Renault boasts over 10 years of success in developing and selling electric vehicles which, in combination with its experience in Formula One and its enthusiastic and passionate engineering, testing and control teams, has led to the development of the innovative E-TECH hybrid powertrains.
When Renault launched its first electric vehicle in 2010, it also set about gaining experience with electrified powertrains – to develop hybrid technology that would provide customers with a smooth transition towards going all-electric. To do this, the engineers needed to demonstrate that they had the ideal solution for meeting a particular set of specifications.
It needed to be accessible, light, suitable for vehicles of all sizes and offer a minimum all-electric range of 31 miles. In other words, it needed to deliver an effective hybrid solution for all. Introduced in 2020 across Clio, Captur and Megane models – and also featuring in the All-New Arkana – the story behind E-TECH’s development is both unusual and inspiring.
Nicolas Fremau, Renault’s Hybrid Architecture Expert, looks back at how the E-TECH story all started with a LEGO model.
Taking inspiration from a LEGO model For Nicolas Fremau, it was important to consider the electric motor as the main component in the hybrid powertrain, enabling the car to start up purely in EV mode. This presented a challenge in working out what transmission should be used between the electric motor and petrol engine. With the need to keep things simple, compact and light, he imagined a radical solution. It was to use a clutchless transmission with gearbox synchronisers, utilising dog clutch technology normally found in motorsport.
“When I saw my son playing with LEGO Technic sprockets at home, I said to myself ‘well, it’s not so far from what I’d like to do’. So, I bought what I needed piece by piece to have all the assembly elements”, says Nicolas.
He used the Christmas holidays to make a model of the innovative transmission out of LEGO that he’d first imagined on paper. He explains: “I had the idea of doing this first to help me understand what to do. After about twenty hours of ‘work’ under the slightly surprised eye of my son, the model was born.”
This wasn’t a case of just fitting bricks together. Nicolas had to assemble the different axes and transmission rings, glue them and drill them to fit into a cradle, as well as motorise the whole system. It was a piece of engineering that allowed him to live-test the different modes of operation between the engines.
The process of trialing the possible modes of operation also allowed Nicolas to discover new ones that he hadn’t previously thought of in theoretical analysis. This strengthened his conviction that he was on the right track with this prototype – most likely the least expensive in Renault’s history – which is as surprising and unexpected as the technical solution was innovative.
It was a gamble presenting this model to the team, project manager Gérard Detourbet, who was the ‘father’ of the first Dacia range and knew all about simplified, low-cost solutions, and Director of Research Rémi Bastien.
“Renault has always been a very open company, especially when it comes to research. But the day I brought the model to the Gérard Detourbet and Rémi Bastien, I didn’t know how they would react. They walked around the model, they touched it and they felt that we had a real object. And I will always remember Gérard Detourbet’s remark: ‘If we can make it in LEGO, it will work!’”
This green light meant Nicolas and his colleagues had to make the commitment to bring this concept to life in a car that would be on sale in just 18 months. “It was a challenge for the entire research engineering department, with the mobilisation of the skills of people in Control, Mechanical Design etc.”, recalls Nicolas Fremau.
For the small team of enthusiasts committed to Renault’s electrified future, and this new hybrid powertrain as part of it, the hard work had just begun.
The electric vehicle revolution is in danger of becoming a plaything for speculators and risks losing its focus on making the most significant contribution to climate change since the car was invented, according to Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO, the Swedish electric performance car brand.
Speaking at the Shanghai International Auto Show, Thomas Ingenlath welcomed the growing numbers of players in the electric vehicle industry, but urged them to get their priorities straight by putting climate change before pushing for a sky-high market valuation.
“What is at stake here is not how much financiers think a company is worth, but the chance to revolutionise the auto industry, turn it electric and at the same time make a huge contribution to protecting the climate. Put against these important themes, a market valuation is a very insubstantial and meaningless marker of success,” said Ingenlath.
Ingenlath welcomed growing investor interest in the EV sector, but cautioned that it is too easy to focus on paper value rather than industrial reality.
