Subaru (UK) Ltd welcomes Motability Scheme customers back into showrooms

Industry News

Subaru (UK) Ltd returns to Motability Scheme Forester and Outback are available to order from June New Subaru Crosstrek will be added to the Scheme soon 10th June 2024 – After a prolonged hiatus away from the Motability Scheme, Subaru (UK) Ltd is delighted to announce that the brand will once again be accepting Motability Scheme customers for new vehicle purchases on selected models from June 2024. Available from Subaru dealers across the UK, the Subaru Forester and Subaru Outback are now available on the Motability Scheme with an advance payment of just £3,749. The new Subaru Crosstrek, which went on sale in early 2024 will also be joining the Scheme in due course with prices yet to be confirmed. Alex Sheward, National Sales Manager, Subaru (UK) Ltd said “We are delighted to be back on board and part of the Motability Scheme. Not only does this offer customers on the Scheme more vehicle choices, especially for those prioritising All-Wheel Drive, but this also provides our Subaru dealers with incremental sales and aftersales opportunities with this additional consumer channel.” James Douglas, Manufacturer and Network Partnership Director, Motability Operations said: “We know the Motability Scheme is life-changing for our 760,000 customers across the UK. That’s why we are so committed to delivering the best value and choice of vehicles for them.” He continued, “We are pleased to once again be working with Subaru (UK) Ltd, so we can increase the range of vehicles available on the Scheme and suit all our customers’ needs.” All Subaru Outback and Forester models benefit from industry-leading levels of safety equipment, driver support systems, and permanent All-Wheel-Drive, providing drivers with confidence and reassurance, no matter the conditions. These provide added protection for its occupants in the event of any impact and assist the driver when making manoeuvres in restricted areas.

Ariel Motor Company announces all-new vehicle – the Ariel Dash e-bike

Industry News

Lightweight titanium and carbon fibre e-bike available as Urban or Adventure model Engineered ground up by Ariel to exacting automotive and aerospace standards Celebrates the world’s first series production vehicle, built in 1871 – the Ariel Ordinary Marks a return to bicycle manufacturing for Ariel after 92 years Only 10.9 kilogrammes overall weight Ultra clean design with in-frame battery and no visible hoses or cables Multi material frame made from 3D printed titanium, titanium tube, and carbon fibre Carbon fibre forks 250W 55Nm Mahle hub motor ‘My Smartbike’ app integrates Dash functions, navigation, and performance log Integrated battery with up to 50-mile range Battery range extender provides up to 95-mile range Hand assembled and signed-off by a single Ariel technician Priced from £8,320 + VAT Images: Download Ariel Dash images here The result of five years’ research & development, intensive design and automotive-level engineering, the Dash was developed by the same in-house Ariel team responsible for the iconic Atom and Nomad cars, the Ace motorcycle and the HIPERCAR EV. Drawing on 25 years of high-performance automotive expertise and utilising technologies that evolved from Ariel’s engineering innovation, the Dash is a completely new, ground up design. The bike showcases ultra-lightweight materials, state-of-the-art technology, and reflects Ariel’s obsessive attention to detail in every part of the design. With an ethos and history of delivering deeply involving driving experiences on four wheels and two, the Ariel Dash embodies Ariel’s core principles of functionality, performance, and hand-built quality to give the best and most enjoyable riding experience possible. As with all Ariels, the Dash reflects the company’s core values of SERIOUS FUN. Ariel Dash – SummaryThe Ariel Dash is designed, engineered and tested to automotive standards. Available in two distinct forms – the Dash Urban and the Dash Adventure – both feature titanium / carbon frames. Different frame geometry, drivetrain, and specifications are employed to suit the handling characteristics, riding positions and use scenarios of each model. The Dash Urban is a city-focused road bike that uses single speed, belt-drive technology to deliver a simple and easy riding experience with a power-assisted range of up to 45 miles, or 80 miles with the range extender. The Dash Adventure is a go-anywhere road / trail / gravel bike fitted with chain-drive and 12 gears to enable riders to tackle any terrain. The Adventure will deliver around 50 miles of power-assisted riding and 95 miles with the range extender. The frame weighs just 1.3 kilos and is made from a mix of titanium tube and carbon fibre with 3D-printed titanium nodes at every joint. Hand-welded and chemically-bonded, the frame exemplifies the unique Ariel mix of cutting-edge technology coupled with handmade skills and craftsmanship. Ariel’s ‘Less is More’ approach is underlined by there being no visible wiring, hydraulic hoses, or cables on the bike. All brake, gear and control systems are routed through the frame internally, as well as through the forks and handlebars, resulting in an ultra-clean and efficient design. The multi-material frame is coupled with carbon fibre forks and lightweight components throughout. The Dash Urban and Dash Adventure both use Mahle powertrains, of different specification, with 250W rear hub motors, internally mounted 36-volt battery packs and the option of additional range extender batteries. The Dash will be made to order for each individual customer. Built alongside the Atom and Nomad cars at the Ariel factory in Crewkerne, Somerset, each bike – as with the cars – will be made by a single technician, who will place their nameplate on the bike only when they are satisfied with the build. This tailored and hand-made approach enables Ariel to focus on skilled craftmanship and personalised service, staying true to the company’s reputation as the ‘Savile Row of the Automotive World’. At just 10.9 kilos and with an almost 100-mile range the Ariel Dash sets new standards in usability, comfort and performance for e-bikes. Ariel Bicycles – the world’s first production vehiclesThe Ariel Dash e-bike celebrates not only the first Ariel, but the very first series production vehicle in the world – the Ariel Ordinary – introduced more than 150 years ago in 1871. Known now as a Penny-Farthing or High Wheel, the Ordinary was designed by engineer and entrepreneur James Starley and had a 48-inch front wheel, revolutionary tensioned wire spoked wheels, a lightweight hollow steel tube frame, and was the first to use rubber tyres. At just 23 kilos the Ariel was both fast and light. Acknowledged as the father of the bicycle industry, Starley went on to develop and patent the tangentially spoked wheel still used today, the differential and rack and pinion steering, as well as developing and perfecting chain drive. The Ariel Ordinary was at the very beginning of a revolution in transport that quickly developed through bicycles, powered tricycles, quadricycles and into early cars. Simon Saunders, Director of Ariel: “The importance of the Ariel Ordinary cannot be underestimated. It is essentially the first mass production vehicle of any kind and marked the very beginning of the automotive industry. We’re lucky to have Ordinary number 47 in our collection, from the first year of production in 1871, and I think Starley would be impressed by the technology used in making the Dash, particularly printing titanium from a computer.” From the very first Ordinary, Ariel continued bicycle production for more than 60 years with gents, ladies and racing cycles, breaking many records along the way. In 1873, the first ever hour speed record, possibly the first speed record, was set by James Moore riding an Ariel Ordinary 14½ miles (23.33 kilometres) in an hour at the Molineux Grounds (now the Molineux Stadium) in Wolverhampton. By 1893 Ariel factory rider J W Stocks had become the first rider to exceed 25 miles in one hour on an Ariel, then increasing the world record to 32½ miles in an hour in 1897, as well as winning the Catford Gold Vase with a score of 296 miles 1,715 yards in 12 hours averaging nearly 25mph. The…

