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BMW 5 Series Wins World Luxury Car Award 2024

The BMW 5 Series has clinched the prestigious title of World Luxury Car 2024 at the World Car Awards, reaffirming its position as a leader in the premium executive class. The announcement was made during the New York International Auto Show 2024, where the BMW 5 Series stood out among a competitive field of luxury cars that debuted in global markets over the past year.

The award-winning status of the BMW 5 Series was established through rigorous evaluations conducted by approximately 100 automotive journalists from 30 countries, forming the expert jury of the World Car Awards. The car impressed the jury with its blend of electrified powertrains, luxurious comfort for long-distance journeys, and cutting-edge digital innovations.

The BMW i5, a fully electric variant integrated into the BMW 5 Series model range, epitomises emission-free driving pleasure with its fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology. Equipped with highly integrated drive units and high-voltage batteries, the BMW i5 achieves an impressive range of up to 582km in the WLTP cycle, supported by rapid charging capabilities.

Notably, the BMW 5 Series lineup encompasses a range of electrified options, including plug-in hybrid systems and efficient petrol and diesel engines, all featuring the latest 48-volt mild hybrid technology. This versatility underscores BMW’s commitment to offering sustainable mobility solutions while maintaining exceptional performance and driving dynamics.

With this ninth title win at the World Car Awards, BMW continues its legacy of automotive excellence, adding to a distinguished list of accolades earned by the new BMW 5 Series. The recognition reflects BMW’s dedication to innovation and its ongoing pursuit of automotive advancement on a global scale.

Lotus Introduces Bespoke Service for Customised Vehicle Personalisation

Lotus has unveiled a new bespoke service called Lotus Chapman Bespoke, catering to the growing demand for personalised automotive experiences worldwide. This service offers customers the opportunity to customise their Lotus vehicles extensively, ranging from unique badges and trims to complete one-off personalisation of entire vehicles.

Initially launching in China on April 25, 2024, Lotus Chapman Bespoke will subsequently roll out globally over the following months. Clive Chapman, son of Lotus founders Colin and Hazel Chapman and Director of Classic Team Lotus, expressed enthusiasm for the service, stating that it allows drivers to create their own innovations while honouring his parents’ extraordinary legacy.

The name Lotus Chapman Bespoke pays tribute to Colin and Hazel Chapman, who founded Lotus in 1948 in London, UK. Renowned for his pioneering spirit and innovative designs, Colin Chapman’s legacy continues to inspire the brand’s commitment to pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo.

Qingfeng Feng, CEO of Lotus Group, emphasised Lotus’s heritage as a bespoke carmaker, highlighting Colin Chapman’s hands-on approach to crafting cars from scratch. Lotus Chapman Bespoke aims to uphold this tradition by empowering customers to personalise their vehicles according to their unique preferences.

The bespoke service offers three levels of personalisation:

  1. Tailor-made: Customers can select their own combination of colours, designs, and exclusive details to create a truly unique vehicle.
  2. Collection: Limited-edition designs developed in collaboration with partners, artists, and luxury brands provide customers with curated options for personalisation.
  3. One-off: Customers have the opportunity to build a completely unique car tailored to their individual tastes and preferences.

Lotus invites enthusiasts to explore the possibilities of Lotus Chapman Bespoke through its online platform or by contacting their local Lotus Centre for more information. With three levels of excellence and endless combinations, Lotus Chapman Bespoke promises to elevate the ownership experience for Lotus enthusiasts worldwide.

Aston Martin Implies the “Piss-off Factor” to Its Interior Design

Aston Martin is revolutionising its interior design approach with a focus on simplicity and ease of use, aiming to minimise the “piss-off factor” for its discerning clientele. What does the “piss-off factor” mean? It basically means that don’t do something if it irritates people. This innovative metric evaluates the frustration level associated with interior controls, ensuring that every button, switch, or touchscreen feature is intuitive and readily accessible.

