Global News Archives

Mercedes-Benz Korea Faces Backlash Over EQE Fire Incident

Mercedes-Benz Korea is under intense scrutiny following a devastating fire caused by its EQE electric vehicle (EV) earlier this month. The fire, which erupted in an apartment complex parking garage in Incheon, resulted in the destruction of over 40 vehicles and significant damage to hundreds more. The incident has ignited growing public concerns about EV safety and has led to criticism of Mercedes-Benz Korea’s handling of the situation.

Key Issues:

Incident Details: The fire involved a Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan equipped with a battery from China’s Farasis Energy. While the investigation into the exact cause is ongoing, the possibility that the battery was responsible remains a significant concern.
Company Response: Mercedes-Benz Korea has faced criticism for its defensive stance and lack of transparency. Despite deciding to donate 4.5 billion Won to affected residents, the company has not issued a public apology or detailed its countermeasures. It has also been reluctant to disclose information about its battery suppliers, unlike other car manufacturers who have been more open about their sources.

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BMW CEO Criticises EU’s 2035 Combustion Engine Ban, Advocates for E-Fuels

BMW CEO Oliver Zipse has voiced strong opposition to the European Union’s plan to ban sales of new combustion-engine cars by 2035, labelling it as the “wrong approach” and advocating for a faster rollout of e-fuels.

Key Points:

EU 2035 Legislation: The EU plans to ban the sale of new non-zero-emission cars starting in 2035. This includes a prohibition on new combustion engines unless they run on carbon-neutral fuels like e-fuels.
Zipse’s Critique: Zipse argues that the European Commission needs to accelerate e-fuel availability to make their use practical by the deadline. He contends that without significant progress, the legislation could effectively amount to a ban on combustion engines, which he refers to as a “bogus solution.”

E-Fuel Viability Issues:

Production Challenges: The production of e-fuels is energy-intensive, relying on ‘green’ hydrogen created through the electrolysis of water using renewable electricity. A 2019 International Energy Agency report highlighted that meeting today’s hydrogen production needs from electricity alone would require significantly more energy than the EU’s current output.
Energy Allocation: Critics, including Zipse, suggest that the immense energy required for e-fuel production might be better utilised directly powering electric vehicles rather than supporting the production of e-fuels.

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Ukrainian Fighters Turn Toyota Mirai Into a Hydrogen Explosive Device

In a remarkable display of ingenuity, Ukrainian fighters have repurposed a component from a Toyota Mirai hydrogen vehicle to create an explosive device, playing a pivotal role in a recent counteroffensive against Russian forces. This unconventional use of technology highlights the evolving nature of warfare and the innovative approaches being employed on the battlefield.

The incident occurred in July during a counteroffensive operation in Vovchansk, Ukraine. Ukrainian forces were engaged in a strategic struggle to penetrate a fortified aggregate plant held by Russian troops. With conventional military support limited and foreign aid restricted, Ukrainian fighters turned to salvage parts from electrified vehicles, including the hydrogen-powered Toyota Mirai.

The Toyota Mirai, designed as a clean energy vehicle, utilises a hydrogen fuel cell to power its electric motors. The vehicle’s high-pressure hydrogen tank, which can store over 5kg of hydrogen at 10,000 psi, became a critical component in the creation of an improvised explosive device (IED). The tank, which weighs approximately 52kg, possesses an enormous energy potential—equivalent to 162kg of TNT when combined with plastic explosives.

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Tesla Fire in Mexico Linked to Unauthorised Power Connection

A Tesla Model S in Tijuana, Mexico, caught fire after being plugged into an unauthorised power connection, leading to significant damage to the vehicle and a neighbouring house. The incident underscores the risks associated with illegal electrical hookups, known locally as “diablito” or “little devil.”

Incident Details:

Cause of Fire: The Tesla Model S was reportedly connected to a stolen power line, a common practice in Mexico where unauthorised connections to the national grid result in substantial financial losses for the power company, totalling over $2 billion annually. These illicit connections are often used at construction sites and can pose serious fire hazards.

Fire Response: The Tijuana Fire Department responded swiftly to the blaze. Arturo Sánchez from the department indicated that while this was their first encounter with a Tesla fire, local fire crews have been trained to handle EV-related fires. The fire was contained before it could cause further damage, but it did spread to a neighbouring house. Fortunately, the house was unoccupied, and no injuries were reported.