All-new Kodiaq iV PHEV with all-electric range of up to 75 miles available to order

Industry News

Second-generation plug-in hybrid system delivers significant electric range increase Up to 75 miles of all-electric driving range in E-mode Combined output of 204PS delivers agile performance Six-speed DSG gearbox as standard with three hybrid driving modes SE and SE L trim levels available from launch with the five seat plug-in hybrid Kodiaq Available to order now from £41,935 OTR Milton Keynes, 10 June 2024: Škoda is expanding its range of plug-in hybrid offerings with the introduction of a new Kodiaq iV model, which will start from £41,935 OTR. The technology, which has been part of the Škoda range since the introduction of the Octavia iV in 2021, is being offered on the Kodiaq for the first time and comes with a significant all-electric driving range boost along with even greater efficiency. Available to order now, the new Kodiaq iV features a drivetrain that was part of the SUV’s design process from the very start. This has allowed Škoda’s design and engineering team to perfectly place the components to deliver an optimum driving range without compromising the driving experience. New PHEV drivetrainŠkoda’s second-generation plug-in hybrid system is comprised of a four-cylinder turbocharged 1.5 TSI 150PS engine and a three-phase permanent magnet synchronous electric motor that generates 116PS and 330Nm of torque. To ensure that the whole drivetrain assembly is as compact as possible, the motor is built directly into the DQ400e DSG gearbox, and is separated from the engine by a clutch. As with the first-generation PHEV drivetrain, the motor can move the car alone or in combination with the engine. The motor is also used to start the engine and replaces the traditional alternator. The second-generation PHEV system makes local emission-free travel possible in electric mode for up to 75 miles (five seat, SE model), but also gives drivers the option of using the petrol engine in hybrid mode working alongside the electric motor for longer distances. Key to the significant improvement in range (over the first-generation system) is a larger battery pack. The new Kodiaq iV is fitted with a 25.7kWh pack (19.7kWh usable) that is located under the rear seats. Equipped with integrated water cooling, the pack stores energy to drive the electric motor, accumulates energy gained from regenerative braking, and supplies energy for the heating and air conditioning compressor. ChargingAnother significant feature introduced on the second-generation PHEV drivetrain is faster charging. For the first time, a Škoda plug-in hybrid can accept a DC rapid charge. With a peak speed of up to 50kW, it means that the pack can be charged from 10-80% in around 26 minutes. What’s more the addition of a CCS socket means that the Kodiaq iV can be charged at any public rapid charging station. As with Škoda’s previous PHEV models, the Kodiaq iV can also be charged on an AC supply via an industry-standard Type 2 plug. The maximum charge rate on AC is 11kW, which delivers a charge time of around 2hrs 30 minutes. Driving modesThe new Kodiaq iV uses the 1.5 TSI petrol engine and electric motor in three different ways that suit the selected driving mode. Drivers can change this mode by selecting the ‘Hybrid’ icon in the infotainment menu. E-modeThis mode delivers electric-only drive. The car always starts in this mode if the battery is sufficiently charged and the outside temperature is higher than -10°C (the mode is not active below this temperature). Hybrid modeIn this mode, the vehicle’s control unit continuously assesses the driving situation and can use either the electric motor, engine, or both to minimise fuel consumption. The system will always find the most effective and efficient way of combining the outputs from the motor and the engine. Sport modeThis mode delivers a more dynamic driving experience that harnesses the maximum possible power of the petrol engine and electric motor. In addition, this mode is directly linked to the sport setting in the ‘Driving Mode Select’ menu. The system output will peak at 204PS and 350Nm of torque. Price and equipmentThe Kodiaq iV is offered with two trim level options, SE and and SE L. Both come with a five-seat configuration and feature generous specification levels. Kodiaq iV SE from £41,935 OTRThe new Kodiaq SE features 18-inch Mazeno alloy wheels, LED front and rear lights, heated front seats and KESSY – keyless start/stop system. SE models come with Loft design selection as standard, along with a 13-inch satellite navigation touchscreen display, 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit and tri-zone climate control. The SE model also comes with a range of safety systems as standard, including Front Assist with braking reaction to vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, Blind Spot Detection with door exit warning and Front Cross Traffic Assist. Kodiaq iV SE L from £44,635 OTRSE L models add 19-inch Rapeto alloy wheels, LED Matrix headlights with AFS (adaptive front light system), and all-weather light with cornering function. SE L models also feature ecoSuite black design selection with perforated black artificial leather and real leather, electrically adjustable driver’s seat with memory function, electrically operated boot and keyless entry and start/stop system. The new Kodiaq iV is available to order now and is expected to have significant appeal with fleet drivers. Thanks to its impressive all-electric driving range figure, both models attract a Benefit in Kind rate of just 5%. Drivers who have access to home-charging facilities and access to low-rate overnight charging tariffs can make further savings, especially when driven in electric-only mode. More images, along with other media assets are available to download at www.skodamedia.com.

