Inauguration of the Ferrari e-building in the presence of the President of the Italian Republic

The plant, with a focus on sustainability, will see the production of cars with all types of powertrain Maranello, June 21, 2024 – The e-building, the factory that will produce internal combustion-engined cars, hybrids and Ferrari’s first electric model, will be inaugurated today in the presence of Italian President Sergio Mattarella. Welcoming him will be Chairman John Elkann, Vice Chairman Piero Ferrari, CEO Benedetto Vigna and representatives of the Ferrari workforce. “We are honoured to have President Mattarella with us for the inauguration of the e-building, a plant that combines the centrality of the people in the workplace with respect for the environment,” commented Ferrari’s President, John Elkann. “Investing in our territory is essential to prepare ourselves for Ferrari’s future with confidence and confirms our commitment to Italian excellence and to our country.” Production flexibilityThrough the e-building, Ferrari is enhancing its production flexibility in line with its strategy of prioritising revenue quality over quantity. The plant also reflects the principle of technological neutrality, as it will house the production and development of internal combustion engines, hybrid engines and new electric motors, each capable of delivering Ferrari’s signature driving excitement. The integration of the production of the entire range in a single building will allow Ferrari to reorganise and reallocate all production activities more efficiently among its existing facilities in Maranello, increasing its ability to adapt quickly to production needs. The e-building, a facility equipped with state-of-the-art technology, will also produce the strategic electrical components that are highly relevant to differentiating Ferrari’s technology and performance: high-voltage batteries, electric motors and axles. Focus on the environmentThe building, designed to achieve the highest levels of energy performance, is powered – among other sources – by more than 3,000 solar panels installed on the roof that produce 1.3 MW. With the shutdown of the trigeneration plant [1], scheduled for the end of the year, the building will be powered entirely by renewable energy, generated from both internal and external sources with a guarantee of origin.[2] Several cutting-edge solutions have been adopted to reuse energy and rainwater in the production cycle. For example, more than 60 per cent of the energy used for battery and motor testing will be recovered in accumulators and redirected to power new processes. The plant was built north of the Ferrari campus, which is being expanded. The area was acquired and redeveloped without additional land consumption by replacing obsolete and energy-dispersive industrial structures. The focus on people The training and well-being of workers was a priority in the design of the building, which houses a dedicated training space. The training path for people selected for the new lines began two years ago, with the aim of delving into the skills and processes that are needed for the new systems and products, as well as strengthening knowledge related to the electric motor. In full continuity and synergy with the mechanical and electronic skills that have always been Ferrari’s heritage, additional competencies, for example in chemistry and battery assembly production processes, have been developed. Manufacturing processes are equipped with collaborative robots, which adapt their behaviour according to the operator’s needs, and digital twins, which create a digital replica of products and processes. These solutions make it possible to put technology under the control of and at the service of employees, whose role is thus further elevated within the production process with the goal of ensuring the excellence and attention to detail that distinguishes the Ferrari range. In the facility, various solutions have also been designed to improve the well-being of people in the work environment: ergonomic workstations, relaxation areas, acoustic and visual comfort, and the correct mix of natural and artificial lighting are some of the aspects that are the most beneficial. Focus on the communityThe e-building is a confirmation of Ferrari’s central role in the local industrial landscape – a role reinforced by continuous investments made in tune with the specific needs of the local community. The integration of the building into the urban context was perfected through an urban redevelopment of more than 100,000 square metres and a redesign of the road infrastructure. In fact, a road serving the site and a 1.5-kilometre bike path connected to the town’s network have also been built. The road design, in particular, ensures heavy traffic is concentrated to an area around the e-building logistics hub, reducing its intrusion on pedestrian routes. The architectural designThe exterior façades and main interior spaces of the e-building were designed by MCA – Mario Cucinella Architects, a firm at the forefront of the development of sustainable solutions and urban regeneration, in synergy with the Ferrari team. Rectangular in shape and 25 metres high, the new building is in harmony with the landscape and surrounding buildings and is recognisable for a façade with a tailor-made, highly efficient “skin”. The choice of opaline glazing, interspersed with portions of clear glass, attenuates the building’s imposing visual mass and allows for natural light to be distributed within it, while at night it resembles a glowing lantern. The components of the façade were designed and manufactured according to Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA) logic, in order to facilitate their on-site assembly and maintenance operations. This enabled cost efficiency and reduced environmental impact related to the materials and processes used. For further information: Ferrari Press Officetel.: +39 0536 949337Email: media@ferrari.com E-BUILDING DATA AND INFORMATION Project Mario Cucinella Architects Duration of work 2 years Construction site workers 350 Total surface area 42,500 mq Wards Lower floor: general systems Ground floor: vehicle assembly and logistics Mezzanine: general systems, offices …

