Motoring

The MG Car Club has launched ‘MG Car Club Insurance’ – a new insurance scheme administered by Peter James Insurance designed specifically for members by MG enthusiasts. The scheme will offer benefits that create a compelling reason to join the MG Car Club and, through its focus on insuring young drivers, aims to break down the barriers to young people owning MGs and participating in club activities.

MG Car Club is committed to helping young people become owners of an MG via its active Young Members branch. Now, through the scheme provided by Peter James Insurance – young enthusiasts who are members of the MG Car Club can access fully comprehensive insurance on their MG. This is a significant benefit over most other specialist insurers, who often set an age limit of 25 or 30 for classic car insurance.

Recognising that many young enthusiasts are keen to be involved but may not yet own an MG, Peter James Insurance have designed an option for ‘Accompanied Driver Cover’ where they can drive an MG with a parent or grandparent alongside them for a modest additional premium.

In addition to this the scheme prioritises club activities, with the aim of enabling MG Car Club members to derive more value from their club membership with peace of mind of knowing that their pride and joy is protected by a scheme designed with input from the club.

The benefits of ‘MG Car Club Insurance’ are to be unveiled at the 2024 NEC Classic Motor Show, where a champagne reception will be held for MG Car Club members at 10.30 am on Friday, 8th November, in Hall 3, Stand 150. MG enthusiasts will hear more details on the scheme’s benefits and chat informally with Dave Youngs, Partnerships Director at Peter James Insurance. The launch will also feature interviews with car owners and the Club’s President, John Day.

MG Car Club members can now benefit from: *

• Exclusive rates for MG Car Club members
• Additional discounts based on length of membership
• Free and simple agreed value
• Cover available for classic and modern MGs
• Free salvage retention – in the event of a total loss, we will pay the full agreed value for the vehicle, and you may retain the salvage free of charge
• Free Member to member cover – drive another club member’s MG with fully comprehensive cover regardless of who they are insured with
• Multi-vehicle cover
• A range of options for young MG enthusiasts
• UK and European Breakdown Cover included
• Tools and Spare Parts Cover (up to £3000)
• Self-repair option
• Legal expenses cover
• Laid up cover
• Limited mileage discounts
• Cover for ‘MGs on Track’ events

Peter James Insurance is well-known for providing specialist classic vehicle insurance and has been positioned at the heart of the historic vehicle community for many years. Dave Youngs, Partnerships Director at Peter James Insurance, said, “We’ve worked closely with the club to develop a bespoke scheme designed to fulfil members’ needs and offer a true benefit of membership through discounted premiums and unique features to help you enjoy MGs with peace of mind.” 

Lorraine Noble-Thompson, Chairman of the MG Car Club, explains, “Our objective was to create the best insurance scheme available for MGs anywhere in the market adding significant value to being a member of MG Car Club. Our new and exclusive features have not only addressed shortcomings in our previous insurance, but also provides members of the MG Car Club unique benefits they cannot get anywhere else. Now, MG Car Club members can rely on an insurance scheme built by the club itself. Whilst the scheme has been geared to primarily meet members’ insurance needs and deliver exceptional value to them, the addition of financial support generated from the initiative will allow us to invest in further activities, events and benefits for MG Car Club members.”

Director of the MG Car Club, Neil Brant added, “While the areas already outlined are essential, they are just the tip of a significant iceberg. We consulted with the MG Car Club members to add a whole raft of extra benefits and levels of cover that we knew were essential to the full enjoyment of MGs of any age or era, from pre-war cars to modern EVs. The team at Peter James Insurance have been responsive and flexible at every step to ensure the needs of the full spectrum of our members can be met.” 

The insurance world for MG Car Club members is changing for the better. To protect your MG motor car of any age, call 0121 506 6026 or visit www.peterjamesinsurance.co.uk/mgcc for more information. 

Maserati MCXtrema: Pushing the Boundaries of Performance and Design
The Maserati MCXtrema, ‘The Beast of Modena’, is powered by a formidable 730-horsepower V6 three-litre twin-turbo Nettuno race engine. A track-only creation, it epitomises the Italian luxury brand’s racing heritage. Limited to just 62 units worldwide, it has been honed to dominate circuits with precision, power, and elegance, through a perfect blend of cutting-edge racing technology and Italian craftsmanship.

