Five stars for the new Passat: top marks for best-selling model in Euro NCAP safety assessment

Industry News

Excellent results in all four assessed categories All-round family car provides high occupant protection for children The new generation of the Passat also achieves the highest rating of five stars Wolfsburg – The new Passat has been awarded the top rating of five stars in the renowned Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) consumer protection programme. This makes the vehicle one of the best-rated mid-sized models of 2024 in the independent European testing body’s overall ranking. After 2010 and 2014, the completely newly developed Passat also receives the highest award from Euro NCAP. Now in its the ninth generation, the success story of Volkswagen’s best-selling Passat continues. The Passat, which is available exclusively as an estate model, impressed the experts at Euro NCAP with a host of important safety innovations.The safety assessment carried out by Euro NCAP, an independent European institute for consumer protection, covers four categories: the Passat achieved its best result in the Adult Occupant Protection category with a rating of 93 per cent. It also achieved very good results in the other three categories: Child Occupant Protection (87 per cent), Vulnerable Road Users (83 per cent) and Safety Assist (80 per cent). Many assist systems fitted as standard. Even at the entry level, the Passat includes numerous assist systems at no extra cost. These include Side Assist (lane change system), Lane Assist (lane keeping system), ACC stop & go (Adaptive Cruise Control), oncoming vehicle braking when turning function, Park Distance Control (acoustic and visual warning signals if there are obstacles in the front or rear areas), Rear View (rear view camera system) and Dynamic Road Sign Display using the front camera, as well as LED headlights and tail light clusters. Safety first, both inside and out. Particularly worth highlighting is Autonomous Emergency Braking Front Assist with Pedestrian and Cyclist Monitoring, which increases the level of protection for vulnerable road users in the event of an impending collision. Within the system limits, the exit warning system can prevent an occupant from opening one of the doors when another road user (bicycle, motorcycle, etc.) is approaching from behind and additionally issues acoustic and visual warnings. Another important technology in the Passat is Car2X, which allows the vehicle to exchange information about local hazards with other vehicles and the traffic infrastructure. The Passat is both business class and an all-round family car. When it comes to occupant protection, great importance is attached to the safety of children. In both the frontal and side impact tests, the Passat was found to provide very good protection for all critical body areas of the two child dummies and was awarded the maximum score. Since 2023, the Euro NCAP test criteria have become even stricter: the new requirements include, for example, the ability to detect any children left in the car – this criterion is also fulfilled by the new Passat generation. Bestseller, especially as an estate. In its more than 50-year history, the Passat has been sold over 34 million times. In Europe, it is the estate version in particular that has been extremely popular over the years, and Volkswagen now offers the car only as an estate model.And this enjoys great success: in Germany, the Passat Variant topped the rankings in the mid-sized class in 2023, with 45,494 new registrations. The detailed Euro NCAP test is available at www.euroncap.com. 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 Product CommunicationsMartin HubeSpokesperson ID.2 | Passat I Arteon I Touareg | PHEVTel. +49 (0) 152 22995699martin.hube@volkswagen.de LinkedIn / Youtube / Instagram / Facebook / Threads / TikTok More atvolkswagen-newsroom.com

