PEM tests route planning for electric trucks in Germany

The battery-electric truck being used for the pilot phase will be tested on the road in everyday operation by Aachen-based logistics company Hammer. According to PEM, the specially developed software on board the vehicle “ensures safe route planning”. This takes into account the current range and available charging points, for example. “DRivE” stands for “Data-based route planning in road freight transport with various energy supply technologies” and will continue until the end of 2024 to look at how companies in the logistics sector can be helped digitally to switch to environmentally friendly heavy goods vehicles in long-distance transport. One element of this is route planning with charging stops. Although this is already known in essence from electric cars, a number of criteria need to be added for electric trucks such as sufficient charging power and room to park trucks next to the charging stations. In the pilot phase that has now started, PEM and its partners want to demonstrate that “such a solution works reliably in principle”, according to the University. On the other hand, the practical test is intended to uncover “any gaps in the programming that still need to be closed”. In addition to PEM and Hammer Road Cargo, Maintrans Internationale Spedition, Mansio GmbH, ZeKju GmbH, FIR e.V. at RWTH Aachen University and the company Park Your Truck GmbH are also involved in “DRivE”. The latter recently put the first charging park into operation on one of the company’s own truck parking lots under the Charge your Truck label. The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport, BMDV. “Our aim is to make the use of trucks with sustainable drive concepts more attractive by enabling them to cover their routes safely and well planned in advance with the help of digitalisation,” says PEM Director Professor Achim Kampker. “If the climate targets are to be achieved, long-distance journeys must also be completed with alternative drives,” says PEM’s project manager Maximilian Bayerlein: “In the transport business, this has so far been hampered by the lack of transparency of available charging and refuelling infrastructure – and the associated concern about detours or waiting times.” A new routing algorithm is therefore intended to increase the planning reliability of transport companies and thus encourage companies to invest in environmentally friendly drive technologies. pem.rwth-aachen.de, rwth-aachen.de

Hyundai and LGES inaugurate Indonesia’s first cell factory

The construction of the battery factory was announced back in 2021, as the cell factory is part of a billion-euro investment announced at the time by the two South Korean companies in Indonesia to establish a supply chain for electric cars in the Southeast Asian country. The production of ten GWh should be able to supply around 150,000 electric cars with batteries. Incidentally, the opening date of 2021 was set for the first half of 2024 – which Hyundai and LGES more or less met with the ceremony at the beginning of July. Indonesia has enormous nickel and copper deposits. The government in Jakarta set itself the goal of not only developing these raw material deposits but also of carrying out the majority of further processing in Indonesia. If the mined materials are not exported directly, this will create additional added value in the country. The new battery cell factory has been built on the site of an existing Hyundai plant. The South Korean company already produce around 50,000 units of the Kona Electric per year there. As Reuters writes, battery cells of Indonesian origin will also be used for the compact electric SUV in future. This is surprising, as in 2021 there was still talk of NCMA battery cells being manufactured in Indonesia for models on the Hyundai and Kia E-GMP platform. The second generation of the Kona is also based on a different platform. With the above-mentioned extrapolation, Hyundai could still export battery cells for 100,000 electric cars to other plants. An investment of a further two billion dollars is already being planned to expand the plant’s capacity by 20 GWh – to 30 GWh. “Mineral resources of this nation, such as iron and nickel are important components in batteries that will mobilise millions of EVs globally,” said Euisun Chung, CEO of the Hyundai Motor Group. reuters.com

eBay brings the fun to the British GP as presenting partner of the Drivers Inn stage

eBay to sponsor the Drivers Inn stage at the 2024 Formula 1 Qatar Airways British Grand Prix, hosting an action-packed weekend of interviews, quizzes and interactive activities for racegoers in partnership with Silverstone eBay’s partnership with McLaren Racing continues at Silverstone with eBay branding visible on the team cars across the weekend eBay is one of the UK’s largest marketplaces for new and pre-owned parts and accessories for both cars and motorcycles London 2 July 2024, eBay will be inspiring race fans and car enthusiasts at this year’s Formula 1 Qatar Airways British Grand Prix with its sponsorship of the Drivers Inn stage across the race weekend. The stage will host everything from exciting quizzes, insightful interviews and interactive activities each day of the event. Racegoers can expect a jam-packed weekend, with the stage playing host to an interactive eBay and McLaren F1 quiz, a driving test using remote-controlled F1 cars and a cardboard car build challenge among a full schedule of activities. On Thursday, the live audience will see insightful conversations and interviews with some of the biggest names in the business. eBay’s presence on the Drivers Inn stage, which is located outside the iconic Copse corner, builds on a successful partnership between eBay and McLaren Racing. The online automotive marketplace will continue to sponsor the team for the 2024 season, with its logo appearing on the race cars of McLaren Formula 1 Team drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri during this weekend’s Formula 1 Qatar Airways British Grand Prix and, subsequently, at the United States and Las Vegas grands prix. eBay has been home to auto enthusiasts seeking inspiration and parts to bring their car projects to life. Partnering with the McLaren Formula 1 Team symbolises the marketplace’s support for motorsports and diverse car cultures and will help to reach even more people looking for trusted parts and accessories.

