Category: Automotive

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

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

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​Hyundai partners with AI start-up to make HD maps for autonomous cars

(Image: Hyundai) Hyundai Mnsoft will collaborate with AI startup Netradyne for the development of high definition maps for next-generation vehicles, the companies announced. Hyundai Mnsoft, a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Group focused on navigation solutions, will leverage Netradyne’s crowd-sourced deep vision technologies for the development of HD maps. Netradyne, founded in 2015, specialises in using… Continue reading ​Hyundai partners with AI start-up to make HD maps for autonomous cars

Mahindra launches the Alturas G4, a luxury SUV to redefine the high-end SUV segment

Mahindra launches the Alturas G4, a luxury SUV to redefine the high-end SUV segment

Attractive launch price starting at Rs. 26.95 lacs for 2WD (ex-showroom) across India

Synopsis

Bold & Imposing design with chrome front grille, HID headlamps with LED DRLs, 45.72 cm (18”) diamond cut alloy wheels, LED fog lamps with cornering lamps, LED tail lamps and dual tone roof rails
Luxurious tan and black interiors with quilted Nappa leather upholstery, award-winning ergonomic seat design, Easy Access Mode, Memory Profile for Driver seat & ORVM, Dual Zone Fully Automatic Temperature Control, Ambient Mood Lighting, Ventilated front seats and Electric Sunroof
Advanced high-tech features like 3D Around View Camera system, Smart Powered Tailgate, 20” Touchscreen Infotainment system with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, a 7” 3-mode TFT LCD cluster, Electronic Parking Brake with auto-hold and auto-tilting ORVMs when in reverse.
Powerful 2.2 litre, 4-cylinder engine producing 133.1 kW (178 BHP) of power and 420 Nm of torque. It comes with the Mercedes-Benz 7- speed Automatic Transmission in both variants.
Unmatched safety with features like 9 Airbags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Active Rollover Protection (ARP), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Descent Control (HDC). High-strength steel quad frame structure which offers an added layer of protection.
Available in 2 variants – 2WD and 4WD, and 5 colours – Napoli Black, Pearl White, Dsat Silver, Regal Blue and Lakeside Brown
To be available in a separate high-end showroom within the Mahindra ‘World of SUVs’, and with exclusive Relationship Managers
Launch of Purple Club+, an exclusive loyalty program that would enable customers to earn and redeem points based on engagements with the Mahindra brand

November 24, 2018, Jaipur: Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M), a part of the US $20.7 billion Mahindra Group, today launched its eagerly awaited high-end SUV , the Alturas G4. From its imposing exteriors to its premium interiors, every detail in the Alturas G4 has been finely crafted. With advanced high-tech features and unmatched safety equipments, the Alturas G4 is all set to create a new benchmark in the high-end SUV segment. It will be available at Mahindra dealerships across India starting November 26, 2018 at an attractive launch price of Rs. 26.95 lacs (ex-showroom) for the 2WD variant.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Pawan Goenka, Managing Director, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd said, “The launch of the Alturas G4 is a significant moment in the automotive journey of Mahindra which will take the brand to the next level. With the Alturas G4, we have decided to adopt an endorsed brand strategy which will heighten brand desirability & aspiration. The product is the epitome of luxury in every sense. Therefore we believe the Alturas G4 aptly redefines royalty which is also its positioning.”

Rajan Wadhera, President – Automotive Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., mentioned, “The Alturas G4, with its excellent proposition of imposing design, exquisite interiors, state-of-the-art technology, exhilarating performance and unmatched safety, all at an attractive price point, is poised to redefine the high-end SUV segment. It is our most luxurious offering and comes with a host of technology & safety features such as the 3D Around View Camera system, Easy Access Mode, Ventilated Seats, many of which are not available in vehicles at a similar price range.”

The Alturas G4 would be exclusively available through separate high-end showrooms within the existing Mahindra ‘World of SUVs’ dealerships. These outlets will be equipped with ultra-modern digital technology to provide an enhanced and immersive high-end experience for customers. All Alturas G4 customers will have access to exclusive Relationship Managers to cater to their requirements, which is another segment first.

With the Alturas G4, Mahindra will also introduce a new premium loyalty program, Purple Club+. This will be a first-in-category loyalty program that will enable customers to earn and redeem points, based on engagements with the Mahindra brand.

About the Alturas G4

Bold & Imposing Design: Rugged front lines combined with a dynamic character line along the sides provide the commanding appearance of an authentic SUV. The Alturas G4 emerges as an absolute head-turner with its

Best-in-class* width, height and wheelbase
Chrome Front Grille
HID Headlamps with LED DRLs
45.72 cm (18”) Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels
LED tail lamps
LED fog lamps with cornering lamps
Silver and black roof rails
Chrome window surrounds

Luxurious Tan and Black Interiors:

Quilted Nappa leather upholstery
First-in-class* Ventilated Front Seats
First-in-class* Easy Access Mode
8-way adjustable powered driver seat with memory profile
Dual Zone Fully Automatic Temperature Control (FATC)
Electric sunroof with Anti-pinch feature
Ambient Mood Lighting
Award Winning ergonomically designed seats (Grand Prize at the Ergonomic Design Awards 2017, Korea)

*Compared to high end SUVs between Rs. 26-35 lacs (ex-showroom price)

Exhilarating Performance:

The Alturas G4’s powerful 2.2 litre 4-cylinder engine produces 133.1 kW (178 BHP) power and 420 Nm of torque. Performance is maximized by the cutting-edge electrical variable geometry turbocharger (E-VGT). The Advanced Compressor Wheel lowers noise and maximises efficiency.