The customer, a passionate car collector and racer with his own racing team, worked closely with Maserati during the creation of his own MCXtrema. From visits to the House of Trident’s Centro Stile design headquarters in Italy, to being a passenger in a prototype car at the Paul Ricard circuit in France, his journey reflects Maserati’s commitment to offering a unique and tailored experience for its discerning customers.

Commenting on the arrival of his car, the delighted owner said, “I’m thrilled to receive the keys to my very own MCXtrema today. A lot of work has gone into defining the car to my exact configuration requirements and I couldn’t be happier. It’ll be great to get it out onto the track shortly where it belongs and seeing what it can really do in the UK!”

Crafted for the Track
The Maserati MCXtrema has been meticulously developed with an uncompromising focus on track performance. On the outside, the engineering team worked tirelessly to achieve a race honed architecture, using minimal ride height, fully flat underfloor, front splitter, rear wing and shark fin, plus sculptural rear diffuser, all for optimum aerodynamics.

Inside it features a racing seat with six-point belt and roll cage, a carbon and aluminium steering wheel with five-inch central display, buttons rotary selector and ergonomic grip. The MCXtrema’s carbon-fibre monocoque chassis ensures maximum rigidity, while maintaining a lightweight structure that results in a kerb weight of circa 1,300kg. It also features new double-wishbone suspension geometry and kinematics, as well as fully adjustable racing dampers, springs and anti-roll bars, plus cast-iron racing brake system. Fully optimised for track conditions, the MCXtrema benefits from incredibly agile and precise handling.

Designed by Maserati Centro Stile and made entirely in Italy, every aspect of the MCXtrema has been painstakingly engineered to deliver exceptional performance. The car underwent extensive virtual simulations and over 200 hours of real world dynamic testing to refine its handling and performance, ensuring it excels under the most demanding conditions. Seamlessly blending beauty with function, the result is a car that is as visually striking, as it is capable on the racetrack.

This UK delivery follows the global debut of the MCXtrema at Monterey Car Week earlier this year, where it made its track appearance at Laguna Seca in the USA. Maserati’s Chief Test Driver, Andrea Bertolini, has been deeply involved in its development, pushing the car to its limits around many of the world’s most iconic circuits.

The MCXperience
For every MCXtrema owner, Maserati offers a bespoke ownership experience through its exclusive MCXperience program. This initiative allows them to fully immerse themselves in Maserati’s racing heritage, with access to curated track events and the expertise of the Maserati Corse (racing in Italian) professional team. 

Through the MCXperience Concierge, owners can also participate in tailored driving experiences and enjoy dedicated aftersales support, ensuring that every aspect of their journey with the MCXtrema is exceptional.

In addition to these experiences, each MCXtrema comes with a specially designed racing kit, developed by Maserati in collaboration with Sparco, a leader in motorsport apparel and equipment. The kit, created exclusively for the discerning owners of each car, enhances the driving experience by offering the highest level of comfort and performance on the track, allowing drivers to fully embrace the car’s racing calling.

• Yesterday’s budget announced an increase in Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on the sale of assets
• Classic cars are exempt from capital gains tax as ‘wasting assets’
• Car & Classic reminds people that classic cars are a tax-efficient investment post-budget

London, 31st October 2024 – In light of the recent Autumn 2024 Budget, Car & Classic announces that classic cars are exempt from the increase in Capital Gains Tax (CGT), a change that could make them an attractive, tax-efficient investment. With CGT rising from 10% to 18% for the lower rate and from 18% to 24% for the higher rate, this exemption offers an advantage for those considering classic car ownership.

While the CGT hike affects most investments, cars purchased for personal use, whether classic or modern, continue to be classified as ‘wasting assets’ and are therefore exempt.

Tom Wood, founder of Car & Classic, explains, “Unlike other assets, classic cars, while legally considered ‘wasting,’ often appreciate over time due to factors like restoration, rarity, and historical appeal. For collectors, the CGT exemption adds even more value to these vehicles.”

To qualify for the CGT exemption, cars must remain in their original ‘personal use’ configuration. Any modifications, such as for racing, could change their tax status.

