TECH NEWS

Ford Transit Drivers gets a High-Def Look with Digital Rearview Mirror – Ford Pro^™ continues to use technology to give commercial customers a better user experience while helping improve productivity with an available new Digital Rear view Mirror available on 2023 Ford Transit^® and E-Transit^™ vans.

The Digital Rearview Mirror features a high-definition monitor that show a panoramic view of the rear area the van, allowing drivers to spot cyclists, pedestrians  and other automobiles, even when a bulkhead, cargo, passengers or windowless back doors are in the way.

Download the video to see the Digital Rearview Mirror in action. For more information, visit the Ford Pro blog.

Volkswagen to train 22000 production employees for e-mobility by 2025:– Europe’s largest automobile manufacturing complex is launching a retraining campaign to train and develop production employees in e-mobility. The Volkswagen brand is thus forging ahead with changing its German plants to the production of electric vehicles. Following on from the Zwickau and Emden passenger car plants, the Wolfsburg factory will also become an electric automobile factory over the next few years.

This fundamental transformation is not only to be grounded in specialist training, but also has an emotional side: The Wolfsburg factory has opened an eMotionRoom where over the coming months 22,000 production employees can enjoy an entertaining experience of the transformation process from ICE to electric vehicles.

The eMotionRoom is part of a one-day training program (eMotionDay) for the production employees in Wolfsburg that runs until 2025. This fall, Wolfsburg will begin production of the successful ID.3 1 model, the first model at the plant to be based on the modular electric drive (MEB) platform. By the summer, around 1,200 employees are to have been given training in ID.3 production.

Gunnar Kilian Board Member for Human Resources, said at the opening of the eMotionRoom:-

“Volkswagen is constantly working on innovative training and development concepts as we move towards becoming a provider of sustainable and software-oriented mobility. These concepts are our key to a successful transformation. The more digital our world becomes, the more crucial our team’s skills become for our competitiveness. Volkswagen has launched a broad-based retraining campaign at its German sites, and the escape rooms play an important role in this initiative. After Zwickau and Emden, we are now rolling out this successful concept at our largest plant here in Wolfsburg.”

Gerardo Scarpino, Deputy Chairman of the General Works Council, commented:-

“The eMotionRoom principle already met with very positive feedback from our employees in Zwickau. The idea proved extremely popular – that is why we have included it for Wolfsburg, too. The transition to e-mobility can only happen together with our colleagues. Getting them on board, inspiring and training them is absolutely crucial to our collective success. That is because we can only master the transformation together – and the eMotionRoom is a key part of the puzzle.”

The eMotionRoom in Wolfsburg was designed in-house by the Volkswagen Group Academy and the plant’s organizational units. It has three intricately designed rooms, and employees must work-out various puzzles and problems in each of these rooms within 20 minutes. The challenge begins with a journey back in time to the 19th century (invention of the first electric motors), the second room traces the history of the Wolfsburg location to the present day (production of ICE vehicles). The third room takes a look at the digital future of driving. Volkswagen to train 22000 production employees for e-mobility by 2025

Like classic escape rooms, the teams (each made up of four people) must work-out diverse problems in each room to open the door. Each group is guided by two instructors from the Group Academy via a video link. The eMotionRoom is part of the one-day eMotionDay that also includes other training modules – such as the use of VR headsets in production. The eMotionRoom will be in use at least until the end of 2024.

Christian Vollmer , Volkswagen Brand Board of Management Member for Production and Logistics said, commenting on the fundamental transformation of car manufacturing in Germany:-

“After Zwickau and Emden, our Wolfsburg plant is now beginning the transition to e-mobility in the brand’s German production network. Wolfsburg is special in that ICE vehicles will also still be built here for many years to come. In other words: For Wolfsburg, the upcoming transformation is first and foremost about integration – interfacing smoothly with ongoing operations and with production. That is a very special challenge.”

Sub assembly of the ID.3 begins at the Wolfsburg plant this fall, and will be followed by full production of substantial numbers of the popular electric model from mid-2024.

“The new production line in Wolfsburg will give us more flexibility than ever before. The assembly line will be the first at one of the Volkswagen brand’s passenger car plants in Germany that is able to build both MEB and ICE vehicles on the same line. With the future SSP platform, this will make Wolfsburg Volkswagen’s first multi-platform factory a few years from now. That will give the main plant a major advantage in terms of capacity utilization over the next ten years. It is how we are safeguarding jobs at the Wolfsburg plant and giving our workforce a clear perspective for the future.” (SSP = Scalable Systems Platform).” 