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BMW Group Tests Humanoid Robots for Future Production Integration

The BMW Group is venturing into a new era of automotive manufacturing by exploring the use of humanoid robots in its production processes. During a recent trial run at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg, the company tested the latest humanoid robot, Figure 02, from the California-based company Figure. This cutting-edge robot demonstrated its capabilities by successfully inserting sheet metal parts into fixtures, a crucial step in chassis assembly that requires precise dexterity.

Advancing Production Efficiency and Ergonomics

The trial, which spanned several weeks, highlighted the potential of humanoid robots to perform complex tasks that are ergonomically challenging for human workers. By automating these tasks, BMW aims to enhance workplace safety and efficiency. The collaboration with Figure focuses on evaluating how these advanced robots can be integrated safely and effectively into existing production lines.

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Rolls-Royce Unveils Spectre Semaphore: A Bespoke Masterpiece for Monterey Car Week

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has unveiled a truly unique creation, the Spectre Semaphore, a one-of-a-kind bespoke commission set to make its global debut in the US at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, on August 16, 2024, during Monterey Car Week. This exceptional edition of the Rolls-Royce Spectre epitomises the brand’s evolving luxury standards, tailored for its discerning and youthful clientele.

The Spectre Semaphore stands out with its striking exterior, finished in a custom Bespoke Semaphore Yellow. This vibrant solid colour, which lends its name to the commission, is further enhanced by an exclusive bonnet artwork titled ‘Marbled Paint Spill’. This intricate design pays homage to the diverse beauty of California, capturing elements from the sunlit Southern coast to the silver-topped eastern mountains.

Rolls-Royce’s skilled artisans dedicated over 160 hours to perfecting this unique graphic, applying silver lacquer and multiple layers of clear coat to achieve a flawless finish.

The bold yellow theme continues inside the Spectre Semaphore. The cabin features a blend of Bespoke Lemon Yellow and Citrine Yellow, complemented by Grace White and Slate Grey hues. This vivid colour scheme is highlighted by Lemon Yellow stitching throughout the interior, including the seats, Starlight doors, and instrument panel.

Incorporating the latest in digital Bespoke technology, the SPIRIT operating system’s dials have been customised to match the vehicle’s color palette, showcasing Rolls-Royce’s commitment to personalised luxury.

The interior also features a high-polish Bespoke painted wood set in Cashmere Grey, imbued with silver mica flakes that sparkle under direct light, enhancing the car’s contemporary design.

Only one Rolls-Royce Spectre Semaphore will be produced, underscoring its exclusivity. It will be showcased at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, marking a highlight of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ participation in Monterey Car Week 2024.

Proton Poised for Major Global Expansion with UK Market Reentry and New Export Ventures

Proton is preparing for a significant expansion of its global export operations, including a strategic return to the UK market, according to sources close to CEO Li Chunrong. The move will also target new right-hand-drive markets in Asia, South Africa, as well as a reentry into Australia and New Zealand.

This global push is closely linked to Proton’s development of the Automotive Hi-Tech Valley (AHTV) in Tanjung Malim, a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility under construction. The AHTV represents a substantial investment from Geely and Malaysian industrial conglomerate DRB-HICOM Berhad, aimed at bolstering Proton’s production capacity and global sales potential.

Strategic Investments and New Facilities

The AHTV, with a reported investment of up to £7.9 billion, will significantly enhance Proton’s manufacturing capabilities. This facility is expected to play a crucial role in Proton’s strategy to re-enter previously exited markets and explore new ones. The investment is part of a broader effort to revitalise Proton’s global footprint, which had previously seen the brand selling models in the UK from 1989 until 2014.

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Mercedes-Benz Gains Approval to Test Level 4 Autonomous Vehicles in Beijing

Mercedes-Benz has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first foreign automaker authorised to test Level 4 autonomous vehicles in China. The approval, granted by Chinese authorities, marks a crucial step in the development and deployment of self-driving technology.