Kenwood covers your back – new smaller DRV dashcams give rear view to drivers of convertibles, vans, pick-ups and motorhomes

Kenwood reveals new, smaller DRV dash camera range Improved picture quality with higher specification components Waterproof rear cameras allow external fitting, giving coverage to drivers with no rear window, soft tops and heavy tints Bluetooth to make smartphone pairing easier 60-second timer ensures video is not interrupted by stop/start systems Motion sensor records when car is approached for parking protection Compatible with EVs and hybrids Kenwood has launched a new range of sophisticated dashcams which offer improved quality footage from a camera which would comfortably fit in the palm of your hand. The new models will be building on the brand’s award-winning reputation which has seen its cameras offered as accessories at a string of official franchised car dealers. The new DRV range is available with resolutions from 1080P to full 4K, all with the ability to record sound in addition to video. All models are small enough to easily hide behind a rear-view mirror, being around the same size as a wireless earbud case at 58.5mm x 42.8mm x 24.4mm. Despite the dimensions, Kenwood has kept a full 2-inch colour TFT screen to allow easier navigation of the menus and allowing the user to instantly check the aim and operation of the cameras. Drivers can also connect their DRV to a smartphone using a Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to pair with the dedicated Kenwood app. This makes it faster to link and allows live software updates to the camera. Special attention has been paid to the size of the cables and connectors to ensure the wiring can be kept neat and discreet, giving an original factory look to the installations. World first – waterproof rear cameraAdding a rear camera is an increasingly popular option, especially for professional drivers who need all-round protection. But for vehicles with no or limited rear vision, it is impossible to get an unimpeded view behind. This affects owners of everything from commercial vehicles and motorhomes to convertibles and mid-engined supercars. Even heavily tinted rear windows can result in suboptimal camera footage. The new Kenwood opens up the possibility of a rear camera for these drivers with an option to mount the waterproof rear camera on the outside of the vehicle. Three mounting choices are included, allowing the lens to be fixed to the numberplate trim, bumper recess or the more conventional location, inside the rear windscreen. Like the front camera, the rear lens is discreet, measuring about the same as a stock cube. It is IP67 rated for waterproofing and has a 5.5m long cable, allowing it to be used with large vehicles. Once mounted, it can record the view from the rear of the car in full 2560×1440 resolution. If using the optional hardwire kit, it will also allow drivers to use Enhanced Smart Parking Surveillance. This has three modes which can either film continually on a time lapse, or trigger recording when the unit detects vibrations or motion in front of the camera. It will automatically record 30 seconds of video until no more vibrations or motions are detected. This will give van drivers added peace of mind for their security knowing their back doors are covered by a motion detection camera system. The hardwire kit brings other advantages too. In addition to looking neater, it features a 60-second timer to ensure the video recording is not interrupted by modern stop/start systems. It will also sense if the car’s battery is getting low on charge and turn off automatically. It has already been approved by Volkswagen UK for use with their electric vehicle range. The new DRV range is priced from £119.99 and is available now from Kenwoodshop.co.uk and from many automotive brands’ main dealerships.