It comes with the Mercedes-Benz 7-Speed automatic transmission and is available in both 2WD and 4WD variants

State-of-the-art Technology Features:

First-in-class * 3D Around View Camera system: 4 cameras (front, rear, both ORVMs) for a 360 degree view
Smart Powered Tailgate that opens automatically provided the key is in your pocket and you stand behind the rear of the vehicle for just 3 seconds
17.78 cm (7”) TFT LCD Cluster with a 3-mode setting- Regular, Animation and RPM-Linked
20.32 cm (8”) infotainment touchscreen with Bluetooth, AUX and USB connectivity
Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold feature
Cruise Control
Steering mounted controls with audio, cruise control and instrument cluster settings
Auto-Tilting ORVMs when in reverse gear
6-speaker audio system

Unmatched Safety:

The Alturas G4 offers a unique package of safety features

9 airbags including driver seat, passenger seat, driver’s knee protection, side airbags in 1st & 2nd rows, and curtain airbags
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with its top of the line features like Active Rollover Protection (ARP), Brake Assist System (BAS), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Traction Control System, ABS + EBD and Emergency Stop Signal
Hill Descent Control (HDC)
Ultra-high strength steel quad frame structure
Side impact beams & front crumple zones
ISOFIX mounts for child seat
Immobilizer

Social Media Handles:

Please visit: https://www.alturasg4.com for more details and images.

Facebook: @AlturasG4
Twitter: @alturasg4
Instagram: @alturasg4
Official Hashtag: #AlturasG4
Other Hashtags: #RoyaltyRedefined

About Mahindra

The Mahindra Group is a USD 20.7 billion federation of companies that enables people to rise through innovative mobility solutions, driving rural prosperity, enhancing urban living, nurturing new businesses and fostering communities. It enjoys a leadership position in utility vehicles, information technology, financial services and vacation ownership in India and is the world’s largest tractor company, by volume. It also enjoys a strong presence in agribusiness, aerospace, commercial vehicles, components, defense, logistics, real estate, renewable energy, speedboats and steel, amongst other businesses. Headquartered in India, Mahindra employs over 2,40,000 people across 100 countries.

Learn more about Mahindra on www.mahindra.com / Twitter and Facebook: @MahindraRise

Media contact information

Mohan Nair
Vice President (Communications)
Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.
Landline – + 91 22 28468510
Email – nair.mohan@mahindra.com

This Self-Driving Car Uses a Fold-Out Robot Arm to Deliver Parcels

The Last Mile This self-driving car can now do more than just transport packages to customers’ homes — it can actually deliver the goods. On Friday, Cleveron — the tech firm behind Walmart’s online pickup towers — unveiled a self-driving robotic courier named Lotte at an Estonian robotics conference. Based on a video of Lotte in action,… Continue reading This Self-Driving Car Uses a Fold-Out Robot Arm to Deliver Parcels

Volkswagen and Tesco to build UK’s biggest free car-charging network

Volkswagen
A Volkswagen car charging outside a Tesco supermarket.

German auto firm Volkswagen and U.K. grocer Tesco have teamed up to build the largest free electric car charging network in Britain.

The two firms announced Friday that over the next three years they will install nearly 2,500 charging points in the parking lots of up to 600 Tesco stores across the United Kingdom.

Volkswagen U.K. board member Mike Orford told CNBC by phone that his company wants to encourage people towards electric vehicle ownership by removing anxieties about when and where a car can be charged.

“People that live in a flat who might want an electric car can't charge at home as they have to park in the street. If they say, 'Actually, I know I go to Tesco twice a week for a shop,' then this suddenly feels quite viable,” he said.

Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) have revealed that more than 120,000 'alternatively fueled vehicles' have been registered in the U.K. in 2018 — a 22 per cent increase on the same period last year.

Installed by the charging network operator Pod Point, customers at larger Tesco sites will be able to choose between a free 7-kilowatt (kw) charger or a pay-as-you go rapid charge 50 kw option.

Orford said people wouldn't need to be a Tesco customer to make use of the charge points, but the parking bays would be monitored in the same way as disabled or “mother and baby” spots.

Volkswagen hopes the use of the bays, which should be compatible with most makes of electric cars, will become habitual to shoppers.

“It is a bit like plugging in your mobile phone, most of us don't wait until the battery is flat,” Orford said, before adding, “People can get a quick 10-minute charge while just buying a pint of milk.”

The cost is being borne by both Volkswagen and Tesco, but beyond stating that it is a “multi-million pound” initiative, neither company is revealing the expected outlay.

Volkswagen Group has said its VW brand should sell a million electric cars a year by 2025. The auto group announced earlier this month it would spend almost 44 billion euros ($50 billion) on developing electric cars, autonomous driving and new mobility services by 2023.

On Wednesday, Volkswagen confirmed it is deciding where to locate a new factory in North America to build electric vehicles for the U.S. market.

Clarification: This story has been updated to reflect that the charging points will be in the parking lots of up to 600 Tesco stores.

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