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Stellantis has unveiled the specifications for its STLA Frame platform, a modular chassis designed to support a new generation of full-size SUVs, pickup trucks, and light commercial vehicles, many of which will be electric. This platform will also accommodate plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and hydrogen-powered vehicles, further reinforcing Stellantis’ commitment to versatile and sustainable mobility. It is one of four modular platforms in Stellantis’ lineup, alongside STLA Small, STLA Medium, and STLA Large, each designed for flexibility and upgradability in components such as battery chemistry, electric motors, and software.

The STLA Frame platform features a ladder-type frame chassis, with a widened central section to house the battery pack for electric models. A full-length belly pan reduces aerodynamic drag, maximising efficiency. Battery sizes will range from 159 kWh to over 200 kWh, supporting 800-volt architecture for high-speed charging up to 350 kW, adding 160km of range in just 10 minutes under optimal conditions. Series PHEVs will use a 400-volt system, capable of charging at up to 175 kW.

2025 Ram 1500 REV

Performance-wise, the platform supports up to 804km of range in EV mode and 1,110km in series PHEV mode. It offers impressive towing capabilities, with a maximum towing capacity of 6,350kg and a payload capacity of 1,224kg, surpassing the performance of some current Ram light-duty models. The platform is designed for off-road enthusiasts, able to ford up to 24 inches of water and accommodate tyres up to 33 inches in diameter, with ground clearance ranging from 6.6 to 10.3 inches. Dual-motor all-wheel-drive configurations are supported, with the most powerful electric motors delivering 335hp, enabling some models to accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 4.4 seconds.

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Mazda is gearing up for a renewed push into the electric vehicle (EV) market. Despite a rocky start with the MX-30, which was recently discontinued in the U.S. due to poor sales performance, Mazda has outlined its vision for an electrified future. Central to this strategy is a fully in-house-developed electric SUV set to launch in 2027.

The announcement was part of Mazda’s detailed roadmap, extending through 2030. This upcoming SUV is expected to feature a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) derivative, most likely employing a range extender technology. The automaker has hinted at utilising its iconic rotary engine, which serves as a generator for recharging batteries rather than directly powering the wheels.

Mazda currently markets the MX-30 R-EV, an EV equipped with a single-rotor Wankel engine that acts solely as a generator. Industry analysts believe this setup could be carried over to the 2027 SUV, albeit with improvements.

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Jaguar is embarking on a transformational journey to recapture its founder Sir William Lyons’ original ethos: “Copy Nothing.” At the forefront of this reimagining is the unveiling of the Jaguar Type 00, a design vision concept that boldly represents the brand’s new creative philosophy, “Exuberant Modernism.” Premiered at Miami Art Week 2024, this distinctive concept previews the future of Jaguar—a fearless statement of design, innovation, and electrification.

The Type 00, pronounced “Type Zero Zero,” is a physical manifestation of Jaguar’s vibrant new identity. It combines a rich heritage with cutting-edge technology and visionary design. Its striking silhouette features a long bonnet, a sweeping roofline, a fastback profile, and dramatic 23-inch alloy wheels. This revolutionary form is made possible by Jaguar’s dedicated Jaguar Electric Architecture (JEA), ensuring not only bold aesthetics but also state-of-the-art electric vehicle (EV) performance.

Jaguar’s decision to unveil Type 00 at Miami Art Week underscores its alignment with the art world, showcasing a celebration of British creativity. Two interpretations of the concept were presented: a Satin Rhodon Rose model, dubbed “Miami Pink,” inspired by the Art Deco charm of the city, and an Inception Silver Blue variant, nicknamed “London Blue,” paying homage to Jaguar’s British roots. Both iterations highlight the artistry that has been integral to Jaguar’s identity for decades.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.”

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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.

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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).

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