Rainer Fessel , Plant Manager

The new production line for the ID.3 and the new Tiguan will be installed over the coming months. An initial €460 million is being invested through early 2025. The lion’s share will be invested in production facilities, the rest is earmarked for retraining; such as the eMotionRoom and necessary conversion measures.

In addition to the ID.3, the Wolfsburg factory is to begin building a further model based on the MEB (SUV) in the near future. This will strengthen the location as the “heart of the VW brand” over the coming years.

1. ID.3 – power consumption in kWh/100 km: combined 16.1-15.3; CO₂ emissions in g/km: 0; only consumption and emission values in accordance with WLTP and not in accordance with NEDC are available for the vehicle. Information on consumption and CO₂ emissions in ranges depending on the selected vehicle equipment.

PEUGEOT 3008 & 5008 HYBRID, PEUGEOT INTRODUCE ITS NEW 48V HYBRID TECHNOLOGY:- 2023 will be a “electric year” for PEUGEOT, with the introduction of new technologies in its range. This will include the new HYBRID system designed by Stellantis, which will be installed on the PEUGEOT 3008 and 5008, before being extended to other models. It will complement the already extensive family of electrified engines, including plug-in hybrid, 100% electric and fuel cell variants.

The PEUGEOT 48V HYBRID system includes of a new-generation 136bhp PureTech petrol engine, coupled with a new 6-speed dual-clutch electrified gearbox that consists of an electric motor. With a battery that recharges while driving, this technology provides extra torque at low engine speeds and lowers fuel consumption by up to 15% (from 126g of CO2/km on 3008 and from 128g of CO2/km on 5008). In city driving, a C-segment SUV equipped with the HYBRID system can thus operate more than 50% of the time in 100% zero-emission electric mode.

SIMPLE AND TRANSPARENT OPERATION

The driver is enlightened of the operation of the hybrid system via the PEUGEOT i-Cockpit® handset, and the different modes can be activated automatically.

In everyday driving, the combustion and electric engines work collectively or separately to optimise energy consumption. During strong acceleration, the electric engine render additional torque to the petrol engine at low revs.

During deceleration, the petrol engine cuts out and the electric engine becomes a generator to recharge the 48V battery. The automobile drives solely with the electric engine in zero emission mode, in the city over short distances and when manoeuvring.

VERY TANGIBLE BENEFITS

Up to 15% less fuel and from 126g of CO2/km on 3008 and 128g on 5008. Compared with a non-electric petrol engine with comparable features, the HYBRID engine gives average fuel savings of around 1 litre/100 km on a C-segment SUV (WLTP combined cycle).

This saving is mainly achieved in the city (- 2.5l/100km) and on the road (- 0.7l/100km), while motorway consumption remains same. This performance translates into an average decrease of 20g/km in CO2 emissions (according to the WLTP combined cycle) on the 3008 and 5008.

When the battery charge allows it, the HYBRID system makes it possible to start, manoeuvre (to park, for example) and drive at low speed in heavy traffic in 100% electric mode. In city driving, the PEUGEOT 3008 and 5008 HYBRID can be driven more than 50% of the time in 100% zero-emission electric mode.

At higher speeds (up to 145 km/h), the combustion engine stops when the driver releases the accelerator pedal at a steady speed and when slowing down.

When the driver is asked to take over at low speed, the electric engine provides additional torque with a one-off boost that compensates for the turbo’s response time. This will avoid downshifts and provide more driving comfort and dynamism. And when the driver presses the accelerator fully, the electric engine provides an additional 9 kW (approx. 12 hp) of power.

THE MAIN COMPONENTS OF THE 48V HYBRID SYSTEM

All the parts that constitute this new engine are located under the bonnet, except for the 48V battery, which is installed under the front left seat of the PEUGEOT 3008 and 5008.

The 1.2 litre PureTech petrol engine.

This is a new generation of PureTech petrol engine specially developed for optimal integration with hybridisation:

• 3 cylinders and 1199cm3,

• Power 13 hp (100kW) at 5500rpm,

• Torque 230Nm at 1750rpm,

• Variable geometry turbocharger for improved engine performance,

• Timing chain (low maintenance costs),

• Miller cycle operation for better combustion thermal efficiency,

• Euro 6.e standard.

The e-DCS6 (Dual Clutch System) gearbox.

The PEUGEOT 48V Hybrid engine consists of a new electrified 6-speed dual clutch gearbox without torque break specially designed for hybrid systems. The gearbox housing also houses the electric engine, the inverter and the ECU, which optimises the size and weight of the automobile and guarantees excellent driving performance.

