FEATURES

“BMW Opera for All” in Melbourne, Australia in February 2023. BMW announced its partnership with Opera Australia to bring global initiative to Australia for the first time.

BMW has further expanded its global footprint in the world of opera with today’s announcement of its multi-year partnership with Opera Australia, Australia’s largest performing arts organization, to bring “BMW Opera for All” to the country for the very first time.

“BMW Opera for All” is a global event in collaboration with local orchestras and opera houses to produce world class cultural experiences to the public for free. Annual events take place in Munich, and in addition, events have taken place in Berlin, and London.

The Australian debut of this global initiative will include a one-hour open-air concert that will take place on the 4^th February 2023 at the Federation Square, Melbourne and include the most popular arias in opera.  The performance will feature four of Australia’s finest opera singers accompanied by 16 musicians from Orchestra Victoria.

“BMW believes that art and culture are an integral part of our social sustainability, and it is therefore with utmost joy that BMW Australia is partnering with Opera Australia to bring our global ‘BMW Opera for All’ event to Australia. 

Wolfgang Buechel, CEO, BMW Group Australia

Mr. Buechel added that Melbourne was selected as the first Australian city because it has a rich art, theatre, and music scene and that the arts and culture scene usually enjoyed by so many was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This free-entry event enables BMW to support the industry while also bringing much needed joy to everyone who attends from near and far.  

Together with Opera Australia, we have selected Federation Square as the venue because it’s an iconic destination renowned for its world-class art and culture engagements. Furthermore, it is in the heart of the city with a large outdoor area that can accommodate 8,000 people.  We look forward to hosting one of the biggest free outdoor opera events in Australia in 2023 and welcoming audiences of all ages.”

Wolfgang Buechel, CEO, BMW Group Australia

Opera Australia CEO Fiona Allan is delighted to welcome BMW as a Platinum Partner to bring the global “BMW Opera for All” concert series to Australia for the first time.

“It is appropriate that Melbourne joins the ranks of other international cities to host this ‘BMW Opera for All’ concert, and what better location than Federation Square? This is a wonderful gift to Melbourne, and demonstrates BMW’s sincere commitment to enhancing the cultural life of the cities they operate in.  We are looking forward to seeing families and friends gathering again in the CBD for what promises be a wonderful celebration of great opera,”

Fiona Allan, CEO, Opera Australia

Nissan Donates Engines To Uj & Tvet Colleges To Enhance Motor Technology Curriculum – In Nissan South Africa’s commitment to the socio-economic development of youth in the country, Nissan South Africa has partnered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) to enrich the skills development of learners at the University of Johannesburg and 5 TVET Colleges.

Through the Motor Technology Enhancement Programme (MTEP), Nissan has handed over engine unit sets comprising of engines, gearboxes, and differentials valued over 2 million Rand to UJ and five Technical Vocational Education and Training colleges (TVET) based in Gauteng, Limpopo, and North-West.

“Nissan has embarked on a journey to support skills development and training in higher education institutions across South Africa, through actively supporting projects that are focused on resolving societal challenges. We’re committed to working to improve the lives of South Africans and communities in areas such as education, the environment and humanitarian aid,”

– Kabelo Rabotho, Country Director, Nissan South Africa

It is widely known that the automotive industry is facing a chronic skills shortage, with reports that suggest that skills such as motor body repair and spray painting, petrol mechanics, diesel mechanics, welding, automobile bodybuilding, and auto electrical are in the minimum supply.

Globally, it is estimated that the automotive sector is set to face a shortage of 2.3 million skilled workers by 2025 and 4.3 million by 2030. The aim of the MTEP is to enhance the colleges motor technology curriculum, with the intention of making them responsive to the needs of the ever-evolving automotive industry.

“Having Nissan South Africa as our partner in the journey towards establishing an up-to-date motor technical programme, with tools and state-of-the-art equipment is a dream come true for us.”

Dr Samuel Loyiso Gqibani, UJ’s Head of School for Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Technology

In addition to UJ, the five TVET Colleges receiving the engine sets are: Tshwane South, Tshwane North, Vuselela, Waterberg and Central Johannesburg. The MTEP will also donate an engine unit to UJ.

“The engines will provide experiential training to students who are studying automotive programmes in the Engineering Faculty, and this will enable lecturers to enhance learning by providing practical demonstrations and application of the subject content.”

Dr Thembi Tsibogo, Principal at Tshwane North College.

