle.

    Monet is building up members as it joins the ride-sharing sphere which is dominated by startups such as Uber Technologies Inc, Didi Chuxing and Lyft Inc, as traditional automakers band together to compete in an industry which is placing a growing emphasis on offering vehicle services rather than selling cars to individual drivers.

    Automakers are increasingly joining forces with technology companies as well as each other as they grapple with the massive investment and software expertise required to develop these new services for which demand has yet to be tested. The new investment will see Suzuki, Mazda and Subaru deepen their partnership with Toyota, as they have already agreed to tap the R&D firepower of Japan’s biggest automaker for electric cars and other future vehicle technologies.

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  • Volvo XC90 Armoured Vehicle Revealed

    Volvo XC90 Armoured Vehicle Revealed

    Volvo Cars takes a big step as a manufacturer of armoured vehicles with the XC90 Armoured car. The cars are designed and built to provide safe and comfortable travel with a high level of personal protection for the occupants. There is a growing global market for armoured vehicles at present, and a large number are manufactured with various protection ratings. Volvo already has received numerous requests over the past few years to develop an armoured XC90. The company has extensive experience of building police cars, fire engines and diverse special vehicles with high requirements in terms of function, driveability and safety. In fact, the first Volvo police car was delivered back in 1929.

    Work to develop a car with a VPAM VR8 protection rating commenced just over two years ago. A certified VPAM VR8 rating means the car has 360-degree ballistic resistance as well as explosive resistance. The armoured car is built on the Inscription version of the Volvo XC90 T6 AWD, which is manufactured at the Torslanda plant in Sweden. The size and nature of the model make it the most suitable vehicle in Volvo Cars’ product portfolio for armouring. From Torslanda, the car is sent to TRASCO Bremen GmbH in Germany, a company which has specialised for many years in building high-quality vehicles with high protection ratings.

    The high-strength steel armour is 10 millimetres thick, while the thickness of the glass can be up to 50 millimetres. The armour adds approximately 1,400 kilograms to the XC90, which brings the total weight of the car up to 4,490kg (including five occupants). To cope with the increased weight, the car is fitted with uprated suspension and new brakes. The Volvo XC90 Armoured (heavy) is available to order now and the first customer deliveries will be made at the end of 2019.

    Volvo Cars also develops another version of the armoured car (light). This means that Volvo Cars has a full portfolio of cars able to offer high personal protection. These cars are built on the XC60 T6 AWD Inscription or XC90 T6 AWD Inscription.

    These versions are geared towards different clientele than the XC90 Armoured (heavy). Users could be individuals or companies requiring a car with a higher level of protection due to a geographical risk or a heightened personal threat. A market for these types of protective vehicles also exists among security services, the police, the diplomatic corps and private individuals.

    The cars are intended for Latin America and Europe. After construction, they are retrofitted in Brazil, where there is considerable demand for these types of cars as well as substantial experience of building them. These vehicles are designed to offer lighter protection compared with the XC90 Armoured (heavy). Sales of these cars are scheduled to begin in the first half of 2020.

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  • Ford Says To Cut 12,000 Jobs In All Across Europe

    Ford Says To Cut 12,000 Jobs In All Across Europe

    US carmaker Ford said Thursday that it plans to slash a total of 12,000 jobs across Europe as part of a previously-announced restructuring, as it closes or sells six plants in Britain, France, Russia and Slovakia in 2019 and 2020.

    “Ford’s manufacturing footprint in Europe will be reduced to a proposed 17 facilities by the end of 2020, from 24 at the beginning of 2019,” the group said, adding that the job cuts — including 5,400 already announced in Germany and 1,700 in Wales — would come “primarily through voluntarily separation programmes”.

  • Regent No. 1 Retro-Styled Electric Motorcycle To Debut Next Year

    Regent No. 1 Retro-Styled Electric Motorcycle To Debut Next Year

    Sweden-based Regent Motorcycles is an electric motorcycle manufacturer that recently showcased the company’s first product – the retro-styled Regent No. 1 electric motorcycle. The production prototype was unveiled on May 10, 2019 at the MC Massan Swedish Motorcycle Fair, and encouraged by the response the Regent No. 1 received at that event, the company now intends to ramp up production for a commercial launch of the Regent No. 1 by May 2020. The bike is priced at 9,500 Euros (around ₹ 7.5 lakh) with a 10 per cent discount for the first 100 bikes and Regent is already accepting pre-orders on the company’s website.