New car demand buoyant in June as BYD scores big at the Euros

Visits to Auto Trader’s new car platform up 28.5% YoY as brands focus on digital showrooms. BMW is June most in-demand marque, generating more views and leads than any other brand. BYD demand rockets 53% in response to Euros partnership; BYD is now the 2nd most viewed new electric brand on Auto Trader, ahead of Tesla in 4th place. 21st June 2024 – Although retail registrations may be softening, consumer interest for brand-new cars remains robust, with Auto Trader recording a 28.5% year-on-year (YoY) increase in visits to its new car platform in June to date. It marks a notable rise on the 22% and 21% growth recorded in May and April respectively, and the largest YoY increase seen in over two years. Demand is being fuelled by a compelling mix of increased choice and improving affordability, as brands respond to the challenging combination of new regulatory targets, growing competition, and increased production, as well as stalling retail sales. Indeed, as more brands and retailers alike look to take more cars out of hiding, Auto Trader has seen the volume of new cars advertised on its platform increase significantly over recent months. In May the volume grew 8% on April, and in just the first two weeks of June alone, levels of new car stock on Auto Trader have risen over 21% versus January. Whilst baseline RRPs continue to rise, car buyers are benefitting from a reduction in overall prices, with more than half (53%) of all new car models advertised on Auto Trader recording a gradual reduction in price over the last 12 months. The growing audience of new car buyers, which are increasingly aware of the improved availability and affordability of stock, represents an opportunity for retailers and brands to attract curious shoppers. Since June last year, average discounts have risen from 6.4% to 8.8%, with almost eight in 10 new cars now offering some level of discount. What’s more, seven in 10 new cars have finance offers applied. BYD scores winning goal with Euros partnershipAs well tracking the broader long-term trends in the new car market, the scale of Auto Trader’s data – based on circa 2 million monthly new car visitors – also enables a view of more immediate market trends. This includes how sponsorship of the 2024 Euros is influencing consumer interest in BYD. During the opening weekend, the all-electric Chinese brand saw a whopping 69% rise in the number of advert views of its new models on Auto Trader versus the prior week. As of Friday 21st, views have softened slightly, but remain over 53% since before the tournament began. The Seal is now the second most viewed new EV model, just behind Hyundai’s IONIQ 5. Ahead of the tournament BYD had already quickly risen to the fifth most popular new electric brand on Auto Trader1, accounting for a 5.6% share of all new EV advert views. Since kick off on the 14th, however, BYD has risen to 2nd place, behind BMW, but ahead of Tesla in 4th. With the brand still largely unfamiliar with UK car buyers, BYD is currently converting a more conservative share of leads (2.9%), but with three weeks of the tournament left to go, and with a dedicated brand store on Auto Trader showcasing its heritage and quality, the conversion rate gap is likely to bridge fast as awareness builds. As well as the Euros, BYD will benefit from its success at this year’s Auto Trader New Car Awards, which saw the Atto 3 crowned the UK’s Best Value Electric Car. BYD was also a finalist as the Most Loved Brand, as determined by a survey of over 200,000 real-world car owners, including 9,000 EV owners. Highlighting the growing popularity of electric cars among owners, this year saw EVs make up more than half of all cars shortlisted. BMW is June’s most in-demand marqueBYD is building traction, but it has a long way to go if it’s to knock the current most in demand electric marque off the top spot. So far this month, BMW is the UK’s hottest new car brand for both electric and all fuel-types combined. Based purely on its EV range, BMW accounted for a massive 11.2% share of all new electric car enquiries so far in June. Factoring in all fuel types, BMW accounts for 17% of all the new car enquiries being sent to retailers on Auto Trader, way ahead of Land Rover in second place with a share of 9.6%. Golf takes the top spot as Defender loses its winning streakAt a model level, it’s all change. After three months as the UK’s most in demand brand-new car (based on all fuel types), the Defender 110 has recorded the largest drop in lead share in June (down 2.5%), resulting in the iconic British SUV slipping from 1st to 10th place. It’s been replaced by the equally iconic Golf, which in May was the third most popular new car on Auto Trader. Commenting on the data, Auto Trader’s New Car Performance Director, Bex Kennett, said: “The new car market continues to see flat lining retail sales, but contrary to what the headline figures may suggest, consumer interest in new cars remains robust. What we’re seeing on our platform, is more retailers and brands looking to convert that interest into leads, by presenting them with more choice, better deals, and investing more in their digital showrooms. Looking ahead, we can expect the market to respond positively to recent economic green shoots, with consumer confidence rising in the wake of falling inflation and anticipation of further tax cuts. There may be some disruption over the coming weeks with the General Election and the Euros, albeit clearly not for BYD, but any impact on car behaviour will be short lived.” More profitable conversion in the stock they’re retailing. Most in demand new car MODELS on Auto Trader in June2 ranked by enquiries/leads – all fuel types. Rank Make Model Share of enquiries 1 Volkswagen Golf 3.8% 2 Nissan Qashqai 3.0% 3 Land Rover Range Rover…