The e-Motor

The permanent magnet synchronous electric motor, built into the gearbox, develops a peak power of 21kW (28hp) and a torque of 55Nm. It allows the automobile to be driven 100% electrically for low torque requirements and assists the combustion engine to reduce its consumption. During deceleration, the engine acts as a generator to recharge the hybrid system’s 48V battery. It also supply the main start for the combustion engine with the assistance of the belt-starter.

The belt-starter

This 48V-powered starter ensures that the combustion engine is restarted via the accessory belt. It allows fast and transparent starts.

The 48V hybrid battery

The 48V Lithium-Ion battery has a gross capacity of 898Wh and an accessible capacity of 432Wh. It is designed to maintain the same level of performance throughout the life of the automobile and comes with an original 8-year/160,000 km warranty.

The 48V battery is installed under the front left seat. This set-up offers many advantages over a rear seat installation and means that:

• The entire interior space is available,

• The full volume of the boot is maintained,

• Energy losses related to the length of the cables are optimised,

• Driving pleasure is preserved thanks to the proper distribution of the masses (battery in the centre of the automobile).

Two electrical networks

The PEUGEOT 3008 and 5008 embed two electrical networks. A low voltage 12V network to supply the car’s equipment and a high voltage 48V network to supply the hybrid system. Electricity is produced solely by the 48V e-motor. A DC voltage converter is used to transfer the electricity produced to the car’s 12V network.

Specific hardware

PEUGEOT models equipped with the new HYBRID engine have a specific display. The digital display shows 100% electric driving (speedometer in blue), the flow of energy in the system, the battery charge level, its operating status via a power meter (Charge, Eco, Power) and the percentage of distance travelled in electric mode at any one time or at the end of the journey.

In addition, these models will be equipped with an AVAS (Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System) which emits a sound outside at up to 30 km/h to warn pedestrians and cyclists that the vehicle is approaching.

This engine replaces the PureTech 130 EAT8 and will soon be available on other models in the PEUGEOT range, as 208 – 2008 – 308 – 308 SW and 408. PEUGEOT 3008 and 5008 HYBRID will be produced in the Sochaux plant and will be sold in Europe in the second quarter of 2023.

Unveiled:- Adventure-ready Nissan Ariya  for epic Pole to Pole expedition . Set amongst Arctic-like conditions, the Pole to Pole expedition team and Nissan today launched an adventure-ready version of the new Ariya electric SUV, which will undertake a 27,000km trip from the magnetic North Pole to the South Pole.

During this epic adventure targeting to kick off this March, the Ariya will need to cope with breath-taking but extreme terrains and environments, including ice fields, deep snow, steep mountain climbs and inhospitable desert dunes. Arctic Trucks, specialists in polar expedition automobile, have collaborated with Nissan design and engineering teams to prepare the Ariya for these tough conditions.

Modifications to the automobile have been intentionally minimal, with no changes to the battery or powertrain, but the most recognisable difference is the adaption of the suspension and addition of 39-inch tyres. When coupled with e-4ORCE, Nissan’s advanced electric all-wheel-control technology, these modifications will enable the expedition car to tackle extreme terrains whilst giving Chris and Julie the necessary comfort and control to reach the South Pole.

“One of the things that underpins all the adventures we do is that we take a standard production EV and aim to make minimal changes to clearly demonstrate its real, everyday capabilities, regardless of where you are driving it. Our Nissan Ariya is no different as the vehicle’s drivetrain and battery has remained factory standard, demonstrating just how capable and versatile the production Ariya is. We’ve modified the suspension and widened the wheel arches so we can benefit from the stable platform and support of the 39-inch BF Goodrich tyres. I’m incredibly excited to get behind the wheel of what was already a brilliant vehicle, but now feels equipped to take on the ends of the earth in style!” 

Chris Ramsey, Pole to Pole EV Expedition Leader

As a self-confessed coffee lover, Chris will have access to a specially integrated espresso machine with a good supply of sustainable coffee. Whilst the on-demand caffeine will help him focus on the long and isolated parts of the journey, Chris can also capture the beauty of these spectacular environments using a drone that can launch directly from the utility unit on the roof.

One further innovation is the portable, renewable energy unit that will be used to charge the Ariya in the polar regions. The towable prototype includes a packable, lightweight wind turbine and solar panels that will take advantage of high winds and long daylight hours to provide charge for the EV’s battery when Chris and Julie stop to rest.

“The planning and preparation for Pole to Pole has been such a big part of our lives over the past four years so I am really looking forward to getting the expedition underway in March. We’re going to discover so many interesting initiatives from communities and individuals who are taking positive action against climate change and I’m looking forward to sharing these experiences and stories with everyone. We are doing something that has never been attempted before, a world-first, and ultimately that is what makes it so exciting.” 