    The Regent No. 1 is powered by a rear hub motor which can produced around 11 bhp of power upto 20 bhp, and has a top speed of 120 kmph. The battery is a 72 V and 80 Ah pack, offering 6 kWh capacity, and is said to offer a range of 150 km on a single charge. The bike weighs around 130 kg, and has a steel frame, standard telescopic fork and dual rear shocks featuring chromed out coilover springs. The 18-inch spoked wheels come standard with disc brakes with ABS and regenerative braking.

    Despite the retro-styling, the Regent No. 1 comes with a host of modern technology. The instrument panel is a digital touch screen infotainment system, and the bike includes built-in GPS as an anti-theft device which powers the geofencing feature. The price tag is a bit on the higher side, and Regent Motorcycles is actively looking for investors as well. If the Regent No. 1 gives any indication, the next range of electric motorcycles from Regent will be interesting to see what they offer, both in terms of technology and features.

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  • MG Motor India Introduces Annual Maintenance Package For The Hector

    MG Motor India Introduces Annual Maintenance Package For The Hector

    The MG Hector has finally hit the showrooms. It’s the stepping stone for MG Motor in our market and the company is going the whole hog to ensure that the Hector doesn’t fail to appeal to prospective customers on any front. The car has been packaged really well and has upped the ante in its segment in more than one way. Besides being the first connected compact SUV it also packs in several segment-first features and is offered with multiple powertrains and gearbox options. And now MG Motor has come up with pretty reassuring after sales service plans as well.

    The company offers Five years unlimited kilometers warranty, Five years unlimited kilometers roadside assistance, Five labor free scheduled services and medical assistance via 24×7 pulse hub in case of an emergency are among the services which will be standard with the car. Other than these, the company has also introduced four annual maintenance service packages- Classic, Classic 360, Premium and Premium 360 for Hector customers. The service packs can be purchased at a premium of ₹ 8000 for the base Classic pack which will be applicable for five years. The Classic and Classic 360 provides additional scheduled maintenance plans for the Hector. The Premium and Premium 360 plans on the other hands also cover wear and tear of parts (excluding tyre, battery and accidental repair) along with scheduled maintenance plans.

    In addition to these services, MG Motor will also offer 60 percent assured resale value after three years of ownership if customers are willing to upgrade to a new model. The company is also planning to launch four new SUVs by 2021 including an electric SUV and a seven-seater version of the Hector. The after sales services and annual packages are expected to be standard across the range.

  • MG Hector Launched In India

    MG Hector Launched In India

    MG Motor had revealed almost everything about the Hector in a series of events but we still awaited the prices. Now the company has announced the price of the Hector and it starts at  ₹ 12.18 lakh  (ex-showroom, India) going all the way up to ₹ 16.88 lakh. These prices are introductory. The Hector will be available in four variants- Style, Super, Smart and Sharp and of course it is the first connected car in its segment. The company has kick-started operations with 120 centers for the convenience of its customers. This figure will go up to 250 in September

    The connected car tech remains the magnum opus and MG Motor has left no stone unturned in its promotion, be it the ‘Internet Inside’ badge on the fender and tailgate or Benedict Cumberbatch talking about connectivity features in TV commercials or conducting a mega event for its technology demonstration. The Hector packs-in the best of connected car tech Indian customers have seen so far. The vertically-mounted 10.4-inch screen comes with pre-loaded entertainment content and allows you to manage complete vehicle settings and some more. The system offers features like – Real-Time Navigation, Remote Location, Geo-Fencing, Emergency Response, and Indian accented voice assist for a plethora of features. The software is updated via over-the-air (OTA) downloads like firmware and features updates like any updates. The SUV also comes with pre-loaded apps like – TomTom IQ Maps, Gaana Premium, and AccuWeather app among others. The system also comes with a first machine-to-machine embedded sim, along with the SUV Internet Protocol version 6 which makes it 5G-ready. The e-Sim will be provided by Airtel and MG Motor will give internet connectivity for free until the SUV is under warranty period. That said, the MG Hector oozes in the features department as well and scores really well with plenty of upmarket features. It gets a panoramic sunroof, premium sound system by Infinity, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Hill Assist, cruise control, MID, powered seats, and wing mirrors and powered tailgate among others.