“Our approach as Nissan towards advanced teaching and skills development is informed by our commitment towards: advancing the United Nations Sustainable goal of Inclusive and Quality education, furthering the South Africa’s Automotive Masterplan 2035, which amongst others commits the industry towards the development of new technologies and skills, and Nissan’s own sustainability strategy pillar of realising a more inclusive society,”

– Kabelo Rabotho, Country Director, Nissan South Africa

“Today’s automotive technicians need to be equipped with the best in equipment and parts to ensure that their problem-solving skills and innovative capabilities are enhanced for the better. We trust these donations will add great value to the learners.”

– Kabelo Rabotho, Country Director, Nissan South Africa

Orders opened for the new Jeep® Avenger, the first full-electric SUV of the brand – Starting today at Jeep’s showrooms, it is now possible to order the new Avenger, the maiden completely electric Jeep SUV which recently made its world premiere at the 2022 Paris Motor Show. The new automobile has already had a successful pre-booking phase, with around 10,000 people making online requests to be the first ones to be able to order and drive the exclusive 1^st Edition version.

Another rewarding result for an automobile which has broken every barrier since its unveiling and a truly authentic expression of the attitude of a brand which is historically accustomed to taking on any challenge and reaching new milestones and records.

Online Sale

It should be noted that in Italy, France, Germany, Spain and Belgium, it is also available via sales online—the new, simple, and intuitive digital purchase method. The user can easily customize the vehicle, complete the order, and quickly arrive at the purchase page.

The process starts from the configurator, with the automobile solely available in its most desirable version: the Jeep Avenger 1^st Edition, the exclusive, eye-catching, fully equipped, and full-electric version which in Italy and Spain is also available with a 1.2 liter and 100 HP turbocharged engine.

The user can choose among the color options for free — Sun with Volcano roof, Granite with Volcano roof, or the version with the all-Volcano livery — and the “Freedom to Choose”, an exclusive launch offer related to the charging option of the electric version, where the customer can choose between a Wallbox for private charging – free or top-of-the-range – or a RFID card for public charging with €400 of credit included in the package.

This option allows the user to charge the vehicle for a few thousand kilometers for free in more than 300k point of charges in EU. Moreover, for more traditional customers in the five markets mentioned above, orders and sales will also be possible at dealerships.

Fun and exciting, the Jeep Avenger 1^st Edition combines capability, style, functionality, and technology to satisfy the needs of modern customers who are constantly connected, active, adventurous, and looking for a 100% electric vehicle with a compact size, spacious interiors, and a Jeep’s DNA.

Thanks to a fuel range up to 400 km and up to 550 km in city driving and a simple and fast charging method, the Jeep Avenger was made to push boundaries and become a pure expression of “concentrated freedom”, incorporating electrification and the most sophisticated technology in a compact SUV.

The price for this model is €39,500, which is available in monthly payments of €249.

Since its unveiling, the new Jeep Avenger marks the introduction of a portfolio of new battery electric vehicles (BEV) for the brand in Europe as the brand’s strong commitment to a future of sustainable mobility, which is in line with the vision of “Zero emissions, 100% freedom”.

Additionally, the SUV is one of the seven automobiles on the shortlist of the prestigious “Car of the Year 2023”, which will be awarded on January 13 at the Brussels Motor Show. This achievement highlights the enormous potential of the new Jeep model. Orders for Jeep Avenger are open in the following countries: Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, Poland.

Nissan Formula E Team unveils striking cherry blossom livery for Season 9 – Nissan Formula E Team revealed today its brand-new livery for the 2022/23 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, featuring an eye-catching cherry blossom pattern.

Also known as Sakura, the team’s choice to incorporate this iconic flower in its Season 9 livery is not only a nod to the squad’s Japanese DNA, but it also symbolizes and celebrates a new start.

The upcoming campaign will mark the start of the highly anticipated Gen3 era, and it will also be the first time for Nissan in Formula E racing as one team and under its new name. The striking new livery on the NISSAN e-4ORCE 04 highlights and commemorates a new age not only for the championship, but for the team itself.

“Electrification is at the centre of Nissan’s long-term vision, with Formula E playing an expanding role in it. Season 9 marks a new era for Nissan’s participation in the championship. It will be our fifth competing in Formula E but our first as one team. We have a long history in racing, and we also love to dare to do what others don’t. Our new livery celebrates our Japanese heritage and I’m certain that the design will stand out on track like never before. I’m really excited for the season to get underway, and I am confident that we have all we need to make the start of the Gen3 era a very successful one for us at Nissan.”

Ashwani Gupta, Nissan’s chief operating officer.

