White Motorcycle Concepts launches world’s first aero-electric motorcycle purpose-designed for fleets and first responders

Industry News

World’s first electric motorcycle where the battery design is shaped by aerodynamics Fully-electric design offers zero emissions, 100-mile range, 15-minute rapid recharging, and 100mph performance, supporting fleets and first responders practical transition to net zero Patented V-Duct delivers exceptional aerodynamic performance, while unique battery concept by MAHLE Powertrain enables high operational availability New WMC300E+ makes global debut at Cenex Expo 4-5th September 4th September 2024, Northampton: White Motorcycle Concepts (WMC), the company behind the British electric motorcycle land-speed world-record programme, has launched a new fully-electric rapid-charging motorcycle that is the first in the world designed specifically to meet the needs of fleets and first responders globally. The WMC300E+ offers a 100-mile range when measured against the aggressive emergency services drive cycle (125 miles against the standard drive cycle), yet can be recharged using a standard CCS charger in under 15 minutes thanks to a unique battery concept developed by MAHLE Powertrain. “The whole industry is facing a huge technical and commercial challenge to produce an electric motorcycle with performance close to its petrol equivalent,” said Robert White, Founder & CEO, White Motorcycle Concepts. “Current electric motorcycles are focussed upon retail needs, but fleet customers, and particularly emergency first responders, demand high levels of availability that, due to charge times, existing solutions just can’t deliver. Meeting that demand, while complying with forthcoming legislation and helping to achieve all fleet’s net-zero ambitions, has required clean-sheet engineering thinking and the combination of some innovative technologies. Following processes and procedures learnt whilst in F1, our in-house engineering team has rapidly developed the concept; using a range of validated in-house modelling and computer fluid dynamics simulation techniques, prototyping and validation, and finally engineering for, and delivering, full assembly. The result, the WMC300E+, presents a market-leading product for fleets and first responders, with greater operational parity to its petrol equivalent, but with zero emissions in use.” At the centre of its unique capabilities are a remarkable aerodynamic performance and an innovative battery design. The first makes use of WMC’s patented V-Duct, a venturi duct that passes through the centre of the motorcycle that substantially reduces aerodynamic drag, improving performance, enhancing stability, and reducing energy consumption. The concept behind this central air duct has been honed as part of the company’s land-speed record programme, and in the WMC300E+ an optimised dual-channel design delivers a 25% increase in aerodynamic efficiency. Key to the bike’s rapid charging, and therefore its high operational availability, is a unique battery concept, developed and built by specialist engineering provider MAHLE Powertrain. For motorcycles, the transition to an electric powertrain enables greater packaging freedoms and it is this principle that shaped the battery form. After a comprehensive programme of modelling, simulation and prototyping, WMC and MAHLE Powertrain’s engineers settled on a T-shaped battery pack, delivering mass centralisation (for optimum vehicle dynamics), maximising the duct aerodynamic efficiency benefit and fit within the bike’s complex packaging constraints. The battery cell features advanced Lithium Cobalt Oxide with Nickel Manganese Aluminium chemistry, capable of sustaining high charge rates yet also remarkably resistant to ageing for a longer lifespan. The pack incorporates key elements from MAHLE Powertrain’s innovative M³x battery module concept, including its novel cooling features that enhance cell thermal performance and ensure even temperature profiles across the entire pack, as well as the ability to supress propagation between cells in the event of a failure. A DC-DC converter is integrated within the battery pack, allowing the traction motor, charger, and the bike’s 12V system to be connected directly to it, simplifying the overall implementation. Special consideration was given to the need to power ancillary equipment such as lights, sirens and radios by emergency responders. The battery’s highly space-efficient design, despite its generous 11.9 kWh capacity, has allowed the practical under-seat storage to be retained and can easily accommodate a full-face helmet. “This project called upon the full suite of capabilities available at our Battery Engineering Centre in Northampton,” said Jonathan Hall, MAHLE Powertrain’s Head of Research and Advanced Engineering department. “Starting with a clean-sheet design, using a range of validated in-house modelling and simulation techniques, through to pack specification, cell selection and characterisation, prototyping and testing, and finally small series production, our team have worked closely with WMC to deliver the engineering solutions needed to meet their ambitious targets.” As a result of the conversion to fully-electric propulsion, the new WMC300E+ offers not just zero-emissions-in-use but also improved acceleration compared to its petrol equivalent. In addition, it is capable of speeds of up to 100mph while maintaining excellent aerodynamic stability, even when equipped with heavily-laden panniers. The bike’s striking design helps to make riders more visible – a key requirement in emergency response roles – while its ability to be ridden on a standard car licence removes the need for specialist training. This also makes it ideal for use in other services such as paramedic first responders and last-mile delivery duties, while its minimal charging footprint means it can be deployed easily, even where space and power considerations are limited. Beyond delivering zero-emissions transport for rapid response fleets, the project continues WMC’s sustainability focus through the use of recycled carbon-fibre in the motorcycle’s construction, while the ‘right-sized’ battery pack with fast charging capability, developed by MAHLE Powertrain, reduces the use of rare earth materials and minimises downtime. Partially funded by the Advanced Propulsion Centre’s second round of the Advanced Route to Market Demonstrator (ARMD2) programme, the project builds on the success of the WMC300FR hybrid three-wheeled motorcycle, developed in conjunction with Northamptonshire Police and on trial with emergency services across the UK. The new WMC300E+ made its public debut at Cenex Expo 2024, which runs from 4-5th September at UTAC Millbrook. To download full gallery of images, click here.

