Bright ideas from GEM for safe school journeys

Industry News

It’s cool to be bright: fluorescent clothing and reflective items make kids easier for drivers to see in the dark Don’t use the car if you can walk to school: if you need to drive, take it easy and leave plenty of time Breakdown and road safety organisation GEM Motoring Assist is encouraging parents and children to put their safety first on journeys to and from school. As a new school year begins, GEM says it’s important that everyone – from toddler to senior citizen – is aware of the risks that go with using our roads. This is because more than 30 children are killed or seriously injured every week on the UK’s road network1. GEM head of road safety James Luckhurst comments: “Every child needs to learn how to use the roads safely, whether walking or cycling, and later when driving. “But road collisions remain a leading cause of accidental death for children, and we know they can cause life-changing injuries. That’s why it is so important for us all to take responsibility – not just for our own safety but for the safety of any children who share the roads with us – and find ways to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries. “So as another school year begins, we encourage all parents, guardians, teachers, carers and older siblings to play their part in helping children to use the roads with respect, to recognise the risks they face and to understand effective ways of minimising those risks.” Reduce the riskGEM has compiled a selection of tips for parents and their children as the new school year begins: Try not to use the car for the school run. For some parents it’s essential, but for many others there are healthier alternatives. Find out about any local safe walking initiatives that may operate at your child’s school. Team up with neighbours and walk together. It’s cool to be bright: kit your kids out with reflective belts, bags, keyrings or slapbands, or choose coats with fluorescent piping. If you have to drive to school, allow plenty of time to park safely and legally. Don’t pull up on zig-zag lines outside a school, and respect local residents by not blocking driveways and access points. Respect speed limits. Many areas around schools are subject to 20mph speed limits (either permanent or timed), and you will face a £100 fine and three points on your licence if you are caught speeding. Do your bit to help the crossing patrol. Be patient and always be prepared to stop. Remember, it’s an offence not to stop at a patrol’s signal. If you drive older children who don’t need escorting into the school premises, make sure they get out of the car in a safe location, and never let them step out into the road instead of the pavement.