HORSE commits to ‘2030 Sustainability Plan’

Industry News

HORSE unveils stringent ESG sustainability commitments as it works towards net zero by 2050 Commitment to Net Zero Standard already submitted and approved by SBTi Far-reaching action plan spans network, operations and product range Key pillar aimed at strengthening environmental sustainability throughout the supply chain HORSE, a global leader in innovative and low emissions powertrain systems, has launched its ambitious ‘2030 Sustainability Plan’, which commits the business to a wide range of stringent carbon-reduction and social-impact targets. The company has already begun pursuing its pledges in its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) plan, with a commitment to Net Zero Standard already submitted to the SBTi (Science Based Targets initiative). The ultimate target is to become a carbon net zero sustainable mobility company by 2050. By 2030, there are a number of key milestones that will already have been met by the company, covering operations, product range, as well as reducing emissions through the supply network. Low emissions powertrainsA cornerstone of HORSE’s commitment is ensuring that 60% of total global sales are low-carbon engines by the end of the decade; with hybrid and flex fuel powertrains being joined by next-generation hybrid, lightweight range extenders, and synthetic and hydrogen-fuelled power solutions. This commitment to sales of low carbon engines will result in a significant 29% decrease in emissions from sold product per kilometre (well to wheel), compared to 2023. To achieve this, HORSE will increase the number of hybrid electric and plug-in hybrid powertrains it builds, plus add to its flex-fuel units. This includes E85 and E100 ethanol engines, as well as those powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG). Patrice Haettel, Chief Executive Officer at HORSE, said: “We have embedded sustainability into everything we do, it is what will defines us: we are a company with a clear and firm commitment to both people and the planet. Our technologies contribute to the reduction of mobility’s carbon footprint and the energy transition needed to drive decarbonisation. We believe that we must do more than simply create low-emission propulsion solutions. We have to act as a transformation agent within the automotive sector to provide sustainable, responsible, and inclusive mobility. “As we move towards our 2050 goal of becoming carbon net zero, we understand there will be many challenges to overcome. However, with our spirit of innovation and expertise, along with a highly trained workforce, we are perfectly placed to achieve our ambitious goals over the coming decades.” Positive production processes The plan goes much further than just HORSE’s end product, with it also targeting reductions in carbon emissions at plants and its downstream network. This will result in a 42% reduction in scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions between 2023 and 2030. By 2030, every HORSE facility around the world will use only renewable electricity to power operations. Currently, more than two-thirds of its factories already use renewable electricity. Further improvements will be made to increase sustainability in the production process, with as much as 73% of the aluminium content being sourced from recycled materials, up from today’s figure of 66%. In addition, all production facilities will put in place a biodiversity assessment and planning processes that ensure a positive impact for the local environment. People at its heart At the heart of HORSE’s sustainability goals is an engaged, safe workforce that is fully committed to this journey. Within this commitment, all sites around the world will be certified under the Great Place to Work scheme. HORSE has earmarked €3 million for social contribution projects in and around its production facilities. This funding will help empower employees and the local community to make positive impacts on their lives and nature. Ethics as the guiding principleHORSE will also ensure responsibility for sustainable production extends to its supply chain, with all partners being expected to meet its ESG requirements by 2030. These ethical and governance standards extend throughout its value chain and its commercial partnerships with third parties. HORSE: a leader in Innovative Power Solutions HORSE was created to provide highly efficient, low-emission engines, transmissions, and technologies to meet the varying power generation needs around the world. HORSE operates eight production plants across seven countries, three R&D centres and a head office based in Madrid, Spain – the company produces 3.2 million units per year for its customers around the world.