Protean Electric unveils further product offerings to widen the market for its industry-leading IWM technology

Industry News

Farnham, UK – [4 September 2024] – Protean Electric (Protean) the world-leading developer of in-wheel motors (IWM) has unveiled a new suite of products built on its Gen 5 ProteanDrive modular architecture. The expansion of Protean’s Gen5 platform will be showcased at the Cenex Expo 2024, and will include the introduction of 800Vdc technologies into Protean’s product line up. Unveiled today is the compact and lightweight ProteanMotor Pm18 – 800V, which delivers 110kW and 1500Nm of torque, alongside the 800V SiC TwinverterTM, which is a 500kW inverter, configured as dual 250kw inverters capable of 650Arms phase current and 98.5 per cent peak efficiency. These products are augmented by the 400V Pm18 and ProteanInverter and pave the way for far higher performance IWM designs to be revealed later in this year. Discussing the new product portfolio, Stephen Lambert, Chief Technology Officer of Protean Electric, said, “In-wheel motors are transforming the future of electric vehicles by offering superior efficiency, performance, and design flexibility and today we demonstrate that we are at the forefront of this innovation. Our IWM experience and the adaptability of our Gen5 modular platform, allows us to create a compact and lightweight offering, the Pm-18 800V, alongside our industry-leading 800V SiC TwinverterTM. By delivering these products ready for manufacturing at scale, and focusing on rigorous testing and validation, we are paving the way for the next generation of electric vehicles.” The unveiling of these modular products follows quickly after the launch of its Gen 5 Pd18 IWM and demonstrates the flexibility of the Gen5 platform. The development of these products and future technologies is in direct response to established technology collaborations with OEMs to meet the tailored needs of their specific vehicle applications. These advancements have been supported by InnovateUK and Advanced Propulsion Centre’s (APC) ARMD2 programme, under Project Olympus. Project Olympus, which concludes at Cenex Expo 2024, supported Protean to pioneer these innovative lightweight and efficient technologies for IWMs. It was granted to expedite IWM adoption by OEM customers, surpassing current benchmarks and improving electric vehicles range, packaging, driving experience and more. Protean will showcase some of these new products and technologies at the UK Government Pavilion at the Cenex Expo 2024 at UTAC Millbrook, UK on the 4th and 5th of September .

CUPRA unveils the Terramar, the new hero for a new era, at the 37th edition of the America’s Cup