BMW at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed

Two world debuts, including the world premiere of the new BMW X3 New BMW M4 CS seen in the UK for the first time BMW’s Hypercar, the BMW M Hybrid V8, to storm up the hill The BMW Vision Neue Klasse, BMW Concept Skytop and one-of-a-kind BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA on display at the Stable Yard An array of historic racing cars from BMW Group Classic to participate in the Hillclimb including the iconic BMW V12 LMR The BMW R20 concept, BMW Motorrad’s bold mechanical masterpiece, to take to the hill All eyes will be on BMW at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed to witness the world premiere of the new BMW X3, alongside another significant world debut from the BMW Group. Both cars will be unveiled at BMW’s Trackside stand from 10:30 am (BST) on Thursday 11 July. Also seen for the first time in the UK will be the new and exclusive BMW M4 CS, which will be joined on the hill by ground-breaking BMW XM Label. Festivalgoers will be able to see the spectacular BMW M Hybrid V8 and BMW R20 concept in action as well, whilst the Stable Yard will provide the perfect stage for BMW’s Vision Neue Klasse, the luxurious BMW Concept Skytop and the BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA with colour-change technology. The latest models from BMW M will be on display at Trackside, including the new BMW M135, the facelifted BMW M2 and BMW M3 Touring and – taking centre stage – the BMW M Hybrid V8 LMDh. The new BMW X3 M50 xDrive will be unveiled to the world at Goodwood and is the fourth generation SAV, adding another chapter to the BMW X3 success story which began over 20 years ago. The range-topping model boasts greater sporting appeal, visual impact, and versatility than ever before and features the most powerful six-cylinder in-line petrol engine yet fitted in an M Performance model. The 3.0-litre M TwinPower Turbo unit links up with 48V mild hybrid technology. Its maximum output of 398 hp is channelled to the road via an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission and BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive. The BMW X3 M50 xDrive powers to 62 mph from rest in 4.6 seconds. Tackling the famous 1.16-mile course in the ‘First Glance’ category will be the new BMW M4 CS. Powered by a high-revving six-cylinder in-line 3.0-litre engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology, the race-focussed BMW M4 CS has an increased engine output of 550 hp and features model-specific chassis tuning and lightweight design elements. Instantaneous power delivery and optimised traction enable acceleration of 0 to 62 mph in just 3.4 seconds. Fresh from racing at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans, the stunning BMW M Hybrid V8 will also take to the hill. The return of the BMW brand to the top category of Le Mans in the Hypercar class came exactly 25 years after the victory of the BMW V12 LMR in 1999. To acknowledge this historic moment BMW Group Classic will drive the iconic V12 up the hill. The team will also bring two additional famous racing cars to Goodwood’s Hillclimb – the BMW 318i touring car, driven by famed racing driver Johnny Cecotto, and the BMW2002 TIK, with HRH Leopold Prince of Bavaria at the wheel. Festivalgoers will also be able to see a BMW M Hybrid V8 LMDh at Trackside, whilst visitors to the stand can learn more about the 20th BMW Art Car – the Hypercar designed by the internationally renowned artist Julie Mehretu – that played a very special role at this year’s Le Mans. BMW will storm up the hill on two wheels as well. BMW Motorrad recently unveiled its latest design masterpiece, the BMW R20 concept, at Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este and will bring it to this year’s Festival. Presented as a piece of art and as the epitome of expressive and cool design, the BMW R20 concept showcases the legendary air-oil cooled Big Boxer engine at its centre. The R20 can be seen in the ‘First Glance and Road Bikes’ category, whilst a wonderful BMW R255/1 Compressor from BMW Group Classic will feature in ‘Batch 4’. The Stable Yard – once again dedicated to BMW – will be transformed into a tranquil location showcasing luxury and technology: from the BMW Concept Skytop, an open top two-seater demonstrating truly unique and exotic design, to the BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA, a one-of-a-kind vehicle that combines colour-change technology developed by BMW with the artistic language of South African artist Esther Mahlangu. For many however, the BMW Vision Neue Klasse will form the focal point of the display – the Neue Klasse showcases the breadth of BMW’s future model line-up. BMW’s latest range of luxury cars will also be on display in the Stable Yard including the BMW i7, the brand’s flagship saloon that has redefined the luxury segment with new levels of electrification and digitalisation. The recently launched BMW i5 Touring will take centre stage in this tranquil space, alongside two e-vehicles from BMW Motorrad – the BMW CE 02 and BMW CE 04 – that provide a breath of fresh air for urban electric mobility on two wheels. The Goodwood Festival of Speed is being held over four days from 11-14 July 2024.

