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SEAT and Snam partner to support the implementation of natural gas and renewable gas infrastructure, research and development projects

The strategic agreement aims at supporting the implementation of CNG and bio-CNG infrastructure and research and development projects
SEAT is the brand with the most comprehensive CNG vehicle lineup in Europe
Snam is a European leader in gas infrastructure and is developing new refuelling stations

MILAN, 27-Nov-2018 — /EuropaWire/ — SEAT President Luca de Meo and Snam CEO Marco Alverà today signed a strategic agreement in Milan to promote the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) and renewable gas (biomethane) for sustainable mobility, as well as joint research and development projects in this scope. SEAT and Snam share strategic markets such as Italy, France and Austria, which will enable the creation of synergies to boost CNG and bio-CNG as a clean and competitive alternative to traditional fuels.

Concluded within the framework of Snam’s Partners’ Day, the agreement provides that both companies explore business and commercial development opportunities aimed at corporate customers, dealers and consumers to promote the network of gas stations, as well as identify technological projects.

In addition, SEAT and Snam will collaborate in developing mobility services and creating new products, with the goal of offering added value to users of these kinds of vehicles. The strategic agreement, which could extend to other Volkswagen Group brands, also includes the technological development of biomethane, a renewable energy that helps reduce emissions even more.

SEAT President Luca de Meo highlighted that “the agreement with Snam enables us to take steps to democratising CNG. Italy is the leading market in the use of this energy and represents 55% of the sale of vehicles powered with this fuel in Europe this year. For SEAT, one out of every five vehicles sold in Italy uses CNG. With this agreement we aim to further enhance the development of compressed natural gas in Italy and export this success case to other countries.”

Snam CEO Marco Alverà said: “this partnership will strengthen the development of natural gas and biomethane-powered sustainable mobility, both in Italy and across Europe, combining Snam’s innovative infrastructure development, and SEAT’s expertise in rolling out new sustainable models. We believe that natural gas is the most immediate solution to improving air quality in our cities, in addition to having environmental sustainability, performance and economic advantages. The rapid spread of renewable gas has highlighted this. Sustainable mobility is one of the key areas of focus for our 200 million euro investment plan in energy transition businesses”.

CNG, a sustainable alternative

There is an upward trend in the use of compressed natural gas cars in Europe. Italy is the main market with a fleet of approximately 1 million vehicles and 1,300 refuelling stations. SEAT is committed to CNG as an efficient, profitable alternative. The brand currently offers compressed natural gas and petrol hybrid technology with the Mii, the Ibiza, the Leon and the Arona, the only CNG SUV in the world.

Snam has recently inaugurated its first L-CNG filling station in Pesaro, it has about 50 natural gas and biomethane refuelling plants currently in implementation and a pluriennal development plan of approximately 300 new distributors.

Driving with CNG emits 75% less nitrogen oxide compared to a diesel vehicle and 25% less CO2 than one that runs on petrol, and it does away with practically all particulate matter. Mobility with vehicular natural gas is considered environmentally friendly by the European Union, so the benefit of this kind of fuel includes the possibility of accessing European cities when there are traffic restrictions due to pollution. Besides contributing to the fight against climate change, natural gas also ensures significant economic advantages to consumers, as it enables savings of over 30% per kilometre compared to diesel and over 55% in the case of petrol.

SEAT is the only company that designs, develops, manufactures and markets cars in Spain. A member of the Volkswagen Group, the multinational has its headquarters in Martorell (Barcelona), exporting 80% of its vehicles, and is present in over 80 countries on all five continents. In 2017, SEAT obtained an after tax profit of 281 million euros, sold close to 470,000 cars and achieved a record turnover of more than 9.5 billion euros.

The SEAT Group employs more than 15,000 professionals and has three production centres – Barcelona, El Prat de Llobregat and Martorell, where it manufactures the highly successful Ibiza, Arona and Leon. Additionally, the company produces the Ateca and the Toledo in the Czech Republic, the Tarraco in Germany, the Alhambra in Portugal and the Mii in Slovakia.

The multinational has a Technical Centre, which operates as a knowledge hub that brings together 1,000 engineers who are focussed on developing innovation for Spain’s largest industrial investor in R&D. SEAT already features the latest connectivity technology in its vehicle range and is currently engaged in the company’s global digitalisation process to promote the mobility of the future.

Snam is Europe’s leading gas utility. Founded in 1941 as “Società Nazionale Metanodotti”, it has been building and managing sustainable and technologically advanced infrastructure guaranteeing energy security for over 75 years. Snam operates in Italy and, through subsidiaries, Austria (TAG and GCA), France (Teréga) and the United Kingdom (Interconnector UK). It is one of the main shareholders of TAP (Trans Adriatic Pipeline) and is the company most involved in projects for the creation of the Energy Union.

First in Europe by transport network size (over 32,500 km in Italy, about 40,000 with international subsidiaries) and natural gas storage capacity (16.7 billion cubic meters in Italy, about 20 billion with international subsidiaries), Snam manages the first liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant built in Italy and is a shareholder of the country’s main terminal.