An icon reimagined: McLaren and LEGO Group unveil the LEGO® Technic™ McLaren P1™

Industry News

The British supercar maker McLaren Automotive and the LEGO Group today unveil their latest collaboration paying tribute to the world’s most pioneering hybrid hypercar, with the introduction of the LEGO® Technic™ McLaren P1™. The McLaren P1™ redefined automotive high-performance as the most exciting, most capable, most technologically advanced and most dynamically accomplished supercar of its time. The P1™ leveraged McLaren’s advanced motorsport-based engineering, featuring ground-breaking advances in weight reduction, packaging, high-speed performance, powertrain and aerodynamics. Created with the intention of being ‘the best driver’s car in the world on both road and track’, the design and technical specifications of the McLaren P1™ provided the ideal foundation to deliver on this ambition. The remarkable hypercar is recognised as a landmark both for McLaren and the development of high-performance hybrid vehicles. The incredible engineering and technology underpinning the performance, style and functional design the McLaren P1™, made it the perfect challenge for the LEGO Technic team to replicate in 1:8 scale. Unveiled as part of the LEGO Technic Ultimate Car Concept Series, the all-new 1:8 scale LEGO Technic version consists of 3,893 elements and each car features a unique serial number which unlocks special behind-the-scenes content. The model has a 7-speed gearbox with 2 shifter drums, suspension, V8 piston engine, adjustable rear wing, and opening dihedral doors with advanced mechanism – all guaranteeing an immersive building experience from start to finish that is authentic to the real McLaren P1™. The model was created by the LEGO Technic design team in close collaboration with McLaren Automotive and both teams were focused on implementing as much cutting-edge functionality in the model as possible, as a tribute to both the real P1™ as well as the engineering excellence that McLaren is known for. “It’s amazing to see so many of the elements from the original P1 brought to life by the LEGO team for the LEGO Technic McLaren P1™. I hope this collaboration inspires the next generation of designers and engineers to push the boundaries of automotive innovation.”Tobias Sühlmann Chief Design Officer, McLaren Automotive “From the exterior with aerodynamic shapes to the interior and V8 piston engine – the real McLaren P1™ is an incredible car. We wanted to capture these details in the best way possible with our LEGO Technic model and we did not want to compromise in any way “Therefore, we worked on multiple variations of the car to test different designs. We also faced a huge challenge with the iconic butterfly doors because they needed a new mechanism to stay open. It was a great experience to recreate the McLaren P1™ and I’m hoping all supercar enthusiasts out there are ready to explore the details and intricacies of the real McLaren P1™ in LEGO Technic form.” Kasper Rene Hansen, Designer, LEGO Group The LEGO Technic McLaren P1 set will be available at www.LEGO.com/McLaren and LEGO Stores from 1st August 2024 priced at €449.99 / £389.99 / $449.99. When purchasing the set between 1st – 7th August 2024, LEGO Insiders will receive the LEGO Technic McLaren P1 Logo as a gift with purchase.

How to watch the Festival of Speed this weekend

Industry News

Don’t miss out on the action – how to watch the Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard this weekend The Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard takes place this weekend – Thursday 11 – Sunday 14 July The Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard takes place this weekend – Thursday 11 – Sunday 14 July – and is set to bring together an exceptional array of cars and motorcycles, with premieres and debuts around every corner. In 2024, MG will take centre stage, with a soaring Central Feature to mark their centenary, while the theme – ‘Horseless to Hybrid: Revolutions in Power’ – will celebrate the advances in technology that have shaped motorsport and motoring from its origins to the present day, and into the future, in a frenzy of power, speed and noise. Key things to see each day: Thursday Alex Albon Kush Mani Friday Logan Sargeant Kush Mani RB17 unveil Fernando Alonso and Aston Martin Valiant Richard Petty balcony moment Saturday Michael Dunlop balcony moment Lia Block Jack Doohan Sunday Oracle Red Bull Racing celebrations – Coulthard, Horner, Klien, Pérez, Ricciardo, Verstappen James Vowles Sophia Flörsch For those who can’t make the action in person this year, here’s how you can tune in from home: LivestreamCatch all the action – both on and off-track – across the Goodwood Road & Racing channels: LivestreamFacebookYouTubeTwitch TVThe Festival of Speed Highlights programme will be available to watch on ITV1, showcasing some of the very best bits from the weekend: Monday 22 July, ITV1, 22:45 BSTTuesday 23 July, ITV1, 23:00 BST All you need ahead of the event Timetable Event Map Entry List