HW Vassen appointed Chief Technology Officer of PowerCo SE

Supervisory Board approved appointment as Member of the Board of Management from August 1, 2024 Vassen, currently Head of Series Development at PowerCo SE, will be responsible for technology and product development as well as testing and analytics Salzgitter, June 20, 2024 – HW Vassen will take over as the new Chief Technology Officer and Member of the Board of Management of PowerCo SE from August 1, 2024. This was approved today by the Supervisory Board of PowerCo SE. As Head of Series Development, Vassen has already played a decisive role in the development of PowerCo’s unified cell, which will go into mass production from 2025. As Chief Technology Officer, he will be responsible for technology and product development as well as testing and analytics at PowerCo SE. He succeeds Soonho Ahn, who is stepping down at his own request at the end of July and will be available to the Volkswagen Group as an advisor in the future. “Soonho Ahn deserves our sincere thanks for all he has done at PowerCo. He built up the technology department and laid the foundation for future market success with the unified cell. He has clearly helped us on our way to become a sustainable, competitive battery company,” says Frank Blome, CEO of PowerCo SE. “With HW Vassen we have found the ideal successor. He has already played a key role in the development of the unified cell and has extensive international experience in battery development. Under his leadership, we will continue to expand our technological power and innovative strength.” HW Vassen has been Head of Series Development at PowerCo SE since mid-2023. Prior to that, he worked in China for six years, where he was responsible for the development of battery cells and battery systems at Volkswagen Group China, among other things. Vassen was born in 1972 and studied electrical engineering at RWTH Aachen University. The 52-year-old has been working for the Volkswagen Group since 1999. Soonho Ahn was born in Seoul in 1960 and received his PhD in electrochemistry for battery applications from Auburn University in the United States in 1992. The 64-year-old has been building up the technology department at PowerCo SE since 2022. Prior to joining PowerCo SE, he was Global Head of Battery Development at Apple. Andreas GroßCorporate CommunicationsHead of Communications PowerCo SE+49 (0) 1522 9-122413andreas.gross@powerco.de | www.powerco.de | www.volkswagen-group.com Kate ThompsonGroup Corporate Communications (UK)+44 (0) 7713 265562kate.thompson@vwg.co.uk | www.volkswagengroup.co.uk LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube About the Volkswagen Group:The Volkswagen Group is one of the world’s leading car makers, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. It operates globally, with 114 production facilities in 19 European countries and 10 countries in the Americas, Asia and Africa. With around 684,000 employees worldwide. The Group’s vehicles are sold in over 150 countries. With an unrivalled portfolio of strong global brands, leading technologies at scale, innovative ideas to tap into future profit pools and an entrepreneurial leadership team, the Volkswagen Group is committed to shaping the future of mobility through investments in electric and autonomous driving vehicles, digitalization and sustainability. In 2023, the total number of vehicles delivered to customers by the Group globally was 9.2 million (2022: 8.3 million). Group sales revenue in 2023 totaled EUR 322.3 billion (2022: EUR 279.1 billion). The operating result before special items in 2023 amounted to EUR 22.6 billion (2022: EUR 22.5 billion). About PowerCo:The Volkswagen Group is bundling global battery activities in the European company (SE) PowerCo. From Salzgitter, the company manages international factory operations, the further development of cell technology, and the vertical integration of the value chain. Looking ahead, further products such as major storage systems for the energy grid are planned. Since its launch in July 2022, PowerCo has decided three gigafactory locations with a total capacity of up to 200 GWh/year: Salzgitter in Germany, Valencia in Spain and St. Thomas in Canada.