Van market ends summer with a return to growth

Industry News

SMMT NEW VAN REGISTRATIONS 5 September 2024 (data for August 2024) Hi-res charts available via Dropbox: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/15nusuja708iwcyle1qov/ALa0ngvWTYh2R5P1MFWKhuA?rlkey=yqv38t776ja0g30l1xtzmstqw&st=02974xnu&dl=0 New light commercial vehicle registrations grow 1.7% in August to 16,575 units in best performance for the month since 2021. Demand continues across all van segments, while 4x4s and pick-ups record declines. EV uptake declines for fifth month this year, dropping -30.3% and highlighting need to bolster confidence, maintain fiscal support and roll out van-suitable charging. Thursday 5 September 2024 The UK’s new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market returned to growth in August, rising 1.7% to record the best performance for the month since 2021 after two months of decline.1 According to the latest figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), 16,575 vans, 4x4s, pickups and taxis joined the road in what is traditionally a low volume month ahead of September’s plate change. The market for smaller-sized vans, weighing up to and including 2.0 tonnes, continued to increase, up 24.5% to 427 units as new models drove demand. Registrations of medium-sized vans, weighing greater than 2.0 to 2.5 tonnes, grew by 1.9% to 2,771 units, while those of the largest vans, weighing greater than 2.5 to 3.5 tonnes, increased by 1.8% to 11,753 units, remaining the most popular segment with a 70.9% market share. Deliveries of 4x4s and pickups, meanwhile, declined by -12.9% and -2.5% respectively to make up a combined 1,624 units. Despite the overall market growth, battery electric van (BEV) registrations fell for a third successive month this year and fifth time overall,2 with 908 registered, down -30.3% year on year.3 BEVs accounted for just 5.5% of all new vans in August, a fall from 7.9% in August 2023. Over the year-to-date, volumes have fallen by -9.5% and market share has declined to 5.1% – essentially half the 10% zero emission vehicle mandate target, despite increasing numbers of manufacturers introducing all-new zero emission vehicles to expand operator choice.4 Year-to-date, the van market is up 2.7% to 218,884 units, with all segments recording growth. Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “A return to growth for Britain’s new van sector is encouraging as the market continues its post-Covid recovery. Manufacturers continue to produce a range of new models, with many of these zero emission. However, such a significant and sustained drop in demand for electric vans is of deep concern given the ambitious and mandated sales targets required this year and beyond. There is a pressing need to stimulate operator confidence which means providing long term certainty over the Plug-in Van Grant, maintaining fiscal incentives, and accelerating the rollout of van-suitable charging infrastructure. Without these measures, the ability of the UK to meet its net zero goals while driving economic growth will be put under pressure.” Notes to editors1 CV registrations, August 2021: 20,582 units2 CV registration declines: June 2024: 1,476 units (-16.8%) and July 2024: 1,368 units (-8.1%)3 Battery electric van registrations, August 2023: 1,303 units4 Data reflects the Vehicle Emissions Trading Scheme with BEV vans weighing >3.5-4.25t contributing towards each manufacturer’s target, in addition to LCVs ≤3.5t. About SMMT and the UK automotive industryThe Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is one of the largest and most influential trade associations, representing the automotive industry in the UK. The automotive industry is a vital part of the UK economy, integral to growth, the delivery of net zero and the UK as a global trade hub. It contributes £93 billion turnover and £22 billion value added to the UK economy, and invests around £4 billion each year in R&D. With 198,000 people employed directly in manufacturing and some 813,000 across the wider automotive industry. Many of these automotive manufacturing jobs are outside London and the South-East, with wages that are around 13% higher than the UK average. The sector accounts for 12% of total UK exports of goods, with UK-produced vehicles traded globally, generating £115 billion of trade in total automotive imports and exports. The UK manufactures almost every type of vehicle, from cars, to vans, taxis, trucks, buses and coaches, as well as specialist and off-highway vehicles, supported by more than 2,500 component providers and some of the world’s most skilled engineers. In addition, the sector has vibrant aftermarket and remanufacturing industries. The automotive industry also supports jobs in other key sectors – including advertising, chemicals, finance, logistics and steel. More detail on UK Automotive available in SMMT’s Motor Industry Facts publication atwww.smmt.co.uk/reports/smmt-motor-industry-facts/ Broadcasters: SMMT has an ISDN studio and access to expert spokespeople, case studies and regional representatives. SMMT media contacts Paul Mauerhoff 07809 522181 pmauerhoff@smmt.co.uk James Boley 07927 668565 jboley@smmt.co.uk Rebecca Gibbs 07708 480889 rgibbs@smmt.co.uk Scott Clarke 07912 799959 sclarke@smmt.co.uk Emma Butcher 07880 191825 ebutcher@smmt.co.uk

