Piston.my

Global News

Nissan made an impression at the Thailand International Motor Expo 2024 with the unveiling of its latest model, the New Nissan Serena. This premium seven-seater Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) promises to redefine family travel, offering a blend of space, versatility, and technology. Priced from 1,469,000 baht (RM189,578), the Serena has been designed to enrich every journey with its spacious cabin and innovative features, making it a compelling choice for Thai families.

The New Nissan Serena is a testament to the brand’s “Big. Easy. Fun.” philosophy, ensuring both functionality and enjoyment for all passengers. Since its inception in Japan in 1991, the Serena has been celebrated for its spaciousness, and the latest iteration builds on this legacy. It boasts the most generous cabin space in its segment, ensuring ample room for passengers across all three rows. Cleverly designed seating arrangements provide up to thirteen configurations, allowing users to adapt the interior for activities ranging from long road trips to beach outings. Additionally, passengers can enjoy features such as adjustable second- and third-row seats, 14 cup holders, six USB ports, and personal tables, all designed to enhance convenience and comfort.

(more…)

Carlos Tavares, the CEO of Stellantis, abruptly resigned on Sunday following mounting tensions among the company’s shareholders and leadership. His departure comes just two months after a profit warning that marked a difficult year for the automaker, which oversees brands like Jeep, Fiat, and Peugeot. Stellantis’ shares have plummeted 40% in 2024, reflecting a challenging environment for the world’s fourth-largest automaker by sales.

Leadership Transition and Interim Measures

According to Reuters, the Stellantis board, chaired by John Elkann, has accepted Tavares’ resignation “with immediate effect.” Elkann will lead an interim executive committee while the company seeks a new CEO, a process expected to conclude in the first half of 2025. Senior Independent Director Henri de Castries noted that differing strategic views between Tavares, major shareholders, and the board led to the resignation.

Profit Warning and Operational Struggles

In September, Stellantis issued a profit warning, citing a projected cash burn of up to €10 billion ($10.6 billion) due to sluggish North American sales and high inventory levels. Sales in the U.S. dropped 17% year-over-year in the third quarter, with brands like Dodge, Ram, Jeep, and Chrysler underperforming. Inventory issues were pronounced, with some models, such as the Ram 1500 pickup and Jeep Wagoneer, significantly exceeding average supply levels compared to competitors.

(more…)

The Volkswagen Golf, a name synonymous with compact car excellence, is preparing for an all-electric rebirth as part of Volkswagen’s transition into a more sustainable future. The ninth-generation Golf, slated for a 2029 debut, will be an exclusively electric model, developed in collaboration with Rivian through a joint venture worth $5.8 billion.

Electric Golf 2.0: A Fresh Start on the SSP Platform

The forthcoming electric Golf will ride on Volkswagen’s Scalable Systems Platform (SSP), a next-generation EV architecture developed with Rivian’s expertise in electric vehicle (EV) engineering and software. Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schäfer emphasised the strategic importance of starting the SSP journey with the Golf:
“We want to begin this journey with a more iconic product. So, we’ll start with the Golf,” Schäfer said.

Volkswagen e-Golf

(more…)

Toyota has unveiled the Supra A90 Final Edition, a limited-production model marking the culmination of the current Supra lineup. This special edition underscores Toyota’s commitment to high-performance engineering, blending cutting-edge enhancements with motorsport-inspired design. Alongside this announcement, the Supra receives its latest upgrades, delivering improved driving dynamics, safety, and style.

Supra 3.0 (Europe)
Evolving the Supra Legacy

Since its debut in 1978, the Toyota Supra has captivated fans worldwide with its iconic front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout and in-line six-cylinder engine. Its influence spans decades, from motorsport achievements to the recent rebirth of the GR Supra in 2019, spearheaded by Chairman Akio Toyoda, aka Master Driver Morizo. As Toyoda reflected, “The new GR Supra was born through testing at Nürburgring and is a car that is fun to drive and better than ever.”