Yates and Morrow share the spoils, while Dewhirst continues his winning streak

Industry News

Snetterton, Saturday 8 June 2024The third round of the 2024 Ferrari Challenge UK race series commenced today at Snetterton race circuit in Norfolk. Heady sunshine followed initial showers, and the resulting conditions set the stage for a fascinating spectacle of competitive racing action as the Trofeo Pirelli and Coppa Shell drivers pushed their Ferrari 488 Challenge EVO race cars to the limit. Qualifying 1. In Trofeo Pirelli, Gilbert Yates (Charles Hurst) extracted the most from his qualifying session, stringing together an impressive lap of 2:09.727 to outqualify Andrew Morrow (Charles Hurst) by nearly 1 sec. In Coppa Shell, the experienced Gary Redman (Graypaul Nottingham), unphased by the slippery conditions, set a flying lap of 2:15.607 to finish top of his class. Trofeo Pirelli. Clear skies and sunshine following a wet qualifying session produced an almost-dry track for the race start. Haymandhra Pillai (Jardine Colchester) started well, diving down the inside of turn one to slip past an unsuspecting Andrew Morrow (Charles Hurst). Undeterred, the 2023 Trofeo Pirelli championship winner retaliated quickly to push back past Pillai and focus his efforts on fellow Charles Hurst stablemate Yates, who was working hard to consolidate his lead. Further back, Pranav Vangala (HR Owen) quickly adjusted to the improved track conditions, pouncing upon a mistake from Pillai to move up into the podium places. Upfront, the battle for 1st place continued. Morrow worked diligently to improve his lap times and by the midpoint was within half a second of Yates. As the clock counted down, the battle between the pair grew more intense, reaching a crescendo just 7 minutes before the end when a wide entry by Yates into Riches allowed Morrow to strike. Yates worked valiantly to close back in on the reigning champion, but it was Morrow who kept his cool and maintained his impressive pace to secure victory and extend his now 4-race unbeaten run at Snetterton. Coppa Shell. A blistering start from Robert Rees (Dick Lovett Swindon) catapulted him from 4th to 1st place before the exit of Riches. Mike Dewhirst (Dick Lovett Swindon) also sought to capitalise on the opportunity, moving past Gary Redman (Graypaul Nottingham) to secure 2nd position despite the Nottingham driver’s best efforts. Dewhirst wasn’t finished there, and quickly found his race pace as he closed the gap with Rees: making a move 7 minutes in when he capitalised upon a mistake by the frontman to secure the race lead. Despite the best efforts of Rees, it was Dewhirst, buoyant from his recent victory in Oulton Park, who pulled out a string of clean, consistently quick laps in the latter stages of the race to consolidate his position and secure his second race win of the season. Snetterton, Sunday 9 June 2024A dry Snetterton race circuit was the crucible in what proved to be another exciting day of racing action as Race 2 in round three of the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli UK series took place at Snetterton today. Qualifying 2. In Trofeo Pirelli, Gilbert Yates (Charles Hurst) once again showed his skill behind the wheel of his Ferrari 488 Challenge Evo to set a second successive pole, posting a time of 1:52,302. In Coppa Shell, Gary Redman (Graypaul Nottingham) followed suit and perfected his quickest dry lap to secure a lead time of 1:54,906. Trofeo Pirelli. Action quickly followed lights out as the second Race of the weekend commenced. Polesitter Gilbert Yates and Andrew Morrow (Charles Hurst) confidently established themselves in the dry track conditions and pulled away from the rest of the pack. Further down the order, Haymandhra Pillai (Jardine Colchester) applied pressure against a determined Pranav Vangala (HR Owen). The pair battled relentlessly for the duration of the race, before Pillai eventually turned the screw and passed Vangala to reach 3rd position in the order. However, a 5 sec time penalty against Pillai for an earlier indiscretion on Vangala motivated the HR Owen driver, who successfully cleared his Colchester rival with several laps to spare. Upfront, Gilbert Yates did not suffer from the same tyre temperature issues which saw his car fade in the latter stages of Race 1, and masterfully guided his car to ensure that Morrow was kept firmly in the rear-view mirror. Yates crossed the line to secure his first win of the weekend, with honours even between the pair in a gripping battle for the 2024 Trofeo Pirelli title – with both drivers sitting on 69 points apiece. Coppa Shell. For the second time this weekend, Robert Rees (Dick Lovett Swindon) propelled himself up the order from 2nd into 1st place before the entrance into turn one. Darren Howell (JCT600 Leeds) also made swift progress, moving from 6th to 3rd before the end of the first lap. Peter Hunter (Stratstone Manchester) was not willing to let Howell get past that easily, and contact following a battle between the pair resulted in an unfortunate puncture for the Manchester driver. Further back, Mike Dewhirst’s (Dick Lovett Swindon) lap times continued to improve and, with 15 minutes to go, he capitalised on an opportunity to move past Howell and up into the podium places. Confidence abound, Dewhirst kept getting faster and quickly passed a spirited Redman to secure 2nd. Rees appeared to have done enough to secure the race win, but an invigorated Dewhirst proved otherwise and caught him with just 2 minutes remaining, to bring home his second victory of the weekend in an impressive debut season. Rees leads the Coppa Shell standings on 88 points, with Dewhirst close behind on 77 points. Next Race. The penultimate round of the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli UK series takes place at Donington on Saturday 20 – Sunday 21 July 2024. Qualifying and Race sessions will be broadcast live via live.ferrari.com. For further information, please contact:Jason Harris, Regional Manager – CommunicationTel: 01753 878704Mob: 07748 333389Email: jason.harris@ferrari.com