    Moving to its looks, the design and overall silhouette of the Hector are definitely something buyers in this segment will admire. Though MG is historically a British brand, the outline and impression of the Hector are more American. It has a butch looking front which is dominated by a massive black mesh grille with sleek chrome surroundings and MG has adopted the new, in-trend design where the headlamp assembly is mounted in the bumper and the daytime running lights (DRLs) are positioned at the top, close to the hood. The dimensions of the Hector are a size plus for its segment and it has the largest footprint in its segment at 2750 mm and it is 4270 mm long, 1835 mm wide and 1760 mm tall. On the inside, it gets an all-black treatment and the upholstery is finished in soft-touch leather which feels good. The design of the dash and central console looks minimalistic which is majorly due to the enormous touchscreen which eliminates many buttons. The longest wheelbase has also translated into a spacious cabin.

    There will be three powertrain options and gearbox options to choose from. The diesel variant will be powered by the Fiat-sourced 2.0-liter engine which churns out 168 bhp and 350 Nm of peak torque and is mated to a six-speed manual transmission as standard. The petrol variants will get the 1.5-liter, four-cylinder turbo petrol engine which is also mated to a six-speed manual transmission and develops 141 bhp and 250 Nm of peak torque. However, MG is also offering the same 1.5-liter engine with a 48 Volt mild hybrid system which is mated to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). A 48-volt lithium-ion battery helps store energy and provides 20 Nm of extra torque when required. The combination also helps in reducing emissions by up to 12 percent using three key functions – Engine Auto Start-Stop, Regenerative Braking, and E-Boost. MG Motor is also planning to launch the seven-seater version of the Hector next year.

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  • Erik Buell’s New Electric Bike FUELL Fluid Details Revealed

    Erik Buell’s New Electric Bike FUELL Fluid Details Revealed

    The FUELL Fluid electric bike is the first product from the new company spearheaded by motorcycle engineer Erik Buell. Buell was a former engineer with Harley-Davidson, and had founded his own motorcycle brand, the Buell Motorcycle Company and later Erik Buell Racing. The new company, called FUELL, is a partnership between Erik Buell and two other entities, Vanguard Motorcycles, and Spark Racing Technology. FUELL’s first product is the Fluid electric bike, and has a claimed range of 200 km from its two 1,008 Wh removable batteries.

    The FUELL Fluid e-bike has a mid-drive bofeili 500W pedal-assisted motor, giving it 100 Nm of torque, and comes equipped with a Gates Carbon Drive belt system and a Shimano Alfine 8-speed Geared Hub. The twin batteries can be charged up to 80 percent in just 2.5 hours and a full charge in 5 hours. According to FUELL, both of the Fluid e-bike’s 504wh batteries are removable and have the potential to be upgradable, as and when battery technology evolves. The Fluid e-bike sports a 3.2 IPC colour screen which displays information like speed, distance traveled, battery level and five configurable motor assist settings. The Fluid also comes equipped with adjustable suspension and hydraulic brakes for impressive stopping power. The Fluid e-bike is expected to be available from September 2019 and will be shipped worldwide. It’s priced at USD 2,999 (around ₹ 2 lakh in current exchange rates).

    Erik Buell, the man behind the FUELL brand, is considered to be a pioneer in motorcycle technology and was inducted into the American Motorcyclist’s Association Hall of Fame in 2002. He has over 40 years of engineering experience and founded Buell Motorcycle Company which eventually merged with Harley-Davidson. Erik Buell Racing followed the shutdown of Buell Motorcycle Company, and has an Indian connection as well, with Hero MotoCorp picking up 49.2 percent stake in the company in 2013. Erik Buell Racing was involved primarily in building race-ready motorcycles. Erik Buell Racing eventually shut shop in 2016, and the remnants of the company were sold to Liquid Asset Partners.