“The pathway to a cleaner planet passes through our design studios, our research departments, our factories, our supply chains and our boardrooms. We in the auto industry need to stay focused on what we are doing and why. The more speculative the EV sector becomes, the deeper our responsibility is to make sure that we stay grounded in the actual business of making the cars that will revolutionise the industry,” Ingenlath told his audience in Shanghai.
Polestar announced a week before the show that it had raised USD550m from a group of long-term financial investors, the first time external investors have backed Polestar’s cars, brand, industrial capability, financial ambitions and high growth potential.
Since launch three-and-a-half years ago, Polestar has developed its own high-quality manufacturing capability in China, built a global sales and distribution operation and successfully launched two vehicles, the Polestar 1 and Polestar 2, to positive customer feedback and media reviews.
“It frankly amazes me that there are companies out there that are worth billions of dollars and have never made a car. I would like to today state clearly that the electric mobility revolution needs to be grounded in reality, not dreams,” Ingenlath continued.
The market for electric cars is growing strongly, with consumers increasingly prepared to combine electric mobility with their environmental aspirations. At the same time, the technologies behind electric cars are advancing and becoming more economical.
“These powerful trends mean that the automotive industry is now in a position to make the most significant contribution to positive climate change in history,” continued Ingenlath.
“Of course. we want to talk about growth. But by that I do not mean growth in investment levels, valuations or price-to-earnings multiples. I mean real growth. Growth in consumers switching to EVs and growth in harmful emissions being eradicated,” Ingenlath concluded.
Hyundai Motor Company will unveil the all-new Kona N at it’s first-ever Hyundai N Day, a digital showcase for its high-performance N Brand, on April 27, 2021.
Kona N is not only the latest addition to Hyundai’s growing high-performance N line-up but is also the first N model with an SUV body type. With a powerful combination of versatility, spirited acceleration, agility and racetrack capability, Kona N stands to change what people expect from an SUV. The all-new Kona N will be presented by Albert Biermann, President and Head of R&D Division at Hyundai Motor Group.
The company will use N Day as a platform for sharing the N brand high-performance philosophy, introduce the new brand claim, share news about upcoming N models, and talk about its future e-performance direction. This part will be presented by Thomas Schemera, Executive Vice President and Head of Customer Experience Division.
“We are very excited to unveil the KONA N, a true hot SUV with all the driving fun N offers,” Till Wartenberg, Vice President and Head of N Brand Management & Motorsport Sub-Division at Hyundai Motor Company said. “With our first ever N Day, we aim to continue the story of N and share our vision with this digital format to further engage with our enthusiasts.”
Hector now gets climate control via Apple watch as well as Android and IOS Phone app, allowing users to set car temperature remotely to a preferred temperature.
In line with MG’s commitment to be at the forefront of the Auto-Tech Space, Hector 2021 was introduced with an upgraded i-SMART with Hinglish Voice commands. MG Hector 2021 is equipped with engine start alarm and an in-car voice alert for critical tyre pressure. The internet SUV can now also understand & respond to 35+ Hinglish commands that control various in-car functions such as Sunroof (“Khul Ja Sim Sim”), FM (“FM Chalao”), AC (“Temperature Kam kar do”) & many more.
MG Hector 2021 comes with 60+ Connected car features with newly added features like i-SMART app on Apple watch, voice search for songs in Gaana app, Wi-Fi connectivity, Weather forecast by Accuweather, & many more.
MG Hector continues to come with 25+ safety and security features as standard including Electronic Stability Program, Traction Control, Hill Hold Control, Rear Wiper & Washer and Rear Defogger.
Bentley Motors introduced a new flagship version of the ultimate, open-top Grand Tourer – the Continental GT Speed Convertible. The performance-orientated Speed model is the most powerful, driver-focused interpretation of the benchmark convertible Bentley Grand Tourer.
The third generation Continental GT Speed Convertible features an enhanced version of Bentley’s renowned 6.0-litre W12 TSI engine, delivering an outstanding and increased 650 bhp (659 PS), 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds (0‑100 kmph in 3.7 seconds) and a top speed of 208 mph (335 kmph). The new open-air Grand Tourer joins its coupe sibling – the Continental GT Speed, unveiled last month – at the pinnacle of the Continental family.