UK enjoys 70 years of Volkswagen Transporter practicality and style

Industry News

First Transporter launched at the Commercial Motor Show at Earl’s Court, London in 1954 A cumulative total of 13 million examples of the iconic model sold over six generations From 786 UK sales in 1954 to 17,521 in 2023 – enduringly popular with British business The new Transporter will be revealed at the IAA in Munich in September this year. Milton Keynes, UK, 10 July, 2024 – The Volkswagen Transporter has celebrated its 70th birthday, marking the platinum anniversary of its public debut in the UK. The Transporter – also known as Bulli, Kombi, VW bus or microbus – was first launched to the world at the Commercial Motor Show at Earl’s Court, London in 1954, and since then more than 13 million have been sold. For six generations, globetrotters have travelled the world in it, businesses have relied on it and families have driven it every single day. Now 70 years on and the Transporter’s enduring popularity continues, from 786 UK sales in 1954, to 17,521 in 2023. The future is bright for the icon, with the latest iteration, T6.1, launched in 2019, showcasing a new dashboard, greater connectivity and a facelift with updated headlights and grille. To celebrate the landmark, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has collated the ultimate guide to the historic vehicle. T1: 1950 to 1967Revealed as a hand-built panel van prototype in 1949, the T1 eventually launched as a rear-engine panel van, passenger van and eight-seat vehicle. The engine and gearbox came from the Volkswagen Beetle and it offered a maximum payload of 750kg. In 1951, the iconic “Samba” model was revealed with all-round windows and folding sunroof, and a year later a pick-up version was unveiled. Production moved from Wolfsburg to Hanover in 1956, with some models built in Brazil. By 1967, around 1.9 million people had purchased the T1 with its “splittie” windscreen, making it a global success. T2: 1967 to 1979With the T1 forging its name as something of a cultural icon during the swinging sixties era, the successor had a lot to live up to. The T2 took the design and utility of the van forward with a new front end and air intake grille. A sliding door was now standard, and the pop-up roof camper version became an instant hit with globetrotters. In 1972, the T2 went electric with a zero-emission version available to buy. During its run, 2.14 million vehicles were built at the Hanover plant. Production continued until 2013 at the Volkswagen plant in Sao Paulo. T3: 1979 to 1992The T3 took the famous vehicle into the modern era with a wider body offering, more passenger and cargo space and improved safety. A flat engine, available in diesel, was introduced adding to the spaciousness while a new chassis offered car-like handling. In 1985, a raft of innovations were added: catalytic converters, turbochargers and all-wheel drive, while the California and Caravelle became popular. In total, 1.3 million T3s were made in Hanover. T4: 1990 to 2003This generation marked a technical revolution with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles making the T4 front-engine and front-wheel drive for the first time. With this came a new design, longer front end, new suspension, more varied engine choice and even better handling. The Transporter was also available in two wheelbases for the first time. Following a 1996 mid-model refresh, the T4 was phased out in 2003 having sold 1.9 million models across the range, which had grown to feature the panel van, kombi, double cab, pickup and chassis with single and double cab, Caravelle, Multivan and California. T5: 2003 to 2015The T5 was an evolution of exterior design with greater focus placed on the interior and the driver’s workplace as well as a variety of petrol and diesel engines and an all-wheel drive system. The California was built in Hanover for the first time, while Caravelle and Multivan continued to be popular choices alongside a number of limited-edition models. In total, 1.65 million T5s were produced. T6 / T6.1: 2015 to 2019 / 2019 to presentNew engines, intelligent driver assistance systems, new infotainment and a front-end redesign have defined the modern T6 era – while the two-tone paint scheme serves as a nod to the original model. In 2019, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brought the iconic van into the digital age with a new dashboard design, a raft of technology and connectivity updates as well as a new power steering system and additional efficient, clean turbodiesels. The New Transporter: Available in 2025The new Transporter will be unveiled at the IAA in Munich later this year, and available to the market in early 2025. The newest iteration of this iconic vehicle will have a significantly longer and wider load compartment, with a digital cockpit landscape as standard to meet all the requirements of today’s working world in the commercial vehicle. The British connectionDecades before the Transporter took off in the UK, a senior British army officer, Major Ivan Hirst was placed in charge of redelivering the Volkswagen factory, post-war. He brought the idea of introducing a load-carrying vehicle inspired by the classic Beetle platform. This extended onto the creation of a flat-bed truck – dubbed the Plattenwagen – to move parts around the factory. In the mid-1940s, Ben Pon, a Dutch importer, gravitated towards the truck which led to the proposed idea of a more developed panel van version. For more details on Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ award-winning range of products and services, or to find your nearest Van Centre, please visit www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk. (ends) Press contactVolkswagen Commercial Vehicles Press Team Laura Bignall 07557 758617Jess Bowden-Eyre 07734 855245Amy Allen 07983 535116 Press and Public RelationsVolkswagen Commercial VehiclesYeomans DriveBlakelandsMilton KeynesMK14 5AN Telephone 01908 601478www.vwpress.co.uk About Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles:70 years ago, the first Transporter arrived in the UK, creating a blueprint which others would follow: a van which gets the job done efficiently and reliably. Today, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles offers a diverse model range of commercial as well as passenger carrying and lifestyle models – from the compact Caddy, the evergreen Transporter and…

