The Chairman and CEO of Fisker Inc is one of the world’s most prolific car designers and entrepreneurs and wants to change the paradigm of mobility with non-conformist and extreme electric vehicles. He lays out his vision for the future, which could include make in India through a manufacturing partnership, while also offering top tips… Continue reading Henrik Fisker: ‘We’re keen to set up a tech centre in India, a battery factory and vehicle assembly too.’ – Autocar Professional
Tag: Strategy
Toyota Releases 2018 North American Environmental Report
Goal to Create a More Sustainable Future for Society, Business and the Planet Driven by its Environmental Challenge 2050 December 17, 2018 PLANO, Texas (Dec. 17, 2018) – The Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050 is part of Toyota’s long-term commitment to support and foster a more inclusive and sustainable society. Consisting of six individual challenges, Challenge 2050… Continue reading Toyota Releases 2018 North American Environmental Report
Detention of Nissan’s Ghosn extended through Dec. 20
Detention of Nissan’s Ghosn extended through Dec. 20Tokyo – A Tokyo court ruled Tuesday that Nissan Motor Co.’s former chairman, Carlos Ghosn, and another executive will remain in custody through Dec. 20, more than a month after their arrest. Their detention could continue for months more under the Japanese legal system.
The Tokyo District Court said Tuesday that it had rejected a protest filed by Ghosn’s lawyer against the prolonged detention.
The court decision comes a day after Ghosn, fellow Nissan executive Greg Kelly and Nissan Motor were charged with violating financial laws by underreporting Ghosn’s pay by about 5 billion yen ($44 million) in 2011-2015. They were arrested on Nov. 19 and are being held at a Tokyo detention center.
The extension of their detention is to allow time for investigation into additional allegations prosecutors issued Monday, against Ghosn and Kelly, of underreporting another 4 billion yen ($36 million) in 2016-2018.
The arrest of the man credited with saving Nissan when it was on the verge of bankruptcy two decades ago has stunned many and has raised concerns over the Japanese automaker and the future of its alliance with Renault SA of France.
No trial date has been set, as is routine in Japan. Prosecutors can add more allegations to extend detention, and it remains unclear when Ghosn and Kelly might be released.
The prosecutors say they consider Ghosn and Kelly flight risks.
Ghosn’s legal team has not issued an official statement, but those close to him have said he is asserting innocence. The office of Motonari Ohtsuru, one of the lawyers, declined comment, saying he was not there.
The U.S. lawyer for Kelly, Aubrey Harwell, has said his client insists he is innocent and that Nissan insiders and outside experts had advised him that their financial reporting was proper.
The maximum penalty for violating Japan’s financial laws is 10 years in prison, a 10 million yen ($89,000) fine, or both. The conviction rate in Japan is over 99 percent.
Nissan has said an internal investigation found three types of misconduct: underreporting income to financial authorities, using investment funds for personal gain and illicit use of company expenses.
Nissan, as a legal entity, was also charged Monday. Nissan is not under supervision or being monitored, although it is cooperating with the prosecutors’ investigation, according to company spokesman Nicholas Maxfield. Nissan said in a statement that it takes the indictment “extremely seriously.” It promised to strengthen its governance.
Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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News – Cutting CO2 from trucks: urgent need to invest in recharging and refuelling infrastructure across EU
Later this week, EU member states are expected to adopt their common position on the EU’s first-ever CO2 standards for heavy-duty vehicles. Ahead of that Council meeting, I would like to call on the 28 national governments to strike the right balance between environmental objectives and the competitiveness of Europe’s truck industry. Message from ACEA’s… Continue reading News – Cutting CO2 from trucks: urgent need to invest in recharging and refuelling infrastructure across EU
Honeywell’s New Trading Business Uses Blockchain Technology To Modernize Buying And Selling Of Aviation Parts
PHOENIX, Dec. 17, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Honeywell (NYSE: HON) is bringing the ease of everyday online buying and selling to the aviation parts industry with GoDirect™ Trade. The new e-commerce platform will improve access to new and used aircraft parts for airlines, air transport and business aviation customers by offering transparent pricing and the option… Continue reading Honeywell’s New Trading Business Uses Blockchain Technology To Modernize Buying And Selling Of Aviation Parts
Daniela Cavallo now represents VW works council chief Bernd Osterloh: This woman could replace one of the most powerful VW men
Volkswagen works council Volkswagen Works Council member Daniela Cavallo already played an important role in the negotiations on the “Future Pact” Volkswagen works council chief Bernd Osterloh is considered one of the most powerful men in the auto industry. Now, with Daniela Cavallo, a woman comes to his side as new substitute. Thus, the succession… Continue reading Daniela Cavallo now represents VW works council chief Bernd Osterloh: This woman could replace one of the most powerful VW men
Ford might mine profits selling its data on you ? of which it has a lot – Autoblog – Autoblog
The Detroit Free Press recently published a lengthy look at the waters Ford now navigates, from uneven success domestically to outright pain almost everywhere else. The picture presents the USS Blue Oval facing headwinds, high waves, deep water, and a lot of rip, for an indefinite time. The automaker’s plan to rescue itself has loosely… Continue reading Ford might mine profits selling its data on you ? of which it has a lot – Autoblog – Autoblog
Nissan board meets, no chairman picked to replace Ghosn
Nissan board meets, no chairman picked to replace GhosnYokohama, Japan – Nissan’s board met Monday but failed to pick a new chairman to replace Carlos Ghosn, who was arrested last month on charges of violating financial regulations, saying more discussion was needed.