In contrast to the trend of touchscreen-heavy cabins adopted by some automakers, Aston Martin remains committed to physical controls that offer tangible feedback and immediate functionality. Design Director Miles Nurnberger emphasised the importance of prioritising customer experience, citing examples where touchscreen-based settings proved cumbersome and unsafe for on-the-fly adjustments.

The new Vantage epitomises Aston Martin’s design philosophy, blending a touchscreen interface with a plethora of physical buttons, switches, and knobs. Despite considering touchscreen integration for certain functions, Aston Martin heeded customer feedback regarding the need for instant access to essential controls like seat adjustments, volume, and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) settings.

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The All-New Mercedes-Benz G550 Has 443hp and 560Nm of Torque

The all-new Mercedes-Benz G-Class continues the success story of the model series that was established in 1979. The off-road icon continues to rely on tried-and-tested ladder-frame construction, three mechanical differential locks and Low Range off-road reduction as well as a rigid rear axle and independent front suspension.

While retaining its iconic boxy design, the new G-Class receives mild electrification and a host of enhanced features, setting the stage for the upcoming EQG EV slated for release later this year.

At the heart of the base G550 lies a new turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine with mild-hybrid technology, replacing the traditional V-8 powertrain. This configuration delivers 443hp and 560Nm of torque, with an integrated starter generator contributing an additional 20hp and 200Nm. Despite the downsized engine, the G550 maintains formidable off-road capabilities, aided by standard all-wheel drive with a 40-60 torque split and three mechanical differential locks.

Mercedes introduces an Off-Road Cockpit function within the MBUX infotainment system, offering vital off-road information such as vehicle positioning, altitude, and steering angle on the 12.3-inch touchscreen. Additionally, the “Transparent Hood” feature allows drivers to visualise obstacles with the help of a 360-degree overhead camera.

The base G550 also boasts a suite of safety technologies, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition, while the Parking package enhances manoeuvrability with a 360-degree overhead camera. For those seeking even more performance, the G63 variant retains its twin-turbo 4.0-litre V-8 engine with 577hp and 850Nm of torque, accelerating from 0 to 100km/h in 4.2 seconds.

Visually, both the G550 and G63 receive subtle updates for 2025, with the latter offering a new paint option, adaptive LED headlights, and refreshed bumper design. Optional features include the AMG Active Ride Control, enhancing on- and off-road performance with hydraulic roll stabilisation and adjustable adaptive damping.

Mercedes has not disclosed pricing details for the 2025 G-Class lineup.

Nissan Launches “The Arc” Business Plan: A Bridge to Future Growth

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. has unveiled “The Arc,” its comprehensive new business plan aimed at driving value and strengthening competitiveness. Positioned as a bridge between the Nissan NEXT transformation plan and Nissan Ambition 2030, The Arc focuses on key initiatives such as a broad-based product offensive, increased electrification, new engineering and manufacturing approaches, adoption of new technologies, and strategic partnerships to bolster global unit sales and profitability.

Nissan President and CEO Makoto Uchida emphasised that The Arc plan reflects the company’s continuous progression and ability to navigate changing market conditions. Through decisive actions outlined in the plan, Nissan aims to achieve sustainable growth and profitability amidst extreme market volatility.

The plan comprises mid-term imperatives for fiscal years 2024 through 2026 and mid-to-long-term actions extending through 2030. One of the key objectives is to ensure volume growth through a tailored regional strategy and accelerate the transition to electric vehicles (EVs). By fiscal year 2026, Nissan targets an increase in annual sales by 1 million units and aims to achieve an operating profit margin of over 6%.

To support its growth objectives, Nissan plans to launch 30 new models globally over the next three years, with 16 being electrified and 14 internal-combustion engine (ICE) models. The company aims for electrified vehicles to represent 40% of global sales by fiscal year 2026 and 60% by 2030.

The plan includes region-specific strategies, such as increasing sales across regions, launching new models, and enhancing EV competitiveness. Notable initiatives include the launch of seven all-new models in the U.S. and Canada, refreshment of 73% of Nissan-brand models in China, and the introduction of six all-new models in Europe.