Julie Ramsey, co-driver on Pole to Pole

For more details on the Pole to Pole expedition, including the latest updates as the team prepares for their epic adventure, head over to our dedicated page, here.

Setra ComfortClass for Reisedienst Bölck – Reisedienst Bölck GmbH in Schuby in Schleswig-Holstein has acquired a new S 516 HD Setra touring coach. The 5-star automobile with the new Setra ComfortClass family face is equipped with a 44 travel seats. After an extensive facelift, all Setra touring buses now feature a three-dimensional brand lettering in chrome on a glossy black background.

The new Active Drive Assist 2 is also on board. The system uses continual steering interventions to keep the automobile in a set position within the lane, which enables partially automated driving in all speed ranges.

Mathias Bölck, Managing Director disclosed at the official handover of the touring coach –

“For us, this steering assistant represents a significant increase in safety for drivers and passengers”

Four cameras at the front, back and above the side windows also ensure greater safety. They cover the coach surroundings and generate an indirect 360° all-around visibility from a bird’s eye view.

Reisedienst Bölck GmbH offers day trips as well as bicycle and long-distance trips throughout Europe. With the new S 516 HD, the family-owned company with Mathias and Rüdiger Bölck at the helm is currently using 13 Setra touring coaches.

Nissan to use Kobe Steel’s low-CO₂ steel and green aluminum for Nissan models – Nissan Motor Company Limited and Kobe Steel, Limited (Kobe Steel) today announced that Nissan plans to use Kobenable Steel^*1 for Nissan models starting January 2023 onward. Kobenable steel, commercialized by Kobe Steel, significantly reduces CO₂ emissions in the blast furnace process. Kobe Steel will also supply Nissan with aluminum sheets made from green-aluminum raw materials. This will be the first time Kobenable Steel will be used in mass-produced automobiles.

Nissan aims to achieve carbon neutrality throughout the entire product life cycle^*2 by 2050. Since approximately 60% of an automobile’s weight is made up of steel parts and around 10% of its weight is made up of aluminum parts, the use of green steel and green aluminum is a very effective way to reduce CO₂ emissions during parts manufacturing, which is part of the vehicle’s life cycle.

Therefore, the companies’ decision to use the steel and aluminum for Nissan vehicles is due not only to the significant CO₂ emission reductions but also because the same level of high quality as conventional products can be achieved.

Nissan models will use Kobenable Premier, which reduces 100% of CO₂ emissions during manufacturing through the mass-balance method^*3. The specific amount of steel to be used by Nissan will be determined through further discussions.

The green aluminum raw materials purchased by Kobe Steel to produce aluminum sheets for Nissan are electrolytically smelted using only electricity generated by solar power, thereby reducing CO₂ emissions during aluminum ingot manufacturing by approximately 50%^*4. Recycled aluminum materials generated at Nissan’s manufacturing sites will also be used to further reduce CO₂ emissions during production.

Both companies will continue their efforts to reduce CO₂ emissions with the aim of realizing a carbon-neutral society in the future.

*1 The reduction of CO₂ emissions was demonstrated by charging into the blast furnace at Kobe Steel’s production site Kakogawa Works a large amount of HBI produced by the MIDREX^® Process, a distinctive technology of the Kobe Steel Group. Press release link here.

*2 Includes raw material extraction, manufacturing, use, and the recycling or reuse of end-of-life vehicles.

*3 A method to allocate specific characteristics to a certain portion of products according to the input amount of raw materials with the characteristics when there is a mix of raw materials with and with no such characteristics (e.g., low CO₂) in the manufacturing process. Through the mass balance methodology, CO₂ reduction effects are allocated to specific products.

*4 Compared to the previous product of a material supplier.

Volkswagen with a first-class safety concept: five stars from Euro NCAP for the ID. Buzz – The European test organisation Euro NCAP has announced its latest automobile safety test results. Volkswagen ID. Buzz model has been awarded a “very good” rating and received the best possible score of five stars.

As the Volkswagen bus of a new era, the ID. Buzz has already received many national prizes and awards in the short period since it’s unveiling. These are now joined by another important award: five stars for vehicle safety from Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme). This represents an excellent overall rating both for collision and occupant protection and reflects the proper equipment combined with comprehensive and practically-oriented accident avoidance technology.

The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is equipped as standard with driver, front passenger, centre and side airbags in the cockpit and curtain airbags in front of the windows. With a score of 92 percent of the supreme possible points for occupant protection, the electric bus from Volkswagen achieved a very good result due to the combination of airbags and the corresponding design of the body structure.