Full Nissan production zone learn to sign to support deaf teammates

Industry News

Entire production zone learns sign language at Sunderland Plant to support deaf team mates. Training rolled out at request of team. Plans for signing training across the plant. SUNDERLAND (Thursday 05th September 2024) – Nissan Sunderland Plant is famous for teamwork, it’s 6,000 people working as one seamless unit to build hundreds of thousands of cars every year. So what do you do if you work in a production zone where your team mates are deaf and can’t hear the constant communication and interaction needed to build a car almost every two minutes? The answer: You all learn sign language. Peter Haydon is a Senior Supervisor in the plant’s Paint Shop and takes up the story: “Four of our team are deaf, which made communication a challenge for our supervisors and our team on the production line. “More than anything else, we want all our people to feel included and part of the team, so we carried a full review and one thing that everyone wanted to do was learn to sign.” Initially ten of the team, including Peter, went on an eleven-week course to learn the basics. Peter, who leads the team in the Bumper Paint zone, added: “Learning sign language wasn’t easy… It was hard to pick up at the start and you really need to stay focused. “But the team all wanted to learn and chucked themselves into the training and said that by week six they started to get the hang of it. It has been really inspiring to see members of the team who went on the course teach others in the shop how to sign. “Communication is key to teamwork. But we also want all our people to feel included and be their best at work. These improvements enable the operators to grow and follow the same path as other staff within the team.” As well as learning to sign, the zone was also overhauled so that activities such as training, meetings and briefings used visual aids. And despite the team’s burgeoning skills, sign language interpreters are also brought on site regularly. Micheal Connolly, one of the deaf operators, said: “In the past there has been a breakdown in communication due to a language barrier, part of the barrier has now been removed. “Morale between the team is much improved and it’s been fantastic to see the team so enthusiastic about learning sign language.” Michael Jude, HR director at the plant, said: “We’ve had deaf operators before and have of course made adjustments to make their workspaces safe and practical. “But this team has four deaf people, and as a group they wanted to go a step further. It’s a fantastic example of our people pulling together and going that extra mile to support each other.”

Bespoke Handling opens specialist ATA carnet facility at the home of British motorsport

Industry News

Bespoke Handling is proud to confirm a new location at Silverstone circuit, offering an expansion of its ATA carnet production and delivery service, and underlining the firm’s commitment to supporting the motorsport industry. The dedicated facility is adjacent to the famous motor circuit, and includes an express service to teams and suppliers for the industry which is notoriously time-sensitive. “We are very proud that Bespoke Handling is one of only a selected few logistics companies in the UK with the facilities in place to print and issue ATA carnets in-house,” explains Fabian Daffern of Bespoke Handling. “We have worked hard to fine-tune the process to mitigate against delays, and ensure we can support the urgent nature of motorsport. The service we provide means all documents can be created and available within hours. The addition of this second site, which is located at the home of British motorsport, and conveniently on the doorstep of many race teams and suppliers to the motorsport industry, means we are able to provide further added value and speed to a pivotal service which affects everyone on the grid.” So, what is an ATA carnet, and what does this new location for Bespoke Handling actually mean? An ATA carnet is an international customs document which permits the temporary export and import of goods into a country for up to a one-year period. The advantages of an ATA carnet are its convenience of use at the border, providing a cost-effective way to make multiple trips abroad throughout the year, to more than 80 participating countries. ATA carnets can be used for all professional equipment, as well as goods being exhibited and commercial samples. Bespoke Handling specialises in the production, delivery and coordination of ATA carnet documentation required for all international logistics, and the team can provide advice to ensure the correct paperwork is created and managed from beginning to end. A rapid quoting system and efficient delivery are all part of the Bespoke Handling service, with production all managed in-house. This is coupled with comprehensive support offered throughout the process, and a resolution service for all concerns or complications, including for paperwork raised by third parties. This independent advice on carnets and carnet claims can help organise all aspects of the paperwork involved with the ATA carnet process, including Certificates of Location with HM Revenue & Customs. The new Bespoke Handling office is now open at New Rookery Farm, Silverstone. This new location adds further support to the British motorsport industry, with Bespoke Handling also offering discount on its services to all active Members of the British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC). For a new ATA carnet enquiry, or if you are looking for some independent help or support with an existing document, please contact Bespoke Handling by calling +44 (0) 1444 831869 or send an email to our team at carnets@bespokehandling.com. Further information about ATA carnets can also be found at bespokehandling.com/transport/ata-carnets-and-customs/.