Hennessey MAMMOTH 400 Ram sport truck celebrates final HEMI V8

Hennessey & Fox Factory partner to build limited edition Ram truck New Hennessey MAMMOTH 400 truck offered in choice of iconic Viper Red, Viper White, or GTS Blue, each with heritage Viper Stripes. Lowered sport truck utilizes a premium FOX and Ridetech suspension system for performance-focused handling and a distinctive appearance. Custom MAMMOTH 400 sport bumpers and side skirts add visual impact to last HEMI V8 RAM trucks. Just 250 units to be built in 2024, each backed by 3-year / 36,000-mile limited warranty. Images – 2024 Hennessey MAMMOTH 400 with Viper Red, Viper White, or GTS Blue custom paint and heritage Viper Stripes – DOWNLOADVideo – 2024 Hennessey MAMMOTH 400 takes to the track – WATCH Sealy, Texas (July 2, 2024) – Hennessey, the Texas-based hypercar manufacturer and high-performance vehicle creator, has partnered with FOX FACTORY to produce a limited run of 2024 RAM 1500 sport trucks. As the last truck to feature a HEMI engine, the 5.7-liter V8 Ram 1500 Laramie is treated to a robust list of exterior modifications to enhance aesthetics and performance. The MAMMOTH 400 receives bespoke paintwork, offering customers with the choice of iconic Viper Red, Viper White, or GTS Blue, each accented by distinctive full-length twin ‘Viper Stripes’ – a nod to Hennessey’s early roots within the Dodge SRT Viper community. The FOX / Ridetech suspension system lowers the center of gravity and improves handling, while a performance exhaust complete with carbon fiber tips enhances the V8’s growl. The sport truck is given a sinister look synonymous with all Hennessey vehicles courtesy of an aggressive body kit including side skirts, a deeper custom front bumper, and a carbon fiber splitter. Customers can further enhance their truck’s appearance opting for 22-inch wheels in either satin black or a gloss black milled dark tint. John Hennessey, company Founder and CEO: “We are excited to partner with FOX to build a special sport truck with a uniquely American livery for the final Hemi V8-powered Ram trucks. Our MAMMOTH 400 Ram celebrates American independence with patriotic colors combined with the ‘fireworks’ that only the Hemi V8 engine can deliver!” Mike Dennison, Fox Factory CEO: “In our pursuit to constantly raise the bar on performance in both on road and offroad premium vehicles, we are thrilled to collaborate with our friends and fellow automotive pioneers, Hennessey Performance. It is a partnership that speaks to the hearts of automotive enthusiasts as both companies share a commitment to excellence, next-level performance, and cutting-edge innovation.” The MAMMOTH 400’s color options each link to Hennessey’s past, while patriotically referencing the colors of the American flag. Harking back to the Dodge Vipers Hennessey built in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the sport truck echoes the colors and visual characteristics most associated with the iconic American performance supercar from that period. The Hennessey MAMMOTH 400 trucks are available in GTS Blue with white stripes, Viper Red with white stripes, and Viper White with blue stripes. Only 250 units are available globally for 2024 with each model sporting signature Hennessey badging and a serial-numbered engine plaque. The trucks are available exclusively through authorized Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or Ram dealers, with each benefiting from Hennessey’s 3-year / 36,000-mile limited warranty. Interested customers can find out more and place orders with their retailer or at HennesseyPerformance.com/Mammoth-400 or by calling +1 205.421.3453.

Used car market enters H2 with good momentum as industry benefits from consumer confidence boost