International Van of the Year jury elects two new members for Spain & Finland

The International Van of the Year (IVOTY) jury welcomes the appointment of two new members for Spain and Finland. Álvaro Pedroche and Miika Tokee will now represent their respective countries following their election at a recent jury meeting in Frankfurt. Álvaro fulfils the position his father Javier served for more than twenty five years. He has been working at TRUCK magazine, based in Madrid for over a decade, starting off as the publication’s community manager, working on the website and social media, before moving on to writing articles, and eventually became its director. Álvaro continues to work on strengthening its social media and other dissemination channels, especially digital ones. Contact details:Álvaro PedrocheDirector Revista TRUCKTeléfono: 91 744 03 95 Móvil: +34 666 576 366 Correo: apedroche@difundalia.esWEB: www.camionactualidad.es Miika Tokee (pictured left) is one of the key members of the Finnish magazine Auto tekniikka ja kuljetus, based in Helsinki. Over the years, he has specialized in light commercial vehicles and pick-up trucks. In the past he was actively involved in organizing the annual Arctic Van Test, which many members of the van have participated. Contact details:Miika TokeeAuto, tekniikka ja kuljetusTel: +358 40 455 1753Email: miika.tokee@boy.fi In offering a hand shake welcome to the jury Jarlath Sweeney, Chairman IVOTY said: “Congratulations to Alvaro and Miika on their election to the jury. We know the two journalists well, having met over the years on events, and they will be a great addition to our organisation. We look forward to their participation in jury activities. To Javier, we say thanks for his lengthy and loyal service and wish him good health on his retirement. Our jury continues to evolve with new appointees. Last Winter, new members joined from Belgium and Slovenia.”

The Ferrari Purosangue wins the Compasso d’Oro 2024

The first four-door car from the Prancing Horse secures the coveted design award The Ferrari Purosangue is a fusion of technology, blending comfort and performance with an innovative design The Purosangue is the fourth Ferrari to be honoured in the history of the prestigious ADI award Milan, 20 June 2024 – The Ferrari Purosangue has been awarded the prestigious Compasso d’Oro, one of the most coveted accolades in the field of industrial design. The award ceremony took place this evening in Milan and was attended by Flavio Manzoni (Ferrari Chief Design Officer) on behalf of the company. The Compasso d’Oro was established in 1954 by the ADI (Italian Association for Industrial Design). It is awarded biennially from a preselection carried out by the ADI’s Permanent Design Observatory, consisting of experts, designers, critics, historians and specialised journalists. Four Ferraris have been honoured in the history of the award: the first was the F12berlinetta in 2014, followed by the FXX K in 2016, the Monza SP1 in 2020, and now the Purosangue. The jurors of the ADI chose the Purosangue because it embodies “a fusion of technology combined with courageous typological innovation that goes beyond the conventional categories of Gran Turismo, representing a tangible step forward in a mature sector amid global competition”. FERRARI PUROSANGUEThe Ferrari Purosangue has created a new segment in which the Prancing Horse opens unprecedented new frontiers. Thanks to its modern architecture, this is a versatile car that melds unparalleled comfort with Ferrari’s signature performance and driving pleasure. The Purosangue (meaning thoroughbred) name beautifully describes the car’s architecture. Its sleek, athletic exterior sets it apart from other four-door, four-seater cars on the market and combines with a sublimely comfortable, luxuriously roomy and impeccably appointed cabin. This is not just an incredibly fast, agile car, but also Ferrari’s first full four-seater, offering the space on board to ensure exceptional comfort for all four occupants. For further information, please contact:Jason Harris, Regional Manager – CommunicationTel: 01753 878704Mob: 07748 333389Email: jason.harris@ferrari.com

Back on track: lap record for Audi Sport in the compact segment

7:33.123 minutes: new Audi RS 3 preproduction model with legendary five cylinder engine achieves lap record Optimized chassis setup: higher cornering speeds prove key to success For additional information please visit https://press.audi.co.uk/en-gb/ Ingolstadt, June 21, 2024 – Frank Stippler has set a new lap record on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife with a pre-production model of the RS 3 product upgrade. The Audi Sport racing and development driver clocked an impressive time of 7:33.123 minutes, beating the current fastest lap time in this class by more than five seconds. Further proof that the enhanced top model from the A3 series is once again the fastest compact car. The record was made possible by the optimized cornering behaviour, enabling the new RS 3 to deploy its agility even earlier and in a more controlled manner, as Frank Stippler explained: “That was the key to our success. The new RS 3 turns in more willingly at corner entry thanks to fine-tuning – including brake torque vectoring – which allows the vehicle to be positioned earlier and better for corner exit from the apex, at the latest. The result is a lower steering angle from apex to corner exit, which leads to less friction and earlier acceleration, allowing you to carry more momentum and speed onto each subsequent straight.” The basis for the vehicle’s exceptional driving dynamics is the interplay between the torque splitter with its fully variable torque distribution between the rear wheels, the electronic stabilization control, the wheel-selective torque control (brake torque vectoring), and the RS sports suspension’s optional adaptive dampers. The modular vehicle dynamics controller now connects the data from all components relevant to lateral dynamics with even greater sensitivity thanks to an enhanced algorithm. Power is still provided by the legendary five-cylinder engine with 400PS and 500Nm torque. In combination with the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R semi-slick tires, the 19-inch ceramic brake system, the RS sports suspension with adaptive damper control, and the optimized chassis setup, the 2.5 TFSI now propels the RS 3 even more spirited around bends. All underscored by its distinctive deep-throated roar, thanks to its signature 1-2-4-5-3 firing sequence. The upgraded production model of the RS 3 will be available to order from the end of August.