Alpine takes on the legend of Le Mans, with ambassador Zinedine Zidane

Industry News

The FIA World Endurance Championship heads to Le Mans this week for the crown jewel of its calendar. The Scrutineering this Friday in the city centre is the first high point of the 92nd edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Returning to the premier category, Alpine’s A424 Hypercars will debut at the Circuit de la Sarthe this Sunday’s Test Day. In the setting of this iconic race, Alpine will also reveal its A290 hot hatch to the world on 13 June at 12:30. Alpine will also be centre-stage with a demonstration run of its hydrogen-powered Alpenglow Hy4 and the much-anticipated participation of its ambassador Zinédine Zidane, who will give the start of the race. The revival of the brand founded by Jean Rédélé began in 2013, with the A450, A460, A460B, A470 and A480 competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. LMP2 successes in 2016, 2018 and 2019, together with a wealth of experience acquired, have been the hallmarks of this period leading up to Alpine’s return to the highest level of the discipline. Before taking on the crown jewel of the calendar at the Circuit de la Sarthe, Alpine Endurance Team took stock of its A424 Hypercar in its first three FIA World Endurance Championship races at Losail, Imola and Spa-Francorchamps. Since mid-May , the team has tested at Circuit Paul Ricard, where Ferdinand Habsburg was able to get back behind the wheel after his recovery. Les Bleus then undertook a complete service of their two Hypercars, and to prepare for any eventuality in a race presenting incomparable challenges for both drivers and machines, the team also conducted detailed preparation work on spare parts before a final shakedown last Friday. On Monday, Alpine Endurance Team settled into its quarters at the circuit. Before taking to the track, all competitors must attend the Scrutineering, the first administrative and technical checks to allow the FIA and ACO stewards to meticulously inspect the key elements of each car entered. This first high point occurs on Friday at 2:40 pm in the city centre for Alpine and its two crews, whose entire equipment will also be checked. After a procession on Saturday afternoon in the Le Mans city centre, the Alpine A424s will take to the Circuit de la Sarthe on Sunday for the first time in the two three-hour Test Day sessions. Although Nicolas Lapierre, Matthieu Vaxiviere, Charles Milesi, Ferdinand Habsburg, and Paul-Loup Chatin are all well-versed in the circuit’s subtleties, these initial tests will be crucial in helping them find their bearings on this 13.626 km long track, famed for its Mulsanne Straight. The drivers will take turns fine-tuning their setups, perfecting their pit stops, and studying the behaviour of the different tyre compounds supplied by Michelin. The team will also have an imperative: allow Mick Schumacher to continue the process imposed on every Le Mans rookie thanks to the team’s expertise and that of his teammates, three of whom have already had category wins at Le Mans. The pace of preparations will then build up. After an initial day analysing the data collected, the work will continue on Tuesday with the traditional Pit-Walk for the public. The action will resume in the first free practice session on Wednesday before the one-hour qualifying session, followed by two more free practice sessions on Wednesday evening and Thursday afternoon before the Hyperpole, where the top eight in each category will compete in a high-speed battle to determine the top-eight grid positions in each category. After a final night practice session and the famous driver parade in the city centre on Friday, Alpine Endurance Team will return to the track on Saturday morning for a 15-minute warm-up. A few hours later, the start of the 24 Hours of Le Mans will be given by Alpine equal opportunities programmes ambassadeur Zinédine Zidane with an impressive field of 62 cars, including 23 competing in the Hypercar category. For Alpine, the target will be simple: keep on learning in the longest, most challenging and undoubtedly most spectacular race of the year, where the first challenge will be to finish. As a common thread throughout the event, Alpine will reveal the A290, the 100% electric hot hatch from its Dream Garage. A few hours before the start, the A-arrow brand will also participate in a hydrogen demonstration with Alpenglow Hy4, in which Zinédine Zidane will be a passenger. The two models embody the future of the brand’s design, as well as being a rolling laboratory and an avenue of exploration for sustainable technologies at the forefront of sporting innovation. There will also be other surprises in store, so stay tuned! Philippe Sinault, Team Principal Alpine Endurance Team“Here we are! Although preparations for the 24 Hours of Le Mans have been underway for several months, we arrive at Le Mans with a true sense of excitement, even more so than in previous years. We’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time and I have been impressed by every team member’s incredible work capacity and unwavering commitment before we take to the Le Mans track for the first time. In the context of our first participation with a new car, we have a good amount of knowledge to gauge the potential of our package so far. We’ve also done several simulations, but there’s nothing like real laps on track to validate or assess the extent of the work still to be done before next week. There won’t be much running time this Sunday, so we’ll focus on two key areas: aerodynamic balance on this very atypical track and tyre endurance over several long stints. Although we know that conditions will change very quickly as the track is ‘green’ before the rubber is laid down, this will allow us to build up the drivers’ confidence so that they can give us valuable feedback. Reliability will be just as important for us to get off to a good start in what promises to be a very…

Aston Martin aims for 20th class victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans as new Vantage GT3 makes debut