    FUELL, Erik Buell’s new electric bike venture is expected to introduce more electric motorcycle models in the coming years. The next FUELL product is expected to be the FUELL Flow, an electric motorcycle featuring a hub-mounted electric motor and side-mounted rear shock. The Flow is expected to be available in two variants – with one variant producing 11kW (around 15 bhp) and the other with 35 kW (around 37 bhp). With a history of motorcycle engineering, and racing, it will be interesting to see how the FUELL brand will evolve in the coming years, particularly at a time when the entire auto industry seems to be focussing on electric vehicles as the preferred choice of technology for the future.

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  • Android Auto is getting a redesigned interface and Dark Mode

    Android Auto is getting a redesigned interface and Dark Mode

    Google last month announced an update for Android Auto that would change the way the app looks and works, and it is now finally rolling out to some regions. Google says that the refreshed interface was “built to help you get on the road faster, show more useful information at a glance and simplify common tasks while driving.”

    To streamline the experience and to make common tasks even easier to perform while driving, the latest Android Auto update introduces a redesigned bottom navigation bar. It allows users to control apps and media, manage incoming calls and notifications, and get directions on the same screen, with fewer taps required than before.

    The redesigned bottom bar also offers a way to better utilize screen real estate. Since Android Auto is a scalable experience, made to work on many types of displays with different sizes, aspect ratios, and resolutions, the UI design changes are aimed at making the app a consistent and well-optimized experience across the board.

    Speaking of UI changes, Dark Mode is also a thing now in Android Auto. It’s more of a visual change, rather than functional, but it should make using the app during the night a bit easier on the eyes. Google says that the new dark theme was designed to utilize more colorful accents and easier to read fonts to further improve visibility and reduce eye strain.

    The update seems to depend on a server-side switch, as is often the case with Google services, and not on the app version you’re running. Still, you can check if you’re on the latest version by heading to the Google Play Store.

    The new Android Auto update has started rolling out in the UK and US, so other regions where the service is available should start receiving the new features in the coming days/weeks.

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  • Porsche 911 Heritage Design Packages Coming

    Porsche 911 Heritage Design Packages Coming

    Porsche has a glorious history of making dazzling and gorgeous performance cars. It has given the world some iconic models in the past and the Stuttgart based carmaker is now planning to revisit its heritage. Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur and Style Porsche design departments are working on a new Heritage Design Package which will be introduced in the next year, i.e. 2020. The 911 is one of the most iconic Porsches of all times and has led the charge several times for new developments. Once again, Porsche will start introducing the Heritage Design Package in the 911 range and is likely to follow with other models.

    The Porsche 911 Speedster concept which was showcased at the New York Auto Show was adorned with the Heritage Design Package and gave us an initial outlook of the design. The Heritage design models will get special colours and materials along with special paintwork and liveries to characterize the classic appearance of special models. Porsche designers have taken inspiration from old models and have used old colours, equipment cards and retro design elements. A hint of the same was the circular, chrome finished wing mirror on the 911 Speedster. The same treatment and finish will also accentuate inside the cabin of the car. Retro elements such as corduroy, the Pepita pattern, the Pasha pattern or tartans will be redesigned and comprehensively tested and will have sumptuous material characteristics for the special models.

    Porsche design is also developing matching timepieces, exclusively for the owners of Heritage Design vehicles. The company is trying to bring back the spirit of Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, the designer of the 911 and founder of Porsche Design.

  • BMW Vision DC Roadster Concept Unveiled

    BMW Vision DC Roadster Concept Unveiled

    Electric motors are supposed to be the successor to the internal combustion engine and manufacturers are making the transition towards the electric mobility on both two and four wheels. BMW Motorrad, largely known for its evocative motorcycles is also working on an electric future for itself and is offering a glimpse of the future with its new Vision DC Roadster concept. BMW calls the ‘electrical awakening’ of the twin-cylinder Boxer engine that has powered the bike maker’s motorcycles for over 90 years. The BMW Vision DC Roadster is only a concept for now but could just preview a future Rnine T model with an electric drive.