With classic cars consistently appreciating in value and now confirmed as a CGT-free asset, Car & Classic invites the public to explore its vehicles for sale via auction on Europe’s largest classic and specialist marketplace https://www.carandclassic.com

Responding to the challenges raised by climate change and the conservation of resources, the automotive industry is engaged in a major transformation. Renault Group is establishing itself as a key player in low-carbon mobility, in line with its Corporate Purpose and Renaulution strategic plan. The Group is targeting carbon neutrality in Europe by 2040 and worldwide by 2050. With a target date of 2035 for this same objective, Ampere, its “pure player” entity and European specialist in intelligent electric vehicles, is spearheading the Group’s decarbonization drive.

Ampere is Renault Group’s unprecedented response to the transformation of the automotive industry. Because this challenge involves the company, its subsidiaries, its entities and their partners, it takes an ecosystemic approach. Ampere is convinced that technological innovation is the key to a sustainable future.

No single component of decarbonization can be treated in isolation. For a vehicle, this means working on its entire lifecycle (“from cradle to grave”) in five areas: eco-design, choice of resources, manufacture, use and end-of-life.

Renault Emblème demo car is the result of this approach. Revealed at the Mondial de l’Auto 2024, it reveals a little more today. A vision of a family vehicle, decarbonized “from head to toe”, it emits 90% less greenhouse gases (CO₂e) over its entire life cycle than an equivalent vehicle produced today (see methodology section).
Through Emblème, Ampere and Renault are continuing the exploratory studies initiated with the Scénic Vision concept in 2022. Continuing to explore the field of possibilities, their goal is to create a working prototype of a family car – with a spacious, comfortable and high-tech design – while taking decarbonisation to new levels.

Every technical, technological and stylistic choice was dictated by efforts to take decarbonisation to the next level. Renault Emblème explores intelligent, credible and viable combinations, particularly in terms of resources, materials, production, use and end-of-life recovery.

With a 70% reduction in the carbon footprint of its components, 50% recycled materials and almost all of the materials used which can be recycled at the end of their life, Renault Emblème demonstrates the capacity of Ampere and its partners to innovate in order to maximise vehicle decarbonisation in the future.

Emblème is based on specifications implementing the principles of eco-design. Engineers and designers worked together to find the best solutions in terms of aerodynamics and efficiency. The result is stunning: an elegant shooting brake 4.80 metres long, placing equal emphasis on styling and interior space.
Renault Emblème is an invitation to travel with a cabin of contemporary, poetic design. The interior features innovative technologies including a new wide openR panorama screen spanning the length of the dashboard. The rear-mounted dual-energy electric powertrain is powered by electricity and hydrogen, an optimal combination for low-carbon driving over both short and long distances.

“Emblème embodies our ecosystem approach and the level of our ambition when it comes to building a sustainable future through technological innovation. It is proof that automotive is still driving progress… keeping emotion in the equation! It embodies the future Design Language of the Renault brand, what we call « La Nouvelle Vague ». An average ICE car has a 50 tons footprint: for Emblème, it’s 5 tons, cradle to grave. It’s a masterpiece.”
Luca de Meo, CEO Renault Group, CEO Ampere

A METHODOLOGY BASED ON THE VEHICLE LIFECYCLE ANALYSIS
Life cycle analysis (LCA) is a scientific method used to quantify a vehicle’s environmental impacts from cradle to grave. It factors in raw material extraction and component production, as well as vehicle assembly, transport, use, maintenance and recycling. It is the international, multi-criterion tool used by Renault Group. One of its main uses is to calculate the global warming potential associated with greenhouse gas emissions measured in CO₂ equivalent (CO₂ eq.) per vehicle. Note that Renault Group calculates the actual consumption of its vehicles over 200,000 km. Renault Group and Ampere also support the proposal made by the French automotive industry to measure the impact of the entire vehicle life cycle.

Renault Megane E-Tech electric, for example, the emits 24 tonnes of CO₂ eq during its life cycle. That is practically half that of an equivalent model running on fossil fuels (50 tonnes of CO₂ eq. in the case of a Captur with a petrol engine), showing that all-electric mobility is more virtuous in terms of CO₂ eq. emissions. The goal for the Emblème project is just 5 tonnes of CO₂ eq. from cradle to grave, i.e. a reduction of almost 90%!