Industry News

Aston Martin seeking debut win with Vantage GT3 in new LMGT3 class Aston Martin celebrates 96 years since it first raced at la Sarthe IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTD class title-winning team Heart of Racing returns for second start in legendary French race D’station Racing aims to add to first international win for new Vantage GT3 Countdown begins for Le Mans debut of Valkyrie AMR-LMH in 2025 Monday, 10 June, 2024, Le Mans: Aston Martin’s new Vantage GT3 is all set to make its debut in the world’s most famous endurance race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, this weekend (15-16 June), as the ultra-luxury British sportscar manufacturer targets an incredible 20th class victory at the event. Two examples of the Aston Martin Vantage GT3, which shares the mechanical architecture of the new Vantage road car unveiled earlier this year at Silverstone, and which is built around Aston Martin’s proven bonded aluminium chassis and powered by its fearsome twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine, will contest the ‘twice around the clock’ race in central France. Both will compete in the new-for-2024 LMGT3 category as Aston Martin continues to lay the groundwork for its return to the top class with the Valkyrie AMR-LMH in 2025. Aston Martin’s full-time FIA World Endurance Championship [WEC] partner teams, Japanese outfit D’station Racing and US-based entrant Heart of Racing carry the marque’s honour at Le Mans – the most prestigious race of the global competition – which features representation from an incredible nine GT manufacturers; an all-time high. D’station Racing made history earlier this month as Tomonobu Fujii (JPN) and Charlie Fagg (GBR) claimed the new Aston Martin Vantage GT3’s first international race win in the SUPER GT GT300 class at Suzuka. Fujii, in his role as the team’s Managing Director, will oversee a line-up spearheaded by Aston Martin works driver Marco Sørensen (DEN); a three-time FIA World Endurance Champion and 2022 Le Mans class winner. Sørensen will share driving duties aboard #777 with Le Mans debutant Erwan Bastard (FRA), a title winner in both the GT4 European and GT4 France series, and Team Principal Satoshi Hoshino (JPN), who makes his first FIA WEC appearance since finishing second in the 8 Hours of Bahrain season finale last year. Heart of Racing, which will run the works Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR-LMH in the Hypercar class in 2025, scored its best result in the WEC season-opening Qatar 1812km with a second-place finish in the #27 Vantage to begin the LMGT3 era. It aims to go one better at La Sarthe, where it finished sixth on its Le Mans debut last year. Team Principal Ian James (GBR) will be central to the team’s driving strength, while single-seater champion Daniel Mancinelli (ITA) and Spaniard IMSA race-winner Alex Riberas (ESP) will race alongside him. Significantly, Le Mans – the fourth round of the FIA World Endurance Championship – offers double-points due to its length and difficulty. This gives both Heart of Racing and D’station Racing, who are third and fifth in the Teams’ Championship, the opportunity to take over at the head of the standings as the European portion of the season ends. Aston Martin’s endurance racing is indelibly linked to Le Mans. A mere 15 years after the marque was formed by Robert Bamford and Lionel Martin, it was racing at la Sarthe; its debut coming in 1928 with a pair of AM415 ‘Internationals’. Three years later it claimed its first victory when Augustus Cesare Bertelli and Maurice Harvey won the 1.5-litre class in an International. It took class honours in 1932 and ’33 as well. Two more wins in the ’30s for the Ulster meant that Aston Martin ended the pre-war era as one of Le Mans pre-eminent manufacturers. The race wasn’t held between 1940-1948 with Europe affected by the second World War, but once it returned in 1949, Aston Martin did too, making the 3-litre class its own through the 1950s. It won the class six times, finishing first, second and third with the DB2 in 1951. This halcyon era culminated in a glorious overall victory for Carroll Shelby and Roy Salvadori in the DBR1 in 1959. It was also in this period that Aston Martin became known as a haven for legendary racing stars. Among the many aces to have raced Aston Martins at Le Mans are Jim Clark, Sir Stirling Moss, Peter Collins, Sir Jack Brabham, Shelby, Salvadori, Tony Brooks, Phil Hill, Sir John Surtees, Innes Ireland, Graham Hill and Bruce McLaren. This century Aston Martin has come to the fore once again as one of the truly great GT manufacturers. Returning to the race with a GT1 class podium in 2006, Darren Turner, Rickard Rydell and David Brabham recorded a famous victory over Corvette with the mighty V12-powered DBR9 in 2007. Aston Martin Racing repeated the victory the following year. In the WEC era, which began in 2012, Aston Martin has five class victories with Vantage. The V8 Vantage GTE won the GTE Am class in 2014 with the Danish line-up of Nicki Thiim, Kristian Poulsen and David Heinemeier Hansson. Then in 2017 Jonny Adam (GBR) delivered a famous last-lap pass on the rival Corvette to clinch a dramatic GTE Pro win along with team-mates Turner (Aston Martin’s most successful Le Mans racer with 15 starts and three wins), and Daniel Serra (BRA). The Vantage GTE made its Le Mans debut in 2018 and claimed a breath-taking double-class victory in 2020. Alex Lynn (GBR), Maxime Martin (BEL) and Harry Tincknell (GBR) outfoxed Ferrari in a famous win without stopping for a traditional Sunday morning brake change, while TF Sport conquered GTE Am with Salih Yoluc (TUR), Adam and Eastwood. The team won again in 2022 in its world championship title year with Ben Keating (USA), Henrique Chaves (POR) and Sørensen. A podium finish for TF Sport in last year’s centenary running of the race – also the 53rd time an Aston Martin had competed at the event – brought the curtain down on the GTE…