Snam’s business model is based on sustainable growth, transparency, nurturing talent, and development of local areas by dialoguing with communities. It fosters sustainable mobility, expands into energy efficiency, and invests in biomethane and innovative technologies to increase the use of renewable gas, a key resource of the green economy.

SEAT Communications
Cristina Vall-Llosada
Head of Corporate Communications
T/ +34 93 708 53 78
M/ +34 646 295 296
cristina.vall-llosada@seat.es
http://seat-mediacenter.com

Snam Communications
Salvatore Ricco
Head of Communications
T/ +39 02 3703 9505
M/ +39 335 7709861
salvatore.ricco@snam.it
www.snam.it

SOURCE: Snam SPA

Volkswagen Touareg is the 30 millionth Volkswagen brand delivery milestone in China

The Volkswagen brand has sold 30 million vehicles in China – the jubilee model is a Touareg

Volkswagen Brand sets record in China, with 30 millionth delivery this November – a Touareg
Stephan Wöllenstein: “This is a unique occasion, and a unique vote of confidence from all our Chinese customers over the years.”
Volkswagen’s product offensive to continue with introduction of 5 new models in 2019 alone; NEV offering to double

GUANGZHOU, China, 20-Nov-2018 — /EuropaWire/ — Volkswagen is speeding up its activities in China, re-energizing the brand under its Move Forward initiative. The brand’s product portfolio was strengthened with no less than 9 new models in 2018. Speaking at Auto Guangzhou 2018, Stephan Wöllenstein, CEO of Volkswagen Brand China, said, “We reached a fantastic milestone this November, as we delivered the 30 millionth Volkswagen – a Touareg – to a customer in China. And to remain the number one choice for Chinese car buyers, as we have been for many years, our product offensive will continue in 2019.”

As one of the pioneering automotive brands in China, Volkswagen delivered some 2,000 cars to Chinese customers in 1985, in a market that totalled 5,100 vehicles. By 1992, cumulative Volkswagen China deliveries had reached 100,000, and in 1997 Volkswagen’s total number of customers exceeded one million. The 5 and 10 millionth customers were greeted in 2006 and 2011, respectively, while in 2015 the 20 millionth Volkswagen found its way to China’s roads. Just three years later, in 2018, another 10 million Volkswagen vehicles have been delivered: in November, the 30 millionth Chinese car buyer chose a Volkswagen. “This is a unique occasion, and a unique vote of confidence from all our Chinese customers over the years,” said Wöllenstein.

With its joint venture partners, FAW-Volkswagen and SAIC VOLKSWAGEN, the brand is committed to providing more choice to meet the varying needs of Chinese consumers. Volkswagen announced the introduction of another 5 models in 2019, including 3 SUVs. Continued Wöllenstein, “Together with our joint ventures, we also will step up our efforts with our NEV offensive in 2019 – introducing 3 locally-produced battery-electric versions of well-known Volkswagen models. We will also introduce one more locally-produced PHEV and the Touareg PHEV from Volkswagen Import.”

SOURCE: Volkswagen AG

MEDIA CONTACT

Peik von Bestenbostel
Head of Volkswagen Communications
Phone: +49 (0) 5361 / 9-26655
Email: peik.bestenbostel@volkswagen.de

SEAT named leader in digital transformation by Financial Times study

The report by the Financial Times singles out 100 leading European companies in the field of digitalisation
The selected companies stand out for their ability to adapt to new technologies in an innovative way
SEAT, recognised for tackling digital challenges in manufacturing

MARTORELL, 23-Nov-2018 — /EuropaWire/ — SEAT has been acknowledged as a leader in digital transformation by a study carried out by the prestigious British daily the Financial Times. This publication, together with Google, Nesta and The Innovation Foundation, selected 100 organisations, people and companies from 4,000 entries, that are spearheading digital transformation in Europe, a key factor in economic growth, job creation and entering new markets. In recognising SEAT, the Financial Times cited the Company’s open innovation programme at its flagship plant in Martorell, to help tackle digital challenges in manufacturing.

SEAT President Luca de Meo stated that “digitalisation is a strategic priority. SEAT is one of the companies that invests the most in R&D in Spain, and has concentrated its efforts on developing new technologies in order to boost productivity and diversify its business. We are working on becoming a benchmark in future mobility. Having been selected by the Financial Times as one of the 100 leading European companies in digital transformation is a significant recognition of the efforts made by the company and the entire team.”

Industry 4.0, key to SEAT’s digitalisation

SEAT is promoting an ambitious transformation process whereby all of its production activities are being adapted to the digital environment with the most disruptive technologies on the market. The Spanish carmaker is developing and applying digital tools and solutions aimed at vehicle production that enable the company to gain in efficiency, flexibility and agility. For example, by implementing artificial intelligence, the use of collaborative robots as well as virtual reality and big data in the Martorell factory to revolutionise vehicle design and production.