CONSERVING RESOURCES AND SELECTING RAW MATERIALS
Raw materials extraction and parts manufacturing accounted for 15% of the carbon footprint of Renault Group ICE vehicles in 2020. Involving suppliers in efforts to reduce their environmental footprint is one of the Group’s strategic priorities for achieving its decarbonisation goals. Initiated by Ampere for Renault Group, Renault Emblème is the result of a collaborative project to drive the automotive ecosystem forward. It gives practical form to the most advanced perspectives for minimising the commitment of resources.

A 70% REDUCTION IN THE CARBON FOOTPRINT
In the automotive sector, six materials and components account for 90% of the carbon footprint of purchasing: steel, aluminium, polymers, electronic components, glass and tyres. The collaboration of industrial partners such as ArcelorMittal, CEA (Commissariat à l’énergie atomique), Dicastal, Forvia, Forvia / Hella, HYVIA, Michelin, OPmobility, Plug, ST Microelectronics, Valeo and Verkor, in the eco-design of Renault Emblème made it possible to optimise the choice and diversity of materials, right from the start of the project.

Every detail of the vehicle’s composition was set out in stringent specification. This made it possible to achieve a 70% reduction in the carbon footprint for all materials: steel, aluminium, plastics, tyres, glass, electronics, screens and recyclables. Renault Emblème is designed to include at least 50% of recycled materials and is over 90% recyclable. For the exterior, the materials used (steel, aluminium and plastics) are all fully recyclable at end of life.

A LOW-CARBON BATTERY
Ampere is seeking to develop low-carbon, sustainable batteries. Changes have been made across the value chain to conserve resources and reduce carbon emissions. Building on the strategic partnerships already in place, the battery of Renault Emblème explores all the areas identified.

• A sustainable nickel supply, based on a strategic partnership with Terrafame to secure low-carbon nickel sulphate and guarantee traceability throughout the supply chain. Through this agreement, Renault Group has secured a significant supply of nickel sulphate, representing an annual capacity of around 15 GWh.
• A sustainable lithium supply, based on a 5-year strategic partnership with Vulcan Energy as part of the Zero Carbon Lithium™ Project. The purpose is to secure between 6,000 and 17,000 tonnes of lithium per year for electric batteries
• Closed-loop recycling of strategic materials (cobalt, nickel, lithium) to produce new batteries. Eighty percent of recycled strategic materials will be used to make new batteries by 2030.

INNOVATION IN MATERIALS
The interiors of modern cars include a wide variety of materials, such as carpets, plastics, felt and foam. This diversity meets aesthetic and technical criteria (sound insulation, comfort, perceived quality…) but is complex to produce and recycle. The ideal solution is to use just one type of a material. Scenic Vision led the way in this respect, using only recycled and recyclable polyester for the foam, upholstery and seat seams. The colour and materials designers of Renault Emblème sought to go even further. Polyester is used not only in woven form for the seats, but has also been thermoformed as a floor covering. It is even found in the coloured scraps of the upholstery, contributing to the welcoming interior ambience.

All the colors of the 100% recycled and recyclable woven polyester that covers a large part of Renault Emblème’s interior are obtained by weaving just 4 threads of different colors (cyan, magenta, yellow and black). This process, known as “additive synthesis”, eliminates the need for dyes, emits less CO₂ e and produces up to 62 shades of color.
The foam in the seat backs is biocircular, i.e. made from biological waste.

The dashboard of Renault Emblème is upholstered in linen made in Normandy (France). This natural material acts as a carbon sink (it stores CO₂) and has been chosen for its aesthetic and structural qualities. Stiffened, it does not require a shell. At the same time, TFT (tailored fibre textile) technology provides a made-to-measure cut generating no waste.

CLEAR OBJECTIVES FOR THE FUTURE
The target of Renault Group is to increase the recycled content of its vehicles to 33% by weight by 2030 and to achieve a 30% reduction in the CO₂ emissions associated with procurement per vehicle by 2030. Concerning the production process, the targets for recycled materials are 55% for steel, 60% for glass and 82% for flat aluminium by 2035.