Aston Martin completes long-term pay agreement benefitting 2,500 eligible UK workers

Industry News

Two-year agreement further supports Aston Martin employees with cost of living Reduced manufacturing hours to enhance employee wellbeing and work-life balance New deal approved by trade union members, following constructive talks with Unite 10 June 2024, Gaydon: Aston Martin has completed a new long-term agreement, increasing pay for its valued employees whilst committing to reduce the contractual hours of manufacturing technicians in 2025 to promote a positive work-life balance. More than 2,500 eligible Aston Martin employees and contractors across its UK manufacturing sites and offices are to be rewarded through the new deal, which provides a 4% annual pay increase for its general staff population in 2024 and 2025. In addition to a 4% increase in 2024, manufacturing technicians at the company will receive a 1.5% rise in 2025 alongside a reduction in working time by the equivalent of one hour in the working week, with the goal of boosting productivity and supporting employee wellbeing. All eligible employees will also receive a one-off payment of £1,000 recognising the continued high cost of living, building on the company’s long-standing support for its people, including a significant pay increase in line with the Retail Price Increase in January 2023. In 2023, the company also launched a new employee share scheme, awarding all employees a stake in the company and the opportunity to share in its success. Simon Smith, Chief People Officer of Aston Martin, said: “Achieved through our positive working relationship with trade union colleagues, this new agreement recognises our commitment to putting people at the very heart of our organisation and making Aston Martin a great place to work. It builds on our continued support for colleagues with the high cost of living and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. “In addition to rewarding our skilled and dedicated employees, this agreement also promotes talent retention, providing labour certainty for the business as we enter an important period of production, with the ramp up of new models that will support the company’s financial goals in 2024 and beyond.” Achieved following constructive talks with Unite, the new agreement has been welcomed by trade union members in an employee ballot and confirms pay and conditions at the company for the next two years. A spokesperson for Unite the Union added: “Following lengthy negotiations between Unite the Union and Aston Martin Lagonda, Unite members have voted in large majority to accept the two year pay deal. Unite believes that this deal promotes the working relations built with AML, along with delivering a substantial pay rise and improvements on the work life balance of our members, promoting wellbeing.”

ZF LIFETEC rearranges driver airbag on the steering wheel and creates design freedom

Industry News

The steering wheel is a core element of digital interior concepts Innovative positioning of the driver airbag enables forward-looking design options for the steering wheel and its controls Integration of force-sensitive controls in a seamless, smartphone-like interface Alfdorf / Penzing, Germany. Since the introduction of driver airbags in the 1980s, they have had a permanent place in the center of the steering wheel, in its hub. Since then, the steering wheel has been more than just the interface between driver and car for transmitting steering commands, it has also become a protective function in the event of an accident. For around three decades, the driver’s airbag has been standard equipment in most cars, helping save lives and reduce injuries. In addition, the steering wheel has become the command center for entertainment and assistance functions in modern cars. ZF LIFETEC has designed a new generation of steering wheel to expand the design possibilities of future-oriented interior concepts. The driver’s airbag is nowadays deployed frontal out of center of the steering wheel. In addition to this ZF LIFETEC is going to go a different way in regard of the upcoming new interior designs of the future. In the event of an accident, the driver airbag deploys from the top side of the steering wheel through the upper steering wheel rim towards the driver. This new installation position of the airbag allows the horizontal spoke, including the hub, to have a seamless, smartphone-like design. Force sensitive controls for the vehicle’s entertainment and assistance functions are integrated behind a continuous surface. This design blends seamlessly into the digitally designed dashboards of modern vehicle interiors. “With this new concept, we are enabling design freedom for steering wheels without compromising safety,” explains Harald Lutz, Head of Development at ZF LIFETEC. Clear design languageThe trend towards seamless design, which has become increasingly popular in recent years, can also be found in modern vehicle interiors. Manufacturers are increasingly eliminating joints and gaps in the interior. This is also reflected in innovative lighting options and displays, which are integrated throughout the vehicle interior. This development will also continue with future steering wheels. Seamless design variants with greater integration of HMI functions and new surfaces will decisively influence the appearance and functionality of tomorrow’s steering wheel. The function determines the designThe seamless design not only opens many possibilities for the use of new materials and shapes, but also in terms of function. On-demand functions (freely assignable fields), touch displays, or a central screen are now conceivable. However, as the steering wheel is also a safety-relevant component in the vehicle, user-friendliness is paramount. Hybrid solutions can therefore also be implemented with this concept. These include, for example, the combination of an alternatively rotary switch with a force-sensitive and tactile surface also integrated in the steering wheel as an anchor point, thus enabling the driver to operate the system safely. These functions can also be combined with hands-on detection which is a component of current and future steering wheels. A capacitive sensor under the leather surface recognizes whether the driver is merely touching or safely gripping the wheel. This technology is a further module for safe vehicle control. Press contacts:Knut Zimmer, Press Officer, ZF LIFETEC,Phone: +49 171 1506727, e-mail: knut.zimmer@zf.com Mirko Gutemann, Press Spokesman Technology and Product Communication, ZF Group,Phone: +49 7541 77-960136, e-mail: mirko.gutemann@zf.com About ZF LIFETECZF LIFETEC is a leading passive safety technology provider for enhanced protection of vehicle occupants. Employing around 36,000 employees dedicated to the mission of saving lives with a technology driven approach, the company develops and manufactures a comprehensive product portfolio including airbag, seat belt and steering wheel systems, covering a wide range from small vehicles in the volume segment up to sophisticated luxury vehicles. Featuring a market share exceeding 20 percent in its core product categories, ZF LIFETEC has a worldwide presence at 48 locations across 20 countries. In the fiscal year 2023, the Group generated sales of EUR 4.6 billion. Based on its strong relationships with a diversified customer base of global OEMs, driven by outstanding quality, long-standing R&D collaborations besides a strong global innovation platform, ZF LIFETEC is well positioned for future growth opportunities arising from the automotive megatrends electrification, (semi-) automated driving, smart interior, as well as increasing safety demands and stepped-up safety regulations worldwide. Learn more at zf-lifetec.com