Industry News

THERE IS NO SECOND The new sporty SUV brings the CUPRA brand upmarket, to new customers and new growing segments without losing its rebellious and challenger spirit The CUPRA Terramar embraces the new design language of the brand, with a bold and confident look It will be available with different powertrains, including the new generation of plug-in hybrid technology (eHybrid), delivering 272PS (200kW) and offering more than 70 miles of all-electric range CUPRA joins forces with America’s Cup under the motto ‘There is no second’ and launches the limited edition “Terramar America’s Cup” The new CUPRA Terramar was presented with a unique global campaign made in collaboration with film director J.A. Bayona The brand has also released the 100% electric boat E23 Terramar in collaboration with De Antonio Yachts and a new capsule Collection representing the sailing spirit of the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup CUPRA is one of the fastest growing brands in the industry and has already delivered around 700,000 cars since its launch in 2018 Martorell, 03-09-2024 – Against the backdrop of the America’s Cup, one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events, CUPRA unveils the new CUPRA Terramar, the brand’s new hero for a new era. The sporty SUV moves CUPRA upmarket into the hotspot of the fastest growing segment in Europe as part of the brand’s biggest ever product offensive following the recent launches of the new CUPRA Leon, Formentor, Born VZ and Tavascan. “With the CUPRA Terramar, we will not only grow our portfolio of products but at the same time help our brand to “grow-up” by bringing CUPRA upmarket, to new customers and new growing segments, without, however, losing our rebellious and challenger spirit.” said Wayne Griffiths, CEO of CUPRA. “A car that reinforces CUPRA today as a brand that is more mature, more confident in its direction, and more certain in its identity than ever before, without ever compromising on a rebellious spirit and authenticity.” To date, CUPRA has delivered around 700,000 vehicles and the brand recently extended its record-breaking journey, registering the best first half year in its history by delivering 125,700 cars, an increase of 17.2% compared to the same period in 2023 (107,300). CUPRA Terramar: the new hero of a new eraThe CUPRA Terramar embraces the brand’s new design language, with a bold and confident look. The new sporty SUV features the iconic three triangle signature, with CUPRA Matrix LED Ultra, with High-Definition Technology. The front exterior design is extenuated as the grille gives way to the performance-oriented functional lower mouth, suggestive of sports cars. The sporty proportions skip from the front of the SUV to the side, with sweeping lines that shift from the front across the side to heighten the SUV’s sense of performance. As the eye moves to the CUPRA Terramar’s rear design, its wide proportions give the SUV a strong presence, with the integrated and illuminated CUPRA logo positioned centrally between the rear lights along with the Terramar name illuminated. The rear diffuser contrasts with the other elements of the design helping to lighten its proportions, giving it a defiant character. The CUPRA Terramar will be available in nine exterior colours, including two matt options –Century Bronze Matt and Enceladus Grey Matt, as well as the Dark Void, inspired by the plasma colour of the CUPRA DarkRebel Showcar. The interior reinterprets sportiness with a driver-oriented cockpit enhanced by the design of the centre console. It also embraces sustainability with bucket seats wrapped in its central areas either with textile created from 100% upcycled SEAQUAL® YARN, Dinamica with at least 73% recycled textile or leather that uses a plant-based tanning process. Digitalisation is at the centre of the driver’s focus with a newly designed HMI implemented in the digital cockpit, as well as in the 12.9” infotainment system with a retro-illuminated slider. In addition, CUPRA continues its collaboration with the audio experts of Sennheiser mobility, integrating a high-fidelity 12-speaker sound system. The CUPRA Terramar brings together the possibilities of combustion and electrification with five different powertrains across three technologies: TSI (petrol), eTSI (mild hybrid) and the new generation of plug-in hybrid (e-HYBRID) engines, delivering from 150PS to 272PS. Driving dynamics is enhanced thanks to the standard sport suspension and progressive steering, as well as the new adaptative chassis control and Akebono brakes. Designed and developed in Barcelona, the CUPRA Terramar will be produced in Audi’s Györ plant in Hungary. Deliveries will start during the last quarter of this year. An unforgettable experienceUnder the motto ‘There is no second’, the CUPRA Terramar was presented in the context of the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup, the world’s most prestigious sailing competition and the biggest sporting event to come to Barcelona after the 1992 Olympics. The presentation took place at the America’s Cup Experience, the first and only official exhibition center of the competition, located in the historic IMAX building, in the harbour of Barcelona. This innovative space allows visitors to discover the secrets of the oldest sports competition in the world, where tradition and history are linked with cutting-edge technology and passion. In this emblematic location, it is also possible to experience first-hand all the emotions that make this competition unique, thanks to a simulator and immersive experiences. As the official car of the competition, the CUPRA Terramar World Premiere counted on the presence of Grant Dalton, CEO of the America’s Cup, who joined Wayne Griffiths, CEO of CUPRA, to underline their commitment to continue inspiring the world from Barcelona. The strategic alliance, forged in December 2023, was established based on both brands’ winning attitude, innovation, performance, and the ambition to connect with the people of the Mediterranean city. The new CUPRA Terramar was presented with its brand-new global campaign, a unique film made in collaboration with J.A. Bayona, CUPRA’s brand ambassador. The renowned film director explained his inspiring creative process in the making of this project about the brand’s competitive spirit, self-improvement, and the concept of ‘There is no second’. Moreover, he highlighted the values his work shares with CUPRA: Defying…

The all-new, all-electric Volvo EX90 SUV on the road – first customers will get their cars this month