    Speaking about the new BMW Vision DC Roadster, Edgar Heinrich, Head of Design BMW Motorrad explained, “The boxer engine is the heart of BMW Motorrad – an absolute stalwart of its character. But BMW Motorrad stands for visionary zero-emissions vehicle concepts, too. In view of this, one question that arises is: what would happen if we were to replace the boxer engine with an electric motor and the required battery? The Vision Bike shows how we’re able to retain the identity and iconic appearance of BMW Motorrad in distinctive form while at the same time presenting an exciting new type of riding a pleasure. After all: anyone who’s ever tried it out in practice knows very well that riding on two wheels is just as exciting when its electrically powered! The high level of torque right at set-off makes for breath-taking acceleration. This almost brutal power delivery creates a whole new experience of dynamic performance. And the BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster puts a face to this experience.”

    The BMW Vision DC Roadster is built around a completely new architecture with the battery as its centerpiece. The manufacturer retains the iconic Boxer appearance with its concept of the future, which can be determined as an electric on closer inspection. The bike uses a vertically fitted, longitudinally oriented battery and is mounted in place of the conventional engine, while two side elements protrude with cooling ribs and integrated ventilators, which are quite similar to the cylinder heads on the Boxer engine. The cylinder-shaped electric motor itself is placed underneath the battery and is directly connected to the universal shaft. BMW Motorrad states that the Vision DC Roadster demonstrates a clever drive architecture that visually echoes the history of BMW Motorrad while taking it a step further.

    The design language on the BMW Vision DC Roadster is dynamic with the low front section and the short high rear. The design gives a sense of agility on the motorcycle, while a very interesting bit is the tubular structure that shows up like the skeleton of the motorcycle, replacing where a fuel tank would be placed. The aluminium frame structure also plays a key factor in the with the battery at the centre of the frame. Given the silence that comes along with electric motors, BMW has worked an innovative to denote that the bike is ready with the side cooling elements moving out slightly when the electric motor is turned on.

    The BMW Vision DC Roadster uses extensive cabon fibre and aluminium in its construction that further adds to its visual appeal. The red contrast elements and brushed aluminium around the battery, frame and cooling systems further emphasise on the bike geometry. There’s extensive attention to detail as well with the use of high quality materials throughout the concept. Details like the exposed universal shaft and the Duolever fork add a striking mechanical look to the motorcycle, while the flat U-shaped LED headlight with two compact lenses looks menacing. The taillight comprises two C-shaped LED elements that carry a minimalist look on the motorcycle. BMW says the Vision bike uses tyres exclusively made by Metzeler, while there are five fluorescent elements, each about the size of a postage stamp, integrated in the design for added visibility and graphic effect.

    In addition, BMW also revealed protective riding gear along with the Vision DC Roadster concept with integrated lighting and connectivity aspects. BMW Motorrad conveys the new concept is a symbol of the future of the manufacturer with alternate drive forms. The manufacturer has not yet revealed details on if and when there will be a production version to the concept, but we do see it coming in a torque-filled future closer than ever. And sure looks exciting!

  • BMW Previews Vision M Next Electric Sportscar

    BMW Previews Vision M Next Electric Sportscar

    BMW today previewed the Vision M Next which offers a foretaste of the BMW M brand’s electrified future and yes, this one places the driver right at the centre of all the action. Hosting the exclusive world premiere of the BMW Vision M NEXT is the new NextGen infotainment platform at BMW Welt. The BMW Vision iNEXT and BMW Vision M NEXT Vision Vehicles represent prototype versions of BMW’s future experience concepts ‘Ease’ and ‘Boost’. Ease encompasses all the experiences during a journey when the vehicle assumes the task of driving, so maximum comfort for users while Boost is all about the ultimate active driving experience.

    The BMW Vision M Next draws its inspiration from the iconic BMW Turbo and of course the i8 plug-in hybrid. It’s low-slung, has a wedge-shaped silhouette, gets gullwing doors and a striking colour scheme while maintaining its sports-car proportions. The front and rear ends are finished in the matt-neon shade orange, producing a vivid contrast against the exterior’s otherwise silver metallic paintwork.