A FAMILY-FRIENDLY, RELIABLE, HIGH-TECH VOITURE À VIVRE
The ambition of the Renault Emblème project was to maximise decarbonisation with a car that is family-friendly, attractive, comfortable, high-tech and versatile. More than a concept car, it is a working Ampere technology- powered demo-car unveiled and that is a pleasure to look at, to sit in and to drive. A real invitation to take to the road!

ELEGANT, FLOWING LINES
Renault Emblème features a strongly curved profile. It is an elegant combination of an estate, with a wide wheelbase of 2.90 metres, and a coupé with a moderate height of 1.52 metres and flowing roofline. The shooting brake looks are showcased by the dichroic effect of the green bodywork, making the colour look different depending on the angle from which it is viewed.

The vehicle is 4.80 metres long, making it ideal for comfortable family travel, with passengers and luggage. Emblème also symbolises Renault’s stated ambition to continue innovating in the C segment and higher, in line with its value-based strategy.

Exploring new paths in design inspired by the Renault logo, the light signature is intended to be both high-tech and easily identifiable.

A HIGH-TECH CABIN
Renault Emblème embodies a Ampere’s vision of the future where onboard technologies and innovation are required to be useful, concrete and humanised. This is particularly true of the new cockpit facing the driver and passenger at the front.

The elegantly curved openR panorama screen stretches the entire length of the dashboard. Its size of 1.2 m long and 12 cm high (display in 8K quality on a 48-inch diagonal) offers an unprecedented multimedia experience which means that both driver and passenger can benefit from both shared and dedicated information.

Operation of most functions, such as the multimedia system, is highly intuitive. Operation is via a second touchscreen located on the center console, and a single rotary knob complemented by controls on the steering wheel. The applications available on the second screen appear in the form of tiles (navigation, multimedia, Safety Coach, MyCar, etc.), which you simply slide up to display on the upper screen.

While technology is omnipresent on board Renault Emblème, the approach is very much “Shy Tech”. The interior features create a relaxed ambience, inviting the driver to take the wheel. The central screen gains a low-key matt film, while the buttons and touch-sensitive keys on the doors are housed under the textile. Each screen is energy-efficient, with automatic deactivation of the LEDs in the black display areas and local dimming.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR SAFE, EFFICIENT DRIVING
The operating systems of Renault Emblème use artificial intelligence to make life easier for the driver, while also contributing to energy efficiency and onboard safety.

• Using the driving aids supplied through the advanced human/machine interface, the driver is able to adopt a driving style that is both energy-efficient and safe, in order to further reduce energy consumption. To motivate the driver, the “eco score” and “safety score” apps give specific scores for each journey, along with encouragement and tips for improvement.
• These driving aids also enable the driver to adapt their driving reflexes in real time, depending on the situation, in order to improve their scores.
• In the same way as with sports apps, drivers can use their smartphone to analyse their journey, compare themselves with others and earn rewards.

In the same way, the Active Driver Assist system which gives access to driving delegation does so in a contextual manner. It relies on geolocation data associated with specific mapping to predictively adapt driving to the road layout, anticipating roundabouts, bends as well as changes in speed limits, for the benefit of the efficiency and therefore energy consumption.

Finally, the journey planner, continuously optimized according to the evolution of the various parameters (availability of charging points, evolution of vehicle consumption, outside temperature, etc.), suggests the route optimizing energy management in order to consume less while minimizing travel time.

DRIVING: HYPER-VERSATILITY OF USES
Renault Emblème relies on a 160 kW wound-rotor electric motor – without rare earths – powered by dual-energy: a 40 kWh NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) battery housed under the floor pan, and a 30 kW PEMFC fuel cell running on low-carbon hydrogen from a 2.8 kg tank located under the front hoo.

Based on the AmpR Medium platform, the rear-wheel drive architecture hosts the various powertrain components (electric motor, battery, fuel cell and hydrogen tank) while maintaining a low centre of gravity and ideal weight distribution to promote performance and efficiency.

For day-to-day driving, the vehicle functions in the same way as a conventional electric car, with the battery charged by regenerative braking, photovoltaic cells on the roof or from a socket or charge point. It has a range of several hundred kilometres, more than enough for everyday journeys.

For longer journeys, it will rely more on the hydrogen fuel cell in order to minimise charging times.