GKN Automotive signs Virtual Power Purchase Agreement with Recurrent Energy, covering 65% of European electricity load

Industry News

GKN Automotive has signed a Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA) with Recurrent Energy covering 65% of its European electricity load This development is a key step in the company’s SBTi-approved targets to reduce its direct Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions (Scope 1 and 2) by 45% by 2030 and achieve net zero across the entire value chain by 2045 The agreement facilitates the supply of approximately 2 million megawatt-hours (MWh) of renewable electricity to the European grid over a 10-year period London, UK, 10 July 2024 – GKN Automotive, the global leader in drive systems, has announced a significant step towards decarbonising its electricity usage by signing a Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA)1 with global renewable energy developer and subsidiary of Canadian Solar, Recurrent Energy. The 10-year VPPA agreement will cover 65% of GKN Automotive’s European electricity load and 30% of its global load, significantly contributing to the company’s commitment to using 50% renewable electricity globally by 2025 and 75% by 2030. The joint agreement with Recurrent Energy will establish The Rey I project, a new2 large-scale solar farm in Spain, which will contribute towards the increased supply of renewable electricity to the Spanish grid – simultaneously contributing to the decarbonisation of the European grid. The project will facilitate the supply of approximately 200,000 MWh of renewable electricity to the European grid annually, reaching approximately 2 million MWh over the 10-year agreement. GKN Automotive will receive Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs) equivalent to 65% of its European 2023 electricity usage. This development is a key step in the company’s SBTi-approved targets to reduce its direct Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions (Scope 1 and 2) by 45% by 2030 and achieve net zero across its entire value chain by 2045. GKN Automotive is actively pursuing further VPPAs across Europe and South America, with the aim of further decarbonising its electricity usage across its global operations. Dr. Clare Wyatt, Chief People, Communications & Sustainability Officer at GKN Automotive, said: “Signing this VPPA with Recurrent Energy underscores our commitment to achieving our 2045 net zero ambition and contributing to the decarbonisation of the industry. It reflects our intention to continue to drive a cleaner, more sustainable world, through supporting projects that add to the supply of renewable electricity.” Ismael Guerrero, CEO of Recurrent Energy, added: “Recurrent Energy is pleased to support GKN Automotive’s commitment to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2045. Recurrent Energy has a long track record of executing projects at scale for major worldwide customers, and we thank GKN Automotive for trusting us with their first VPPA in Europe. This virtual power purchase agreement exemplifies the dedication of both companies to invest in renewable energy projects that not only benefit operations but also contribute to the broader goal of combatting climate change.” Schneider Electric, a global leader in corporate renewable energy procurement and carbon management, advised GKN Automotive in the project selection and VPPA negotiations. John Powers, Vice President, Global Renewables at Schneider Electric, said: “We are excited to support our client in this landmark renewable energy endeavor. This collaboration demonstrates the immense potential of VPPAs in driving sustainability efforts and accelerating the transition to renewable energy on a global scale.”

Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 completes EV Rally tour around the A-Z of Britain

Industry News

A battery-powered Mercedes-Benz eActros tractor unit has proved its readiness for work in the UK by completing a gruelling five-day, 1,400-mile journey around the country. Hauling a standard road trailer, and fully freighted at 40 tonnes GVW, the eActros 600 easily saw off the challenge of this year’s EV Rally event. Held from July 1-5, EV Rally 2024 saw 50 vehicles of varying sizes and types set off from Oldbury in the West Midlands, on a tour that took in visits to 26 locations corresponding to every letter of the alphabet – albeit with some creative licence when it came to the letters x and z. Although the event was open to all electric vehicles, just two trucks took part and the eActros was the only tractor unit. Day one involved a 258-mile drive via five intermediate checkpoints to finish in Carlisle. Day two’s route covered 285 miles, ending at the Daimler Truck UK complex at Wentworth Park, near Sheffield. Day three held the longest single day’s drive, at 366 miles on a circuitous route to Cambridge, while the fourth instalment saw participants cover 315 miles to Exeter. Finally, the last stint of 265 e-miles brought the participants through Wales to the finish line in Chester. The eActros also visited many of the national network of Mercedes-Benz truck dealers on its journey around the country. Daimler Truck UK Head of Future Sustainability, James Venables, was among the eActros driving team. He was interviewed at the end of day two by Sara Sloman, of the EV Rally Media Crew, who observed: “You’ve definitely stolen the show this year – whenever the eActros turns up, heads turn.” James agreed and added: “The truck is big, bold and exciting and taking part in this event has been great fun but, more importantly, we’ve proved that our engineers are right when they say the truck can cover 500 km on a single charge. “The EV Rally is all about showcasing today’s electric vehicles and the fact that a multi-day marathon journey is very much achievable, using the current network of charging points. As the national infrastructure develops that will only get easier. “With its fantastic range ability, potentially boosted even further by energy recovery through recuperation, we believe our eActros 600 could have completed each day’s course without the need for any additional recharging – but in the spirit of the event, to show how easy it is to top up during a day’s work, we did stop at some of the designated charge points. Using a 350 kW charger we were able to top up to 60% in about an hour, which was very impressive.” James continued: “What we demonstrated, without doubt, is that the eActros 600 is perfectly capable of slotting into most UK road transport applications seamlessly, offering an option that’s entirely free of exhaust emissions while also being exceptionally smooth, quiet and comfortable to drive.” The Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 is available to order now through the manufacturer’s national Dealer Network, with production starting in December.

New Continental GT Speed to make global debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed

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Public debut of new Continental GT Speed confirmed for this year’s Festival of Speed, supporting Goodwood theme of “Horseless to Hybrid – Revolutions in Power” New Continental GT Speed set the unofficial ‘Underwater Speed Record’ of 208 mph / 335 km/h – likely the fastest recorded speed through a tunnel in the world Bespoke ‘FOShtank’ to showcase the new car, and the Underwater Speed Record film, with new behind-the-scenes footage from the project Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain with 782 PS and 1000 Nm Record achieved using SUSTAIN second-generation renewable biofuel in the longest, deepest sub-sea road tunnel in the world (Crewe, 9 July 2024) The new, fourth-generation Continental GT Speed will make its global public debut at this week’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. Fresh from claiming an unofficial ‘Underwater Speed Record’ – believed to be the fastest a car has ever travelled through a tunnel – the 208 mph / 335 km/h daily supercar will appear at the event in both coupe and convertible versions and run on the famous Goodwood Hill Climb twice a day from Thursday until Sunday. Along with the two examples of the new Continental GT Speed that will appear on the Hill Climb at Goodwood, a third car will be on display at the Festival of Speed in a unique way to celebrate the underwater speed record. The ‘FOShtank’ is a bespoke version of the glass ‘Toy Box’ display units that Bentley utilises across it’s Dream Factory campus in Crewe, England, but modified to include a custom-built fish tank in a tongue-in-cheek take on the underwater theme. The Tourmaline Green Continental GT Speed display car will appear behind a three-tonne fish tank containing 1,400 litres of water and 30 Shubunkins and other goldfish. Two separate tanks together weigh more than three tonnes when full, with the water held back by 80 mm thick acrylic sheets. Each tank is flow-rated and filtered to ensure the water is clean, and an on-site aquarium specialist will be looking after the welfare of the 30 occupants over the course of the Festival of Speed. The back wall of the display will house a large, outdoor LED screen that will play both the Underwater Speed Record launch film and a new behind-the-scenes look into how the record was achieved. The Underwater Speed Record – Behind The ScenesOn 18 April, the new Continental GT Speed achieved its top speed through the 14.5 km Ryfylke tunnel in Norway – the longest road tunnel, and deepest sub-sea tunnel of any kind in the world, with its lowest point 292 metres below sea level. Powered by Bentley’s new Ultra Performance Hybrid electrocharged powertrain, the new Continental GT Speed was able to deploy all 782 PS and 1000 Nm with ease, running on Coryton’s SUSTAIN second-generation renewable biofuel and a hybrid battery charged with electricity from Bentley’s own solar panel array. The new class-leading powertrain delivers extreme performance with more horsepower and more torque than the outgoing W12, together with a significant drop in CO2 to 29 g/km. In turn, this provides an extraordinary range of driving capability, from extreme performance to silent and effortless electric luxury. 13 months of preparation and planning was needed to achieve the high-speed tunnel run safely. Every new Continental GT Speed can reach its top speed without modification beyond inflation of the tyres to the correct high-speed pressure, but for the run in the confines of the tunnel, extra precautions were needed. The first step was to secure the right tunnel. The Ryfylke Tunnel near the town of Stavanger in Norway was the perfect candidate, being relatively straight, smooth and with large reserves of length. Bentley is grateful to the support of the Norwegian highways authority (Statens Vegvesen) and the local Stavanger police for their unwavering support of the project, in securing both the tunnel and the permit required to exceed the speed limit. The physics of the car at ‘Vmax’ (top speed) in a 10 metre-wide tube were simulated using Computational Fluid Dynamics, revealing that aerodynamic drag would be 11 per cent higher in the tunnel. The aerodynamic loadings on the car were also affected by the shock waves and wake of the car bouncing off the tunnel walls, meaning that Bentley’s body engineers also had to assess the atypical forces on the panels around the car. Simulation showed the importance of running the car in the centre of the tunnel – proximity to the sides would accelerate the flow of air between the car and tunnel wall, creating a suction that would pull the closer ever closer to the wall. The Vmax car – prepared exclusively for the high-speed runs with a roll cage and bucket seats – was fitted with 22” Pirelli tyres that had been x-rayed to check for any inconsistencies beneath the surface. The car was driven for the run by former British Rally champion Mark Higgins, who holds the lap record around the Isle of Man TT course. The top speed runs were carried out at a local time of 01:00 in the morning, when closing one of the two tunnels would cause minimum disruption to local traffic, which was routed to the spare tunnel to avoid delays. Despite the increased drag, the new Continental GT Speed accelerated from standstill to 335 km/h in just 33 seconds, and was able to hold top speed for as long as the film’s director, Jon Richards (formerly of Top Gear) required.

Media advisory: Global unveil of first INEOS Grenadier by Arcane Works at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed

Industry News

INEOS Automotive is unveiling the first model by Arcane Works, a unique service curating exclusive, limited editions of INEOS Automotive’s award-winning Grenadier 4X4, at 10.45am (BST) on Thursday 11 July. The new bespoke service and latest addition to the Grenadier model line-up will be unveiled during a short press conference at INEOS Automotive’s Outpost stand (between the cricket pitch and Entry Gate 1), alongside a range of never-before-seen special editions, one-off experimental projects and prototypes. The growing range of Grenadier models will also feature in a very special run up the hillclimb route at around 1:40pm. The exclusive INEOS off-road driving course in the nearby Goodwood Halnaker Chalkpit returns for 2024, allowing media to get behind the wheel of a Grenadier throughout the festival. This year, the line-up of test vehicles also includes the newly-launched Grenadier Quartermaster double cab pick-up. Pre-booking for quarry drives is recommended as demand is high. Please call Sophie Charman (+44 7706 364464) or email ineos@pfpr.com to reserve a slot; or visit the INEOS Outpost stand.