Car insurance isn’t a university challenge

Industry News

Make sure car is insured to correct address Third of UK’s 2.9 million students drive a car Simple checks avoid breakdowns As the UK’s 2.9 million students head to college and university, they are being urged to check their car is insured to the correct address by leading breakdown provider Start Rescue. Around a third of the UK’s students drive regularly and it’s essential they make sure their car is insured properly. “If you take your car to university or college accommodation, you must tell your insurer or risk not being covered,” says Gemma Munson, Director of Operations and Development at Start Rescue. “A simple phone call can save you a lot of trouble in the event of a claim.” The average distance between home and university in the UK is 91 miles. Additionally, more than a third of students (37%) live at home and commute to study. Many use their cars for this. This makes it vital for students to have the appropriate breakdown cover in place and, if they have a policy already, to check their details are up to date and the level of breakdown cover meets their needs. Gemma Munson adds: “Whether you’re driving to study further afield or commuting, simple checks for the right tyre pressure, oil level, and not overloading the car will avoid unnecessary breakdowns. “Studying at college or university is an exciting stage of life, but nobody wants the drama of a breakdown, so make sure your car is in first class order.” Start Rescue has a 4.5-star rating on Trustpilot, a five-star Defaqto* rating and has achieved Which? Recommended Provider status for five years running. Start Rescue has also been awarded best Breakdown Cover provider in the Finder Customer Satisfaction Awards 2024 (www.finder.com), scoring 4.9 out of 5 for overall satisfaction with a 94% recommendation rate. In the What Car? Survey of Best Breakdown Cover, Start Rescue came top for best response time, reaching 77% of call-outs in 30 minutes to an hour and didn’t leave anyone waiting for more than two hours. Start Rescue also won best in the survey for performing temporary repairs that let people continue with their journeys. Launched in 2009, Start Rescue is an integral part of the nation’s fourth largest breakdown and recovery service, Call Assist, which now has more than two million UK customers. For further breakdown advice, please visit startrescue.co.uk.

August new car market holds steady ahead of critical plate change month

Industry News

SMMT NEW CAR REGISTRATIONS 5 September 2024 (data for August 2024) High-res charts and data available via Dropbox: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/c5c11yo3tzwy7w5q1x1ci/ADFRW4BWhD8zag1KkZ_dfD4?rlkey=7u63ok6y6tp28wl7pnr5bcue8&st=1tted8oj&dl=0 New car market stable in traditionally quiet month of August, dipping -1.3% to 84,575 units. Battery electric car demand up 10.8% in month as buyers respond to summer of heavy discounting. Sector calls for renewed focus on measures to help more buyers to go electric as crucial plate change month begins. Thursday 5 September, 2024 The UK new car market remained stable in August, down just -1.3%, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). In what is traditionally one of the quietest months of the year for new car sales, with many buyers preferring to wait until September’s new number plate, 84,575 units were registered, just 1,082 fewer than in the same month last year. Continuing the recent trend, fleet purchases drove the market, accounting for six in 10 cars registered last month, or 51,329 units, despite a -1.2% drop compared with the same month last year, Registrations by private buyers, meanwhile, were flat, up 0.2% units to 32,110. Business registrations were down by -30.3% to 1,136 units. Petrol and diesel uptake fell by -10.1% and -7.3% respectively, but together these fuel types still represented more than half (56.8%) of all new car uptake in August. Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) registrations declined -12.3%, with a 6.8% share, but hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) uptake increased, by 36.1%, to take 13.8% of the market. Battery electric vehicle (BEV) registrations, meanwhile, rose 10.8% thanks to heavy discounting by manufacturers over the summer and a raft of new models attracting buyers. Market share in August reached 22.6%, the highest for a month since December 2022, when BEVs commanded 32.9% of all new cars reaching the road.1 Year to date, BEV market share has edged up to 17.2% and is expected to rise further to 18.5% by the end of the year thanks to increasing model choice – with some 364,000 BEVs registrations forecast for the year.2 Despite this growth, this will still be shy of the 22% required by the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate. Ahead of the Autumn Budget due on 30 October, the industry is calling for urgent action to bolster the market for new EVs, including binding targets on public chargepoint provision commensurate with those placed on industry, the reintroduction of incentives for private buyers and removal of disincentives, including the Vehicle Excise Duty expensive car supplement, set to be introduced in 2025. Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “August’s EV growth is welcome, but it’s always a very low volume month and so subject to distortions ahead of September’s number plate change. The introduction of the new 74 plate, together with a raft of compelling offers and discounts from manufacturers, plus growing model choice, will help increase purchase consideration and be a true barometer for market demand. Encouraging a mass market shift to EVs remains a challenge, however, and urgent action must be taken to help buyers overcome affordability issues and concerns about chargepoint provision.” Notes to editors1 https://media.smmt.co.uk/december-2022-new-car-registrations/2 SMMT Market Outlook – July 2024 – https://www.smmt.co.uk/2024/08/uk-new-car-and-van-forecast-july-2024/ About SMMT and the UK automotive industryThe Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is one of the largest and most influential trade associations, representing the automotive industry in the UK. The automotive industry is a vital part of the UK economy, integral to growth, the delivery of net zero and the UK as a global trade hub. It contributes £93 billion turnover and £22 billion value added to the UK economy, and invests around £4 billion each year in R&D. With 198,000 people employed directly in manufacturing and some 813,000 across the wider automotive industry. Many of these automotive manufacturing jobs are outside London and the South-East, with wages that are around 13% higher than the UK average. The sector accounts for 12% of total UK exports of goods, with UK-produced vehicles traded globally, generating £115 billion of trade in total automotive imports and exports. The UK manufactures almost every type of vehicle, from cars, to vans, taxis, trucks, buses and coaches, as well as specialist and off-highway vehicles, supported by more than 2,500 component providers and some of the world’s most skilled engineers. In addition, the sector has vibrant aftermarket and remanufacturing industries. The automotive industry also supports jobs in other key sectors – including advertising, chemicals, finance, logistics and steel. More detail on UK Automotive available in SMMT’s Motor Industry Facts publication at www.smmt.co.uk/reports/smmt-motor-industry-facts/ Broadcasters: SMMT has an ISDN studio and access to expert spokespeople, case studies and regional representatives. SMMT media contacts Paul Mauerhoff 07809 522181 pmauerhoff@smmt.co.uk James Boley 07927 668565 jboley@smmt.co.uk Rebecca Gibbs 07708 480889 rgibbs@smmt.co.uk Scott Clarke 07912 799959 sclarke@smmt.co.uk Emma Butcher 07880 191825 ebutcher@smmt.co.uk

