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Mercedes-Benz: EQC’s accident safety was validated at the Mercedes-Benz technology centre for vehicle safety (TFS)

Mercedes-Benz EQC: Crash-Erprobung im Mercedes-Benz Technologiezentrum Fahrzeugsicherheit (TFS) in Sindelfingen.;Stromverbrauch kombiniert: 22,2 kWh/100 km; CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 0 g/km, vorläufige Angaben*
Mercedes-Benz EQC: Crash-testing at the Mercedes-Benz Technology Centre for Vehicle Safety (TFS) in Sindelfingen.;combined power consumption: 22.2 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km, provisional figures*

combined power consumption: 22.2 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km, provisional figures [1]

STUTTGART, 12-Dec-2018 — /EuropaWire/ — The new Mercedes-Benz EQC (combined power consumption: 22.2 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km, provisional figures)[1] is also a genuine Mercedes when it comes to passive safety. In addition to the usual, extensive programme of crash tests, the brand applies stringent safety standards to the battery and all component parts carrying electrical current. In many cases these standards exceed legal requirements.

Mercedes-Benz’s extensive experience of high-voltage drive systems has led to a special safety concept. The EQC’s accident safety was validated at the Mercedes-Benz technology centre for vehicle safety (TFS), the most advanced crash test centre in the world. Here vehicles, including prototypes with large electric batteries, have been tested under harsh crash conditions. The result is a whole array of constructive measures which deliver the EQC’s high level of crash safety:

A new subframe surrounds the drive components located in the front section, and this unit is supported by the usual mounting points.
The battery is surrounded by a robust frame with an integral crash structure. Deformation elements are installed between the frame and the battery, and these are able to absorb additional forces in the event of a severe side impact.
A battery guard in the front area of the battery is able to prevent the energy storage unit from being pierced by foreign objects.
The high-voltage system can also be shut down automatically in a crash, depending on its severity. A distinction is made between a reversible and an irreversible cut-off. When it is shut down the voltage in the high-voltage system outside of the battery reduces to below the safety-relevant voltage limit in a very short time.
Another feature of the comprehensive high-voltage safety concept is that the charging process is automatically curtailed if an impact is detected when stationary at a quick-charging station (DC charging). There are also shutdown points where emergency teams can deactivate the high-voltage system manually.
In addition to assessing the occupant values during a crash, the battery’s accident safety was also tested at the development centre of Deutsche ACCUMOTIVE, a wholly-owned Daimler subsidiary. Test criteria included the battery’s behaviour under impact and when penetrated by foreign bodies, with overheating and overloading also simulated.

Beyond the structural safety and the battery protection concept, the model’s specially adapted restraint systems are particularly important for the occupants in the event of an accident.

Three-point seat belts with pyrotechnical belt tensioners and belt force limiters are installed for the driver, front passenger and passengers on the outer rear seats (normal three-point seat belt in the centre at the rear).
i-Size (Europe) and ISOFIX (other countries) child seat attachment points for securely attaching appropriate child seats on the outer rear seats
Window airbags in the roof area between the A, B and C-pillars for the head area of the driver, front passenger and passengers on the outer rear seats
Combined thorax/pelvis side impact airbags for driver and front passenger. Additional optional side impact airbags for the outer rear seats.
Airbags for driver and front passenger in the event of a severe frontal impact, with dual-stage, time-delayed deployment on the passenger side
Knee airbag for the driver

Numerous measures help to ensure that when Mercedes-Benz vehicles suffer an accident, consequential damage is reduced and rescue of the occupants is assisted. As soon as a protective system (e.g. belt tensioner and airbag) is triggered, an emergency call or a service call is made or a breakdown is detected, the following measures can be initiated depending on the accident type and severity:

Automatic activation of Mercedes-Benz emergency call to notify emergency services of the location and emergency situation and initiate rescue.
Shutdown of the high-voltage system
Activation of the hazard warning system to warn other road users
Interior lighting switched on
Front side windows lowered for ventilation in the event of airbag deployment
Central locking system unlocked
Lifting of the electrically adjustable steering column
Notification of a detected breakdown or accident situation to Car-to-X communication and to the Mercedes-Benz service centre
A rescue sticker provides a direct link to the vehicle’s rescue data sheet. Corresponding stickers are affixed to the charging flap and to the opposite B-pillar of the vehicle for this purpose. In the aftermath of an accident, rescue services can scan the QR code with a smartphone or tablet PC for fast and reliable access to the rescue data sheet for the specific vehicle concerned, thus facilitating rescue operations.
Alongside the rescue data sheets, the Rescue Assist App for smartphones and tablets also has three-dimensional views of the vehicle – now also offline in case there is no mobile network available at the accident scene.

Video impressions from the EQC’s crash testing can be found here.

[1] Figures for power consumption and CO2 emissions are provisional and were determined by the Technical Service. The range figures are also provisional. EC type approval and a certificate of conformity with official figures are not yet available. Differences between the stated figures and the official figures are possible.

SOURCE: Daimler AG

MEDIA CONTACTS

Sarah Widmann
Office Intelligent Drive & Passive Safety
Email sarah.widmann@daimler.com
Phone +49 711 17-97729
Fax +49 711 17-79094388

Wolfgang Würth
Office Manager Communications EQ
Email wolfgang.wuerth@daimler.com
Phone +49 711 17-46508
Fax +49 711 17-79016071

Koert Groeneveld
Office Head of International Product & Technology Communications
Email koert.groeneveld@daimler.com
Phone +49 711 17-92311
Fax +49 711 17-94365

Daimler takes the next step towards securing its CASE (connectivity, autonomous, shared & services and electric) corporate strategy

Electric Line-Up Daimler AG
Electric Line-Up Daimler AG

Consistent implementation of the CASE corporate strategy.
Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars: “Our electric offensive continues to gain momentum. After investing billions of euros in the development of the electric fleet and the expansion of our global battery network, we are now taking the next step: With the purchase of battery cells for more than 20 billion euros, we are consistently pushing forward with the transformation into the electric future of our company. We plan a total of 130 electrified variants at Mercedes-Benz Cars by 2022. In addition, we will have electric vans, buses and trucks.”
Wilko Stark, Member of the Divisional Board Mercedes-Benz Cars, Procurement and Supplier Quality: “With extensive orders for battery cells until the year 2030, we set another important milestone for the electrification of our future electric vehicles of the EQ product and technology brand. In this way, together with our partners, we ensure the supply of our global battery production network today and in the future using the latest technologies.”
The Human Rights Respect System creates a systematic approach to respect for human rights in sustainable supply chains. A prerequisite for a supply contract is consent to the disclosure of the entire supply chain.

STUTTGART, 12-Dec-2018 — /EuropaWire/ — Daimler is taking the next step towards securing its CASE corporate strategy. The company already plays a leading role in all four areas of connectivity, autonomous, shared & services and electric. The combination of the individual fields plays a decisive role, especially in the transformation to electric mobility. Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars: “Our electric offensive continues to gain momentum. After investing billions of euros in the development of the electric fleet and the expansion of our global battery network, we are now taking the next step: With the purchase of battery cells for more than 20 billion euros, we are systematically pushing forward with the transformation into the electric future of our company. We plan a total of 130 electrified variants at Mercedes-Benz Cars by 2022. In addition, we will have electric vans, buses and trucks.”

The company is investing ten billion euros in the expansion of the Mercedes-Benz Cars electric fleet and another billion euros in the global battery production network within the worldwide production network.

“With extensive orders for battery cells until the year 2030, we set another important milestone for the electrification of our future electric vehicles of the EQ product and technology brand. In this way, together with our partners, we ensure the supply of our global battery production network today and in the future using the latest technologies,” says Wilko Stark, Member of the Divisional Board Mercedes-Benz Cars, Procurement and Supplier Quality since October 2018. The suppliers are already producing battery cells in Asia and Europe and are continuing to expand in Europe and additionally in the USA.