Designed, handcrafted and engineered in Bentley’s carbon neutral luxury automotive factory, the new GT Speed Convertible offers enhanced chassis technology, including All-Wheel Steering, an electronic rear differential and the option of carbon ceramic brakes. This helps deliver superior vehicle agility and confidence without impacting on the Continental GT Convertible’s acclaimed ride comfort.
The Continental GT Speed Convertible is fitted with a tailored, ‘Z-fold’ roof that can be deployed or stowed in just 19 seconds, transforming it from a luxurious coupe to an open-top Grand Tourer at the touch of a button.
Distinguishing this Grand Tourer as a pinnacle performance model, the Continental GT Speed Convertible offers unique exterior and interior detailing, including Speed sport sills, Dark Tint grilles and Speed badging. Customers can also choose from three finishes to the unique 22” forged Speed wheels.
Inside a luxuriously appointed cabin, the new Continental GT Convertible model includes Speed badging on the passenger fascia, an Alcantara steering wheel and a unique color split trim in Hide and Alcantara.
Chris Craft, Member of the Board for Sales and Marketing at Bentley Motors, comments: “The new Speed is the most driver-focused Continental GT Convertible available and unique in its ability to offer extremely refined, all-season open-top Grand Touring with the added edge of astonishing performance and dynamism.
“Combined with exquisite, handcrafted interior details, the Continental GT Speed Convertible exemplifies all Bentley knows about creating the world’s most stylish and elegant cars for roof-down motoring.”
New Technologically Advanced Chassis
Cutting-edge chassis technology gives the third generation GT Speed Convertible unrivalled control and accuracy, and inspires confidence even further.
Maintaining Bentley’s philosophy of the vehicle feeling progressive and secure, yet still be dynamic, this approach rewards drivers of all abilities. To achieve this philosophy in BENTLEY and COMFORT mode, overall grip is balanced between the front and rear wheels, in SPORT this mode was calibrated with a more rear-biased torque–split in all driving scenarios.
Improved cornering dynamics and the extra grip provided by the new systems allows the driver to exit any corner with an increased level of precision and confidence. In turn, the vehicle is able to extract the maximum performance from the available traction to deliver stunning acceleration and composure from the apex. In SPORT mode, the traction management system sends a greater proportion of power to the rear axle to allow for even greater on-throttle control of cornering line.
Working alongside these systems are the key chassis technologies that deliver body control and ride comfort with no compromise to one another – namely Bentley’s three-chamber active air suspension with adaptive damping, and Bentley Dynamic Ride – the 48V active anti-roll control system that Bentley pioneered on the Bentayga and third-generation Continental GT.
This innovative system features powerful electric motors within each anti-roll bar to resist body roll. In their firmest setting, the motors can deliver 959 lb.ft (1300 Nm) in 0.3 secs to counteract cornering forces and keep the body level.
A Carbon Ceramic Brake system was also introduced as an option on the Speed. Using the high-performance material reduces the brake force required for high-speed deceleration and lowers the risk of brake fade. Featuring Active All-Wheel Drive, the traction control and torque distribution was recalibrated in all driver modes to provide a noticeable character shift relative to the standard Continental GT convertible.
Effortless Performance
The new Continental GT Speed Convertible combines high-performance with elegance and luxury. Power is supplied by an uprated version of Bentley’s imperious W12 TSI engine, delivering an outstanding 650 bhp (659 PS) – an increase of 23 bhp (24 PS) – and a remarkable 664 lb.ft (900 Nm) of torque. Such power results in a 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds (0-100 km/h time of 3.7 seconds) and a top speed of 208 mph (335 kmph).
Hand-built in Crewe, the 6.0-litre is the most advanced 12-cylinder engine in the world. Both engine and transmission were recalibrated for the Speed to suit the car’s powerful credentials.
This is most noticeable in SPORT driving mode, where the twin-turbocharged W12 was tuned to keep the engine in the power band longer by upshifting later, or downshifting earlier. This creates a more eager response to driver requirements.