“We wanted to create something totally different and unique for this season to mark such an important moment for us in Formula E, and also to celebrate our Japanese DNA. The upcoming campaign is a big moment for the series, with the introduction of the Gen3 cars. But it’s also key for us at Nissan, with the team running under its new name as we take full ownership of all our operations in Formula E. All of us at Nissan are very excited for this new beginning, very motivated to tackle this new challenge, and very much looking forward to getting started.”

Tommaso Volpe, general manager, Nissan Formula E, and managing director, Nissan Formula E Team

New driver line up for Nissan Formula E Team

Nissan Formula E Team also has a brand-new driver line-up for the upcoming season, blending experience and youth with Formula E race winner Norman Nato and 2022 Super Formula runner-up Sacha Fenestraz both joining the team. Frenchman Nato will compete in the #17 car, while Franco-Argentine Fenestraz will take to the wheel of the #23 machine.

“I really like the new livery, it’s different and will definitely stand out on track. The cherry blossom design is a great touch, especially since it also signifies a new chapter in the championship and, even more so, for the team. This season is also a new beginning for me, a new chapter in my career, and one I’m extremely excited about. I know we will have to work hard, but I am looking forward to it. We will keep focusing on getting ready for the season ahead, continuing to develop the car, and building a solid set up within the team so we are in a good place for the first race in Mexico. I feel prepared and I can’t wait to begin the new season with my new team.”

Norman Nato

“The car looks beautiful, I love the idea of the cherry blossom. It’s the first time we’ve seen anything like this in Formula E and it’s great to celebrate the Japanese heritage of the team. I can’t wait to be on track and I’m really excited to get to Valencia and start testing soon. It’s a big step for me to race in Formula E, and to see the professionalism and dedication of the team is only pushing me to achieve the best possible results. We’re building up nicely to the season, in the simulator, tweaking and developing the car to start the campaign in a positive way.”

Sacha Fenestraz

Nato and Fenestraz will have their first outings in the newly-liveried Gen3 car during the official pre-season test at Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia on 13-16 December. Season 9 is set to be the biggest Formula E campaign to date, with a record 17 races planned, including maiden visits to India, South Africa and Brazil, before ending the year at the fan-favourite London E-Prix.

Shell and The Woolmark Company to partner with Nissan Formula E Team

For the upcoming season, Nissan Formula E Team will count on the treasured support of two strong technical partners. The team will keep working closely with its well-established partner Shell, while is also proud to announce an exciting new collaboration with The Woolmark Company.

Shell will continue its long-standing partnership with the team into Season 9, demonstrating its commitment to Formula E.

The partnership supports Shell in its continued development of its specialized Shell E-fluids, designed to optimize the efficiency of EVs, and its expanding Shell Recharge charging network, as it aims to become the worldwide leader in EV charging services.

“Through our partnership with Nissan in Formula E, we are taking experience gained on the track and using it to create better products and services for our EV customers on the road. Formula E is an important testing ground for the development and production of cleaner energy products, including Shell Recharge, Shell E-fluids and other new energy products.”

István Kapitány, Global Executive Vice President of Shell Mobility

The Woolmark Company joins Nissan Formula E for Season 9 as its technical partner to develop a high-performance team kit using Merino wool.

Soft on skin, Merino wool offers supreme moisture management, thermoregulation and breathability properties, making it perfectly engineered to a performance-lead environment. For the first time, Merino wool has been put to the test through the Nissan Formula E Team uniform.

“Our technical team worked hand-in-hand to craft a performance-oriented team kit, driving unexpected product offerings thanks to the inherent technical and eco-credentials of the fibre. The innovative nature of Merino wool is paralleled to the technology behind Formula E thanks to manufacturing techniques and engineering between our teams.”

John Roberts, Woolmark Company Managing Director

Commenting on the Nissan Formula E Team partners for Season 9 –

“For us at Nissan it is very important to partner with companies that share our same values, priorities and long-term goals, especially when it comes to sustainability and electrification.

We are proud to have the support of both Shell and The Woolmark Company and to collaborate with two likeminded partners who, like us, are committed to build a more sustainable future through technology and innovation”

Tommaso Volpe, general manager, Nissan Formula E, and managing director, Nissan Formula E Team

“Simply get more” – with the new MOVE special-edition models from Volkswagen – VW has put together a series of special equipment packages for its new MOVE special-edition models. True to the slogan “Simply get more”, they come with a whole host of attractive additional model-dependent features: from background lighting and freshly designed seat covers made from sustainable materials to the model-specific Zurich alloy wheels.

Depending on automobile, customers benefit from savings of up to €2,600 compared with the recommended retail price for a model with an equivalent equipment level.