    The signature BMW kidney grille is flanked on either side by triangular elements which are painted in orange. The triangular elements accentuate the air intakes at the sides and the integral headlights. The headlights are positioned on the outer edges of the front end, higher up than the kidney grille. Arranged one above the other rather than side by side and that gives it BMW’s classic four-eyed front end. The black side skirts are made from recycled carbon fibre and make the car look even lower on the road.

    Domagoj Dukec, Vice President BMW Design, said, “The BMW Vision M NEXT is a progressive hybrid sports car that makes a very clear and confident statement, in terms of both appearance and interaction. Where the BMW Vision iNEXT illustrated how autonomous driving is set to transform life on board our vehicles, the BMW Vision M NEXT demonstrates how state-of-the-art technology can also make the experience of driving yourself purer and more emotionally engaging. In both models, the focus is firmly on the people inside. Design and technology make the ‘EASE’ and ‘BOOST’ experiences more natural and more intense,”

    The Vision M Next offers the choice between electric all-wheel drive and pure rear-wheel drive, with either all-electric propulsion or the power of a turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. The output stands at 591 bhp and it has a top speed of 300 kmph. 0-100 kmph is done in just under 3 seconds. There is also a BOOST+ mode that puts extra power on tap at the push of a button. The maximum range when driving in all-electric mode is 100 km.

    The rear wheels on the BMW Vision M NEXT measure 22 inches in diameter, making them one inch larger than the front wheels (21 inches) and that gives the car a lovely stance. The design of the rear window takes its cue from the BMW M1. The three-piece louvres are made from glass and emphasise the horizontal focus of the rear-end styling. The rear lights feature the same Laser Wire technology used for the headlights. The two-dimensional reinterpretation of the distinctive pair of BMW roundels from the BMW Turbo and BMW M1 – a gift to BMW aficionados – gives them the impression of floating in the rear lights’ transparent lenses.

    There’s also facial recognition technology in the Vision M Next and his allows the car to unlock automatically as the driver approaches. Pressing the touch sensor on the gullwing doors prompts them to swing open. The cabin is minimalist and revolves entirely around the actively engaged driver, both stylistically and technologically. The seat shells form part of a seat sculpture with a flowing design. They are upholstered in a foam material with shape memory properties that moulds itself to, cushions and supports the body to optimum effect.

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  • Mercedes-Benz To Start Assembling Cars In Egypt

    Mercedes-Benz To Start Assembling Cars In Egypt

    Mercedes-Benz and the Egyptian government have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to locally assemble the company’s passenger cars in the country. This is the result of successful discussions with the Egyptian government. This planned commitment is set to further improve the market position of Mercedes-Benz Cars in Egypt. The Memorandum of Understanding not only describes a local Mercedes-Benz passenger car assembly, but also contains other potential fields of cooperation. The assembly will be set up by a local business partner. At the same time, Mercedes-Benz Cars emphasises the involvement and know-how of Egyptian suppliers.

    “In building up a local car assembly, we will be able to structure our production network even more flexibly and efficiently and respond even better to the needs of our customers,” says Jorg Burzer, Executive Board member Mercedes-Benz Cars, Production and Supply Chain.

    In view of the long-term market potential, further investments are also conceivable, for example expansion of the dealer network, a logistical hub in the Suez Canal Special Economic Zone and a training centre. Furthermore, the company has offered to make its specialist expertise with respect to modern mobility concepts, e-mobility and electric vehicles, as well as autonomous driving, available.

    With the planned car assembly operation in Egypt, Mercedes-Benz Cars is supporting Egypt as an industrial location. Already now, Mercedes-Benz is securing more than 1,000 direct and indirect jobs in Egypt with its own import and sales organisation, a central spare parts warehouse and numerous authorised retailers and workshops in Cairo, Gizeh, Alexandria and Hurghada. With the new car assembly operation, Mercedes-Benz Cars will create new employment and contribute to better training opportunities with the planned training centre.