Hyundai Motor Group and University of Oxford establish Foresight Centre to shape long-term vision and strategy

Industry News

Oxford-Hyundai Motor Group Foresight Centre to leverage the University of Oxford’s unique approach to future studies, emphasizing ideal values for tomorrow’s community and contributing to understanding of emerging trends Utilizing insights from the Foresight Centre, the Group aims to navigate geopolitical shifts and risks, define the direction of its long-term research, and foster influential networking opportunities The Group is focused on cultivating unique capabilities to shape the future across various industries, reinforcing its role as a first mover in the global market LONDON/SEOUL, July 9, 2024 – Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) and the University of Oxford held an opening ceremony for the Oxford-Hyundai Motor Group Foresight Centre at Oxford’s historic Convocation House on July 8 to mark a new partnership between the two organizations. Based at Saïd Business School, the Foresight Centre will support exploring the Group’s long-term vision and strategic direction. It will strengthen the Group’s ability to proactively shape the future and identify critical focus points to address future geopolitical shifts and risks in advance. The Centre will conduct innovative research to advance progress for humanity and facilitate interdisciplinary conversations between government agencies, academia and industry experts to develop long-term insights into future societal trends. The University of Oxford, renowned for its Oxford Scenario Planning Approach (OSPA), has strong expertise in reshaping industry perspectives and conceiving long-term corporate directions. “This is an exciting and important partnership with the Hyundai Motor Group, that will see our world leading research and academics shape the future of business through values-based research. Hyundai Motor Group’s vision to pursue a better future for humanity very much aligns with our School’s values, and we look forward to a fruitful and mutually enriching collaboration,” said Professor Soumitra Dutta, Dean of Saïd Business School, at the opening ceremony. Attendees from Hyundai Motor Group included Gyun Kim, Executive Vice President of HMG Business Intelligence Institute, and Heung-Soo Kim, Executive Vice President of Global Strategy Office. From the University of Oxford, attendees included Professor Soumitra Dutta, Dean of Saïd Business School, Professor Jonathan Reynolds, Deputy Dean of Saïd Business School, Professor Rafael Ramirez, Director of the Oxford Scenarios Programme, Professor Trudi Lang, Senior Fellow in Management Practice, and other school officials. “The automotive industry is undergoing a paradigm shift and significant changes in business environments, leading to unprecedented uncertainty,” said Gyun Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of Hyundai Motor Group Business Intelligence Institute, speaking at the event. “In such times, it is crucial for companies to move away from an experience-based approach and adopt a long-term perspective to identify large-scale future trends. We expect that the Foresight Centre will play a significant role in cultivating a multifaceted and comprehensive perspective on the future within organizations.” Heung-Soo Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Strategy Office at Hyundai Motor Group also added, “Hyundai Motor Group is committed to proactively shaping an ideal direction for future communities to build a better world for humanity. We will foster unique capabilities to lead the way as a first mover in the global market, embarking on this ambitious journey not only for the next generation but also those to come.” Specialized programs, such as the Oxford Scenarios Programme and Oxford Futures Forum, will be implemented to share these insights across the Group, ensuring strategic alignment and forward-thinking leadership. Furthermore, the Foresight Centre will engage with the Group’s open innovation network across key locations, including the United States, China, India, Germany, and Singapore. This collaboration will contribute to the expansion of the Group’s ecosystems in realizing its envisioned future. The Foresight Centre will be directed by Professor Rafael Ramirez, widely respected for his expertise in future scenario planning, and co-directed by Titular Associate Professor Trudi Lang, who also brings extensive knowledge and experience in strategic foresight. Ramirez previously chaired the Global Agenda Council at the World Economic Forum and provided strategic future scenario planning counsel to industry leaders, such as Royal Dutch Shell. Trudi Lang has also held strategic foresight positions at prominent global organizations, such as the World Economic Forum and the OECD Secretariat. Through this collaboration with the University of Oxford, the Group will establish a foundation for actively designing and realizing its future goals, navigating a transformative global landscape of technological innovation. This partnership is expected to solidify the Group’s leadership in the future mobility industry, going beyond short-term predictions to proactively shape the future.