The average price of a used car was £16,410 in June; down -10% year-on-year, and -0.5% month-on-month in line with seasonal norms. Rising consumer confidence gives used car demand further boost, fuelling circa 8% uplift in June transactions. After recent improvement in supply levels, stock falls -4.2% year-on-year in June, the third consecutive month of declines. Tuesday 2nd July 2024, London – The used car market has entered H2 with strong momentum behind it, boosted by improving consumer confidence and favourable market conditions which are not only helping cars to sell quickly, but also increasing sales, and stabilising retail prices. According to the latest data from Auto Trader, the average price of a used car in June was £16,410, which on a month-on-month (MoM) and like-for-like basis, is a softening of just -0.5%, in line with seasonal trends. Since the start of the year, the used car market has recorded very robust levels of consumer demand, and at the half-way point shows no signs of slowing. In June, the level of demand on Auto Trader (as determined by the volume of advert views and search activity), rose 12.4% year-on-year, marking the highest rate of demand growth in 15 months[1]. The underlying demand in the used car market is further highlighted by the 80.8 million cross platform visits to Auto Trader last month, which is a 10% increase on June 2023, and a significant 21% rise on 2022. What’s more, Auto Trader data shows that used cars are currently selling in just 29 days, three days faster than the same period last year and five days faster than pre-pandemic 2019 (34 days). Crucially, this demand is translating into more than just interest from car buyers, with the platform’s retail sales data indicating used car transactions rose circa 8% on June 2023, rising from an already very robust 6% YoY uplift in May. Market boosted by confident economic outlook The retail market is benefitting from rising levels of consumer confidence, driven by optimism about the economy. Indeed, with the latest inflation figures falling to its lowest level in almost three years, the GFK Consumer Confidence Index improved for the third consecutive month in June. Auto Trader’s own consumer research found that 50% of in market car buyers were more confident in their ability to afford a new[2] car than they were last year. 89% were at least as confident as they were 12 months ago. The growing levels of consumer demand in the market is combined with a recent drop in supply. In fact, whilst supply of used cars entering the market began to improve towards the end of last year, over the last quarter available stock has slowed, and in June fell -4.2% year-on-year, the largest drop since May 23. Due to the impact of COVID, supply levels of cars aged below five years old are facing the biggest squeeze, with those aged 1-3-years and 3-5-years recording a drop of -20.6% YoY and -16.7% respectively. Conversely, with production now back to normal levels, supply of ‘nearly new’ cars (those aged below 12-months old) are up 42% YoY. It’s this imbalance in core market fundamentals – rising demand vs falling supply – which is helping to create a very robust used car market. Auto Trader’s Market Health metric, which assesses potential market profitability, rose to 15% in June; up from the 11% recorded in May, and the highest rate of growth since April 2023. For stock aged 3-5-years-old, it’s up 43% YoY, highlighting the considerable nuance in the used car market. Richard Walker, Auto Trader’s Data & Insights Director, commented: “As we enter the second half of the year, our data shows that the fundamentals of the used car market remain solid; consumer demand is robust, and cars are selling at pace, which combined with the softening in supply, means retail prices continue to stabalise. Although this balance of market dynamics is working to return retail prices to seasonal norms, it’s also affecting retailers’ traditional stock profiles and making the job of finding profitable cars all the more challenging. It’s why using insights over instincts to power your forecourt strategy is more important than ever.” Top 10 used car price growth (all fuel types) | June 2024 vs June 2023 like-for-like Ranks Make Model May 24 Average Asking Price Price Change (YoY) Price Change(MoM) 1 Volkswagen Beetle £7,314 2.3% 1.7% 2 BMW M5 £41,705 1.0% 1.9% 3 Mercedes-Benz SL Class £25,931 0.5% 2.5% 4 Porsche 718 Cayman £63,189 -0.2% 1.4% 5 Volkswagen Touareg £29,525 -0.8% 2.2% 6 Volkswagen up! £8,077 -1.1% -0.5% 7 Ford Mustang £33,790 -1.1% 3.5% 8 Audi R8 £70,080 -1.2% 1.1% 9 BMW Z4 £17,405 -1.3% 2.6% 10 Hyundai i10 £7,854 -1.3% -0.2% Top 10 used car price contraction (all fuel types) | June 2024 vs June 2023 like-for-like Rank Make Model May 24 Average Asking Price Price Change(YoY) Price Change (MoM) 10 Vauxhall Corsa-e £14,967 -20.1% 0.9% 9 Renault Grand Scenic £5,869 -20.3% -5.8% 8 DS AUTOMOBILES DS 3 CROSSBACK £13,980 -20.6% 1.9% 7 Vauxhall Mokka-e £17,955 -21.8% 1.9% 6 Citroen Grand C4 Picasso £6,858 -22.6% -1.1% 5 Tesla Model 3 £23,617 -22.9% 5.2% 4 DS AUTOMOBILES DS 3 £7,069 -22.9% -1.8% 3 Nissan Pulsar £6,646 -23.0% -4.9% 2 Citroen e-C4 £17,437 -24.3% 1.9% 1 Audi e-tron £26,370 -24.7% 0.6% -ENDS- About the Retail Price Index The Auto Trader Retail Price Index (RPI) is published monthly and provides an overview of the latest price and search data from our marketplace. Our team of data scientists monitors circa 800,000 vehicles each day, including 116,000 vehicle updates and an average of 39,000 vehicles added or removed from Auto Trader. Coupled with data from circa 450,000 trade car listings every day, as well as additional retailer forecourts and website data (OEM, fleet and leasing disposal prices and pricing data from over 3,000 car dealership websites and data from major auction houses across the UK), ensuring the Index is an accurate reflection of…