Renault Emblème is able to cover a distance of up to 1,000 km in the same time as an equivalent ICE vehicle. No electric charging is required, just two stops of less than five minutes for hydrogen refuelling, delivering a range of 350 km. On a typical journey between Paris and Marseille, 75% of the electricity consumed by the vehicle is produced by the fuel cell, with no emissions other than water.

The multimedia system also includes a route planner to calculate the amount of power supplied by the fuel cell, in order to optimize the use of the battery or even preserve its charge.

Combining the qualities of hydrogen and electric, the dual-energy system delivers all the benefits of electric driving (instant acceleration, silent running, no vibrations). It takes the form of an attractive alternative to pure electric driving, albeit one that is entirely exploratory for the moment.

ONBOARD AMBIENCE: AN INVITATION TO TAKE THE WHEEL
The interior layout and design of Renault Emblème take passengers out of their everyday routine, inviting them on a journey that is both literal and figurative.

The colourful fabric seen on the dashboard, the top of the door panels and the top of the rear bench backrest forms a ring displaying scenes of nature and cityscapes. In a play of sharpness and blur, the car appears to be driving through these landscapes, which appear as real as the ones flashing past the windows outside.

The poetry of the interior is also expressed through wording and texts. The words “ouverture d’esprit” (open mind)can be seen on the door opening controls, and “voyage” (journey) on the straps of the map pockets, resembling rucksacks for hiking.

For the designers who created this universe, the car aspires to take us on a journey while encouraging us to set our sights on the future, a reference to Emblème’s brief as a “vision of the future”.

A GLOBAL APPROACH TO ECO-DESIGN
To achieve 5 tonnes of CO₂ e from cradle to grave, Renault Emblème is the result of an ultra-efficient eco-design approach carried out by Ampère on all of its elements since the designers’ first stroke of the pen. The quest for CO₂ eq savings involved all stages of the process: from the exterior lines, to the production of interior materials, through to powertrain design. Aided by modern, high-performance tools, the project designers and engineers pushed the cursor to the limit in terms of innovation.

OPTIMISED AERODYNAMICS, INSPIRED BY FORMULA 1

Efficiency at the core of Renault’s new design language
Renault Emblème symbolises a new holistic approach to vehicle design. The exterior is sporty, elegant and exciting, with sensual volumes and high-tech graphic character lines, making the car a desirable object. The design also reflects meticulous efforts to optimise vehicle aerodynamics. Along with weight, this is one of the key factors in the efficiency of an electric car. The design of the body and of each component was dictated by the need to optimise air penetration and control aerodynamic flow. This objective was achieved with no trade-off in interior space.

The drag coefficient was fine-tuned using digital twin technology and a state-of-the-art digital simulation system provided by the BWT Alpine F1 Team. As part of their productive collaboration, Renault and Ampere engineers conducted iterative testing in the digital wind tunnel, making it possible to optimise passive and active aerodynamics in record time, without actually building a mock-up. Even before it came into existence physically, the entire car was seen to achieve excellence in air penetration, saving valuable time and CO₂ eq.

Technology for improved aerodynamics
To avoid breaking the flow, the rearview mirrors of Renault Emblème are replaced by two cameras, tucked into the wheel arches to minimise aerodynamic interference. The windscreen wipers are hidden under the bonnet, while the sensitive e-latch door handles are recessed into the bodywork.

Emblème was designed as an everyday car, so its active aerodynamic features are both low-key and efficient.

• The fins at the base of the front bumper open and close as required to cool the mechanical components.
• Under the rear bumper of the Formula 1-inspired flat underbody is an active diffuser, which pivots 5 degrees up and down around a horizontal axis, extending and retracting to balance the air flows over and under the vehicle to minimise drag.
• The 22-inch tall and narrow tyres have low rolling resistance.

WEIGHT AND WHY IT MATTERS
A vehicle’s weight impacts its CO₂ eq. emissions at several levels: when materials are extracted, for production and transport, during use (impact on energy consumption) and when the vehicle is recycled. To minimise vehicle weight to just 1,800 kilos, the designers of Renault Emblème hunted down and eliminated every kg possible:

• The hydrogen tank is made of carbon
• The dual-energy electric powertrain – comprising a battery and fuel cell (see details below) – delivers a long range, with a battery that is almost half the weight* of the battery on an all-electric family car with a similar range
• The doors are 15 kilos lighter than the frameless models found on shooting brakes currently on the market.