The dual-clutch, eight-speed transmission shift is twice as fast in SPORT mode as in the standard W12 model, befitting a model that takes its place as the performance pinnacle of the Continental GT range. This combines with a greater exhaust character during start up and gear downshifts.
Muscular Exterior Design – Unique Speed Detailing
A statement of true sporting purpose, the new Continental GT Speed Convertible effortlessly blends style with performance intent. The bold presence of the world’s finest open-top Grand Tourer was enhanced even further with unique detailing.
The Speed’s tailored convertible roof can be deployed or stowed in just 19 seconds, with the car travelling at speeds of up to 30 mph (50 km/h).
Speed models add a Dark Tint radiator grille and lower bumper grille, combined with Speed sports sills, a Dark Tint radiator matrix and discreet Speed badging on the front fender.
Unique, 22” Speed wheels are offered in matching Dark Tint, with the choice of Bright Silver or Black Gloss finish. A Jewel Fuel and Oil Filler Cap, plus illuminated BENTLEY display to the outer treadplate are a nod to the Speed’s performance credentials.
Seven exterior roof colors are available, including a contemporary interpretation of traditional British tweed. Black, Blue, Claret and Grey are among the other options. Furthermore, eight interior roof liner finishes are offered, ranging from New Red to Magnolia.
The unique Z-fold convertible roof system is the most advanced of its kind. The roof, with its sealing system improvements and acoustic treatments, contributes to a three-decibel reduction in overall noise levels compared to its predecessor at typical cruising speeds. An entirely new combination of roof insulating materials and operating mechanism, combined with sealing system improvements and acoustic treatments, create a Convertible Grand Tourer that is as quiet as the previous generation Continental GT Coupe.
Exclusive Handcrafted Cabin
The Continental GT Speed Convertible’s luxurious interior offers unrivalled Grand Touring refinement blended with unique Speed detailing, fully revealed to the world when the roof is lowered.
An Alcantara steering wheel and Speed insignia on the passenger fascia are complemented by a unique color split trim in Hide and Alcantara. Customers can further choose from 15 main and 11 secondary hide choices.
Diamond-in-diamond quilting and Speed embroidered headrests hint at the performance characteristics of the most potent Continental GT Convertible, while mono-tone color split with Alcantara/Leather is a no-cost option.
Piano Black veneer is standard in the Speed, with Crown Cut, Dark Stain Burr Walnut and Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus offered as no-cost options. Open-pore Dark Stain Burr Walnut veneer, Crown Cut Walnut and Koa are also available.
Sports pedals and Speed treadplate plaques are fitted as standard, while customers can choose the optional Dark Tint Engine Turned Aluminum console, or a leather alternative to the Speed color split trim and the Speed Colour Specification.
A neck warmer (which is both warmer and quieter than in the previous generation model), is seamlessly integrated into the heated and vented Comfort Seats, optimizing efficiency and airflow around the electrically adjustable headrests. The styling highlight of the new neck warmer is a chrome center vane that stretches the full width of the duct, echoing Bentley’s famous ‘bullseye’ vents. Combined with a heated steering wheel and heated armrests, these sophisticated comfort features create a luxurious driving experience in all environments.
ExxonMobil Lubricants has announced that it has signed an agreement with Nissan Motor India to supply lubricants for the passenger vehicles (PV) aftermarket business.
Commencing in April 2021, ExxonMobil will supply an extensive range of engine oils to Nissan India that is suitable for India’s BS-VI standards, while remaining compatible with older generation BS-III or BS-IV Nissan passenger vehicles. This partnership provides Nissan car owners access to advanced lubricant technology that meets the latest specifications for optimal performance reliability and potential fuel economy benefits.
Speaking on the development, Deepankar Banerjee, CEO, ExxonMobil Lubricants Pvt. Ltd., says, “We are delighted to be Nissan’s trusted partner to provide the latest lubricant technology that helps protect Nissan engines and allows them to run more efficiently. We are honored to be working closely with Nissan’s team to optimize the latest range of engine oils for their specific design needs and offer an excellent experience to their customers. This partnership adds to our continuous efforts to provide consumers with technologically superior and advanced formulated lubricants for their vehicles to keep them performing at their best.”