Maserati TRIDENTE, a luxury all-electric powerboat

Modena – Maserati partnered with Vita Power to create TRIDENTE, a luxury all-electric powerboat, extending Maserati’s electrification strategy onto the water. Vita Power and Maserati share the same vision for the mobility of the future with no compromise on performance and elegance. Vita Power is a marine technology company founded to reduce the impact on the marine environment by developing an electric and integrated ecosystem of high-performance electric propulsion systems and fully electric boats for recreational and commercial applications, supported by a dedicated marine fast charging infrastructure. The TRIDENTE is a 10.5m zero emission powerboat built for lake and coastal day cruising, with peak power of 600HP and battery capacity of 252 kWh, delivering a cruising speed of 25 knots, a top speed of 40 knots, and recharging in under one hour. The TRIDENTE can accommodate up to 10 persons (including driver) in a cockpit, which can be configured for dining or acceleration. Passengers can relax on a sundeck alongside a bathing area with a shower and ladder for swimming. An enclosed cabin forward includes a day berth and WC. The dayboat is made of carbon fibre, finished to the highest creative standards by the craftsmen at Hodgdon Yachts, a US boatbuilder from Maine with a history of over 200 years of passion and excellence, and a specialist in superyacht tenders.

Hispano Suiza Carmen Sagrera set to make dynamic debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed

Hispano Suiza returns to the Goodwood Festival of Speed (July 11-14) with its own stand, showcasing the Carmen Boulogne and Carmen Sagrera hypercars. The new Hispano Suiza Carmen Sagrera will make its dynamic debut on the iconic Goodwood hillclimb. Former Formula 1 driver and brand ambassador Luis Pérez-Sala will drive both Hispano Suiza cars and host a meet & greet with fans. DOWNLOAD MEDIA KIT Hispano Suiza is set to make a triumphant return to the track at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, marking the dynamic premiere of the recently unveiled Hispano Suiza Carmen Sagrera. This definitive hypercar completes the Carmen range. Celebrating its 120th anniversary, Hispano Suiza will participate in the Goodwood Festival of Speed, one of the most prestigious events in the automotive world, with a stronger presence than ever before. This festival gathers the world’s top car manufacturers and attracts nearly 200,000 visitors over four days, making it the perfect venue to showcase their latest creations. This year, Hispano Suiza will have its own stand, welcoming thousands of enthusiasts throughout the event. The company’s latest model, the Carmen Sagrera, will be revealed in the UK for the first time and presented to the media and authorities, including The Duke of Richmond, founder of the event. British model, entrepreneur, and racing driver Jodie Kidd will be the master of ceremonies at the press conference which will be held on Thursday, July 11, at 11:00 am. Hispano Suiza will also participate in the Goodwood Hillclimb, one of the festival’s most eagerly anticipated events. The Hispano Suiza Carmen Sagrera, boasting 1,114 hp of electric power, will make its debut on this iconic stage, driven by Luis Pérez-Sala. Motorsport aficionados will also have the chance to see the Carmen Boulogne on the track, as it will climb up Goodwood Hill on Thursday while the Sagrera is on display at the stand. The stand will also feature an exclusive pre-sale of Hispano Suiza’s new Capsule Collection, which captures the essence of the Gentleman Driver. This new sporty line harkens back to the company’s competitive roots, offering much-loved products such as polo shirts, t-shirts, raincoats, and caps. After the event, the collection will be available for purchase on the brand’s online boutique: https://www.hispanosuiza.boutique/es/. The brand will also be featured in the Supercar Paddock, showcasing the event’s top-performing models. Hispano Suiza’s Driver and Brand Ambassador, Luis Pérez-Sala, will host a ‘Meet & Greet’ on Friday, July 12, and Saturday, July 13, offering visitors an immersive experience in the Hispano Suiza universe. Goodwood Hillclimb Schedule*UK TIME Thursday 11 July10:30h15:35h Friday 12 July12:45h16:40h Saturday 13 July10:45h16:45h Sunday 14 July9:55h17:05h New Hispano Suiza Carmen SagreraThe new model was revealed on 13 June 2024, coinciding with the celebration of the 120th anniversary of the company, at an event that brought together the Hispano Suiza team, media, ambassadors, customers and friends of the brand. The Hispano Suiza Sagrera incorporates the brand’s second generation of batteries, with an increased capacity of 103 kWh. The new battery is improved in all its key aspects, with the latest generation of lithium-ion cells battery packs: the new Sagrera features 15 modules of 24 cells, 360 in total. The whole battery weighs just 612 kg and can operate at a maximum voltage of over 750VDC. The battery capacity has been increased from 80 kWh to 103 kWh, enhancing energy density by allowing more energy to be stored within the same volume. This upgrade extends the driving range by approximately 100 km, bringing the total range to 480 km according to the WLTP cycle. In addition to the new cells, the Carmen Sagrera features an improved cooling system that is lighter, less complex, and made from more sustainable materials. Hispano Suiza Carmen Sagrera: a declaration of intent The evolution of the Sagrera’s front-end design boldly embraces its sporty character, with a pointed grille shape paying homage to the luxurious Hispano Suiza Alfonso XIII sports cars of the early 20th century. Redesigned front bonnet vents not only enhance aesthetics but also improve functionality, now flowing seamlessly with the rear ones. New side sills gracefully rise along the car’s profile, complementing the rear panel’s design. The rear-end underwent significant design and aerodynamic changes, highlighted by the addition of a large spoiler resembling stork wings, a tribute to the brand’s logo. This spoiler is divided into two parts, optimising the aerodynamic shape of the wing. The solid-painted side panels blend subtly with the rest of the wing, in exposed carbon. This divided spoiler optimizes aerodynamics, seamlessly blending solid-painted side panels with carbon fibre, while the diffuser, integrated with copper accents in Boulogne style, enhances both aerodynamics and design, adding elegance and tradition. These aerodynamic enhancements significantly increase downforce and grip, improving cornering and lateral acceleration capabilities. Inside, the sporty ambiance continues, with a redesigned centre console and infotainment system, upholstered in alcantara with black and red leather details, emphasising exclusivity and quality. The multimedia system offers comprehensive connectivity options, with customisable welcome messages for individual users. Performance and technology to match the designThe Sagrera features four 205 kW (around 275 hp) motors, delivering a combined power output of 1,114 hp and 1,160 Nm of torque, with a 0 to 100 km/h time of just 2.6 seconds. The motors are axial-flux permanent magnet and connected in series: two on the left rear wheel and two on the right. The transmission transfers power to the rear axle and features a virtual self-locking differential, ensuring optimal track performance and efficient torque transfer to the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tyres. Developed in collaboration with Michelin’s technical centre, these tyres boast a unique design inspired by the storks and mosaics of legendary Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí, further enhancing the vehicle’s exclusivity. The Sagrera’s suspension system, designed based on extensive dynamic simulations, delivers racing-level performance. Both axles feature a deformable parallelogram suspension with adjustable shock absorbers for compression and extension settings, along with coil springs adjustable in hardness and height. This setup is complemented by an anti-roll bar linking both sides. Hispano…