Auto makers can drive UK’s green growth agenda with carbon emissions halved

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Hi-res charts available via Dropbox: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/xe18nsd2y61ssn7woqnwg/AFpviusogZFNVoQJKkYj6Qc?rlkey=4lp7qiquw36hyo27kkushfrw9&st=xzhuii6b&dl=0 25th automotive Sustainability Report shows UK vehicle manufacturers surpass major milestone with CO2 emissions per vehicle produced halved since 1999. More vehicles made but less energy used in 2023 with an -18% decline in CO2 emissions from factory production. Enhancing UK’s competitiveness could help deliver more than a million British-built zero emission vehicles every year by 2035. Tuesday 9 July, 2024 Britain’s automotive sector is today urging the new Labour government to use the industry’s decarbonisation success to the UK’s economic advantage, as a new report shows direct carbon emissions from vehicle factories halved over the past 25 years – helping position the country as the ideal place to produce the next generation of zero emission vehicles. The 25th Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) Sustainability Report, published today, shows the amount of CO2 directly emitted in vehicle production more than halved (-54%) compared with 1999 levels – a major milestone achieved through massive industry investment. At the same time, the amount of energy and water used per vehicle was slashed by -18.0% and -17.7% respectively last year, with usage now -33% and -42% below 1999 levels. UK manufacturers are also helping cut on-road emissions with record volumes of electrified vehicles leaving factory lines in 2023, as output rose by almost half (48.0%).1 Recent independent analysis suggests that, with the right investment conditions, by 2035 more than a million ZEVs a year could be rolling off UK factory lines – exported worldwide and fuelling billions of pounds of domestic economic growth.2 With the new government’s commitment to an industrial strategy and its already published Automotive Sector Plan, SMMT’s new report signposts the UK’s green growth potential – with automotive its driving force. Collaboration will be crucial, making the UK even more globally competitive, attracting investment not just in finished vehicle manufacturing but in its supply chains and adjacent sectors. Providing more sustainable and affordable energy is pivotal, as are free and fair trade agreements which promote UK-made products globally while ensuring access to critical raw materials. A mass UK market for ZEVs is also needed given manufacturers seek to locate close to where their products are sold. Meanwhile, a diverse and skilled workforce that can design, build, manufacture, maintain and repair ZEVs is fundamental to a successful transition. Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “Britain’s automotive sector has been cutting carbon for decades and this new milestone is significant, not just for industry but for the nation’s move to net zero. We look forward to working with the new government to deliver its green growth agenda that puts Britain at the front of the queue for global investment and sustainability leadership. Automotive can be the driving force behind this strategy, reducing carbon emissions still further while growing the economy, improving air quality and delivering new jobs and skills for people across the country.” The automotive industry is vital to the wider UK economy, with auto-related manufacturing worth £93 billion and delivering £22 billion value added, while typically investing around £4 billion a year in research and development. The sector includes more than 25 manufacturers building over 70 vehicle models, plus specialist small volume manufacturers, supported by some 2,500 supply chain businesses. As a result, the industry’s contribution to employment is significant, with more than 198,000 jobs directly in manufacturing and 813,000 in total across the automotive industry. Many of these are outside London and the Southeast with wages around 13% above the UK average. Automotive also supports jobs in key sectors such as steel, chemicals, plastics, rubber, advertising, finance and logistics. 7 MEASURES TO MAKE SUSTAINABILITY A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE IN THE UK: Publishing a green automotive transformation strategy that sets out a holistic, joined-up approach and provides a pathway towards the UK automotive industry’s ultimate sustainability and circularity goals Introducing a package of fiscal, tax and regulatory support measures that attract new investment and ensures domestic vehicle producers are globally competitive Providing support and guidance to empower a sustainable, transparent UK supply chain Mobilising a skilled, diverse, empowered UK workforce Developing a UK regulatory ecosystem in partnership with business that is ambitious, deliverable and harmonised with global regulatory requirements and international sustainability objectives Ensuring UK sustainability data requirements match the high ambitions of automotive companies operating across global markets Maintaining and further supporting access to critical raw materials and cross-border trade, building supply chain resilience to attract investment in zero emission and sustainability technologies Notes to editors1 https://media.smmt.co.uk/december-2023-uk-car-manufacturing2 SMMT Vision 2035, page 7 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 more than 140 countries importing UK produced vehicles, 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. 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…