Mercedes-Benz Cars battery production network

Daimler is investing more than one billion euros in a global battery production network within the worldwide production network of Mercedes-Benz Cars. The company purchases the cells on the world market. This ensures the best possible technology and focuses on the core competence of battery assembly. The global battery production network of Mercedes-Benz Cars will in the future consist of eight factories on three continents. The first factory in Kamenz is already in series production and the second factory there will start series production at the beginning of 2019. Two more factories will be built in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim, one at the company’s Sindelfingen site, and one each at the sites in Beijing (China), Bangkok (Thailand) and Tuscaloosa (USA). The local production of batteries is an important success factor in Mercedes-Benz Cars’ electric offensive and is decisive for meeting the global demand for electric vehicles flexibly and efficiently.

As an integral and important element of our electrical strategy. Competences for the technological evaluation of cells as well as research and development activities will be consistently expanded. These include the continuous optimization of the current generation of Li-ion systems, the further development of cells bought on the world market and research of the next generation of so-called post-lithium-ion systems.

Mercedes-Benz Cars electric offensive

By 2022, the entire Mercedes portfolio is to be electrified, with various electrified alternatives available in every segment, from the smart to the SUVs. In total, there will be well over 130 variants, from the 48-volt electrical system to EQ Boost and plug-in hybrids and more than ten all-electric vehicles powered by batteries or fuel cells. By 2025, sales of battery-electric vehicles are to increase to 15-25 percent of total unit sales – depending on individual customer preferences and the development of the public infrastructure.

Daimler commercial vehicles with an extensive electric portfolio

Daimler has been gaining experience with electric trucks since 2010 and has had its first all-electric truck in series production on the market and in customers’ hands since last year: the Fuso eCanter light-duty truck. The all-electric eActros for heavy-duty distribution transport has also been proving its worth on Germany’s roads since June 2018. In September, Mercedes-Benz Trucks handed over the first of a total of ten eActros trucks of the so-called innovation fleet to a customer for use in everyday operations. Series production in the bus segment began in autumn this year and the first Mercedes-Benz eCitaro was recently delivered to Hamburg’s public transport operator – Hamburger Hochbahn AG. Mercedes-Benz Vans electrifies its entire commercial fleet. It starts with the all-electric mid-size van eVito, which has been delivered since November 2018. The eSprinter will follow in the second half of 2019. At the same time, Mercedes-Benz Vans thinks beyond the vehicle and, together with the customers, develops an overall system solution for the respective vehicle fleet. Two examples for the close integration of the customer perspective are the pilot projects with Hermes and Amazon Logistics. Hermes Germany will receive 1,500 Mercedes-Benz electric transporters and the corresponding efficient charging infrastructure. Amazon Logistics takes over 100 eVito in Bochum and Dusseldorf. The vehicles from Daimler Trucks, Daimler Buses and Mercedes-Benz Vans thus provide an electrical solution for all segments in inner-city traffic.

Sustainable supply of raw materials

Sustainability is one of the basic principles of Daimler’s corporate strategy as well as being a benchmark for corporate success. This also includes the responsible procurement of raw materials. Daimler has therefore developed a systematic approach to respecting human rights: the Human Rights Respect System. With its risk-oriented and systematic approach, the system makes the subject of human rights manageable even along complex supply chains. Daimler attaches particular importance to a sustainable raw-material supply chain for the expected growth in electric vehicles. To this end, Daimler has been defining sustainability requirements for suppliers in its Supplier Sustainability Standards for several years. All new Mercedes-Benz suppliers are subjected to potential analyses before they are commissioned. Approximately 700 quality engineers carry out these audits, if necessary together with human rights experts in the field. A prerequisite for a supply contract with Mercedes-Benz Cars is consent to disclosure of the entire supply chain, right back to the mines. Essential elements of our requirements for suppliers relate to working conditions and compliance with human rights. The direct suppliers undertake to firmly pass on and monitor our sustainability standards within the supply chain. Responsibility for the procurement of raw materials for the production of battery cells lies with the suppliers. However, Daimler does not leave its partners alone with this task and supports them with interdisciplinary teams.