* The 40 kWh battery on Emblème weighs 291 kilos compared with 513 kilos for an 87 KwH battery.

AN ALL-ELECTRIC POWERTRAIN COMBINING VERSATILITY AND LOW-CARBON OPERATION
For low-carbon mobility, the electric car is currently the best response. Huge progress has been made in recent years on the energy density of batteries for all-electric cars, but this is still not enough to compete with ICE vehicles in terms of range and journey time. While continuing its research into battery chemistry, Renault Group is therefore exploring the use of hydrogen to power electric motors.

Odourless, colourless and non-corrosive, hydrogen is a gas that produces electricity when burned in a combustion engine or oxidised in a fuel cell, a process that releases only water. Proven solutions exist for storing and producing hydrogen, while charging time at a hydrogen pump is fast: one kilogram per minute (a figure set to increase in the future).

For many years, Renault Group has been conducting research into fuel cells. Combining a fuel cell with a battery reaps the benefits of both technologies to deliver an increased range, with both sources having a balanced power delivery sufficient to keep the vehicle on the road.

HYVIA is making this technical set-up available on new Renault Master H2 Tech. This solution is suitable for LCVs.

As illustrated by Emblème, Renault Group considers that the dual-energy hydrogen-electric could be envisaged for passenger cars when, to meet the needs of road transport in the first instance, the network of hydrogen pumps is widely deployed on motorways.

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION AT CARBON-NEUTRAL SITES
Renault Emblème was designed as a production vehicle based on sustainable, local production, and assembled in low-carbon plants.

A POWERTRAIN BUILT IN FRANCE
The powertrain of Emblème is manufactured locally at the ElectriCity complex. The wound rotor synchronous electric motor uses no rare earths and is manufactured by the Ampere plant in Cléon (France). The recyclable battery is produced with Verkor. Last, the battery casing is made by the Ampere plant in Ruitz.

TOWARDS CARBON NEUTRALITY AT PRODUCTION SITES
Renault Group is seeking to reduce manufacturing-related CO₂ emissions by 80% by 2030. Its goal is to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 for manufacturing sites in Europe and by 2050 for all industrial facilities worldwide. To limit its CO₂ emissions, the Group is focusing primarily on green energy and energy efficiency in production. In other words, to “consume less and better”.

In France, Renault Group is optimising the size of its plants and has implemented monitoring software to oversee its use of electricity, gas and water. In 2022, Renault Group set up a dedicated energy portal – Ecogy– as part of its industrial metaverse. This portal groups data for the use of electricity, gas, compressed air, water, etc. in a single interface. Based on the data collected, the system uses AI to optimise consumption and detect leaks and anomalies in real time.

In Spain, energy supplier Iberdrola has been providing all-green electricity for the Palencia and Valladolid plants since 2021.

A STRONG LOCAL ECOSYSTEM AROUND AMPÈRE ELECTRICITY
ElectriCity is a unique and compact ecosystem, with 75% of suppliers within a 300km radius and 75% of potential customers within 1,000km. This translates into a 40% reduction in logistics costs.

• Zero-per-cent APR¹ with a Solutions Personal Contract Plan (PCP)
• Additional £1,000 off – or £2,500 off ID.4 stock vehicles – during the Volkswagen Drive Electric Sale
• Free Ohme home charger or £500 of charging credit
• UK’s cheapest home electric vehicle charging rate plus up to 10,000 free miles

Milton Keynes – The Volkswagen Drive Electric sale provides an exceptional package of offers this autumn for those considering an electric car. They combine zero-per-cent APR¹ with money off, a free home charger and access to the UK’s cheapest home electric vehicle (EV) charging rate.

Zero-per-cent APR¹
Order a Volkswagen electric car this autumn and get zero-per-cent APR¹ with a Solutions Personal Contract Plan (PCP) from Volkswagen Financial Services (subject to terms). It means customers could drive away in a Volkswagen ID.3, for example, for just £299 per month² with a customer deposit of £5,693.