Elli enters the industrial energy storage business

Industry News

Stationary large-scale storage systems are an important component in tomorrow’s energy system. The demand for storage solutions will increase throughout Europe in the coming years, with experts expecting growth by a factor of 100 in Germany alone Elli will develop and operate energy storage projects on an industrial scale together with partners. The company is thus opening up a new business area and further expanding its range of energy services In the first step, individual projects with up to 350 MW of capacity and 700 MWh of storage capacity are planned. A first storage project could be launched in Germany as early as 2025 Wolfsburg, June 7, 2024 – The Volkswagen Group is entering a new business segment with the Elli charging and energy brand and will develop, build and operate large-scale stationary storage systems together with partners along the value chain. In the future, Elli’s industrial energy storage systems will be used to supply customers and for arbitrage transactions on the electricity market. In this way, Elli is driving the transformation into a smart energy company and making a significant contribution to stabilising and increasing the efficiency of the power grids. The first Elli battery storage projects could be set up as early as next year. The largest projects in the Elli project pipeline currently have a capacity of up to 350 MW and a storage capacity of 700 MWh. Such projects would almost double the total storage capacity installed in Germany, which currently amounts around one GWh. “Germany and Europe need sufficient storage solutions to meet the increasing demand and to compensate for the volatile feed-in of renewable energies. Our investment in stationary battery storage systems is therefore a significant contribution to the sustainable transformation of the energy supply,” says Volkswagen Group Board Member for Technology Thomas Schmall. The need for storage solutions is enormous: in 2023 alone, around 10,500 GWh were not generated from renewable electricity sources in Germany due to a lack of intermediate storage options.1 This amount of electricity would have been enough to power more than 3.2 million electric vehicles with electricity from renewable sources for a year. In order to compensate for the volatility of renewable energies, the Fraunhofer Institute estimates a demand for battery storage systems of over 100 GWh by 2030.2 By entering the business of industrial energy storage, Elli confirms its leading role in the mobility and energy transition. “We see high financial potential in this business area and the opportunity to develop Elli into a holistic energy provider in Europe,” explains Giovanni Palazzo, CEO Elli. You can find out more about charging and energy at www.volkswagen-group.com and www.elli.eco. 1) www.bundesnetzagentur.de, Quarterly report on grid congestion management | 06/20242) Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems, ISE, www.ise.fraunhofer.de, 2.5.2022 Julia PirlichVolkswagen Group Charging GmbH (Elli) Head of Corporate Communications+49 (0) 175 3713564julia.pirlich@volkswagen.de | www.elli.eco | www.volkswagen-group.com Katerina VojtechovaVolkswagen Group Technology Spokesperson Charging and Energy+49 (0) 175 2202136katerina.vojtechova@volkswagen.de | www.volkswagen-group.com Kate ThompsonGroup Corporate Communications (UK)+44 (0) 7713 265562 / kate.thompson@vwg.co.uk | www.volkswagen-group.co.uk About the Volkswagen Group:The Volkswagen Group is one of the world’s leading car makers, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. It operates globally, with 114 production facilities in 19 European countries and 10 countries in the Americas, Asia and Africa. With around 684,000 employees worldwide. The Group’s vehicles are sold in over 150 countries. With an unrivalled portfolio of strong global brands, leading technologies at scale, innovative ideas to tap into future profit pools and an entrepreneurial leadership team, the Volkswagen Group is committed to shaping the future of mobility through investments in electric and autonomous driving vehicles, digitalization and sustainability. In 2023, the total number of vehicles delivered to customers by the Group globally was 9.2 million (2022: 8.3 million). Group sales revenue in 2023 totaled EUR 322.3 billion (2022: EUR 279.1 billion). The operating result before special items in 2023 amounted to EUR 22.6 billion (2022: EUR 22.5 billion). About Elli:The Elli brand, with around 370 employees, takes care of customers’ needs at the interface between energy and mobility. Elli, as part of the Volkswagen Group, offers a broad range of energy and charging solutions in Europe and acts as a mobility service provider. The current product portfolio includes charging solutions for private customers and companies – from the company’s own home chargers and the flexible fast-charging stations (Flexpoles) to charging services and innovative smart green electricity tariffs. For charging in public spaces, Elli provides digital solutions and services for a seamless charging experience. Elli, which was founded in 2018, has offices in Berlin, Wolfsburg and Munich.