Nissan Motor Co. Chief Executive Hiroto Saikawa told reporters that the board approved a special committee of outsiders to strengthen governance at the company. A date for the selection of a chairman was not decided.
“We plan to be cautious in this process, and I do not plan to rush this,” Saikawa said.
The recommendations for beefing up governance are due in March, and Saikawa said he was willing to wait until then to choose a chairman.
The board meeting came amid an unfolding scandal that threatens the Japanese automaker’s two-decade alliance with Renault SA of France and its global brand, and highlights shoddy governance at the manufacturer of the Leaf electric car.
Ghosn and another board member Greg Kelly were formally charged last week with falsifying financial reports in underreporting Ghosn’s income by about 5 billion yen ($44 million) from 2011 to 2015. They were arrested Nov. 19 by Tokyo prosecutors and remain in detention.
A source close to Ghosn’s family says Ghosn is innocent, as the alleged income was never decided upon or paid. Aubrey Harwell, the U.S. lawyer for Kelly, an American, says he is innocent, and that Nissan insiders and outside experts had advised him that the financial reporting was proper.
The chairman must be selected from among the board members. Three outside board members – race-car driver Keiko Ihara, Masakazu Toyoda, an academic, and Jean-Baptiste Duzan, formerly of Renault – are making that decision.
The special committee for governance includes the three outside board members and four other outsiders, including former judge Seiichiro Nishioka.
One candidate for chairman is Saikawa, who was hand-picked by Ghosn to succeed him as chief executive. He has denounced Ghosn and Kelly as the “masterminds” in a scheme to falsify income reports and abuse company money and assets.
Renault has kept Ghosn as chief executive and chairman, saying its investigation has not found wrongdoing in the awarding of Ghosn’s compensation.
Nissan Motor Co.’s allegations also include million-dollar homes in several nations, including France, Japan, Brazil, Lebanon and the Netherlands, purchased by Nissan or a subsidiary and used by Ghosn.
Wrangling over a home in Rio de Janeiro has developed into a court battle in Brazil, with Nissan seeking to block Ghosn’s family from retrieving items.
Ghosn was born in Brazil of Lebanese ancestry and holds French citizenship. He was sent in by Renault in 1999 to turn around Nissan from the brink of bankruptcy.
It’s unclear when Ghosn and Kelly may be released, with Tokyo prosecutors saying they are a flight risk.
Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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ENGIE and Arval launch new green transport offer that aims to simplify access to electric vehicles
La Défense, France, 17-Dec-2018 — /EuropaWire/ — ENGIE, the global energy company and major player in charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, and Arval, the global specialist in corporate vehicle fleet leasing, have announced the launch of a new green transport offer that aims to simplify access to electric vehicles for companies, local communities and private individuals. Based on a monthly rental fee, the integrated service includes electric vehicle leasing from Arval and the installation and maintenance by ENGIE of charging points at company sites, in town centres or at drivers’ homes. The offer includes an unique and innovative “green energy” option.
The offer will be launched first in Belgium in early 2019 and then in France. It will subsequently be deployed in several countries, including Italy, the Netherlands and the UK.
This commercial agreement confirms ENGIE and Arval’s commitment to the development of green mobility.
Signing the agreement, Shankar Krishnamoorthy, ENGIE’s Executive Vice-President, said: “Supporting the energy transition with cleaner mobility solutions – including electric – is at the heart of ENGIE’s strategy. This new integrated offer, created jointly with Arval, will democratise access to electric vehicles and help improve air quality and reduce noise pollution in cities.”
Transport is currently responsible for 23% of CO2 emissions worldwide and 95% of the sector still relies on petroleum fuels. As the leading independent electricity generator and a pioneer of the energy revolution, ENGIE has made green mobility one of the pillars of its strategy. The ENGIE Group is developing a range of solutions tailored to its customers’ needs such as urban planning consultancy services, public transport solutions (electrification, installation of signalling systems, service optimisation), solutions using alternative fuels (electricity but also natural gas and hydrogen) and digital platforms aiming to improve traffic flow. To find out more about ENGIE’s commitment to green mobility, visit: https://www.engie.com/en/news/panorama-green-mobility/
Bart Beckers, Arval’s Chief Commercial Officer, commented: “We are delighted to be cooperating with ENGIE in this innovative partnership and combining our strengths to support our future customers with tailored electric mobility services that will facilitate their electrification strategies. For Arval, this partnership illustrates our ambition to be an active player in the energy transition by working with strategic international partners to accelerate change.”