Not for publication: MG at the Goodwood Festival of Speed

11-14 July Throughout the Goodwood Festival of Speed MG Motor UK will be offering a range of events and debuts. All Media colleagues are welcome to join us. Please see below for more information: Thursday 11 July MG Debuts – 0940 onwardsPlease join us at the MG Stand for three key MG debuts at Goodwood. This will include the dramatic MG EXE181 land speed record concept car, the Brand New MG HS and a further global debut. The Duke of Richmond will be joining MG for these exclusive reveals. Thursday 11 July – Interview opportunities Carl Gotham (Design Director, MG Studio London), Jozef Kaban (Vice President at MG Global Design Centre) and Guy Pigounakis (Director of Operations, MG Motor UK ) will be available for interview at the MG Stand. Please contact pr@mg.co.uk for further information. July 11 – 14 MG Moment at Goodwood HouseAcross all four days of the Festival the MG Moment will take place in front of Goodwood House between 13.00 and 14:00. MG cars will gather beneath Gerry Judah’s Central Feature Display.

Ampere leads a groundbreaking battery strategy for Renault Group with LFP technology and Cell-to-Pack solutions

A STRATEGIC PLAN DRIVING MAJOR TRANSFORMATIONS IN RECORD TIME. PROOF OF AMPERE’S COMMITMENT TO AGGRESSIVELY REDUCE VEHICLE COSTS AND DEMOCRATIZE ELECTRIC MOBILITY IN EUROPE. Ampere integrates LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) technology to complement NCM batteries (Nickel Cobalt Manganese) and creates a European value chain, ensuring efficiency and price competitiveness. With its partner LG Energy Solution, Ampere launches Cell-to-Pack technology (CTP), a world premiere for pouch-type batteries. With a complete range of batteries for vehicles developed by Ampere, customers get the best autonomy at the best price, depending on their usage. With these technologies, Ampere will reduce by around 20% the cost of batteries in its vehicles from beginning of 2026. This plan is in line with Ampere roadmap to reduce costs and improve margins. It confirms its ability to lead major transformations in record time. Boulogne-Billancourt, July 1st, 2024 – Ampere, the European intelligent EV pure player, today announced an ambitious battery plan integrating LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) technology alongside the NCM (Nickel Cobalt Manganese) batteries currently used by Renault Group. This decision is an effective and cutting-edge response to market volatility and change in technologies. Ampere works hand in hand with its suppliers LG Energy Solution and CATL to set up an integrated value chain on the European continent, to ensure the best competitiveness of LFP technology for its vehicles manufactured in Europe. These two partners will provide Ampere with LFP batteries that will equip several models of Renault and Alpine brands and will cover battery needs for this technology until 2030. Ampere’s teams also lead with LG Energy Solution the development of Cell-to-Pack technology. This cutting-edge innovation is a world’s first for pouch-type batteries. It improves the range of vehicles by integrating more cells, and therefore more on-board energy, in a given space. Cell-to-pack[1] technology also helps reduce battery costs. The integration of LFP and Cell-to-Pack technologies will enable Ampere to reduce by around 20% the cost of batteries in its vehicles from beginning of 2026. With four leading battery partners, Ampere is accelerating in a fast-changing environment, and demonstrates the efficiency of its horizontal approach, teaming up with the best in their field: AESC Envision located within Ampere ElectriCity hub, in Douai (France), for NCM batteries. CATL for LFP technology, from their plant in Hungary LGES for both NCM and LFP batteries, built in their plant in Poland. Verkor for NCM technology, from its gigafactory based in Dunkerque (France) Batteries are assembled at Ampere ElectriCity (France), in the Assembly Battery Shop of Douai Manufacture. Thanks to progress made in LFP technology over the past few years and the development of the value chain in Europe, LFP technology is now a real alternative to NCM. Less energy-intensive than NCM, it is perfectly suited to certain applications, such as small and midsize cars. Less expensive, it is an important part of the economic equation for affordable electric vehicles and their democratization in Europe. This technology will be installed in vehicles in record time: first models will be equipped with LFP Technology from early 2026. “In a fast-changing and competitive environment, our battery strategy is proof of the efficiency of Ampere’s open and horizontal approach with best-in-class partners, ensuring smart capital allocation, flexibility and rapid execution. This plan is in line with Ampere roadmap to reduce costs by 40% before the next generation of vehicles”, said Josep Maria Recasens, Chief Operating Officer of Ampere. “The work we’ve done with LG Energy Solution has enabled us to localize the entire value chain around LFP technology in Europe, and significantly increase its competitiveness, including with ‘Cell-to-Pack’. Innovation in batteries is ongoing, and we are working far upstream – in particular with our Innovation Battery Cell Laboratory to open in Lardy in 2025- to engage our partners early on with us, on the major transformations to come”, said Philippe Brunet, SVP Powertrain and EV engineering, Ampere About AmpereAmpere is the first European intelligent EV pure player. Born from Renault Group, Ampere designs, develops, manufactures and markets full electric vehicles featuring cutting-edge software technology, accessible to all. The customer experience, as well as social and environmental impact, are embedded throughout the vehicle development process to ensure they align with the brand’s commitment to its customers, the planet and those living on it. For more information, please visit ampere.cars or follow Ampere on LinkedIn and X. AMPERECOMMUNICATION Estelle Guillot-Tantay+33 6 87 60 49 58Estelle.guillot-tantay@ampere.cars RENAULT GROUPPRESS RELATIONS Rie Yamane+ 33 6 03 16 35 20Rie.yamane@renault.com RENAULT GROUPINVESTORS RELATIONS Philippine de Schonen+ 33 6 13 45 68 39Philippine.de-schonen@renault.com [1] Cell-to-pack technology removes the battery modules and integrates the cell directly into the case, allowing more cells in a given space