“We are pleased to be partnering with ExxonMobil, as both companies have core strength areas in their respective fields. This collaboration reiterates our commitment of providing the most advanced technologies to our discerning Indian customers. At Nissan our emphasis has always been to provide customer delight, fill unmet needs, bring innovative technologies for a better future and mutually grow business. The partnership with ExxonMobil is a major step in our effort towards this journey,” says Rakesh Srivastava, MD, Nissan Motor India.
The all-new range of engine oils – Nissan Genuine Parts Motor Oil SAE 0W-20, 5W-30, 10W-30, 10W-40 – includes synthetic and semi-synthetic PV products that were developed by ExxonMobil’s global research and development center through trials and tests to deliver optimum engine performance in different conditions.
Made with ExxonMobil’s proprietary formulation, the latest range of engine oils meets the latest International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC) and American Petroleum Institute (API) standards, and also comes with features such as emissions system compatibility, oxidation stability, deposit control along with sludge and varnish protection, engine durability, wear protection for idle-stop and low-speed pre ignition minimization. The co-developed engine oils will be available through the Nissan service network for all variants of Nissan models.
TVS Motor Company has announced that its two-wheeler exports clocked 100,000 units in March 2021. An increase in motorcycle sales in key markets across the globe has significantly contributed to this achievement.
Commenting on the milestone, Mr. Sudarshan Venu, Joint Managing Director, TVS Motor Company, said, “It is a momentous occasion for TVS Motor as our international two-wheeler business achieved a sales milestone of 100,000 units in March. We are extremely thankful to our esteemed customers, distributors, suppliers and our passionate team who have made this possible. Along with our industry peers, we look forward to continue playing a role in making Indian two and three-wheelers popular and aspirational in many global markets. Over the past months, we have witnessed growth across various geographies with a definite shift to premiumisation. We will strive to keep this momentum going forward as we seek to delight customers with our exciting range of products. Investments in technology and the future of mobility will be important for us in the next phase of our growth and transformation.”
TVS Motor Company has a presence in over 60 countries in geographies across Africa, South East Asia, Indian Sub-Continent, Central & Latin America and is seeking to enter more markets in Europe and North America as well. The company’s key export products include the TVS Apache, TVS HLX series, TVS Stryker series, etc.
TVS owned Norton Motorcycles, in January 2021, announced that the company would move into the most advanced manufacturing facility in the brand’s 123-year history. Norton is currently finalising the construction of its new factory in Solihull and is expected to open by the mid of Q2, 2021 and will mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the English marquee.
Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M) today announced that its recently launched All-New Thar has crossed 50,000 bookings, within just six months of its launch.
With its masculine design, impressive performance, praiseworthy off-road capability, everyday-comfort, technology and safety, the All-New Thar continues to attract not only die-hard Thar enthusiasts, but urban lifestyle-seekers as well. This has opened-up an entirely new set of customers for this iconic 4X4 SUV.
Commenting on the booking milestone, Veejay Nakra, Chief Executive Officer, Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. said, “We are overwhelmed with this unprecedented response that the All-New Thar has garnered; it has, infact, surpassed all our expectations. The wait for the All-New Thar has been longer than expected and we sincerely appreciate our customers’ patience and unwavering confidence in us while we are working with our suppliers to ramp up production in these challenging times.”
The company has fast-tracked the process of increasing production capacity both at its Nasik facility and at the supplier-end to meet the demand for the All-New Thar and reduce the waiting period for customers.
Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M) has unveiled the brand name of its much-awaited SUV, built on the W601 platform, as the XUV700 (pronounced as XUV, 7 double ‘Oh’).
The XUV700 is an all new global SUV set to redefine benchmarks in the SUV segment and get your hearts racing with its sci-fi technology, spirited performance and class leading safety features, reaffirming Mahindra’s commitment towards safety. It will offer both Diesel and Petrol engines in Manual and Automatic transmissions, along with optional All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) capabilities.