Euro NCAP also attaches great importance to accident avoidance. Since the Volkswagen ID. Buzz is equipped as standard with numerous driver assist and emergency braking systems that also impressed the testers when put through their paces, the vehicle achieved a score of 90 percent of the total available points in the “Safety Assist” category.

With the Polo, Taigo, Golf and ID.5, four other models also received the coveted 5-star rating in 2022. Volkswagen has thus once again lived up to its goal of bringing high-tech assist systems to its high-volume models – in order to make individual mobility even safer and more comfortable.

The Euro NCAP assessment programme has been a stringent benchmark for the safety level of new automobile models in Europe since 1997. It provides car buyers with up-to-date information on the safety of popular new models. In recent years, the test procedures and the requirements placed on standard assist systems and passive safety have become increasingly rigorous.

Details on the individual tests are publicly available at www.euroncap.com.

One million e-drives: Mercedes-Benz doubles production capacity at the Untertürkheim plant – Mercedes-Benz continues to realign its global manufacture network towards electric automobiles. The world’s most valuable luxury automobile brand is preparing to go fully electric by the end of the decade – wherever market conditions allow.

The Stuttgart-Untertürkheim plant plays a decisive role in this: In addition to conventional drive units and components, it is already responsible for the manufacture of batteries and axles for plug-in hybrids and fully electric Mercedes-EQ models. With the launch of the Mercedes-Benz eCampus (More information: https://group-media.mercedes-benz.com/marsMediaSite/ko/en/53398564) a few months ago, the plant laid another milestone in its transformation.

The production and assembly of electric drive units from 2024 onwards was part of the plant’s vision for the future in 2019 already. Now the company and employee representatives have agreed on the significant expansion of production capacities for electric drive units as part of a new works agreement. The previously planned capacities will be doubled in the course of the new agreement: from 2024, the ramp-up will begin at the Untertürkheim location.

In the target scenario, one million electric drive units can be produced, for example for automobiles on the MMA (Mercedes Modular Architecture) platform.

Jörg Burzer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, responsible for Production and Supply Chain Management:-

“Untertürkheim will continue to drive Mercedes-Benz in the truest sense of the word, also in the electric era. With production volumes for our new Mercedes-EQ models, we are making our traditional location in the Neckar Valley fit for the future and continuing its success story. One million electric drive units: We are reinforcing Stuttgart-Untertürkheim’s importance within our global powertrain production network and thus also the role of our highly competent colleagues.”

Frank Deiß, Chairman Mercedes-Benz Drive Systems, Head of Production Powertrain Mercedes-Benz Cars and Plant Manager, Mercedes-Benz Untertürkheim:-

“The transformation of the Untertürkheim location is progressing with great strides. With highly efficient drive units and batteries, we are making the Untertürkheim plant fit for the future. In future, we will be able to supply e-drives for one million Mercedes-EQ vehicles to our vehicle plants. That makes me proud. The ramp-up will begin in 2024. With our highly flexible and committed teams here at the location, we are continuing to write the success story of the Untertürkheim plant together.”

The electric drive unit for the new models is being developed in-house at Mercedes-Benz. Construction of the new assembly lines on the site of the Untertürkheim plant, as well as the Bad Cannstatt plant, will start next year.

In the future, Untertürkheim and the Hedelfingen and Mettingen annexes will manufacture and supply parts of the electric drive unit. The basis for these sustainable jobs is a comprehensive training and retraining programme for the employees at the location.

Michael Häberle, Chairman of the Works Council at the Mercedes-Benz Untertürkheim location. Deputy Chairman of the General Works Council of Mercedes-Benz Group AG: –

“One million electric drives from Untertürkheim! This result shows that our efforts over the past years have paid off. With our battery factories, eCampus and electric drive units and axles, we have laid the foundation for our location not only to participate in the transformation of the company, but to be an essential part of it. With the latest decision, e-mobility has now also arrived in Bad Cannstatt and thus in all areas of our location!”

The business unit “Mercedes-Benz Drive Systems” is responsible for the entire drive portfolio of the Group, and bundles all drive-related activities in the areas of development, procurement, controlling, human resources and production under one roof.

The Mercedes-Benz Untertürkheim plant is the largest location in the global Mercedes-Benz powertrain production network, and has several plant annexes in the Neckar valley. With its approximately 16,000 employees, the plant currently produces engines, batteries, axles, transmissions and components. The location is also home to a large part of the Group’s powertrain research and development, with around 3000 employees and a test track for vehicle testing. In addition to battery systems, parts of the electric drive systems are already being developed and tested here today. Untertürkheim is also the location of Mercedes-Benz Group AG headquarters.