Furthermore, SEAT has a biomechanical laboratory which stands out for its contribution to developing more ergonomic workstations. This one-of-a-kind facility in Spain features more than 20 cameras that process workers’ musculoskeletal characteristics in 3D with the aim of preventing pathologies resulting from the production process as well as improving rehabilitation in the event of injuries. In addition, SEAT has implemented training programmes using an innovative method that explains industrial transformation in a way that is easy, interactive and digital. Since the programme began, more than 2.500 employees have attended the courses.

Designing future mobility

In the framework of the Easy Mobility strategy, SEAT’s goal is to build a portfolio of products and services to offer customers new urban mobility solutions. In this sense, SEAT created Metropolis:Lab Barcelona in 2017, a centre of excellence dedicated to researching and developing new urban mobility solutions which is integrated in the Volkswagen Group’s IT Lab network. This year the company launched XMOBA to test and commercialise mobility services. In addition, SEAT acquired Respiro, a pioneering hourly car sharing service in Spain.

Last week at the Smart City Expo World Congress, SEAT presented its latest developments that will contribute to boosting its global transition towards smarter, more sustainable mobility. The initiatives developed by the SEAT Metropolis:Lab include ride-sharing and Bus on Demand, which XMOBA is going to roll out as a pilot test in 2019. Other novelties included the evolution of the SEAT Cristobal concept car, now with 5G technology; the new socially responsible navigation project together with Waze and the Barcelona City Council; and the brand’s first vehicle in its urban micromobility strategy, the SEAT eXS powered by Segway.

SEAT Communications

Cristina Vall-Losada
Head of Corporate Communications
T / +34 93 708 53 78
M/ +34 646 295 296
cristina.vall-llosada@seat.es

Aurora Vidal
International Corporate Communications
T / +34 93 708 40 05
M/ +34 608 483 266
aurora.vidal@seat.es

SOURCE: SEAT, S.A.

TomTom navigation for motorcyclists now available on the BMW Motorrad Connected app

MILAN, 07-Nov-2018 — /EuropaWire/ — TomTom (TOM2) today announced that BMW Motorrad owners can now experience the best of TomTom navigation for motorcyclists running on the BMW Motorrad Connected app. The smartphone app stays safely in the rider’s pocket, while visual directions are shown on the bike’s integrated handlebar display. Audio directions are provided via Bluetooth® into the rider’s compatible helmet.

Features have been motorcycle-optimized, with one of the most requested – the option to choose winding routes – being introduced.

The new functionality is available from today, with app users needing only to update their app, free of charge, before their next ride.

Antoine Saucier, Managing Director, TomTom Automotive, said: “The combination of TomTom’s maps, software and services provides a fantastic motorbike navigation experience for BMW Motorrad riders.”

TomTom’s navigation components are provided to BMW Motorrad via TomTom’s Navigation software, NavKit, alongside TomTom’s NDS maps, and services including TomTom Traffic, weather and Speed cameras.

TomTom is at EICMA 2018 – Pavilion 13, Booth N72.

The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by TomTom is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.

ENDS

About TomTom
TomTom is the leading independent location technology specialist, shaping mobility with highly accurate maps, navigation software, real-time traffic information and services.

To achieve our vision of a safer world, free of congestion and emissions, we create innovative technologies that keep the world moving. By combining our extensive experience with leading business and technology partners, we power connected vehicles, smart mobility and, ultimately, autonomous driving.

Headquartered in Amsterdam with offices in 37 countries, TomTom’s technologies are trusted by hundreds of millions of people worldwide.

www.tomtom.com

SOURCE: TomTom International BV

MEDIA CONTACT
tomtom.pr@tomtom.com
+ 31 (0) 20 7574730

Milestone: ŠKODA AUTO’s Mladá Boleslav plant built its seven millionth MQ 200 gearbox since the plant began manufacturing the transmissions

ŠKODA AUTO is currently investing 65 million euros in stepping up gearbox production
ŠKODA AUTO’s manufacturing of transmissions plays a key role in Volkswagen Group’s production network
Gearbox production is consistently centred on the principles of Industry 4.0

MLADÁ BOLESLAV, 13-Nov-2018 — /EuropaWire/ — ŠKODA AUTO has reached yet another milestone in component production: today, ŠKODA AUTO’s Mladá Boleslav plant built its seven millionth MQ 200 gearbox since the company’s main plant began manufacturing the transmissions in 2000. The Czech car manufacturer makes gearboxes for its own cars as well as for models from other Volkswagen Group brands at its Mladá Boleslav and Vrchlabí plants. Nowadays, gearbox manufacturing follows the principles of Industry 4.0. ŠKODA AUTO is for example focusing on state-of-the-art technologies at both plants to make workspaces more ergonomic and to assist staff.

Michael Oeljeklaus, ŠKODA AUTO Board Member for Production and Logistics, stressed, “The gearboxes made at ŠKODA AUTO demonstrate their high level of quality and manufacturing precision every day, and reliably do their jobs in millions of vehicles. The fact that we have produced seven million MQ 200 transmissions since the start of production in 2000 is convincing proof of the amount of trust that our customers place in our components.”

