The Industry Ministry of Thailand has announced a new initiative aimed at bolstering the local automotive supply chain by requiring Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers to source at least 40% of their parts locally. This move is part of a broader effort to support Thai auto parts makers as the automotive industry shifts from internal combustion engines (ICE) to electric mobility.
Key Points of the Initiative:
Local Content Requirement:
Chinese EV manufacturers are encouraged to source at least 40% of their vehicle parts from Thai suppliers.
This requirement emerged from discussions between the Industry Ministry and Chinese EV makers like GAC Aion New Energy Automobile.
Porsche has announced a reassessment of its ambitious target for electric vehicle (EV) sales, acknowledging that the transition to EVs is progressing more slowly than anticipated. The German automaker had previously set a goal for 80% of its sales to be all-electric by 2030, but it has now adjusted this target to be more contingent on customer demand and advancements in the electromobility sector.
Key Points from Porsche’s Announcement:
Revised EV Target:
Originally, Porsche aimed for 80% of its sales to be fully electric by 2030.
The updated strategy now states that achieving this goal is dependent on customer demand and the overall development of the electromobility market.
Xpeng Inc will deepen its cooperation with Volkswagen AG, with both companies pledging to develop a new electrical and electronic solution for all battery-powered cars made in China under the VW brand.
New Technical Collaboration Agreement
The Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker announced on Monday that it has entered into a technical collaboration agreement with Volkswagen to develop solutions for locally made vehicles. These solutions will be based on VW’s China Main platform and Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB) platform.
Joint Project Houses
To facilitate this collaboration, Xpeng and Volkswagen have established project houses in Guangzhou and Hefei. These locations are where Xpeng and VW’s technology hub in China are respectively based, enabling engineers from both automakers to work closely together. The first car equipped with the jointly developed architecture is expected to start production within approximately 24 months.
Xiaomi Corporation, widely known for its smartphones and home appliances, made a surprising move into the electric vehicle (EV) market this year. This strategic pivot was largely triggered by sanctions imposed on the company by the Trump administration in early 2021. During an annual event in Beijing, Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun revealed that these sanctions were the catalyst for the company’s decision to diversify into the automotive industry.
The Sanctions and the Immediate Response
In the final days of the Trump administration, Xiaomi was placed on a U.S. sanction list, a decision that shocked the company. Lei recounted receiving a phone call from a friend about the sanctions, describing the news as “a bolt from the blue.” This unexpected development led to an emergency board meeting where the company quickly decided to embark on the complex journey of developing an electric car.
BMW’s X3 M, a high-performance variant of the third-generation X3 introduced in 2019, may soon become a part of automotive history. According to a new report from BMWBlog, the German automaker has allegedly decided against developing an M version for the upcoming fourth-generation X3, known as the G45-generation 2025 X3. This decision surfaces amidst earlier reports suggesting that BMW also plans to discontinue the X4, the coupe-style sibling of the X3.
High-Performance Alternatives
While the absence of a new X3 M might disappoint some enthusiasts, BMW continues to cater to those seeking a high-performance compact crossover with the X3 M50. This model is equipped with the B58 straight-six engine, generating 393hp. It accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in just 4.4 seconds and features sport suspension, variable sport steering, M Sport brakes, and an M Sport differential, ensuring a dynamic driving experience.
Bentley’s renowned Flying Spur sedan, celebrated as the ultimate four-door Grand Tourer, is set for a remarkable transformation with the introduction of the new 782PS Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain. This powertrain, which debuted in Bentley’s latest Continental GT Speed, will redefine the Flying Spur, making it the most powerful, dynamic, and efficient four-door vehicle in Bentley’s illustrious 105-year history. The new model will replace the current Flying Spur, which was launched in 2019.
2022 Bentley Flying Spur Speed
Unprecedented Power and Efficiency
The new Flying Spur will be equipped with a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine paired with a powerful, compact electric motor, delivering a combined output of 782PS and 1000Nm of torque. This Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain is a testament to Bentley’s commitment to blending accessible supercar performance with luxurious, silent electric motoring. The Flying Spur will offer a minimum of 72km of electric-only range, CO2 emissions below 40 g/km, and an overall range exceeding 804km, making it a modern grand tourer par excellence.
Volvo Cars has reported an impressive operating profit (EBIT), excluding joint ventures and associates, of SEK (Swedish Krona) 8.2 billion for the second quarter of 2024. This figure represents the highest quarterly profit in the company’s history and marks a 28% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
Core EBIT Margin and Profitability
The core EBIT margin reached a record high of 8.1%, up from 6.3% last year. This improvement in profitability can be attributed to Volvo’s focus on pricing discipline, internal cost control, and sustained growth in sales.
Sales Growth and Electrification
Global retail sales for the quarter rose by 15% year-on-year to 205,400 cars, driven largely by the company’s electrified vehicle offerings. Sales of plug-in hybrids and electric cars increased by 43% compared to the same period last year. Notably, 48% of Volvo Cars’ global sales volume during the quarter consisted of plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and fully electric (EV) cars, with EVs alone accounting for 26% of sales.
Porsche has introduced two new top-tier models in the Panamera lineup: the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid and the Panamera GTS. Each model caters to different aspects of driving pleasure, from the purist, agility-focused GTS to the high-performance, luxurious Turbo S E-Hybrid.
Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid
Engine and Performance:
4.0-liter biturbo V8 engine combined with an electric motor.