Speaking on the brand name announcement, Veejay Nakra, CEO – Automotive Division, M&M Ltd. said, “The XUV700, one of the most awaited offerings from Mahindra is sure to hit the sweet spot with customers. Built on the new W601 platform, XUV700 marks the beginning of the next generation of sophisticated and authentic Mahindra SUVs which will offer an adrenaline rush like never before.”
Speaking on the vehicle, R Velusamy, Chief of Global Product Development, M&M Ltd. said, “A young, passionate team with an obsession for excellence has created the All New XUV700. The XUV portfolio has always stood for creating disruptions and setting new benchmarks with models such as the XUV500 and the XUV300. The XUV700 is built on an all new global SUV platform W601, with expert partners across the world and will boast of first-in-segment technologies and features.”
The XUV700, which is slated to be launched in Q2 FY2022, will be manufactured at the company’s manufacturing facility at Chakan in Maharashtra.
Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd (M&M) has signed an MoU with Mahindra MSTC Recycling Private Limited (MMRPL) towards offering its customers first of its kind end-to-end solution for scrapping of vehicles. MMRPL is engaged in the business of acquiring used/end of life vehicles to dismantle and scrap it under the brand name of CERO.
The agreement with MMRPL will enable customers get a hassle free and transparent deal under one roof. Any customer intending to purchase a new Mahindra Vehicle by scrapping/exchanging the old vehicle which is more than 15 years can do so at any Mahindra dealership. These services would provide utmost convenience to the customer without the need to look for a vehicle scrapping agency/ dealer. This is especially relevant given the new vehicle scrappage policy announced by the Minister for Road, Transport and Highways in the Lok Sabha on 18th March, 2021. The policy is aimed at creating an eco-system to eliminate old and polluting vehicles.
Of the partnership, Veejay Ram Nakra, CEO Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., says, “Our agreement with MMRPL is a step towards delivering customer delight through a convenient, one stop solution for customers who wish to scrap their old vehicle. While the scrappage policy will take effect in some time, we are ready to help the customers who intend to discard their vehicles.”
Mahindra dealerships along with CERO will offer:
Vehicle evaluation
Arrange quote for exchange/scrappage value of the vehicle
Provide end to end services including vehicle pickup, transportation and environment friendly dismantling at CERO Scrap yards
Post this, the Certificate of Deposit/Destruction (COD) will be issued by CERO, which will enable customer to claim eligible benefits under upcoming Scrappage Policy.
Further, given the COVID 19 scenario, to encourage customers to stay at home Mahindra is offering evaluation of the vehicle at doorstep.
On the initiative, Sumit Issar, Managing Director of Mahindra Intertrade Ltd., says, “CEROis India’s first authorized recycler for motor vehicles built on PPP model. We have dismantling centers at Greater Noida, Pune and Chennai and in addition collection centers at major cities such as Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Jaipur and Chandigarh. Further, CERO has plans to have presence in 25 cities within the next 8-10 months. The arrangement with M&M is going to strengthen this reach and benefit all Mahindra vehicle customers who are looking for solutions for scrapping their old vehicles.”
In the recent past, Mahindra with a focus on customer convenience has introduced first of its kind self-evaluation tool – Insta Cash Offer (ICO) as a part of its OWN Online Digital platform. Here customers, at their comfort, can do the self-evaluation of vehicle and get instant offer for their used vehicles. The company has taken several initiatives such initiatives to offer innovative, digital, and flexible options to all segments of its customers.
Mahindra MSTC Recycling Private Limited (MMRPL), is a joint venture between Mahindra Intertrade Ltd. and MSTC Ltd., a Govt of India Enterprise, and has set up India’s First Automotive & Steel Recycling facility under the brand name CERO at Greater Noida in January 2018. It is India’s first organized, fully compliant, pollution free recycling facility. End of life vehicles are collected, depolluted and dismantled at the state-of-the-art facility. The facility embraces a Zero pollution objective and the automated plant has the capacity to recycle old Trucks, Buses, Cars and Two/Three Wheelers and Consumer durables. The recovered raw materials from the vehicles will be supplied to companies that can make use of them, provided they meet the stringent quality and sustainability requirements. Automotive steel is one of the best steels available as it can be easily melted and remade thus helping the case of circular economy.
Power Drive 