78% women drivers consider aggression on the roads to be a serious problem

WWCOTY celebrates International Women Drivers’ Day on June 24th by drawing attention to women drivers’ perspective concerning behaviour. According to a recent survey, a total of 78% women drivers consider aggression on the roads as a serious problem. June 2024 – Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year celebrates June 24th, International Women Drivers’ Day by drawing attention to women drivers’ perspective concerning behaviour. A survey led by Czech online magazine Zena v aute.cz for women drivers contacted 1,485 female drivers worldwide in an online questionnaire. It revealed that 78% of women drivers consider aggression on the roads to be a serious problem and 69% respondents think that aggressive behaviour on the roads has been increasing. The survey was carried out during May 2024 in 20 countries around the world (Australia, Austria, Belgium, Columbia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, New Zealand, Pakistan, Poland, Serbia, Spain, Switzerland, UK, and USA). The expert advisor of the survey was Platforma Vize0. “Through a questionnaire we analyzed how women-drivers feel, what they fear, how they behave behind the wheel, and on roads. The results of the survey are remarkable,” says Sabina Kvášová, Jury of the Czech Republic and editor-in-chief of the magazine Zena v aute.cz, conductor of the survey. Concerns while drivingWhat are women drivers afraid of when driving? According to the study, there are three main topics about which women drivers have concerns: aggressive drivers (22%), accidents (20%) and driving in reduced visibility (20%), followed by skidding (13%) and collision with animals (9%). About 16% of those interviewed think there is to worry about. It is interesting to look at answers that vary from country to country. For example, aggressive drivers as a main concern while driving was mostly stated by respondents from USA (82%), Spain (31%) and Poland (38%). Accidents as a main fear was represented in answers from Italy (51%), Poland (35%) and Germany (31%). Driving in reduced visibility is a subject of concern mainly for women drivers from UK (52%), Germany (50%) and Poland (20%). The survey revealed that 78% of women drivers consider aggression on the roads as a serious problem and 69% respondents think that aggressive behaviour on the roads has been increasing. A survey organizer and member of the WWCOTY jury, Sabina Kvasova stated that the majority of women drivers worldwide sporadically encounter (55%) aggressive behaviour on the roads. Only 25% of respondents encounter aggressive behaviour every day, 20% several times a week. What women drivers proposeWhen asked what measures should be taken against aggressors, women drivers worldwide support mainly strict penalties (45%), specialized psychological therapy program (27%), training of future drivers (20%) and prevention campaigns (6%). Looking at specific countries, strict penalties against aggressive drivers are supported by women drivers profoundly in Denmark and Serbia (97%), followed by USA (54%) and Italy (50%). Obligation to undergo a specialised psychological therapy program for drivers and subsequent psychological assessment of a driver’s mental abilities have a strong support in Denmark a Serbia (97%), USA (54%) and in Poland as well as in Columbia (50%). Future drivers must be made aware of the risks associated with aggressiveness on the roads during their training – as a proposed measure is backed in the UK (43%), Italy (42%), Spain (30%). Prevention campaigns on the dangers of aggression were mainly stated in the answers of respondents from USA (45%), Poland (37%) and Germany (24%). With this study, the Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year aims to publicize women driver’s perspective concerning driving behaviour. International Women Drivers’ Day, a day that vindicates mobility as an inalienable right that contributes to the freedom, dignity, and personal and professional development of women, is the perfect organization to highlight this survey. Driving opens the door to independence for millions of women around the world to seek a better future, to achieve fairer living conditions, and to pursue their passion for motorsports. Today, women influence more than 80% of car purchases in advanced countries. This number will continue or grow in the coming years. “The percentage of young women university students is already higher in developed countries. Salary parity is beginning to be an achievable goal, Boards of Directors are no longer exclusively male, and in the lists of the richest people in the world, it is not unusual to see more and more women’s names,” says Marta García, executive president of WWCOTY. International Women Drivers Day also celebrates amplifying the importance of women expressing their opinions and experiences about cars on social networks. The number of women globally on Instagram is 53.6%, Facebook 44%, LinkedIn 43.7% and TikTok 49.2%. For women, it’s not just about performance and safety, but also about saving the planet through environmental awareness without losing the right to the freedom to come and go where and when you want. International Women Drivers’ Day is cause for reflection. Many women still feel scrutinized by their partners when they drive, use only the second family car, or feel little support in the world of motorsports. That’s why the celebration of International Women Drivers’ Day, an initiative promoted by Women’s World Car of the Year, is more important than ever. A future of sustainable mobility and equality is only possible with the contribution of women. ———– About Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year is the only car awards group in the world comprised exclusively of women motoring journalists. It was created by New Zealand motoring journalist Sandy Myhre in 2009. She is Honorary President while Marta García is Executive President. This unique award aims to recognise the best cars of the year and to give a voice to women in the automotive world. The voting criteria are based on the same principles that guide any driver when choosing a car. The jurors do not select a ‘woman’s car’ because cars are not gender specific. Aspects such as safety, quality, price, design, ease of driving, benefits and environmental footprint, among others, are considered when casting the…