About CASE

CASE – these letters are shaping the future of mobility. They stand for the fields of networking (Connected), autonomous driving (Autonomous), flexible use (Shared & Services) and electric drive systems (Electric). The four CASE fields are an integral part of the corporate strategy of Daimler AG. The aim is to shape intuitive mobility for our customers through intelligent dovetailing of the CASE topics.

Mercedes-Benz Cars already plays a leading role in all four areas today. For example, all activities in the area of connectivity are focused on the digital brand Mercedes me, which gives customers access to an extensive and personalized range of services by app, website or straight from their car.

On the way to autonomous driving, Mercedes-Benz has for years been a key driver of development and has repeatedly set the benchmark. To this end, the Mercedes engineers use what is known as sensor fusion. The data from different sensors, such as cameras, ultrasound and radar, are intelligently combined and analyzed. With smart vision EQ fortwo, the smart brand is also demonstrating what driving without a steering wheel could look like in the future of carsharing.

The inventor of the car is already playing a leading role in the field of Sharing & Services. The mobility services used by over 18 million people range from free-floating carsharing (car2go), through ride-hailing (mytaxi) to the mobility platform (moovel).

Mercedes-Benz is pursuing a holistic approach to powertrain electrification. Apart from the EQ brand with a family of vehicles, Mercedes-Benz is also developing a h..

JAC Volkswagen Automotive Co., Ltd. held groundbreaking ceremony for the New Energy Passenger Vehicle Project R&D Centre located in Hefei, Anhui Province, China

The groundbreaking ceremony of the new R&D centre in Hefei has been attended by representatives from JAC Volkswagen, SEAT and Volkswagen Group China.

The R&D centre will be located in Hefei and will focus on key areas such as electrification, connectivity and autonomous driving
Thanks to the strong support of shareholders, among them SEAT, JAC Volkswagen will continue moving forward with its innovation-driven future sustainable mobility strategy
Li Ming, President of JAC Volkswagen, noted that the groundbreaking on the R&D centre is a milestone for the company

Hefei, China, 12-Dec-2018 — /EuropaWire/ — JAC Volkswagen Automotive Co., Ltd. held a groundbreaking ceremony for the New Energy Passenger Vehicle Project R&D Centre located in Hefei, Anhui Province. The ceremony came two weeks after a strategic agreement was signed by Volkswagen Group China, JAC and SEAT in the presence of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.

Hefei Municipal Committee Secretary Song Guoquan, Volkswagen Group China President and CEO Prof. Dr. Jochem Heizmann, JAC Chairman An Jin, SEAT Vice-president for Production and Logistics, Dr. Christian Vollmer and SEAT Vice-president for R&D Dr. Matthias Rabe, along with other local government representatives and senior executives of JAC Volkswagen’s shareholders participated in the historic groundbreaking ceremony together with investors and employee representatives.

“Today’s groundbreaking for the R&D centre is another breakthrough in the history of JAC Volkswagen,” said JAC Volkswagen President Li Ming. “Electrification and making cars smart are the key directions for the transformation that is happening in the automotive industry. With the strong support of the shareholders and all the sectors, the company is seizing the opportunity to pursue innovation-driven development in its new energy vehicle offensive, and move towards the future of sustainable mobility.”

The R&D centre, located in the Hefei Economic and Technology Development Zone, will focus on key areas such as electrification, connectivity and autonomous driving. All parties will leverage their investment, knowledge and technology strengths to ensure the R&D centre fulfils its goals. This project is an indicator of the progress that JAC Volkswagen is making in its battery electric vehicle offensive, and signals a firm step towards the next stage of development.

SEAT Vice-president for Production and Logistics and member of the Supervisory Board of JAC Volkswagen, Dr. Christian Vollmer said that “at SEAT, we are very proud to be the lead brand within the Volkswagen Group in the JAC Volkswagen joint venture. China is the world’s leading market for the electric vehicle and SEAT’s will is to contribute, together with our partners, to make mobility increasingly more sustainable.”