Total system output: 782PS and 1,000Nm of torque.
Acceleration: 0-100km/h in 2.9 seconds, top speed: 325km/h.
Fuel efficiency: Combined fuel consumption of 1.4-1.6 l/100 km, with electric consumption of 27.4-29.3 kWh/100 km.
Enhanced hybrid powertrain with a 25.9 kWh battery, providing an electric range of up to 88km (WLTP EAER City).
Fast charging capability: 11 kW on-board AC charger charges the battery from 0 to 100% in about 2 hours and 39 minutes.
Design and Features:
Exterior: Distinctive rear bumper, chrome-plated tailpipes, standard Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) with yellow brake callipers.
Exclusive Turbonite colour available for airblades, rear bumper strip, and 21-inch wheels.
Interior: Turbonite accents, contrast stitching, suede-like Race-Tex upholstery, and a Bose sound system.
Advanced suspension: Porsche Active Ride suspension with innovative functions like overcompensation of pitching and rolling motions, optimising traction and driving stability.
Sports exhaust system for a powerful, emotional sound.
Fuel efficiency: Combined fuel consumption of 12.0-12.7 l/100km.
Design and Features:
Exterior: Sporty design with black GTS logos, dark-tinted HD matrix LED headlights, tail lights, and red brake callipers.
Interior: Extensive use of Race-Tex material, 18-way adjustable adaptive sports seats, and GTS-specific interior packages in Carmine Red or Slate Grey Neo.
Standard Sport package: Includes satin-matt Black body trim elements and 21-inch Turbo S centre-lock wheels in Anthracite Grey.
Driving Dynamics:
Chassis tuning for high performance, with a lower body and reinforced anti-roll bars.
Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and electronically controlled PTV Plus differential lock.
Enhanced driving experience with greater body stability and reduced pitching and rolling.
Common Features and Innovations:
Third-Generation Panamera Enhancements:
Porsche Driver Experience control concept, high-resolution HD matrix LED lights.
Extended connectivity functions, including deeper Apple CarPlay integration and video streaming on the optional Passenger Display.
Option for parking the car from outside using a smartphone app.
Market-Specific Variants:
Executive variant of the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid with a long wheelbase includes four-zone automatic climate control and a large centre console.
Deliveries of both models in Germany are set to begin in September 2024, marking a new chapter in the Panamera’s legacy of combining luxury, performance, and advanced technology.
The Mini Cooper S 5-door model offers a blend of practicality and performance with its increased dimensions and sporty features. Here’s an in-depth look at what makes this model stand out.
Expanded Dimensions for Better Comfort
Length and Wheelbase: The 5-door model is 172mm longer than the traditional 3-door Mini and features a 72mm longer wheelbase.
Compact and Agile: Despite its increased size, the car maintains a compact profile with short overhangs and a small turning circle of 11.4 meters, making it ideal for city driving.
Enhanced Visual Appeal: Larger tyre diameter (625 mm) not only improves aesthetics but also enhances driving dynamics and comfort.
Versatile Luggage Space: With 60:40 folding rear seats, the luggage capacity can expand from 275 litres to 925 litres, providing ample space without compromising on the Mini’s compact footprint.
Porsche has expanded its electric Macan lineup by introducing the rear-wheel-drive and 4S trims, adding to the previously unveiled Macan 4 and Turbo models. This move broadens the options available to buyers looking for varied performance and features in the electric SUV market.
Porsche Macan EV 4S
New Base Model: Rear-Wheel Drive
The new base model of the Macan EV eliminates the front motor, resulting in a weight reduction of 110kg compared to the Macan 4. This model uses a rear-mounted electric motor delivering 335hp, which can increase to 355hp with launch control. Despite having 47hp less than the Macan 4, it offers an instant torque of 562Nm, although this is 86Nm less than its all-wheel-drive counterpart. This configuration allows the rear-wheel-drive Macan EV to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 5.4 seconds, just half a second slower than the Macan 4, and reach a top speed of 218km/h.
Porsche Macan EV RWD
Macan 4S: Enhanced Performance
The Macan 4S bridges the gap between the Macan 4 and the Turbo model. It features the same front motor as the Macan 4 but includes a more powerful rear motor, boosting its output to 442hp, or 509hp with overboost. This represents an increase of 107hp over the Macan 4. The torque also rises to 783Nm with launch control, which is 134Nm more than the Macan 4. The Macan 4S achieves 0 to 100km/h in just 3.9 seconds and has a top speed of 238km/h.
Shared Features and Specifications
Both new trims share a 95-kWh battery, capable of charging from 10 to 80 percent in approximately 21 minutes with a 270 kW charger. Standard features include air suspension and electronic damping control, ensuring a smooth and controlled ride.
Design and Off-Road Capabilities
The electric Macan offers a new Slate Grey Neo colour and 20-inch wheels. Additionally, it includes an off-road design package that improves the approach angle to 17.5 degrees and increases ground clearance to 7.6 inches, which can be further raised to 8.8 inches with the air suspension in its highest setting. The off-road package also features a redesigned front bumper, side skirts, diffuser, and roof railings, available in Vesuvius Grey or body colour.
Availability in Malaysia
Porsche Malaysia recently showcased the all-new Macan EV and Macan Turbo at the Porsche World Roadshow, where it is now available for booking. Whether or not we will receive these new variants is an answer that only time can tell.