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.

New and improved – the best-ever Volvo XC90

Industry News

What if we could make the best even better? With the new Volvo XC90, revealed today, we’ve done exactly that. The XC90 is a Volvo Cars icon, and thanks to a broad suite of technology and design updates inside and out, the award-winning and best-selling flagship hybrid SUV is now better than ever before. It’s a premium seven-seater with ‘comfortable’ as its middle name, it’s one of the safest cars on the road, and in plug-in hybrid form it’s an outstanding electric car with a back-up plan, offering more than 70 kilometres of fully electric range on a single charge under the WLTP testing cycle.* This means that many drivers will be able to do their day-to-day travel with zero tailpipe emissions. In fact, our data shows that around half of the distance covered by the latest plug-in hybrid Volvo cars is driven on pure electric power.** And the XC90 has more power when you need it – for longer trips, the hybrid powertrain is paired with an efficient petrol engine to extend your range by more than 800km.† You can also opt for the full combined power of petrol and electric for constant all-wheel drive or off-road driving. A new, more contemporary exterior design reinforces the XC90’s confident look. It reflects our ongoing transition towards full electrification and echoes elements of our newest, fully electric cars. Yet arguably the biggest news comes inside. A renewed interior enhances practicality and brings our latest user experience, seen in our new EX90 and EX30 electric cars, into the XC90. A larger central touchscreen with higher resolution improves the user experience and opens up a world of new features, apps and of course regular over-the-air software updates. Read more about the new infotainment system in our separate release. “The new XC90 exudes confidence, and why wouldn’t it? Our hybrid flagship has been one of our best-selling models for years and it’s still a favourite among many customers,” says Jim Rowan, CEO of Volvo Cars. “Whether it’s comfort, space, luxury, versatility or hybrid efficiency you look for, the XC90 delivers on all accounts. Put together, the XC90 and its fully electric EX90 sibling provide customers with the options that suit them best and equip us with a balanced portfolio as we continue our transition towards full electrification.” A balanced product portfolioAlongside our new line-up of fully electric cars, the plug-in hybrid XC90 T8 remains a popular choice for our customers and an important car for us in terms of sales and profitability. Together with our fully electric models, plug-in hybrid cars like the XC90 and its siblings make up an exciting and balanced global product portfolio for Volvo Cars, providing a strong bridge to a fully electrified future. This balance between fully electric and plug-in hybrids is the right portfolio for the market of today, as the premium fully electric market is still developing in several key markets. Plug-ins remain critical to our sales and profit growth plans over the coming years. One of the safest cars on the roadAs with every Volvo car, the XC90 is one of the safest cars available. It is equipped with an advanced safety cage, as well as a comprehensive suite of active safety features to help keep you, your loved ones and others on the road safe. Using radar and a front camera, the XC90 can detect if you’ve drifted into the oncoming lane and steer you safely back into your own lane to avoid the risk of a collision. It will also help you avoid inadvertently running off the road. And it can use braking and steering to help avoid collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and large animals, such as the moose from our native Sweden. Legendary comfort: standardThe ride in the XC90 is better than ever before, with legendary seating comfort and improved suspension as standard. Each individual damper is now able to adapt mechanically to current road conditions to optimise both comfort and stability – for a more confident and relaxed driving experience. And if you want to go all in, the optional air suspension works together with an active chassis that monitors the car, road and driver 500 times per second to give the most comfortable ride possible. Depending on whether you want easy access getting in or out, better aerodynamics at speed, or additional ride height for rough terrain, an XC90 with air suspension can lower itself by 20mm or raise itself by 40mm. On top of that we’ve added extra insulation to certain parts of the car, which means there’s even less wind and road noise. The renewed interior comes with a redesigned cabin that represents the best of contemporary Scandinavian design. The dashboard has a more horizontal shape than before, incorporates decorative panels made from premium recycled materials for a more textured finish, and is split by new vertical air vents. Enhanced illumination contributes to an even more luxurious feel at night. We’ve also reconfigured the cabin to make it even more practical in response to feedback from current XC90 owners. Our designers created additional storage space in the centre console, including an additional cupholder, and placed the wireless phone charger behind the central tunnel, separate from the main storage area, for greater convenience. The XC90 can be specified with one of the best-sounding audio systems in a car – the Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity audio system that can faithfully replicate the acoustics of a stage, a concert hall or a jazz club. Finally, for customers who prefer it, we also offer a choice of two mild-hybrid petrol variants. Both the B5 and B6 are assisted by a 48v lithium-ion battery and an integrated starter/generator which can help reduce emissions and fuel consumption by up to 15 per cent in real-world driving. The new Volvo XC90 is available to order from today. Production is scheduled to begin in late 2024, with first customer deliveries set to start around the end of the year.†† The small print* Range…

New-generation user experience comes to our new XC90 flagship SUV – and millions of Volvo cars worldwide