Industry News

The fully electric Volvo EX90 is ready and on the road: the first batch of our flagship SUV is being shipped to our retailers in the United States and Europe right now, and the first customers will get their cars before the end of this month. We will ramp up deliveries, including to more markets between the fourth quarter of this year and the first quarter of 2025. The EX90 is Volvo Cars’ new flagship and sets new standards for our company in safety, sustainability and human-centric technology that makes people’s lives easier and more enjoyable. So when we tested our new flagship, we placed high demands on it and pushed it to its limits. Our chief executive Jim Rowan has put the EX90 through its paces for the past few weeks. Together with colleagues, he’s taken the EX90 on a road trip across the United States – from our plant outside of Charleston in South Carolina to California. “Based on this trip, I can confidently say that the EX90 is the best car we have ever made,” says Jim Rowan. “After driving it for 950 kilometres through three states in the US in various driving conditions and road surfaces, I only have positive memories. The charging, the handling, the ride comfort, the silence of the cabin and the epic sound system, the reliability, the tech and the feel of the UI – I’ve never driven a Volvo car like it. The EX90 is the start of a new era for Volvo Cars, and it begins now.” And you don’t just have to take our word for it: recently, we let hundreds of journalists from all over the world experience all the qualities of the EX90, as we held a global media test drive southeast of Los Angeles, USA. The start of a new eraThe EX90 also represents a paradigm shift for the company as the first Volvo car powered by a core system. The in-car AI computer is built on the NVIDIA DRIVE® platform. This core system, plus the Snapdragon® Cockpit Platform from Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and in-house-developed software by Volvo Cars engineers, work seamlessly together to run the key functions inside the car, from safety and infotainment to battery management. The result is a more responsive and convenient car experience. Born smart and connected with Google built in, the EX90 is equipped with a range of sensors, including radars, cameras and a lidar supplied by Luminar for enhanced safety. The data collection from sensors, coupled with an always-on 5G connection and regular over-the-air software updates, allows us to continuously improve the car’s features and grow its functionality over time. In other words, the EX90 is designed to grow and develop together with you. “The Volvo EX90 embodies our future as a fully electric car maker, with cars that continuously get better over time thanks to core computing and software updates,” says Jim Rowan. “It’s a testament to our global engineering capabilities and reaffirms our position as a leader in the ongoing technology shift in the car industry.” The EX90 is based on our next-generation technology base, fully electric by design, with a driving range of up to 600km*. It’s designed to be the safest car we’ve ever made, full of next-generation passive and active safety technology and software informed by a set of advanced sensors. The EX90 is a car of many firsts. It’s the first Volvo car to be equipped with a lidar, and the first with a core computing system. It’s also the first Volvo car designed to deliver bi-directional charging, allowing customers to contribute to a more balanced grid and more renewable energy use in society. And it’s the world’s first car to offer the Abbey Road Studios mode, which comes with the optional Bowers & Wilkins top-level audio system. Production of the EX90 started earlier this year at our manufacturing plant just outside Charleston, in South Carolina, USA, which has the capacity to build up to 150,000 cars per year. In recent years, we have made extensive investments in its facilities, renewing and expanding the body shop and paint shop. The plant now also has a state-of-the-art battery pack production line. With these investments, our US production facility is well prepared for the start of this new era. The small print *Range according to the realistic WLTP driving cycle under controlled conditions for a new car. Real-world range may vary. Figures are based on preliminary target.

RADwood UK kitted out with Max Power Reunion

Industry News

Max Power stars of the 80s and 90s to pump up the jam at RADwood UK 2024 RADwood UK 2024 takes place at the Chatham Historic Dockyard on Saturday 7th September Event celebrates the culture and cars of the of the 1980s and 90s Iconic RAD cars on display include a Ferrari F40 LM, Lamborghini Contact and Porsche 959 RAD arcade games, including Outrun and Sega Rally, will be available to enjoy free of charge Tickets, priced from £25 per car are available now Bicester Heritage: 4th September 2024 The ultimate retro motoring show experience, RADwood UK 2024, will showcase some of the most radical cars that appeared in the pages of Max Power magazine. Saturday 7th September will see members of the Max Power Reunion joining automotive icons of the 80s and 90s at Chatham Historic Dockyard to celebrate the flamboyance of the era. The wild body kits, cool paint jobs and pumping sounds of the Max Power generation will be a significant presence. Expect to see everything from a pink Peugeot 206 and the Volkswagen ‘Pringles Golf’ with its Lambo-style scissor doors, to a retro BTCC Renault Laguna. and all sports of creative rides in-between. Many of these rides dominated the Saturday night supermarket car park meets of the era, but RADwood is also home to the cars you drove or dreamed of driving. The Ford Sierra RS Cosworth, Renault 5 GT Turbo, Toyota MR2 and many others will be on display for owners and enthusiasts to discuss their fave memories of the era. Some of the most iconic supercars of the time will also be on show, including a number of Athena poster favourites. These include the Ferrari F40 LM, Honda NSX, Lamborghini Countach and Porsche 959. Everyone is encouraged to get in on the spirit of these exuberant decades. Pull out your old shell-suits, flecked trousers and big shoulder pads and get dressed up. Put some batteries in the stereo, dig out that old Sony Walkman or Motorola flip-phone and be part of the incredible vibe that was the 80s and 90s. It’s also a chance to celebrate one of the biggest shows of the era. It is 40 years since Crockett and Tubbs raced onto our TV screens in Miami Vice. Whether it was the snazzy clothes, or the famous white Ferrari Testarossa that grabbed your attention, RADwood UK 2024 is an awesome opportunity to show off your Miami style. Whether you arrive in a 1980s Fiesta XR2 or a go full Magnum P.I. in a Ferrari 308, there are plenty of prizes on offer in a number of categories. This includes a display for cars of the era, a Show’n’Shine and there will also be a price for the best dressed guest. If you threw your 80s gear out years ago, then all the retro clobber you loved will be available at the Rokit Vintage village in the main boathouse. The sounds of the RADwood years will be on sale at the record fair, a great place find that elusive cassette, 12-inch vinyl or MiniDisc album. What 80s and 90s extravaganza would be complete without the arcade games we all spent so many hours on. The video game arcade will include Outrun, Sega Rally and Streetfighter, with all games set to free-play so visitors can battle it out for their place on the 8-bit leaderboard. General Admission tickets cost £25 per car or £15 for a motorcycle, which includes entry to the display area if you’re driving something RAD. For £35 you can enter your car in the Show ’n’ Shine, but you’ll need to move fast as just a few slots are still available. Full ticket information is available here.