The manual five- or six-speed MQ 200 gearboxes are designed for engines that deliver torque of up to 200 Nm. ŠKODA AUTO currently manufactures 1,500 units per day on two production lines in Mladá Boleslav. The gearbox comes in no less than 50 different configurations, which are installed in models from various Volkswagen Group brands.

The product portfolio at ŠKODA AUTO currently comprises three types of transmission: in addition to the MQ 200, MQ/SQ 100 gearboxes are also built at the main plant in Mladá Boleslav; ŠKODA AUTO has been producing DQ 200 automatic direct-shift transmissions at its Vrchlabí plant since 2012.

The total production figure for all transmission types made at the Mladá Boleslav and Vrchlabí plants per day is approximately 4,800. To date, ŠKODA AUTO has already produced well over 10 million gearboxes at both plants combined.

ŠKODA AUTO’s manufacturing of transmissions plays a key role in Volkswagen Group’s global production network. Over the course of 2018 and 2019, ŠKODA AUTO is investing more than 65 million euros in gearbox manufacturing in Mladá Boleslav to increase the production capacity of MQ 200 transmissions. Furthermore, in recent years ŠKODA AUTO has invested more than eight million euros in a new test stand area for gearboxes.

Production principles have radically changed since gearbox production began in 2000; nowadays, innovations from Industry 4.0 are used. For example, modern software has since replaced the paperwork originally used in shopfloor management at the main plant in Mladá Boleslav.

12 KUKA robots currently assist staff with assembly by inserting screws or filling the gearboxes with oil, for example.

With its digital shopfloor management and collaboration between employees and robots, ŠKODA AUTO is pressing ahead with the digitalisation of its production – a key pillar of its 2025 Strategy.

SOURCE: ŠKODA AUTO a.s.

MEDIA CONTACT

Jens Katemann
Head of Communications
e: jens.katemann@skoda-auto.cz
t: +420 326 811 880

InMotion Ventures announces its investment in world’s most advanced electric motorcycle, Arc Vector

Arc has pioneered Vector, the most efficient, safest and most fulfilling electric motorcycle experience yet
Vector will be revealed in Milan on 6 November
Vector comes with ground breaking haptic ride-wear and connected HUD helmet

LONDON, 07-Nov-2018 — /EuropaWire/ — InMotion Ventures, Jaguar Land Rover’s venture capital fund, today announces its investment in Arc, which today unveils ‘Vector’ – the world’s first fully-electric motorcycle with Human Machine Interface (HMI). Arc Vector is the most advanced electric motorcycle ever brought to market, using exotic materials, thoroughbred componentry and cutting-edge architecture, wrapped in a futuristic body.

InMotion Ventures, Jaguar Land Rover’s venture capital fund, today announces its investment in Arc, which today unveils ‘Vector’ – the world’s first fully-electric motorcycle with Human Machine Interface (HMI). Arc Vector is the most advanced electric motorcycle ever brought to market, using exotic materials, thoroughbred componentry and cutting-edge architecture, wrapped in a futuristic body.

The investment from InMotion Ventures, along with Mercia Fund Managers, the Proof of Concept & Early Stage Fund which is part of the Midlands Engine Investment Fund, and a number of industry specialist angels, will support Arc with its global ambition for Vector to be the cleanest, safest, and most fulfilling motorcycle on the road.

The brand new bike, will be revealed at the Milan Motorcycle Show today. The Arc show stand will showcase the brand, along with the bike itself and its ground breaking intelligent haptic ride-wear and connected Heads-Up Display helmet. A virtual reality ride experience will also be available for attendees.

The Arc team consists of industry-leading professionals, coming together to develop and build an all-new experience on two wheels.

Mark Truman, Founder & CEO, Arc, said: “Our aim has always been to bring technology, performance and safety together to create an entirely new two-wheeled experience. Vector isn’t just a motorbike; it’s the world’s first fully-electric café racer, it’s an innovative heads-up display helmet and it’s a sensory riding suit – all working in unison to create an experience package like no other. We’re delighted to get the support of InMotion for this exciting launch phase. The team shares our vision and we’re looking forward to working together and creating more ground breaking products.”

Sebastian Peck, Managing Director, InMotion Ventures, said: “Electric vehicles are pivotal for the future of urban mobility, helping people travel through cities quickly and cleanly as possible. We want to make sure that we’re not only changing the way people move but delivering unparalleled outdoor experiences while doing so. With Arc’s technology and vision, the Vector is an incredible development in the next generation of motorcycle travel.”

FURTHER INFORMATION

For further information, contact:

Sally Clift
Senior Manager, Corporate Communications
M: +44 7384 430009 | E: sclift2@jaguarlandrover.com

NOTES TO EDITORS

About Arc

Arc is a jump of electricity. Arc is Arc-hitecture. Arcs are structural as is our monocoque philosophy.