“The new MOVE special-edition models represent an attractive option for all customer groups,”

Imelda Labbé, member of the Board of Management for Sales, Marketing and After Sales

Polo, Taigo, T-Cross, T-Roc, T-Roc Cabriolet, Golf, Golf Estate, Touran, Tiguan, Tiguan Allspace: a special specification package is now available for these models. Highlights include the special colour Ivory Silver Metallic and the model-specific Zurich alloy wheels. Clients can also look forward to darkened rear windows, as well as sill panel mouldings and badges with the MOVE lettering.

Standard equipment of the special-edition models

The extensive standard equipment of the special-edition models also includes a multifunction leather steering wheel, the Ready 2 Discover infotainment and navigation system including Streaming & Internet, the Air Care Climatronic automatic air conditioner, and the Light & Sight Package with automatic lighting control and rain sensor.

The interior features stylish touches such as background lighting and newly designed seat covers with coloured stitching and expressive embossing. In addition, sustainable materials are used in all models. For example, the exterior fabric of the seats, head restraints, headliner and textile floor mats is made from up to 100 percent recycled materials and, depending on the model, from up to 100 recycled PET bottles.

All MOVE special-edition models can be combined with different engine and gearbox versions and are now available for order. The special-edition models can be optionally supplemented with a “Plus” package (including Digital Cockpit Pro, LED Plus/matrix headlights). Depending on model, customers benefit from savings of up to €2,600

The Engine Songs: the V10 unleashes a crescendo similar to a female voice – The Selvans green of the Huracán Tecnicaand the dark, dense green of the rain of the Scottish countryside are accompanied by the unique sound of the Lamborghini V10 engine, driven by Amy Macdonald, the singer-songwriter who has sold 12 million copies around the world.

She talks about the sensations and musicality of driving the ten-cylinder super sports car, with its rising engine pitch echoing the notes and consistency of a female voice and her silken Scottish accent, and which at top speed challenges her in the contralto shades her voice expresses.

At a recording studio on the outskirts of Glasgow Amy Macdonald disclosed:-

“What surprises me most about my vocality is the power it has gained over the years. The more I sing, the stronger it becomes. In this sense, it can be compared to what happens to a car as you gradually press down the accelerator.”

In the exclusive clip, Amy Macdonald’s hand plays the guitar with the same decisive sensuality with which the gears of the Huracán are downshifted as it sendoffs into the twilight of the British landscape. The stars tattooed on her wrists and the parallel emotions that music and driving generate, seem to hover in the passenger compartment.

“I spend a lot of time in the studio creating demos and always searching for the perfect balance, and the car is the place I most like to listen to myself again and grasp the point my work has reached. As a car buff though, I also love to lower the volume to zero and totally immerse myself in my psyche, accompanied only by the sound of the engine.”

“The sound of the Huracán is exhilarating and makes me feel powerful. And there is a clear similarity between driving while enjoying the music and being on stage giving my all with my voice. I feel the same power on stage that I perceive when I drive.”

“It is an engine boasting an aggressive vocality,” explained Mauro Mautone, Lamborghini NVH whole vehicle coordinator who, together with producer and sound engineer Alex Trecarichi, created the The Engine Songs playlist. The soundtracks, available on Spotify, are specially curated to reflect the tonality and vibrations associated with the sound frequencies emitted by the Lamborghini V8, V10 and V12 engines.

“The engine sound is an essential attribute for Lamborghini fans and, in the V10, the distinguishing shrillness is expressed in the most complete manner. There is a rawness and high volume, precisely like only a female voice can deliver,”

– Mauro Mautone, Lamborghini NVH Whole Vehicle Coordinator

Presented last April, Huracán Tecnica is the latest-generation rear-wheel drive V10-engined Lamborghini, developed for those who are looking for lifestyle perfection and driving fun, both on the road and on the track. The name Tecnica symbolizes the evolution of the advanced technical efficiency of the Huracán family, with an enriched 0 to 100 km/h acceleration of 3.2 seconds. It is tailored with a 5.2-liter engine that delivers power of 640 CV, just like its stablemate Huracán STO, with an exhilarating 565 Nm torque at 6,500 while still comfortable in daily driving.

Click here to listen to the playlist The Engine Songs: V10.

Fuel consumption and emission values of Huracán Tecnica; Fuel consumption combined: 14,5 l/100km (WLTP); CO2-emissions combined: 328 g/km (WLTP)

Fuel consumption and emission values of Huracán STO; Fuel consumption combined: 13.9 l/100km (WLTP); CO2-emissions combined: 331 g/km (WLTP)

Ford Recalls Certain 2021 Model Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs for Potential Under Hood Fire Concern: – Ford Motor Company is advising clients of certain 2021 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs built over a four-month period between late 2020 and early 2021 to park their automobiles outside and away from structures while the motor company investigates the cause of under hood fires.