Five money-saving tips for switching to an EV

Industry News

With World EV Day next week (9 Sept), drivers could make massive savings by switching to an electric car, according to Ohme, the UK’s leading smart home EV charging company. Ohme can help you to charge your car smarter, cleaner and cheaper and to celebrate World EV Day, here are five top money-saving tips for EV drivers: Saving tip 1 – Drive an EVIt sounds obvious, but if you’re driving an electric vehicle, then the great news is that you’re already saving money compared to running a petrol or diesel car. With the average driver spending more than £1100* a year on fuel costs alone, just switching to an electric car and charging it at home could more than halve your costs to just £416.50** for an entire year for the same annual mileage even at the new electricity rate arriving on 1 October. Saving tip 2 – Choose a dynamic home electricity tariffWant to run an EV for less than £10 a month? It may sound too good to be true, but that’s the reality if you switch to a dynamic home electricity tariff from the likes of Octopus or OVO. Thanks to its dynamic tariff integration, with an Ohme EV charger you can access all of the UK’s cheapest electricity tariffs, meaning you can reduce the running costs even more. The same typical UK driver mentioned above doing 6800mls a year could spend just £119*** for an entire year of driving. Saving tip 3 – Cheaper overnight electricitySome dynamic home electricity tariffs can mean that all of the electricity coming into your home is at the cheap rate at certain times – usually overnight. That means that any household appliances you can also use during those times will be at the same reduced rate, increasing your savings on your household electricity bill as well as for your EV. Saving tip 4 – Get an EV company carIf you have a company car, then you need to get an EV. It’s really that simple. Electric vehicles pay just 2% Benefit-in-Kind company car tax for 2024/25. Another popular alternative is to get an EV on salary sacrifice from your employer. With salary sacrifice the leasing payments are taken from your gross income before you pay tax rather than after it as with a traditional company car scheme, leaving you with more disposable income. Saving tip 5 – Take part in a grid flexibility trialThis summer Ohme has been involved in an Ofgem project called the CrowdFlex energy trial. This project was to incentivise EV drivers to plug in their cars more frequently to get a better understanding of the role EV drivers can play with balancing the electricity grid of the future. By participating in the trial, drivers earned rewards by simply plugging-in whenever they were parked at home. Ohme is involved in a similar trial from this month until April 2025. Grid flexibility services such as these are estimated to save consumers £10 billion a year in energy costs by 2050. * Based on £1.43/litre and efficiency of 40mpg** SVT at 24.5p/kWh (rate from 1 October)*** Intelligent Octopus Go at 7p/kWh For more information visit www.ohme-ev.com