(more…)

BMW Group Malaysia marked the 20th anniversary of its Regional Parts Distribution Centre with a significant expansion of its cutting-edge facility in Johor Bahru. Located in the Free Industrial Zone of Senai International Airport, the centre now spans 65,000 square metres, up from 45,000 square metres, cementing its position as one of the largest BMW facilities of its kind in the Asia Pacific region.

Originally established in 2004 at the Port of Tanjung Pelepas in Gelang Patah, the facility relocated to its current site in 2016. Over two decades, it has evolved into a critical hub for BMW’s after-sales operations and regional supply network, demonstrating the Group’s commitment to Malaysia as a strategic logistics and innovation hub.

(more…)

The BMW Group continues to lead the way in production innovation with the advancement of Automated Driving In-Plant (AFW) technology as part of its BMW iFACTORY framework. Following successful pilot tests since 2022, the AFW project has now entered series operation, beginning at the company’s largest European plant in Dingolfing.

The system leverages advanced digitalisation and automation, enhancing production efficiency and logistics. After the launch in Dingolfing, BMW’s Leipzig plant is set to adopt this cutting-edge technology, with other facilities in the production network slated to follow in phases.

Revolutionising Plant Operations with Automation

The AFW technology enables new BMW and Mini vehicles to drive autonomously through designated routes within the plant. For example, in Dingolfing, vehicles travel autonomously over one kilometre from assembly halls through the “short test course” to the finishing area.

Key to this innovation is the extensive LIDAR infrastructure, the largest in Europe, supported by state-of-the-art cloud architecture. This system, developed in collaboration with Swiss startup Embotech AG, ensures smooth and precise movements of vehicles, regardless of their equipment configurations.

Expanding Automation Across BMW Facilities
  • Dingolfing: Successfully implementing AFW for BMW 5 Series and 7 Series models.
  • Leipzig: Expanding to Mini Countryman and other BMW models, targeting 90% automation of vehicle movements.
  • Regensburg and Oxford: Set to adopt AFW by 2025.
  • Debrecen, Hungary: Launching the technology with the commencement of series production at the new site.
Future Applications and Developments

BMW plans to extend the use of AFW beyond in-plant operations, including:

  • Automated vehicle driving through testing zones.
  • Autonomous movement in outdoor distribution areas.

The development team is also exploring integration with on-board vehicle technology, which will work in tandem with external sensors to enhance efficiency.

Setting Benchmarks for Autonomous Driving

The AFW project represents BMW Group’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of automation and digitalisation. Over the next decade, BMW plans to log millions of test kilometres with AFW technology within its global production network.

This pioneering step further cements BMW’s position as an innovation leader, transforming its production facilities into hubs of advanced technology and operational excellence.

Isuzu Motors Limited has officially launched the updated D-MAX 1-ton pickup truck and MU-X 7-seater passenger vehicle in Thailand. Both models are powered by the newly developed RZ4F 2.2L diesel engine paired with an advanced 8-speed automatic transmission (AT). These new vehicles, which promise improved start-up capability, acceleration, and fuel efficiency, will be available for sale in Thailand starting November 28, 2024.

The D-MAX and MU-X are well-regarded globally for their robust design, off-road capability, and fuel-efficient diesel engines. The addition of the RZ4F engine and 8-speed AT marks a significant upgrade, offering enhanced driving dynamics and performance. These improvements come in response to market demands and are expected to further strengthen the vehicles’ appeal to customers looking for dependable, efficient, and powerful vehicles.

In line with its mid-term business plan, “ISUZU Transformation – Growth to 2030,” Isuzu is pursuing a multi-pathway approach to vehicle power source technologies. This approach includes offering various powertrain options, such as internal combustion engine vehicles like the new RZ4F-powered models, as well as exploring the future potential of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and fuel cell vehicles (FCVs).

(more…)

Ahead of the much-anticipated reveal of the updated Porsche 911 GT3 RS, Manthey Racing, a German auto racing team, has introduced a factory-approved aerodynamic upgrade kit for the outgoing model. Backed by Porsche, which owns a 51% stake in Manthey, the package offers significant performance enhancements while maintaining the vehicle’s warranty.