Level 4 autonomy indicates that a vehicle can operate independently without human intervention under certain conditions. This capability is exemplified by robotaxi services such as Alphabet’s Waymo One and Baidu’s Apollo Go. Mercedes-Benz’s autonomous vehicles will undergo a series of tests in Beijing, including parking, reversing, and navigating complex traffic scenarios, such as making U-turns and turning left in busy intersections.

Testing Scope and Future Applications

The trials will focus on assessing the vehicle’s performance in real-world conditions, which include high-density traffic and varied driving environments. While the primary aim is to refine the technology for private car use, Mercedes-Benz is also considering potential applications for a robotaxi service or licensing the technology to other companies.

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New Hypercar In Town: The Nilu – V12, Over 1,000hp and 7-Speed Manual Transmission

Sasha Selipanov, the acclaimed designer behind the Bugatti Chiron and Koenigsegg Gemera, has officially launched his own hypercar, the Nilu. This marks a significant milestone for Selipanov, who recently established his design consultancy, Hardline27, and his hypercar brand, Nilu27, in collaboration with his wife, Inna.

Selipanov’s career includes stints at major automotive brands such as Volkswagen Group, where he was instrumental in designing the Bugatti Chiron and Lamborghini Huracán, and Genesis, where he contributed to the Essentia and Mint concepts. At Koenigsegg, he was the head of design responsible for the Gemera and CC850. Now, he turns his expertise to creating his own high-performance vehicles.

A Modern Take on Classic Racing

The Nilu is a pure, V12-powered track car with a road-going version that is also in development. Designed to offer an unfiltered driving experience, it eschews modern conveniences in favour of a design that pays homage to classic Le Mans endurance racers.

The Nilu features a bespoke carbon-fibre monocoque passenger cell, supported by aluminium-alloy tubular subframes at both the front and rear. Selipanov opted for these skeletal tubular subframes instead of composite materials to enhance access to key components and improve cooling efficiency.

Powertrain and Performance

Under the hood, the Nilu boasts a 6.5-litre V12 engine developed by Hartley Engines, a renowned New Zealand engine builder. Paired with a 7-speed manual transmission, the powertrain is expected to deliver over 1,000hp. Selipanov aims for the Nilu to be the world’s most powerful naturally aspirated car without any electrification. The engine features a “hot-V” design, placing the exhaust system between the cylinder banks, and includes fully exposed 12-into-1 exhaust headers, which Selipanov refers to as the “Snake Pit.”

Design and Interior

Access to the cabin is provided by gullwing doors, and inside, the Nilu features two low-mounted sports seats and an H-pattern shifter with an exposed mechanism. The interior is minimalist, with traditional dials and billet-machined controls, and devoid of digital screens, except for a digital rearview mirror. The steering wheel is also stripped of any controls to ensure an undistracted driving experience.

Limited Production and Future Plans

The Nilu will be privately showcased to prospective buyers at an event in Los Angeles before making its formal debut at the 2024 Monterey Car Week. Initially, Nilu27 plans to produce just 15 examples of the Nilu, with the first cars being built by California’s Aria Group. The company intends to establish its own production facility overseas in the future.

Additionally, a road-going version of the Nilu is in development, with plans to produce 54 units, four of which will feature unique designs that will further evolve the brand’s design language.

Nissan Unveils Innovative Thermal “Cool Paint” to Combat Vehicle Heat

Thermal paint coatings are commonly used in commercial buildings to reflect solar energy and keep interiors cool. However, adapting these coatings for automotive use presents unique challenges due to the need for light, thin, and durable finishes. Nissan is addressing these challenges with its new “cool paint,” designed specifically for vehicles.

Overview of Nissan’s Cool Paint

Nissan’s cool paint is a white paint that reflects solar energy, aiming to reduce interior temperatures and air conditioning use. This is particularly beneficial for electric vehicles (EVs), where air conditioning is a significant energy drain. Nissan has tested this paint on service vans at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport and recorded a 9°F (5°C) lower interior temperature compared to standard-painted vehicles.

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Global News

Key Issues:

Key Points:

E-Fuel Viability Issues:

Incident Details:

Advancing Production Efficiency and Ergonomics

Strategic Investments and New Facilities

Testing Scope and Future Applications

A Modern Take on Classic Racing

Powertrain and Performance

Design and Interior

Limited Production and Future Plans

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