E-mobility along with digitalisation, connectivity and autonomous driving are the future of the mobility industry, and China has established itself as a major driver of this transformation. The construction of the R&D centre not only fulfils the agreements signed on July 9 and November 28 this year, it is also an important cornerstone for the development of JAC Volkswagen in China’s new energy vehicle industry.

Peter Wyhinny, First Vice-president of JAC Volkswagen said “I feel very proud and excited to witness this historic moment. With the rapid development of the electric vehicle industry, JAC Volkswagen, as the first joint venture dedicated to these vehicles in China, is taking full advantage of its shareholders’ resources to meet the needs of Chinese customers and build a sustainable mobility future with new technology.”

This is part of the effort made by Volkswagen Group China and its joint ventures in the e-mobility field, which will see the launch of 30 new energy vehicle models in the next two years, half of which will be produced in China. The Group aims to deliver around 400,000 New Energy Vehicles in China in 2020, and is preparing to deliver around 1.5 million in 2025.

SOURCE: Volkswagen AG

MEDIA CONTACT

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

EBRD lends €15 million to Turkish chemicals maker to increase production of a key component in energy-efficient tyres

EBRD €15 million loan will fund building of new production facility
New plant will increase capacity by 40,000 tonnes by 2020
Expansion supports fast-growing demand for silica used in energy-efficient tyres

LONDON, 08-Nov-2018 — /EuropaWire/ — In support of greener business practices, the EBRD is lending €15 million to Turkish chemicals maker Egesil Kimya Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S. to increase production of precipitated silica, a key component of energy-efficient tyres that reduce carbon emissions. Founded in 2002, Egesil is majority-owned by Germany’s Evonik Industries, one of the world’s leading specialty chemicals producers and the world’s largest silica producer.

The loan will help build a new production facility in Sakarya, Turkey, next to the company’s existing facility. It will increase the speciality chemicals manufacturer’s annual production capacity of precipitated silica by 40,000 tonnes.

Demand for highly dispersible silica is strong and growing in the global tyre industry to replace carbon black, the traditional filler material in tyre manufacturing. Silica increases the grip and adhesion of tyres and has better anti-skid properties. It also reduces fuel consumption by lowering rolling resistance.

The new facility is expected to become operational by 2020. It will help make carbon emissions savings of around 67,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year during the life cycle of tyres. The EBRD Strategy for Turkey emphasises contributing to the improvement of energy and resource efficiency and to the further integration of medium-sized private Turkish companies into global value chains. The project is also part of the EBRD’s Green Economy Transition (GET) approach, as 100 per cent of the Bank’s loan will be used for green investments.

Egesil Kimya has been chosen among various Evonik subsidiaries to house the capacity increase targeted to supply the European automotive tyre industry. The company’s existing facility has a very good track record, a cost-competitive manufacturing base and was awarded the Evonik Platinum Safety Award in 2018 for not having had a single work accident over the past 15 years. Strong demand for its product and full order books triggered the need to expand capacity.

As the leading silica producer in Turkey, Egesil Kimya aims to reinforce its leading position in the country and meet increased demand both locally and in export markets. With the additional facility, Egesil Kimya will become one of the largest silica plants in the world. The company’s main customers are the world’s leading tyre manufacturers.

The EBRD has invested almost €11 billion in close to 280 projects in Turkey, with a focus on investment in sustainable energy, improving infrastructure, strengthening the competitiveness of the private sector, deepening capital and local currency markets, and promoting regional and youth inclusion and gender equality.

For all media enquiries, email press@ebrd.com

SOURCE: EBRD

Volkswagen selects WPP as its lead creative partner in North America

LONDON, 28-Nov-2018 — /EuropaWire/ — Volkswagen has named WPP as its lead creative partner in North America following a competitive review.

Responding to VW’s emphasis on expertise in technology alongside outstanding creativity, WPP put forward a cross-company and multi-disciplinary team comprising Possible, David, Taxi, Geometry Global and Hogarth, which will draw on additional resources from other WPP agencies as required.