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  • Volkswagen Opens IT Centre In Dresden

    Volkswagen Opens IT Centre In Dresden

    Volkswagen has opened a new IT Development Centre in its Glaserne Manufaktur in Dresden. In the Software Development Centre Production (SDC Production), up to 80 newly hired IT specialists will be working on the Volkswagen Industrial Cloud. In the future, the Industrial Cloud will link all 122 Group-wide Volkswagen production facilities. The goal is to amalgamate all data, and in doing so consistently digitalize production and logistics.

    One of the main focus points is the use of artificial intelligence, which suitably simulates human eyesight. The SDC developed the software for the visual quality checks of automated priming tasks for the door and side windows – this robot application comes from the Dresden-based start-up Wandelbots.

    Martin Hofmann, Head of IT for the Volkswagen Group, stated: “With the new IT Development Centre in the Glaserne Manufaktur, our expert knowledge will continue to grow; skills in important areas of technology secure our future.”

    The Industrial Cloud brings together data from all factories. For example, the material flow can be organized more efficiently and delivery bottlenecks and process disruptions can be detected at an early stage. It enables smart real-time control – simultaneously in Wolfsburg and Shanghai, Dresden and Uitenhage (South Africa)

    The Industrial Cloud is being established together with Amazon Web Services (AWS). AWS is a leader in the field of the Internet of Things (IoT), machine learning and computer services. In the Industrial Cloud, these technologies are being developed specifically for the automotive production environment. With Siemens, Volkswagen has gained its first major integration partner. Siemens contributes know-how in automation, connectivity of machines and systems, and the industrial IoT world to the collaboration.

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  • GM To Spend $20 Million More On Equipment Upgrade At Arlington Plant

    GM To Spend $20 Million More On Equipment Upgrade At Arlington Plant

    General Motors Co said on Tuesday it would invest an additional $20 million to upgrade equipment at the automaker’s Arlington Assembly plant in Texas, ahead of the launch of full-size sports utility vehicles (SUVs).

    The investment will not add to the plant’s production capacity, a GM spokesman said. The No.1 U.S. automaker has not revealed when the company is going to launch its next-generation full-size SUVs such as the Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL and the Cadillac Escalade.

    GM has long been dominated the U.S. full-size SUV segment, which fetches higher margins, but rival Ford Motor Co has been pushing to capture market share. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV said earlier this year it would start building a full-size Jeep SUV in late 2020.The latest equipment upgrade at Arlington plant is expected to be ready next year, the company said.

    GM has invested more than $1.4 billion in the Arlington Assembly plant since 2015.

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  • VinFast Starts Production Of Two Cars Designed By Pininfarina At Its New Plant

    VinFast Starts Production Of Two Cars Designed By Pininfarina At Its New Plant

    The first two cars designed by Pininfarina for the Vietnamese brand VinFast will be manufactured in the new plant which was inaugurated by VinFast Production and Trading LLC at Dinh Vu Industrial Zone, Cat Hai, Hai Phong. It is built on an area exceeding 500,000 square meters out of the 335 hectares of the entire complex, meeting the requirements of Industry 4.0 automation and data exchange system. The designed capacity of the first and second phases are to grow from 250,000 vehicles per year to 500,000 vehicles per year, respectively, with the production speed reaching 38 vehicles per hour.

    The Vietnamese brand will produce the new Pininfarina-designed LUX A2.0 sedan and LUX SA2.0 SUV, both of which made their debut at the 2018 Paris Motor Show. After unveiling 20 concept designs submitted by world-famous design houses including Pininfarina, Vinfast asked customers to vote which they thought were in line with world trends and fitting with Vietnamese tastes and demand. Nearly 62,000 participants voted in the contest. The Sedan and SUV designs that collected the most votes were the two that Pininfarina will develop.

    VinFast has in fact already received 10,000 preorders, a year prior to the launching of its final products and that’s quite a record it’s set. After the inauguration of the factory, VinFast will organize the delivery and release of the first cars. Specifically, delivery of VinFast Fadil cars to customers started on June 17, while Pininfarina-designed Lux A2.0 sedan and Lux SA2.0 SUV will be delivered at the end of July 2019.