Arc is about the journey – every journey on this planet takes an Arc. Mark Truman is the largest shareholder in Arc. The committed environmentalist, designer and engineer won the Society of Automotive Engineers International Young Engineer of the Year Award in 2005 for his experimental work on motorcycle chassis and swing arm flex and design parameters. He’s also a former Data Acquisition Engineer in top-level racing, during 35 years of motorcycling experience, and has built many of his own road and race machines. Visit www.ourroadis.com

Arc is also on social – find us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook using
@ArcVehicle #OurRoadIs #ADifferentRoad

ZF now offers the broadest range of hybrid and all-electric drive solutions for almost every vehicle segment

ZF supplies electric drives for all vehicle types, ranging from bicycles to 40-ton trucks
The product portfolio ranges from hybrid solutions to all-electric drives.
Integrated E-system solutions, including electronics and peripheral systems.

Friedrichshafen, Germany, 09-Nov-2018 — /EuropaWire/ — ZF is constantly advancing vehicle electrification and has meanwhile come to be known as the world champion of variation with its many integrated system solutions. In fact, ZF now offers the broadest range of hybrid and all-electric drive solutions for almost every vehicle segment. As one of the early e-mobility pioneers, ZF knows what it takes to convert electricity into efficient and dynamic vehicle propulsion.

In 2008, ZF was the first company in Europe to volume-produce hybrid modules – a technology that reduces CO2 emissions by up to 70 percent compared to vehicles with combustion engines. In the meantime, many manufacturers are now producing a variety of car models equipped with the 8-speed plug-in hybrid transmission (8P) that features a longitudinally-mounted drive. A hybrid module that fits into almost any installation space is integrated in the automatic transmission and helps generate 90 kW and 250 Nm torque. It allows hybrid vehicles to accelerate on all-electric power up to 120 km/h maximum speed and – depending on battery capacity – travel a good 50 km. The separating clutch with low drag loss contributes to efficiency by completely decoupling the combustion engine in E-mode. Thanks to its optimized torsional damper, the 8P harmonizes also with downsizing three-cylinder turbo engines.

The 8-speed dual clutch transmission (8DT) shifts more dynamically as it is designed specifically for sports cars with longitudinal or all-wheel drives. ZF is working with Porsche to develop it as an optional plug-in hybrid system that supplies, all electrically, 100 kW and 400 Nm, thus enabling it to reach speeds of 140 km/h without a combustion engine. Torsional damper, separating clutch including actuators and electric motor are housed directly in the clutch bell housing in the 8DT. The all-wheel distributor system is also integrated into the AWD version of the hybrid transmission. It transfers torque to the front axle as needed.

Hybrid for compact and commercial vehicles

The electric axle drive system from ZF, on the other hand, does not impact the transmission, rather is positioned directly in the middle on the axle. Following the “Plug-and-Drive” principle, it brings together decisive system components in a compact module, including an electric motor, a two-stage single-speed spur gear drive along with differential, parking lock, the housing, the cooling unit as well as the power electronics and control software. Integrating the transmission, electric motor and power electronics into one system represents a key competence that ZF can offer its customers as a single-source supplier. In the process, the electric axle drive generates up to 150 kW and 3,500 Newton meters of axle torque. Installed in the vehicle rear, in the ZF “mSTARS” modular rear axle system (stands for “modular Semi-Trailing Arm Rear Suspension”), for example, it transforms the combustion-engine powered passenger car with front-wheel drive into an axle hybrid and electric all-wheel vehicle. In the ZF “eAMT” concept (stands for “electrified Automated Manual Transmission“), it also compensates for any propulsion breaks that occur when shifting gears with an automated manual transmission. The result is a smooth, punchy acceleration that was so far only able to be achieved with considerably more complex hybrid configurations.

Commercial vehicles are also benefiting from electrification thanks to ZF. The TraXon Hybrid automated transmission system, for example, makes 40-ton trucks and coaches up to seven percent more economical. An electric motor with an integrated transmission ratio – positioned between the combustion engine and transmission – supports a maximum 130 kW and 1,200 Nm output torque. While the TraXon Hybrid works on long-distance travel parallel to the diesel drive, it can also function in the city center as well as when maneuvering around bus depots as a quiet stand-alone zero local emissions drive. In generator mode, the hybrid module can supply power to other power units, for example, during refrigerated transports. ZF will begin supplying the TraXon Hybrid to DAF as early as 2019. The hybrid systems described here combine not only the all-electric operating mode, they also support other essential hybrid functions like recuperation, boosting and start-stop.

100-percent electric

ZF is set up just as broadly and systematically for all-electric drives as it is for hybrids. ZF intends to cover the mini-vehicle sector through a joint venture with Sachs Micro Mobility GmbH. Its compact motor, the Sachs RS for pedal-assisted bikes and e-bikes, for example, can be flexibly integrated into different frame shapes. It features 700 Watt and 110 Nm to deliver a powerful tailwind. Even at a low cadence of 60 pedal strokes per minute, it generates a high torque – and can so long-term thanks to intelligent cooling. If the e-motor is not used, two one-way clutches ensure that it generates no resistance.