Industry News

At Volvo Cars, we aim to make complexity simple. We want to create a great experience that helps you go about your daily life with your car in a safe, focused and enjoyable way. This is what guided us when we created the new infotainment system in our all-electric EX90 and EX30 models. Now we’re also bringing this philosophy to our celebrated Volvo XC90 SUV. But the new user experience won’t be limited to just one model. We will also deliver our latest user experience to millions of Volvo drivers around the world with a simple over-the-air software update. If you currently drive a Volvo car with Google built-in*, you’ll also get an upgraded layout – free of charge. During 2025, around 2.5 million customers around the globe will receive an upgrade on their Volvo cars built as early as 2020**. We plan to gradually roll out this upgrade during the year and believe this is one of the most comprehensive infotainment updates by any car maker to date. This roll-out is in line with our strategy to make our cars better over time with regular over-the-air software updates. “Our new-generation user experience will deliver a significant improvement in customer experience and is an important step in our journey to delivery human-centric technology solutions to our customers,” says Erik Severinson, Chief Product and Strategy Officer at Volvo Cars. “We’ll continuously and seamlessly adapt the user experience to match the needs of our customers through new and enhanced features that are delivered through over-the-air updates, to improve your car – and your experience – over time.” To further enhance the experience inside the new XC90, we’ve installed a larger, 11.2-inch, free-standing central screen. We’ve also increased the pixel density by 21 per cent, resulting in an even crisper display. But the content on the screen represents the biggest change. We now present the most common apps and controls, such as maps, media and phone on the home screen – the same setup as our latest electric cars. That means it takes fewer taps on the screen to get to the features you most often use. For example, if you’re following navigation directions and want to change the music, you no longer have to leave Google Maps to access the media feature. It’s there for you already. Then there is the contextual bar, which changes what you see according to the situation and displays your most recently used apps. And if you’re driving at low speeds, the icon for outside cameras appears so you can get help manoeuvring in tight spaces. If you’re a plug-in hybrid driver, we’re making it easier for you to get the most out of your electric powertrain. Via ‘Drive Modes’ on the home screen you can easily access ‘Pure’ mode alongside other options. If you’ve just arrived in a town centre and want to drive on electric power only, it’s now just a tap away. Our new-generation user experience can be adapted and scaled to fit different screen shapes and sizes. That way, we can bring the latest Volvo Cars infotainment experience to you, no matter if you drive a new XC90, an EX90, or a three-year-old XC40, and make it easier for you to focus on what truly matters: the road ahead. The small print* Or its equivalent in China and South Korea.** Including C40, XC40, EX40, EC40, S60, V60, V60 Cross Country, XC60, S90, V90, V90 Cross Country and XC90 with Android operating system. Google, Google Play and Google Maps are trademarks of Google LLC.

Meyers Manx unveils 2.0 EV pre-production dune buggy at Goodwood Revival

Industry News

American automotive brand celebrates 60 Years of Iconic Design The Meyers Manx 2.0 EV Pre-production dune buggy will be unveiled for the first time in the UK and Europe at the prestigious 2024 Goodwood Revival on the 6th of September. The media, enthusiasts and attendees at the Revival are invited to join Meyers Manx for the unveiling of the future of their iconic brand. The next-generation electric vehicle pays homage to Bruce Meyers’ revolutionary design while integrating state-of-the-art technology. The 2.0 model preserves the classic lines and adventurous spirit that have made Meyers Manx buggies a symbol of freedom and innovation, now reimagined for the environmentally conscious driver. “Goodwood Revival is a remarkable stage for showcasing our vision,” said Phillip Sarofim, Meyers Manx chairman. “We’re not just unveiling the new 2.0 EV; we’re presenting a philosophy – where the legacy of the past is reimagined with the innovation of the future. I’m thrilled to share our 2.0 EV Pre-production model, especially as it demonstrates our relentless pursuit of blending classic design with modern technology.” The Goodwood Revival, renowned for celebrating the golden age of motorsport, marks a significant milestone as Meyers Manx celebrates its 60th anniversary, honoring six decades of pioneering design and engineering excellence. Throughout the event, Meyers Manx will lead the opening track parade each day, featuring a line-up that spans the brand’s full history. This unique showcase will feature classic buggies including the Steve McQueen Thomas Crown Affair car, highlighting the brand’s enduring legacy and connection to popular culture. Founded by Bruce Meyers in 1964, Meyers Manx transformed the dune buggy into a cultural icon, capturing the spirit of adventure and the freedom of the open road. The brand has pushed the boundaries of design and performance, influencing generations of enthusiasts. The celebration at the Goodwood Revival is a testament to Meyers Manx lasting impact globally and a preview of the exciting future that lies ahead.