Companies are increasingly keen to introduce vehicles using alternative energy sources into their fleets: 26% of companies intend to choose electric vehicles for part of their fleet in the next three years, and this percentage climbs to 56% among major corporations. Arval is committed to supporting its customers in their energy transition strategies by helping them choose the right vehicle for their purposes. Electric vehicles are an increasingly attractive solution, particularly in urban areas, to help reduce air and noise pollution levels. With services developed to simplify and accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles, Arval is positioning itself as a major player in its industry in the field of electric vehicles and their ecosystem.
About ENGIE
We are a global energy and services group, focused on three core activities: low-carbon power generation, mainly based on natural gas and renewable energy, global networks and customer solutions. Driven by our ambition to contribute to a harmonious progress, we take up major global challenges such as the fight against global warming, access to energy to all, or mobility, and offer our residential customers, businesses and communities energy production solutions and services that reconcile individual and collective interests. Our integrated – low-carbon, high-performing and sustainable – offers are based on digital technologies. Beyond energy, they facilitate the development of new uses and promote new ways of living and working. Our ambition is conveyed by each of our 150,000 employees in 70 countries. Together with our customers and partners, they form a community of imaginative builders who invent and build today solutions for tomorrow.
2017 turnover: 65 billion Euros. Listed in Paris and Brussels (ENGI), the Group is represented in the main financial (CAC 40, BEL 20, Euro STOXX 50, STOXX Europe 600, MSCI Europe, Euronext 100, FTSE Eurotop 100, Euro STOXX Utilities, STOXX Europe 600 Utilities) and extra-financial indices (DJSI World, DJSI Europe and Euronext Vigeo Eiris – World 120, Eurozone 120, Europe 120, France 20, CAC 40 Governance). To learn morewww.engie.com
ENGIE HQ Press contact:
Tel. France : +33 (0)1 44 22 24 35
Email: engiepress@engie.com
Investors relations contact
Tel. : +33 (0)1 44 22 66 29
Email: ir@engie.com
SOURCE: ENGIE
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‘Suicide doors’ make a comeback on 80th anniversary edition Lincoln Continental
Source: Lincoln
The 80th Anniversary Lincoln Continental Limited Edition with coach doors
Once deemed dangerous, suicide doors are making a comeback on the Lincoln Continental.
Ford is celebrating the 80th anniversary of the long-lived luxury Lincoln line by making 80 cars in 2019 with the classic center-opening doors that once served as the signature of the Continental.
The doors are not just a gimmick or aesthetic flourish. By opening toward the rear of the car, they allow passengers in the rear seats to enter and exit the vehicle more comfortably. Passengers don't have to lean forward to push the door open or pull it closed, for example.
The design was featured commonly on horse carriages, hence the name “coach doors.” Over time they had come to be called “suicide doors,” thanks to the danger of the wind forcing the rear door open while driving at high speeds, according to automotive historians. This was particularly dangerous in the era before seat belts.
Lincoln unveils 80th anniversary Continental with suicide doors
2 Hours Ago | 01:14
More recent takes on the suicide door have incorporated safety features such as locking the door once the car reaches a certain speed.
Apart from the coach doors, the car's wheelbase will be 6 inches longer, which Lincoln said gives the rear seats more room. The car lights up as its driver approaches with a welcoming lighting sequence. The trim is Lincoln's best quality leathers and dash materials, its Black Label, which typically offers higher-quality materials and membership privileges, such as vehicle detailing and free car washes.
Sedans are a tough sell these days. Ford said it plans to all but stop making them over the next several years, with the exception of its Mustang sports car.
But this version of the Continental is more of a specialty sedan, and sales of those are still relatively healthy, said Robert Parker, director of marketing, sales and service at Lincoln.
“I find it incredibly interesting,” said Stephanie Brinley, an analyst at IHS Markit. “The Continental is a vehicle that has had weak sales in a difficult segment, for sure. So I think it is an effort to draw in some interest and create some buzz around the car.”
Source: Lincoln
The front interior of the 80th Anniversary Lincoln Continental Limited Edition.
Building a vehicle with suicide doors seems to be quite a lot of work for a car that doesn't sell well in the first place, she added. It is much more difficult than just dropping a new engine into the car. But she she doesn't think Lincoln will have any trouble selling every one of the limited run it's making.
It also seems to be part of a larger strategy Lincoln has taken in recent years of trying to reach far back into the brand's history in a nod to its roots as a distinctly American luxury label, she said. In recent years Lincoln has been carving out a space for itself in the luxury market by emphasizing service and making spacious, plush vehicles that drive comfortably, rather than the sportier luxury cars European makers are known for.
No specifics on the price are available yet, but Parker said it is safe to say it will be the most expensive vehicle Lincoln sells. That means it stands to cost more than $100,000, which is the price some of Lincoln's Black Label vehicles.
Lincoln first came out with the Continental as a custom luxury vehicle in 1939, but didn't add the coach doors until 1961.
“There hasn't been a conversation about product planning I have been in during all my time in Lincoln that hasn't involved bringing back coach doors,” Parker said.
Source: Lincoln
Inside the back seat of the 80th Anniversary Lincoln Continental Limited Edition.