At the other end of the speed spectrum – in the Formula E motorsports race series – ZF will supply, for the 2018/19 season, the complete drive system for the Venturi team’s fast race car, which reaches up to 280 km/h. It covers the powerful 200 kW electric motor (power limited by regulations) including power electronics, a new race differential as well as a very efficiently toothed motorsport transmission mounted in bearings. Lastly, based for the first time on a one-speed concept, it is 40% lighter than the transmission from last season. The entire system is the first electric axle drive from ZF that was developed purely for use in motorsports.

Full electric range in the rear

The above-described electric axle drive module featuring a maximum 150 kW and 3,500 Nm axle torque will go into volume production for a European automobile manufacturer in 2019. The system is ideal as an all-electric drive for battery-powered, fuel-cell or hybrid electric vehicles. The drive can be used for both the front as well as for the rear axle. It has already proven itself in the field, for example, in the ZF Vision Zero Vehicle as well as in the forward-looking shuttle e.GO Mover, which will go into volume production in 2019.

ZF’s Advanced Urban Vehicle is yet another example of an all-electric drive for small cars. Its propulsion is powered by the electric Twist Beam (eTB), a twist beam rear axle on whose right and left wheels a compact drive unit is integrated, each one generating 40 kW. In the Advanced Urban Vehicle, the eTB plays a major role in enabling the extreme front axle steering angle of up to 75 degrees to be achieved. The drive then supports the steering movement and allows the vehicle to set off by means of individual power distribution on both rear wheels (torque vectoring).

Clean options for urban transport

In case of the AxTrax AVE electric portal axle, which has already been proven multiple times over and is in volume production for low-floor city buses, ZF relies on the concept of the integrated close-to-the-wheel drive. Both liquid-cooled asynchronous motors deliver 2 x 125 kW and 2 x 11,000 Nm that help it master very challenging urban topologies. For the best-possible efficiency and high electric ranges, ZF is offering the AxTrax AVE in a networked system featuring fully integrated inverters and drive control. The electric portal axle covers series hybrids as well as all-electric drives, whether powered by battery, fuel cell or overhead contact line.

In addition, ZF is offering the CeTrax electric central drive for low-floor and high-floor buses. Generating up to 300 kW and 4,400 Nm, it is designed for challenging applications. Moreover, it is impressive due to its weight and efficiency. Thanks to the “Plug-and-Drive” approach, the CeTrax can be integrated into existing vehicle platforms without having to make major modifications to the chassis, axles, statics or differentials. Electricity-driven versions of originally combustion-engine powered bus platforms can be converted with relative ease. The drive control and inverter are also included in the scope of delivery so that the manufacturer gets an optimally coordinated complete system regarding performance, efficiency and service life.

CeTrax lite is the more compact system variant for vans and light commercial vehicles up to 7.5 tons. Considering it generates 150 kW and 380 Nm, it only weighs 120 kg, including a single-speed transmission ratio. For vehicles up to 19 tons, CeTrax mid is available: its two electric asynchronous traction motors installed in parallel positions supply 300 kW and 760 Nm that a two-stage powershift transmission transmits.

E-traction from the trailer

In off-highway applications, ZF has scored major points in farm and construction machines with its electric eTRAC wheel head. This system consists of a liquid-cooled 3-stage asynchronous motor with high power density, a downstream, two-stage transmission and integrated brakes – electrically driven axle systems for trailers or electrically driven jockey wheels for different attachments are possible applications. The distribution of the drive power to additional wheels has diverse advantages: A controlled traction support, for instance, makes working under difficult conditions easier, enlarging the time available for cultivation even under adverse weather conditions or with sodden soil. Furthermore, the tractor needs less tractive force thanks to the electric traction drive – as a consequence, either more powerful attachments can be moved (thus increasing productivity) or the tractor trucks size can be reduc..

ŠKODA AUTO celebrates grand opening of an automatic small parts warehouse at the main plant in Mladá Boleslav

ŠKODA AUTO has invested around 8 million euros in its small parts warehouse in Mladá Boleslav
Robots transport small parts from the automatic warehouse to the assembly line
High level of automation increases the efficiency of processes in production logistics

MLADÁ BOLESLAV, 14-Nov-2018 — /EuropaWire/ — ŠKODA AUTO is pressing ahead with the implementation of technologies in line with Industry 4.0 principles: the grand opening of an automatic small parts warehouse took place at the main plant in Mladá Boleslav today. The high level of automation makes it possible to increase the efficiency of work processes in the plant’s small parts logistics. One example of this is the use of robots which put small parts into storage and transport them directly from the warehouse to the assembly line. ŠKODA AUTO has been operating a similar small parts warehouse in Kvasiny for around one year.