BMW Group trials Wind Energy Innovation in UK first

Industry News

The UK’s first “motionless” wind energy system has been installed on the roof of BMW Group’s Oxford Plant. It’s part of a BMW Group project trialling innovative technology for efficient energy solutions. This BMW Group Real Estate pilot is spearheaded by BMW Startup Garage, a programme dedicated to supporting early-stage startups working on innovative technologies. BMW Group today announced the installation of the UK’s first “motionless” wind energy system at the MINI manufacturing plant in Oxford. Utilising Aeromine Technologies’ innovative, low-impact technology, the system harnesses wind power to produce clean energy without visible moving parts. BMW Group’s Oxford Plant will serve as a testbed for this cutting-edge technology, assessing its potential to enhance energy efficiency across BMW Group sites around the world, as well as commercial buildings in the UK. This new innovative energy project is part of the BMW Startup Garage, a business unit dedicated to supporting early-stage startups working on cutting-edge technologies. It focuses on testing a functional product, at least in the form of a prototype, during a pilot project and commissioning the startup as a supplier at an early stage. Rather than acting as an investor through venture capital, the BMW Startup Garage is taking on the role of a customer, a “venture client”. Aeromine Technologies has designed the wind energy unit, which is installed on the edge of a building, oriented towards the prevailing wind. The unit features wing-like vertical airfoils that create a vacuum effect, drawing air behind an internal propeller to generate clean electricity. Unlike traditional wind turbines, Aeromine’s bladeless design minimises noise and vibrations, ensuring no disturbance to buildings or the surrounding environment and with minimal impact on avian wildlife. Additionally, the unit is constructed from highly durable, recyclable materials, helping support BMW Group’s commitment to put sustainability at the centre of its strategic direction. Carmen Gargioni, Team Lead Innovation at BMW Group Real Estate Management, said: “BMW Group is always looking for innovative and efficient solutions in every aspect of the business. The BMW Startup Garage acts as a matchmaker between startups and different business units. New technologies are essential as we strive to find the most efficient solution to our requirements. This includes exciting innovations from new players.” The new wind energy unit is designed to complement MINI Plant Oxford’s existing solar arrays across the buildings on site. The installation on the Body Shop has been in place for ten years and, when it was installed, was one of the largest roof-mounted solar farms in the UK with more than 11,000 panels covering an area the size of five football pitches. The solar panels generate enough electricity to power the equivalent of 850 households for a year. However, the solar panels are less effective during winter and evening hours, when wind conditions are often strongest – presenting an opportunity for Aeromine’s wind energy unit to step in and continue generating renewable energy. Urs Sambale, Project Manager for Sustainability Steering at BMW Group Real Estate Europe, said: “This pilot is a small but exciting project for BMW Group and complements our existing approach to purchasing renewable electricity from the national grid. We’re looking forward to seeing its potential for generating clean wind energy at BMW Group sites.” Claus Lønborg, Managing Director, Aeromine Technologies Inc., said: “Aeromine’s partnership with BMW Group represents a pivotal step in our mission to innovate and expand the capabilities of renewable energy solutions. Our “motionless” wind energy technology is designed to work seamlessly alongside solar systems, maximising the renewable energy output from rooftops while helping address challenges like noise, vibrations, and wildlife impact. We’re excited to see how this initial installation can lead to broader applications across BMW’s global facilities.” The BMW Group has set itself clear targets for CO2 reduction up to 2030 throughout the entire lifecycle – from the supply chain, through production, to the end of the use phase – and is constantly seeking new ways to cut emissions including by exploring new innovations.

Christian Stein appointed Chief Communications Officer of Renault Group

Industry News

Boulogne-Billancourt, 3 September 2024 – From 16 September, Christian Stein will take over as Chief Communications officer at Renault Group, replacing Stéphanie Cau, who is leaving the company. Reporting to Luca de Meo, CEO of Renault Group, he will be responsible for communications for all the Group’s activities. Today, more than ever, Renault Group is accelerating and injecting its spirit of innovation into its strategic approach, in new ranges and technologies. Drawing on his extensive experience in the industry, Christian will play a key role in continuing the Group’s transformation into the most progressive European automotive company in an industry undergoing profound change. To achieve this, he will be supported by a renewed team with recognised experience in communications and driven by the same passion: to promote the company, its expertise and its historic turnaround, its horizontal approach and its products, to all target audiences. “I am delighted to welcome Christian into the management team. Christian has worked alongside me for many years and he has my full confidence. With his expertise, from business to communications, and with his appetite for challenges, he will play a decisive role in communications to our employees and to all our external stakeholders, in order to contribute to the ambitious objectives, we have set ourselves. His international experience will enable us to support and strengthen the power of our brands and the Group’s influence in all countries », said Luca de Meo, CEO of Renault Group. « With this page turning, I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to Stéphanie, who has made a dynamic and significant contribution to the launch of emblematic products and the announcement of historic results. I wish her all the best for the future projects that lie ahead. » Christian Stein began his career in 1991 at PSA, where he stayed until 2011, taking on increasing responsibilities within the sales and marketing department. During these years, he worked and lived between Belgium, France, Spain and the UK, gaining experience at both central and national level. In 2011, he joined the Volkswagen Group as Global Marketing Director for the SEAT brand, before taking up the position of Global Communications and Public Affairs Director for SEAT S.A. and its SEAT and CUPRA brands from 2015. After more than 20 years abroad, Christian Stein returned to France in November 2020 when he joined Renault Group as Director of Brand Communications, before becoming Director of Revenue & Customer Experience at Ampere in November 2023. RENAULT GROUP PRESS CONTACT Valerie Gillot+33 6 83 92 92 96valerie.gillot@renaut.com Rie Yamane+33 6 03 16 35 20rie.yamane@renaut.com About Renault Group Renault Group is at the forefront of a mobility that is reinventing itself. Strengthened by its alliance with Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors, and its unique expertise in electrification, Renault Group comprises 4 complementary brands – Renault, Dacia, Alpine and Mobilize – offering sustainable and innovative mobility solutions to its customers. Established in more than 130 countries, the Group has sold 2.235 million vehicles in 2023. It employs more than 105,000 people who embody its Purpose every day, so that mobility brings people closer. Ready to pursue challenges both on the road and in competition, Renault Group is committed to an ambitious transformation that will generate value. This is centred on the development of new technologies and services, and a new range of even more competitive, balanced, and electrified vehicles. In line with environmental challenges, the Group’s ambition is to achieve carbon neutrality in Europe by 2040. More information : https://www.renaultgroup.com/en/