ChatGPT is now available in many Volkswagen models

The well-known AI tool will complement Volkswagen’s own online voice assistant IDA Customers can communicate with their vehicle using natural language and will receive a range of additional information Volkswagen is one of the first high-volume manufacturers to bring ChatGPT1 to its vehicles through collaboration with technology partner Cerence The search tool is available in all new ID. models2, as well as in the new Golf3, new Tiguan3 and new Passat3 Wolfsburg – Volkswagen models featuring the new-generation infotainment system are now also equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) of ChatGPT. The AI-based research tool is available in all new vehicles in the all-electric ID. family2, as well as in the new Golf3, new Tiguan3 and new Passat3. It can be accessed using the IDA voice assistant and offers a range of new options that go far beyond the voice control previously available. For example, customers can now have search results read out to them, and can interact with the car using natural language. Kai Grünitz, Member of the Brand Board of Management responsible for Development: “Volkswagen has a long tradition of democratising technologies. As a volume manufacturer, we make these technologies accessible to large numbers of people. By seamlessly integrating ChatGPT into the backend of our voice assistant, we are now offering drivers the opportunity to use this artificial intelligence on a daily basis, thus underlining how innovative our products are.” Current Volkswagen models already allow users to control the infotainment, navigation and climate control systems using the IDA online voice assistant. The vehicle is also able to answer questions about various topics. But with the introduction of ChatGPT, the possibilities have expanded significantly: for example, AI can provide information on tourist attractions, report on past football tournaments or help solve maths problems. All of this works intuitively: the driver simply talks to the assistant in natural language, and there is no need for them to take their eyes off the road. Easy to use, no additional account necessary. Volkswagen customers with an existing account for VW Connect/VW Connect Plus can use the IDA voice assistant as usual – they do not require additional access or an additional app. The digital assistant is launched by saying “Hello IDA” or pressing the button on the steering wheel. Only if a query cannot be answered by the Volkswagen system is it forwarded anonymously to ChatGPT; the answer is then provided in the familiar Volkswagen voice. At no point does ChatGPT gain access to vehicle data. Questions and answers are deleted immediately in order to ensure optimal data protection. The online voice assistant can be deactivated either in the settings area of the Volkswagen app or in the infotainment system’s privacy settings. Technology available in five languages. In January 2024, Volkswagen presented the first vehicles with ChatGPT integrated into the IDA voice assistant at the CES 2024, a trade show for electronics. The technology is currently available in the system languages English (US), English (UK), Spanish, Czech and German. Its use in Volkswagen vehicles has been made possible thanks to a collaboration with Cerence Inc., the global leader in automotive AI solutions, and its Cerence Chat Pro, which uses a variety of sources – including ChatGPT – to enable IDA to provide accurate and relevant responses to nearly every query imaginable. 1) The answers provided by ChatGPT (connected to ChatGPT version 3.5 Turbo) may vary, contain incomplete, incorrect or irrelevant information, and may infringe the rights of third parties. Do not rely on these answers without checking them against other sources of information. Additionally, if you use or share information provided by ChatGPT, e.g. on social media or on the internet, it is your responsibility to ensure this does not infringe the rights of third parties (in particular copyrights or data protection rights).2) For all ID. models with software version 4.0 and higher3) Only in conjunction with the infotainment package or the IDA voice assistant About Volkswagen Passenger CarsThe Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand has a global presence and produces vehicles at 29 locations in 12 countries. In 2023, Volkswagen delivered about 4.9 million cars. These include bestsellers such as the Polo, T- Roc, T-Cross, Golf, Tiguan and Passat as well as the successful all-electric models of the ID. family. Last year, the company handed over about 394,000 all-electric vehicles to customers worldwide. About 170,000 people currently work at Volkswagen around the world. With its ACCELERATE strategy, the company is consistently driving forward its development into the most desirable brand for sustainable mobility. Media contactVolkswagen Communications Stefan VoswinkelHead of Product Communications Tel: +49 170 7832 444stefan.voswinkel1@volkswagen.de LinkedIn / YouTube More atvolkswagen-newsroom.com