Michael Oeljeklaus, ŠKODA AUTO Board Member for Production and Logistics, said, “Last year, we were already able to significantly improve the production logistics processes at our Kvasiny plant. We are now also taking the efficiency of the processes at our main plant to a new level with the new automatic small parts warehouse. The warehouse in Mladá Boleslav is considerably larger and optimally prepares the plant for the future demands of car manufacturing with state-of-the-art technology in line with the principles of Industry 4.0.”

Michael Oeljeklaus officially opened the new automatic small parts warehouse (ASPW) together with Jiří Cee, Head of Brand Logistics, and KOVO Union MB representative, Miloš Kovář. The warehouse has been in operation since July 2018. ŠKODA AUTO has invested around 8 million euros in the construction of the small parts warehouse.

The ASPW is rigorously applying Industry 4.0 principles. The small parts are now stored and removed from the respective shelves fully automatically. From there, they are delivered to the assembly line just-in-sequence as required. This means that they arrive in exactly the order in which they are required and fitted. Automation makes it possible to further increase working precision, accelerate logistics processes and further minimise the error rate. Robots take the strain off the employees by taking on the physically demanding work. This frees up the employees’ time for tasks such as scanning labels or moving small load carriers (SLC) in the incoming and outgoing goods areas.

Covering 2,000 m2, the new ASPW in Mladá Boleslav offers plenty of space for 71,000 small load carriers. Per hour, up to 580 of these small plastic crates can be stored in the shelves which are 14 metres high. The same number of SLCs can be handled in order picking, i.e. outgoing goods. Two robots store the parts and two other robots take them out and deliver them just-in-sequence to production.

In July 2017, ŠKODA opened a similar small parts warehouse at its Kvasiny plant, offering space for 45,000 SLCs. In June 2018, ŠKODA was awarded the expert audience prize at the ELA European Logistics Awards for the Kvasiny warehouse.

By commissioning the automatic small parts warehouse in Mladá Boleslav, ŠKODA AUTO is pressing ahead with the digitalisation of its production – a key pillar of its 2025 Strategy.

SOURCE: ŠKODA AUTO a.s.

MEDIA CONTACT

Jens Katemann
Head of Communications
e: jens.katemann@skoda-auto.cz
t: +420 326 811 880

Audi and First Automotive Works (FAW) celebrate the 30th anniversary of their partnership in China; plan to launch more China-specific model variants and digital services

Audi and Chinese partner First Automotive Works are to expand their local portfolio to more than ten models by 2022 and launch their first all-electric cars
2019: Audi Q2 L e-tron is the first electric car specifically for Chinese customers
Herbert Diess, CEO of the Volkswagen Group: “30 years of Audi in China tell a success story of innovation, transformation and friendship”
Alexander Seitz, CFO and Board Member for China at AUDI AG: “We will use our experience to locally develop and produce models specifically for China”
FAW CEO Xu Liuping: “Together, we have achieved pioneering milestones and created a successful win-win cooperation.”

CHANGCHUN, China/ INGOLSTADT, Germany, 20-Nov-2018 — /EuropaWire/ — Audi and First Automotive Works (FAW) are celebrating the 30th anniversary of their partnership this Monday. The approximately 650 guests at the anniversary event at the FAW plant in Changchun include representatives of the province of Jilin, of partner FAW, and of the FAW-Volkswagen joint venture, as well as members of the boards of management of Volkswagen AG and AUDI AG. Audi is further expanding its local research and development competencies in order to launch more China-specific model variants and digital services. The first electric car tailored for Chinese customers, the Audi Q2 L e-tron, will already be launched in 2019. Local production of the Audi e-tron will follow in 2020, one year after its market launch in China.

China has developed into Audi’s strongest growth engine and biggest single market. In the past 30 years, Audi has delivered more than five million automobiles there. Sales volumes have increased more than fivefold in the past ten years. The models Audi A4 L, A6 L and Q5 L are especially popular with Chinese customers, and China is the most important sales market also for the Audi A8 L. The fourth model generation of this luxury sedan is once again the reference for Vorsprung durch Technik. The Audi A8 demonstrates this with style-defining design, innovative chassis solutions, an innovative touch operating concept and consistent electrification of the drive system. The Four Rings were the first automobile brand to launch services developed for China such as 3D maps and Chinese character recognition, in order to respond precisely to the wishes of Chinese customers. China will continue to contribute significantly to Audi’s growth.

Herbert Diess, CEO of Volkswagen Group and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of AUDI AG, says: “30 years of Audi in China tell a success story of innovation, transformation and friendship. I am looking forward to the next 30 years.”

Alexander Seitz, Audi Board of Management Member for Finance, China, Compliance and Integrity, emphasized: “We will use our experience to locally develop and produce even more models specifically for China in the future. We will continue our shared success story with the latest technologies, digital services that focus on market needs, and models like the Audi Q8 and Audi e-tron.” By 2022, Audi aims to increase its local portfolio with FAW-VW to more than ten models. The first all-electric models from Audi will also be sold in China.