As VW’s “Powerhouse” agency for North America, WPP will handle Digital, Creative, Dealer and Production throughout the United States and Canada, with additional responsibility for Mexico.

Mark Read, CEO of WPP, said: “We are delighted and proud to have been appointed as Volkswagen’s lead creative partner in North America. WPP now offers a powerful combination of creativity, commerce, data and technology services that is increasingly resonating with clients. Volkswagen is one of the world’s iconic brands and we are very excited to have been given the opportunity to help reshape the company’s marketing and support its transformation.”

Further information
Kevin McCormack, WPP
+1 212 632 2239
kevin.mccormack@wpp.com

Niken Wresniwiro, WPP
+44 (0)20 7408 2204
niken.wresniwiro@wpp.com

About WPP
WPP is the world leader in communications services. The company provides a comprehensive range of services including digital, ecommerce and shopper marketing; advertising and media investment management; data investment management; public relations and public affairs; brand consulting; health and wellness communications; and specialist communications. For more information, visit www.wpp.com.

SOURCE: WPP plc.

Jaguar Land Rover’s venture capital fund made seed investment in WeTrip

InMotion Ventures, Jaguar Land Rover’s venture capital fund, today announces seed investment in WeTrip, the digital platform making group holiday planning and booking simpler.
Jaguar Land Rover’s venture capital fund invests in group travel experience platform WeTrip
InMotion Ventures backs WeTrip to accelerate product development and support ambitious global growth plans

COVENTRY, 29-Nov-2018 — /EuropaWire/ — InMotion Ventures, Jaguar Land Rover’s venture capital fund, today announces seed investment in WeTrip, the digital platform making group holiday planning and booking simpler.

InMotion’s seed stage funding will support WeTrip in its global ambition to become the go-to digital platform for booking personalised group experience holidays. In August 2017, the company raised $1m funding to launch WeSki, a platform that allows groups to share responsibility for booking complete, tailor-made ski holidays.

As well as investing in the future of mobility, our fund seeks to back companies that are enabling adventure through powerful digital lifestyle brands. WeTrip is rapidly building a community of adventurous travellers, using their powerful tool for group bookings, and we believe there is a genuine unmet need for a product of this kind. SEBASTIAN PECK, MANAGING DIRECTOR

Our unique platform offers travellers greater flexibility, better value and a simpler way to book group holidays, centred around a shared adventure, to bring the fun back to the booking experience. We are thrilled to have the backing of InMotion to accelerate our product development and support our ambitious global growth plans. YOTAM IDAN, CHIEF EXECUTIVE

FURTHER INFORMATION

About InMotion

At InMotion, we are investing in the future of transport, mobility and travel. Powered by Jaguar Land Rover, we are supporting entrepreneurs and innovators who change the way we move.

InMotion Ventures is Jaguar Land Rover’s venture capital fund. We invest in early-stage technology companies that change the face of urban mobility, support an active outdoor lifestyle and deliver unique travel experiences. We are based in London and invest globally.

InMotion’s mobility services arm Studio 107 works closely with our parent company Jaguar Land Rover to build new services in the urban mobility sector. The name Studio 107 is a nod to the 107% rule in motorsport. In qualifying, drivers who fail to set a lap within 107% of the fastest qualifying time are not allowed to start. Our goal is to select the ideas that play to our strengths and develop them into winning businesses.

To find out more about InMotion, please see: https://www.inmotionventures.com

NOTES TO EDITORS

About WeTrip

WeTrip is a fully dynamic booking website designed specifically for millennial group travelers who seek unforgettable, great value experiences. WeTrip partners with multiple travel operators to offer greater choice, more flexibility and a simpler booking experience.

The ability of the organiser to share the group package with friends – who can then tweak and pay independently for their own requirements online – is one of the key features that makes this company unique.

WeSki, the 1st product, is a trailblazer in the category that is putting the fun back into booking ski holidays.