In addition to product development, Nissan plans to leverage new development and manufacturing approaches to make EVs more affordable and increase profitability. These initiatives include reducing the cost of next-generation EVs by 30% and achieving cost parity between EVs and ICE models by fiscal year 2030.

Strategic partnerships will play a crucial role in Nissan’s global portfolio expansion and technology development. The company aims to collaborate with partners to develop batteries and increase global capacity to 135 gigawatt hours.

Financial discipline is another cornerstone of The Arc plan, with Nissan aiming to maintain stable investments in research and development (R&D) and achieve a positive free cash flow. The company plans to invest over 400 billion yen in battery capacity and increase electrification investments progressively.

Uchida concluded by expressing Nissan’s confidence in executing The Arc plan, which will provide a solid foundation to realise the company’s long-term vision outlined in Nissan Ambition 2030.

Genesis GV60 Magma Concept: Performance Subbrand in the Works

Genesis, the Korean luxury brand, has announced its foray into the performance segment with the introduction of the GV60 Magma concept, unveiled ahead of the New York auto show. This marks the debut of Genesis’ performance-focused subbrand, with the GV60 Magma set to potentially become the first production vehicle under this banner.

Derived from Genesis’ first EV, which shares its platform with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, the GV60 Magma concept showcases a striking design that emphasises its performance-oriented nature. While technical details were not provided, it’s speculated that the GV60 Magma could share components with the high-powered EV6 GT and Ioniq 5 N models, boasting impressive power outputs of 576hp and 641hp, respectively.

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Nissan Unveils Ambitious Three-Year Business Plan with Focus on Electrification

Nissan has set its sights on a transformative journey with the revelation of a dynamic three-year business plan, placing electrification at its core while spotlighting the North American market. This ambitious roadmap aims to reinvigorate its model lineup and expedite the shift toward electrified vehicles, coupled with a substantial focus on enhancing the customer experience, specifically in the United States.

Central to Nissan’s strategy is the introduction of seven fresh models in North America and a sweeping revitalisation of 78 per cent of its current U.S. portfolio. Moreover, the company plans to infuse $200 million into refining its integrated customer service offerings, demonstrating a commitment to not just innovation but also customer satisfaction.

Key pillars of Nissan’s strategy include a robust push towards electrification, featuring the introduction of plug-in hybrid models and the innovative e-Power system into the American market. The e-Power technology, leveraging a petrol engine as a generator for electric motors, promises heightened efficiency sans the necessity for plug-in charging, a move likely to resonate with eco-conscious consumers.

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AIG in Singapore Declines Insurance Coverage for McLaren Cars Driven to Malaysia

Motor insurer AIG has announced that it will not provide insurance coverage for McLaren sports cars when driven across the Causeway into Malaysia. This decision follows a recent crash involving three McLarens in Johor on Oct 29, 2023, prompting AIG to cite an increase in severe accidents involving McLaren models in Malaysia.

According to The Straits Times and reported by The Star, starting April 1, 2024, AIG stated that it will not be liable for losses arising from accidents outside of Singapore. The decision has left McLaren owners shocked and puzzled, with some expressing confusion over why McLaren vehicles are being singled out.

Marcus Luah, one of the drivers involved in the Johor crash, expressed bewilderment at the decision and mentioned that AIG quoted him a premium that was significantly higher than his current one, prompting him to seek alternatives.

While rare, such decisions are not unheard of for high-end cars, according to insurance broker Eazy CEO Douglas Chia. However, AIG’s move has raised concerns among McLaren owners, leading dealerships like Eurokars to explore alternative insurance partners to mitigate the impact on existing customers.

The General Insurance Association of Singapore (GIA) refrained from commenting on individual members’ practices, stating that insurers determine their risk acceptance criteria. Meanwhile, legal experts have pointed out that insurers generally have the right to decline coverage for certain risks upon policy renewal, but unilateral changes mid-stream may not be permissible without policy provisions.