The most noticeable change is the replacement of the rear window with a lightweight carbon fibre panel, which is 25% lighter than the original. The new panel integrates a shark fin antenna, inspired by the Porsche 963 endurance racer, and works in tandem with six smaller fins mounted on the roof. These fins direct hot air from the front radiators away from the rear intakes, allowing for cooler and more efficient airflow.

In the rear, the 911 GT3 RS is equipped with a redesigned carbon rear wing featuring modified endplates to boost downforce. A larger diffuser enhances stability, while carbon fibre aerodisc wheel covers reduce air resistance. These combined modifications enable the car to generate over 1,000kg of downforce at speeds of 284km/h.

Beyond its aerodynamic tweaks, the Manthey kit also includes mechanical upgrades. The front axle receives a 30% increase in spring rates, while the rear benefits from a 15% improvement. Additional components include new shock absorbers and racing brake pads, specifically designed for models equipped with ceramic-composite brakes. The package also features aesthetic touches such as carbon fiber decals, illuminated door sill guards, LED door projectors, and a towing eye for track use only.

Manthey’s engineers spent two years developing the kit, subjecting it to extensive testing across European racetracks. The company has hinted at plans to showcase its performance with a timed lap at the Nürburgring. The goal is to improve upon the stock GT3 RS’s lap time of 6 minutes and 49.32 seconds, set in October 2022, and approach the 6:43.30 record achieved by a previous-generation GT2 RS fitted with Manthey components in 2021.

For GT3 RS owners eager to upgrade, the new kit is already available for order. It will be delivered to European Union markets starting in January 2025, with availability in non-EU regions following in March. The price for this specific kit has not been disclosed.

With this latest offering, Manthey reaffirms its commitment to pushing the boundaries of Porsche’s engineering excellence, ensuring that the 911 GT3 RS remains at the forefront of track performance.

Lotus, the iconic sports car manufacturer renowned for its dedication to lightweight engineering, has shifted gears yet again. Under Geely’s ownership, the British automaker previously announced an all-electric future, including plans for an electric SUV. However, at the recent Guangzhou Motor Show in China, Lotus CEO Feng Qingfeng confirmed a dramatic change: the brand is moving away from a fully electric lineup and will instead focus on hybrid technology, specifically “Super Hybrids” that promise exceptional performance and efficiency.

This pivot stems from reluctance among high-end customers to transition entirely to electric vehicles (EVs). According to Feng, while EVs offer distinct benefits, such as quiet cabins and minimal noise or vibration, these advantages are already present in luxury internal combustion engines (ICE). For high-performance and luxury models, the appeal of traditional V8 and V12 engines remains strong, as these powertrains deliver robust performance and an engaging driving experience.

Lotus’s new hybrid strategy aims to address concerns often associated with plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), including added weight from large batteries, daily charging requirements, and limited power when the battery depletes. The “Super Hybrid” approach integrates a turbocharged combustion engine with ultra-fast charging capabilities, enabling a driving range of up to 680 miles without relying solely on ICE power.

(more…)

Mini Plant Oxford, the historic home of the Mini brand, has resumed production of the Mini Cooper Convertible for the first time since 2015. The convertible now joins the Mini Cooper 3-Door and Mini Cooper 5-Door, establishing Oxford as the production hub for the entire Mini Cooper family.

A New Era for the Mini Convertible

The relaunch of the fourth-generation Mini Cooper Convertible, announced last month, brings a refreshed design inside and out alongside an advanced digital experience. 

Integrated UK Manufacturing

Production of the Mini Convertible involves contributions from three UK-based BMW Group facilities:

  • BMW Group Plant Swindon: Responsible for body pressings and sub-assemblies.
  • BMW Group Plant Hams Hall (North Warwickshire): Manufactures the advanced four-cylinder petrol engines.
  • Mini Plant Oxford: Handles body shell production, paintwork, and final assembly.

(more…)

Archive

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on YouTube