For further information, contact:

Sally Clift
Corporate Communications
Mobile: +44 (0)7384 430009
Email: sclift2@jaguarlandrover.com

SOURCE: InMotion Ventures

University of Nottingham part of government-backed initiative to trial self-driving taxis in London

NOTTINGHAM, 05-Dec-2018 — /EuropaWire/ — The University of Nottingham is part of a major new government-backed initiative to trial self-driving taxis around parts of London.

Led by Jaguar Land Rover, the ServCity pilot has won £11.15m from Innovate UK towards its £19.8m project to develop a bookable taxi service in the capital using six autonomous Land Rover Discovery vehicles.

The consortium, also comprising Addison Lee, the Transport Systems Catapult and the Transport Research Laboratory, will test and further develop existing JLR sensing and autonomy systems in Coventry and the Midlands before piloting a “premium mobility service across four Greater London boroughs”.

The trials will assess technical performance and include social behavioural research, led by the Human Factors Research Group at the University, to explore how driverless technology can seamlessly integrate into society, with the findings applied to the development for future autonomous service models.

Professor Gary Burnett, Chair in Transport Human Factors, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, said: “ServCity is an ideal opportunity for us to conduct world-leading research to understand the complex factors that will contribute to the public’s acceptance of connected and automated vehicles. We are particularly excited to be working closely with major industrial players in this field to ensure that the knowledge we acquire can have a direct impact on their design processes going forward and shape the experience for users of future autonomous mobility services.”

The project will also develop analytical models to understand and demonstrate the wider positive impacts of connected and autonomous vehicles on cities – from reduced air pollution to easing congestion.

The project is one of three new public trials announced late this week by Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clark as part of efforts to ensure the UK is a world-leader in the development and testing of self-driving technologies.

The projects were selected following a competitive process and will share a £25m government grant through the fourth round of the Connected and Autonomous Vehicles Intelligent Mobility Fund.

Each pilot supports the government’s ambition to have self-driving vehicles on UK roads by 2021 through the modern Industrial Strategy and Future of Mobility Grand Challenge.

Future of Mobility Minister, Jesse Norman, said the UK market for autonomous vehicles was forecast to be worth up to £52bn by 2035. “This pioneering technology will bring significant benefits to people right across the country, improving mobility and safety, and driving growth across the UK,” he said.

“Autonomous vehicles and their technology will not only revolutionise how we travel, it will open up and improve transport services for those who struggle to access both private and public transport,” he said.

“The UK is building on its automotive heritage and strengths to develop the new vehicles and technologies and from 2021 the public will get to experience the future for themselves.”

Some £250 million, match-funded by industry, is being invested by the government, propelling self-driving technology in the UK.

— Ends —

Our academics can now be interviewed for broadcast via our Media Hub, which offers a Globelynx fixed camera and ISDN line facilities at University Park campus. For further information please contact a member of the Communications team on +44 (0)115 951 5798, email pressoffice@nottingham.ac.uk or see the Globelynx website for how to register for this service.

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Notes to editors:

The University of Nottingham is a research-intensive university with a proud heritage, consistently ranked among the world’s top 100. Studying at the University of Nottingham is a life-changing experience and we pride ourselves on unlocking the potential of our 44,000 students – Nottingham was named both Sports and International University of the Year in the 2019 Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, was awarded gold in the TEF 2017 and features in the top 20 of all three major UK rankings. We have a pioneering spirit, expressed in the vision of our founder Sir Jesse Boot, which has seen us lead the way in establishing campuses in China and Malaysia – part of a globally connected network of education, research and industrial engagement. We are ranked eighth for research power in the UK according to REF 2014. We have six beacons of research excellence helping to transform lives and change the world; we are also a major employer, proud of our Athena SWAN silver award, and a key industry partner- locally and globally.

Story credits

More information is available from Professor Gary Burnett, Human Factors Research Group, on +44 (0)115 95 13158 or gary.burnett@nottingham.ac.uk

Emma Lowry – Media Relations Manager
Email: emma.lowry@nottingham.ac.uk
Phone: +44 (0)115 846 7156
Location: University Park

SOURCE: The University of Nottingham

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.