Royal Automobile Club presents Segrave Trophy to Isle of Man sidecar TT winners Ben and Tom Birchall

Industry News

Fourteen-times Isle of Man sidecar TT winners Ben and Tom Birchall are the latest and much-deserved winners of the Royal Automobile Club’s Segrave Trophy, awarded for ‘outstanding skill, courage and initiative’. “We are delighted to recognise the remarkable achievements of Ben and Tom,” says Club Chairman Duncan Wiltshire. “Racing at the Isle of Man TT is always a perilous adventure, the Birchall brothers’ efforts perfectly mirror the adventurous spirit of Sir Henry Segrave, after whom the trophy is named. They pushed both themselves and their machines to the limit in pursuit of speed.” There are few motor sports quite like racing sidecars around the 37.73-mile mountain course – driver and passenger threading the eye of the needle between hedgerows and farmhouses – no room for error, just like the pioneers of motor racing a century and more ago. The first races on the Isle of Man were organised by the Automobile Club of Great Britain, which later became the Royal Automobile Club, as the Gordon Bennett Eliminating Trials in 1904 and 1905. Later in 1905, the Club organised the first Isle of Man Tourist Trophy for racing automobiles, and the first Isle of Man TT for motorcycles was held in 1907. The latter was organised by the Auto-Cycle Club, later the Auto-Cycle Union, a branch of the then-Automobile Club of Great Britain. Ben (47) and Tom (37) started racing together twenty years ago, with Ben working the handlebars and Tom working as passenger. A sidecar passenger is much more than the name suggests, as they have to position themselves through corners to stabilise the three-wheeled machine. Being moveable ballast at speeds of up to 170mph is not a job for the fainthearted! The brothers took their first TT victory in 2013 and have since won thirteen, going unbeaten between 2015 and 2023. They have also won four sidecar world championships. “Sidecar racing, especially around the Isle of Man, is also the epitome of teamwork,” adds Duncan Wiltshire. “Watching Ben and Tom around the TT course you see how they work together to extract the most out of their machine. It’s a spectacular show and I salute their skill and bravery.” The Segrave Trophy has previously been won by some of Britain’s greatest motorcycles racers, from fellow sidecar racer Steve Webster and TT legend Joey Dunlop to Barry Sheene, Mike Hailwood, John Surtees and Geoff Duke. Ben can hardly believe he now ranks alongside those greats. “To be put anywhere near those names – I’m so thrilled we’ve been chosen, it means so much,” he says. “It’s absolutely mind-bending,” adds Tom. “Motorsport and the TT are such wonderful environments and to get an accolade like this is just bizarre.” During the 2023 TT the Birchalls became the first sidecar pairing to lap the TT course at over 120mph, an incredible speed for a vehicle powered by a 600cc engine and carrying two people. Following that landmark success younger brother Tom decided to retire from the sport, happy with his record and feeling that he had rolled the dice enough. “I was always dead honest with myself,” says Tom. “Every year I’d ask myself, are you ready to commit to this? And I’d always said, yes. But after last year’s TT I asked myself and I couldn’t say it.” Achieving the first 120mph sidecar lap was the perfect time to make the decision. “The final two laps of that race were the most sublime, surreal experience I’ve ever had – doing that speed, getting cheered on in the sunshine,” adds Tom. “We pulled into the winner’s enclosure and I just thought, this is it, this is as good as it’ll ever get and it just felt like the right time. I’ve got good memories and I’m glad it happened, not sad that it’s stopped.” At this year’s TT Tom was replaced by Frenchman Kevin Rousseau who helped Ben to a second-place finish in the second sidecar TT, when rider and passenger were still gelling with each other and their LCR Honda outfit. About the Segrave TrophyThe Segrave Trophy is named after British pilot and pre-war racing driver Sir Henry Segrave – a man who pushed himself and his machines to the limit in the pursuit of ultimate speed. He was the first man to hold both land and water speed records, although the latter cost him his life in 1930. With such drive and determination in mind, the Trophy is awarded for ‘outstanding skill, courage and initiative on land, water and in the air – the Spirit of Adventure’. The first recipient of the Segrave Trophy was Air Commodore Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, for his transatlantic and England to Australia flights in 1930. Previous holders of the trophy have included Amy Johnson CBE (1932), Sir Malcolm Campbell (1933 and 1939), Bruce McLaren (1969), Sir Jackie Stewart (1973 and 1999) and Sir Frank Williams (1992). The Trophy is awarded only if the Segrave Nominations Committee feels there is a suitable recipient that meets its criteria each year. The Royal Automobile Club The Royal Automobile Club was founded in 1897 and its distinguished history mirrors that of motoring itself. In 1907 the Club was awarded its Royal title by King Edward VII, sealing its status as Britain’s oldest and most influential motoring organisation. The Club’s early years were focused on promoting the motor car and its place in society, which developed into motoring events such as the 1000 Mile Trial, first held in 1900. In 1905, the Club held the first Tourist Trophy, which remains the oldest continuously competed-for motorsport event. The Club promoted the first pre-war and post-war Grands Prix at Brooklands in 1926 and Silverstone in 1948 respectively, while continuing to campaign for the rights of the motorist, including introducing the first driving licences. Today, the Club continues to develop and support automobilism through representation on the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and RAC Foundation while promoting its own motoring events including London Motor Week each October, which culminates in the…