The decision by AIG comes amidst incidents involving McLaren vehicles, including a crash on Keppel Road in Singapore in May 2023. Despite such occurrences, McLaren remains a popular choice in Singapore, with approximately 200 McLarens registered in the country, according to Land Transport Authority statistics.

Canadian Arrested in US for Allegedly Stealing Tesla’s Trade Secrets

A Canadian resident of China has been arrested in the United States for allegedly stealing trade secrets from electric car manufacturer Tesla and conspiring to sell them to undercover law enforcement officers.

Klaus Pflugbeil, the operator of a China-based business selling technology used in electric vehicles, was apprehended in New York after travelling for a meeting with undercover agents posing as Long Island businesspeople.

Pflugbeil, along with business partner Yilong Shao, allegedly built their enterprise using trade secrets belonging to “a leading U.S.-based electric vehicle company,” although prosecutors did not explicitly name Tesla. Both individuals are former employees of a Canadian company that Tesla acquired in 2019, fitting the description of Hibar.

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Rimac Group Teases Futuristic Hatchback-Like Model: Robotaxi Project?

Mate Rimac, the visionary founder of the Rimac Group, has stirred excitement among enthusiasts with a recent social media teaser hinting at a new model set to be unveiled on June 26. The glimpse suggests a hatchback-like model, shrouded in mystery and urban allure, accompanied by futuristic music evoking a sense of innovation.

While Rimac has made waves in the realm of high-performance electric vehicles, such as the acclaimed Nevera electric hypercar, the teased model appears to deviate from the traditional hot hatch concept exemplified by Rivian’s R3 and R3X models. Speculation swirls around the possibility of this unveiling being linked to Rimac’s ambitious robotaxi project, known as Project 3 Mobility, which has been in development for the past five years.

Initially announced in 2021 and supported by automotive giants Kia and Hyundai, Project 3 Mobility aims to revolutionise urban transportation by introducing autonomous robotaxis. The project is slated to debut in Rimac’s home city of Zagreb, Croatia, with plans for expansion to 20 cities across Europe and the Middle East by 2026. The teaser’s windshield angle, reminiscent of the iconic Johnny Cab robotaxi from the film “Total Recall,” further fuels speculation regarding the model’s design and purpose.

As Rimac Group prepares to unveil its latest innovation on June 26, anticipation mounts for the potential debut of a futuristic, hatchback-inspired vehicle poised to redefine urban mobility through cutting-edge technology and visionary design.

BMW 5 Series Wins World Luxury Car Award 2024

  • 29/03/2024
  • English, Global News
  • Timothy Prakash

Lotus Introduces Bespoke Service for Customised Vehicle Personalisation

  • 28/03/2024
  • English, Global News
  • Timothy Prakash

Aston Martin Implies the “Piss-off Factor” to Its Interior Design

  • 27/03/2024
  • English, Global News
  • Timothy Prakash

The All-New Mercedes-Benz G550 Has 443hp and 560Nm of Torque

  • 27/03/2024
  • English, Global News
  • Timothy Prakash

Nissan Launches “The Arc” Business Plan: A Bridge to Future Growth

  • 26/03/2024
  • English, Global News
  • Timothy Prakash

Genesis GV60 Magma Concept: Performance Subbrand in the Works

  • 26/03/2024
  • English, Global News
  • Timothy Prakash

Nissan Unveils Ambitious Three-Year Business Plan with Focus on Electrification

  • 26/03/2024
  • English, Global News
  • Timothy Prakash

AIG in Singapore Declines Insurance Coverage for McLaren Cars Driven to Malaysia

  • 25/03/2024
  • English, Global News
  • Timothy Prakash

Canadian Arrested in US for Allegedly Stealing Tesla’s Trade Secrets

  • 25/03/2024
  • English, Global News
  • Timothy Prakash

Rimac Group Teases Futuristic Hatchback-Like Model: Robotaxi Project?

  • 25/03/2024
  • English, Global News
  • Timothy Prakash
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