Third edition of Bentley’s Extraordinary Women initiative welcomes students from the UK and Qatar to Crewe

Students from universities in the UK and Qatar spend a week at Bentley’s headquarters in Crewe, England Three-month programme involves one-on-one mentorship sessions with a range of inspirational female Pioneers Pioneers include Sara Davies MBE from BBC One show Dragons’ Den, and Arab Women of the Year Awards winner, Dr Noora Fetais Al Marri (Crewe, 20 June 2024) The third edition of Bentley Motors’ Extraordinary Women initiative has concluded with students from universities in the UK and Qatar spending a week at the luxury car brand’s headquarters in Crewe, England. As part of a specially designed schedule they met with Bentley experts and executives, went behind the scenes of its manufacturing operations and tackled individual tasks. Designed to encourage and develop the next generation of young female leaders, the 2024 edition of the Extraordinary Women programme has seen the students receive one-on-one mentorship over the past three months from a selection of inspirational Pioneers from the fields of technology, engineering, design and business. The students, who passed through a structured selection process focused around these four specific fields, came from a variety of participating universities: including The University of Doha for Science in Technology in Qatar, and the Universities of Bath, Loughborough and Manchester Metropolitan in the UK. Noora Al-Hajri, University of Doha for Science & Technology student, commented:“This experience has been nothing short of life-changing. Through the programme, I have gained invaluable knowledge and skills that will significantly impact my personal and professional growth. The opportunity to learn from inspiring mentors in both Qatar and the UK has been particularly enriching. Their guidance has broadened my horizons, challenged me to think critically, and empowered me to pursue my dreams with renewed confidence. The opportunity to visit the Bentley headquarters at the end of the programme has also been truly awe inspiring. Thank you, Bentley, for believing in us and for creating such a transformative programme.” The Pioneers were equally carefully selected. In the UK, entrepreneur Sara Davies MBE, founder and owner of Crafter’s Companion and TV personality from BBC One show Dragons’ Den, provided business mentorship, with Cecilia Harvey, founder of Tech Woman Today, offering the same in the field of technology. Titi Oliyide CEng MIET, Senior Process Safety Engineer and winner of the 2023 Young Woman Engineer of the Year, mentored the engineering student, and renowned interior designer and Founder of Studioilse, Ilse Crawford provided design support. The four Qatari Pioneers included Qatar’s UNESCO art ambassador, Muna Al-Bader, in the field of design. Dr Noora Fetais Al Marri, honoured by the Arab Women of the Year 2024 awards for her contributions to cyber security education and founding President of the Arab Association for Cyber Security, offered technology mentorship. Covering the field of engineering was Dr. Hanan Farhat, founder of the Qatar Association for Women Engineers, and Dr. Buthaina Al Ansari in the field of business, who is a senior advisor at the organisation that established Tamkeen Training and Consulting Solutions. Member of the Board for Human Resources at Bentley Motors, Dr Karen Lange commented:“With every year, the Extraordinary Women programme grows stronger, as exemplified by the quality of this year’s Pioneers, all who have generously given their time in the spirit of collaboration as we seek to build a legacy for young women. It has been a great honour to meet and engage with such talented young women during their visit – witnessing their energy and ability fills me with great optimism for the future.” Launched in the UK and Middle East in 2022, the Extraordinary Women initiative has previously engaged students and Pioneers from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and United Kingdom. It forms part of Bentley’s wider commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion under its Beyond100 strategy, and was created to encourage women to explore a variety of career paths in the STEM and automotive sectors.