Parents admit shame of letting friends in their car due to child-made mess, Škoda research reveals

Industry News

More than five million1 drivers in the UK with children are too embarrassed to offer friends a lift because their car is too messy, but 25% wouldn’t have it any other way One in 10 UK drivers said that they have felt like scrapping their car because of the grime Crisps were the most common cause of mess followed by drinks and biscuits. Spilt drinks ranked first as the most stubborn to clean with chocolate a close second 15% of parents admit to rarely cleaning a mess immediately and 14% saying that they left it a few weeks before tackling a stain Škoda has enlisted the expertise of professional organiser and TV presenter, Dilly Carter, to help families clean up their cars Tips and advice available at: www.skoda.co.uk/discover/messy-cars Milton Keynes, 3rd September 2024 – Almost half (41%) of drivers in the UK with children, more than 5.2 million1, said they have felt too embarrassed to offer a friend a lift due to the mess in their car caused by their kids, research from Škoda has revealed. It comes as children return to school after the long summer break, leaving parents to do the big clean-up. As well as wanting to keep the rubbish out of sight of their peers, 29% of parents were also keen not to let a relative get in the back of their car, while almost one in 10 (9%) said they wouldn’t want to park at work to avoid people seeing the state of it. However, while many felt the embarrassment of their untidy cars, others saw it as a badge of honour. A quarter (25%) said they wouldn’t have it any other way, with more than a fifth (22%) saying that a messy or untidy car is proof the family has had a good time. The sense of mess inside has led to 27% wanting to ban their children from getting in the car, and one in five (23%) admitting that the chaos caused had made them want to cry. But these reactions appear tame compared to the more than 1.12 million drivers pushed as far as thinking about scrapping their car. The biggest culprit for mess is crisps. This is followed by drinks, with crumb-creating biscuits the third biggest mess-maker. It isn’t just food that creates chaos in the back of parents’ cars, with toy slime also featuring in the top 10. While crisps were the most commonly spilt items, it wasn’t the hardest for parents to clean up, with that award going to drinks, followed by chocolates and then sweets. To assist despairing parents, Škoda has teamed up with professional organiser and TV presenter, Dilly Carter, to guide and advise on how best to clean a messy car. Škoda also offers a number of Škoda Simply Clever features to help in the battle against the mess, including a rubbish bin that goes in the door pocket, boot organisers, and new screen cleaner for the touchscreen display in the Kodiaq and Superb. Dilly Carter said: “When kids are involved our cars often end up messy and cluttered. From the kids eating food on the go, drink spillages, to all the items they want to bring with them like books, and tablets. With a few simple tips and useful items, you can keep the car cleaner, and free of the things that end up making us feel embarrassed by the state of our car.” Here are Dilly Carter’s top five car-cleaning tips: Bin your rubbish – If you’re going on a long trip take a bag with you to put all the rubbish in, or use car bins which are available on all Škoda models Organise and declutter – We often end up with shoes, wellies, books, coats and everything in our car from children. Clever boot storage such as boxes, nets and boot dividers will keep everyone organised Wipe away spills – No matter the stain – chocolate or sticky drinks – try and get to it as soon as you can, and nothing cleans these better than baby wipes Secure your gadgets – Use tablet holders in the back seat. Not only will this help reduce the amount of sticky hands on them but also avoids them being broken, and keeps their mind off more messy activities Carry cleaning cloths – Children aren’t the only problem, clean marks and mess on touchscreens and surfaces with a micro fibre cloth and clever cleaners As well as Simply Clever features, Škoda tests and develops in-car materials to ensure they can withstand the everyday wear and tear. One such test includes specialist machines creating friction, rubbing materials over and over again with items as harsh as sandpaper, so customers can be safe in the knowledge that rigorous cleaning won’t affect their interior. Further research found that when their children did make a mess, just one in 10 (12%) of parents admitted to cleaning it up immediately, with 15% rarely doing so. When it didn’t happen immediately, a third of people (33%) said they left it a few days before tackling the mess with 14% leaving it a few weeks and 5% leaving it a month. Visit www.skoda.co.uk/discover/messy-cars for more parent friendly tips and advice on how to keep your car that little bit more tidy and less messy.