Ford Motor Company is replying to 16 testified incidents, Ford is recollecting 39,013 Expedition and Navigator SUVs in the United States of America built between Dec. 1, 2020 and April 30, 2021. These automobiles may pose a risk of under hood fire, including while the vehicle is parked and off. As of Ford Motor Company’s filing with NHTSA, there have been no reported incidents with vehicles manufactured before or after these dates.

Ford, which began examining the issue on March 24, 2022, has not yet established a cause. The occurrences are believed to initiate in the rear of the engine compartment near the passenger side of the vehicle.

Fourteen of these occurrences occurred on vehicles owned by rental companies (across multiple locations) and two were retail customer automobiles. Of the 16 incidents, 12 reportedly occurred while the vehicle was parked and off, one reportedly while the automobile was parked and on, and three reportedly while the vehicle was in motion.

Ford is treating this recollection with a high sense of urgency and will communicate to clienteles via FordPass and Lincoln Way app and mail as soon as it finalizes the list of owners and addresses within the recalled vehicle population.

Ford has not issued instructions to stop driving vehicles under this recall and is not aware of any accidents related to this issue. The Ford Motor Company is aware of one reported injury.

“We are working around-the-clock to determine the root cause of this issue and subsequent remedy so that customers can continue to enjoy using their vehicles. We recognize the importance of staying in touch with our customers until we resolve this matter.”

– Jeffrey Marentic, General Manager, Ford Passenger Vehicles.

CREWE’S CARBON NEUTRAL “DREAM FACTORY” CONTINUES TO CUT YEAR-ON-YEAR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT – Statistics from Bentley Motors’ “Dream Factory” in Crewe, reveal the British marque is on course to become the world’s most sustainable luxury car brand. Newest available statistics recorded at the company’s headquarters, shows a remarkable overall decrease in environmental impact per car when comparing 2021 data against 2020 figures, even though Bentley increased production volume by 38.3 per cent in the same period. This contributes to an overall reduction of 76.7 per cent per vehicle since 2010.

A series of ongoing enhancements at the factory since 2010 has been the backdrop to the release of these new statistics, as Bentley focuses on the key principles of reduction and reuse. 

The amount of water used at the factory was cut by 26.6 per cent in 2021, thanks mainly to major investment in water capture measures and installing water recycling systems. Some of this decrease was also due to a reduction in ‘domestic’ water usage onsite, caused by a greater proportion of colleagues working from home during the pandemic.

However, a second water capture tank with the capacity to provide a further 1,800-litres of rainwater per day, has just been installed on the roof of the new Excellence Centre for Vehicle Finish. The new tank will also be attached to the reverse osmosis water system in the paint shop and will directly serve toilet facilities in the new manufacturing finishing area. 

The new figures also shows a drop of 70.2 per cent in CO2 emissions at the Pyms Lane site, where all Bentley models are manufactured. The fall is largely due to Bentley’s use of green gas and biofuels in onsite logistic vehicles. The data further improve on past CO2 cuts at the factory, thanks to the use of energy generated from the company’s extensive onsite solar PV system.

In January, Bentley confirmed that the system, which currently consists of circa 31,500 panels will be extended further. 

Energy consumption per automobile was down 17.2 per cent, thanks to an ongoing focus on efficiency, the use of green gas and the impact of a more efficient boiler system. 

Volatile organic compounds (VOC) – materials often found in items such as adhesives – were also cut by 17.5 per cent. Bentley is planning to invest in new onsite technologies to reduce this figure still further over the next 12 months.

Peter Bosch, Member of the Board for Manufacturing at Bentley Motors, explains:-

“The focus of our Beyond100 strategy is to ensure Bentley is a world leader in the delivery of sustainable luxury mobility. These latest encouraging figures show that the continuous focus of our manufacturing strategy on reducing waste, water and energy use are paying dividends by delivering impactful year on year change.   

Our site is already carbon neutral and the ethos behind our Dream Factory concept is to go-to-zero in terms of environmental impact. We are planning more solar panels and investment in VOCs mitigation will take place in 2022, to make Crewe the most sustainable site that it can possible be.  

Longer term, the £2.5 billion investment we announced in January 2022 will help us further transform our facilities, combining our unique fusion of craftsmanship, customer interaction and colleague experience to build the platform for our first Bentley BEV.”

– Peter Bosch, Member, Board for Manufacturing, Bentley Motors