Audi currently offers six locally produced model families in China. The Audi A4 L, A6 L, Q3 and Q5 L series are built at the Changchun plant in the north. The Audi A3 Sedan, A3 Sportback and Audi Q2 L drive off the assembly line in Foshan in southern China. A further step in the cooperation between Audi and FAW is the start of Audi production in Tianjin. The Chinese plants are making a significant contribution within the Audi production network. Their flexible structure will allow the ongoing gradual expansion of capacities. In the coming years, capacity with the partner FAW-Volkswagen can be increased to a total of more than 700,000 automobiles, depending on market demand.

Audi was the first premium brand to enter the Chinese market in 1988. As part of a license agreement between Audi and FAW, the Audi 100 was the first model to be produced from parts kits at the FAW plant in Changchun. In 1995, Audi production was integrated into the FAW-Volkswagen joint venture and the cooperation was successively expanded. As a pioneer, Audi put long-wheelbase versions of the Audi A4 and A6 on the road and, with the Audi A6 L e-tron, offered the Volkswagen Group’s first locally produced plug-in hybrid. In 2013, the brand with the Four Rings inaugurated a development center in Beijing, thus paving the way for an innovation boost in Asia. Another important milestone for Audi in China is the assumption of Group-wide development responsibility as a Center of Excellence for high-voltage battery cells.

In addition, the partners are intensifying their cooperation along the entire value chain, with connectivity services and mobility offerings. FAW CEO Xu Liuping: “Together we have achieved numerous pioneering milestones and thus created a successful win-win cooperation.”

SOURCE: Volkswagen AG

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Volkswagen Group in India to restructure its management in order to use the existing synergies more efficiently

Gurpratap Boparai

Pavel Richter

More efficient use of synergies: under ŠKODA’s leadership, Volkswagen Group establishes new management structure in India from 1 January 2019
Gurpratap Boparai, currently Managing Director of ŠKODA AUTO India Private Limited (SAIPL), to also become Managing Director of Volkswagen India Private Limited (VWIPL)
The restructuring of the Volkswagen Group companies is scheduled for 2019 subject to the relevant authorities’ approval

Mladá Boleslav, Czech Republic /Mumbai/Pune/Aurangabad, India, 21-Nov-2018 — /EuropaWire/ — As part of the ‘INDIA 2.0’ project, the Volkswagen Group plans to sustainably strengthen its position in the Indian market. The Volkswagen Group in India is restructuring its management in order to use the existing synergies more efficiently in the development of this important growth market. Gurpratap Boparai, currently Managing Director of ŠKODA AUTO India Private Ltd., will also become Managing Director of Volkswagen India Private Limited (VWIPL) with effect from 1 January 2019. In the future, all the Group brands will continue their operations under the leadership of Gurpratap Boparai with a common strategy in the Indian Market. The restructuring of the Volkswagen Group companies in India is planned for next year, subject to regulatory and other approvals.

The Volkswagen Group is placing the responsibility for implementing the ‘INDIA 2.0’ project in the hands of the newly formed management team. The aim of this measure is to make more efficient use of existing synergies and to establish more agile coordination processes so that decisions can be made more quickly and flexibly.

With effect from 1 January 2019, Gurpratap Singh Boparai, currently Managing Director of ŠKODA AUTO India Private Ltd., will also become Managing Director of Volkswagen India Private Ltd. (VWIPL). On the same date, Mr. Pavel Richter, Production Technical Director of INDIA 2.0 project, will be responsible for production at both Indian plants. As part of the restructuring Dr. Andreas Lauermann will be moving to the Volkswagen Group by end of the year to take on new responsibilities.

Bernhard Maier, ŠKODA AUTO CEO, explains: “India is an important and attractive growth market for us. Our goal is clear: In this highly competitive environment, we aim for a combined Volkswagen and ŠKODA market share of up to 5% by 2025. Based on the MQB A0-IN platform from 2020, we will be offering the right models to unlock the Indian market’s potential.”

Gurpratap Boparai, Managing Director of ŠKODA AUTO India Private Ltd. and Head of ‘INDIA 2.0’, adds: “With the introduction of the new management structure, we are laying the foundations both for the joint implementation of ‘INDIA 2.0’ and for achieving our goals in India: we will secure employment in India, create new jobs, attract talent and launch high quality and attractive vehicles on the market.”

As part of ‘INDIA 2.0’, ŠKODA will be responsible for the Volkswagen Group’s model campaign on the Indian market. To best meet the needs of Indian customers, ŠKODA has been focusing on maximum market proximity from the very start. All future models to be developed and produced locally in India will be based on the Volkswagen Group’s modular transverse matrix (MQB). This platform already meets the stricter legal requirements in India, which will come into force in 2020. In this context, ŠKODA is developing the MQB-A0 IN sub-compact platform exclusively for the Indian market. The model campaign will be launched in 2020 with an SUV. In the second phase of the project, ŠKODA will be examining the possibility of exporting vehicles built in India.

SOURCE: ŠKODA AUTO a.s.

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Jens Katemann
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