Money off if you order by 18 November
Anyone ordering a new Volkswagen ID.3, ID.4, ID.5, ID.7 or ID.7 Tourer by 18 November will benefit from £1,000 off the on-the-road price – or £2,500 off an ID.4 from stock. This eye-catching offer is open to cash buyers and those who are using finance to fund purchases. But prospective buyers will need to be quick – this offer ends on Monday 18 November³.

Free Ohme home charger or £500 of charging credit
Volkswagen UK is partnering with Ohme, one of the UK’s most innovative and fastest-growing tech companies, to give customers a free home charger – or £500 worth of charging credit for those who already have a charger at home or for who installation is not viable.

Ohme chargers are loaded with smart technology to help customers manage their charging schedules, monitor progress and keep track of electricity usage and costs. They just need to let their Volkswagen Retailer know, when buying a car, that they would like to take up the charger offer, and everything will be arranged to supply an Ohme charger with standard installation.

See full offer details, terms and conditions at: https://www.volkswagen.co.uk/en/electric-and-hybrid/driving-electric/finance-and-offers.html#charge-offer  

UK’s cheapest home EV charging rate plus up to 10,000 free miles
Volkswagen UK is also partnering with home energy provider OVO to give customers access to the UK’s cheapest home electric vehicle charging rate – just 7p per kWh.

This fantastic rate can be unlocked by adding the free Charge Anytime tariff to any OVO energy plan. There are no peak or off-peak rates with Charge Anytime, so there’s no need to charge overnight to obtain the best rate. Customers pay one price for their household electricity and one price for their EV charging – simply by adding Charge Anytime to an existing OVO energy plan.

But that’s not all: those adding Charge Anytime to an OVO energy plan will also receive credit worth up to 10,000 free miles – and will be given an additional 1,000 free miles every year for up to three years after they start using Charge Anytime.

See full offer details, terms and conditions at: https://www.volkswagen.co.uk/en/electric-and-hybrid/driving-electric/charging/ovo-energy.html  

Read more here about getting up to 10,000 free miles with Charge Anytime and Volkswagen: https://www.ovoenergy.com/vwpassenger

• New Aston Martin Vantage GT3 chasing second win of the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship, in Bahrain
• New Vantage GT3 impresses on debut season in world championship
• D’station Racing looks to bookend WEC season with another podium
• The Heart of Racing chasing second in the LMGT3 class standings

29 October 2024, Sakhir, Bahrain: The new Aston Martin Vantage GT3 will conclude a highly successful debut season in the FIA World Endurance Championship [WEC], as the series reaches its finale – the Bapco Energies 8 Hours of Bahrain – on Saturday, 2 November, 2024.

Aston Martin’s new GT3-based challenger, which is closely derived from the new Vantage road car unveiled earlier this year at Silverstone, is built around a proven bonded aluminium chassis and powered by a fearsome twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine. The car has already earned its maiden victory in WEC this season, winning the Lone Star Le Mans round at the Circuit of the Americas [COTA] with The Heart of Racing team [THoR], in September. Driver crews from THoR and D’station Racing have stood on the podium steps on four other occasions throughout 2024.

Thanks to a spectacular home race at COTA, THoR led the way in Round 5 from pole, recording the fastest LMGT3 class lap on route to the team’s maiden WEC victory. Another points finish in the most recent round at Fuji in Japan last month means that team principal and driver Ian James (GBR), Alex Riberas (ESP) and Daniel Mancinelli (ITA) are right in the fight for second place in the LMGT3 Endurance Trophy for drivers’ and teams. Just seven points separate three GT crews contesting the runner-up place, with 39 points available in Bahrain.

Should THoR achieve its goal, it would wrap up a strong season with the new Vantage GT3 for the US-based outfit, having already secured runner-up in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTD Pro class drivers’ and teams’ championships at Road Atlanta earlier this month. Aston Martin works driver Ross Gunn (GBR) narrowly missed out on his first IMSA full series crown by just five points, having taken a win and four podiums – including third in the Petit Le Mans finale. New Vantage also took Aston Martin to second in the manufacturers’ championship in North America’s premier GT endurance series.

D’station Racing has also enjoyed great success with the Vantage GT3 domestically, where it remains in title contention for the GT300 class in the Japanese-based SUPER GT Series – having recorded Aston Martin’s maiden victory in the championship at Suzuka in June.

The team, owned by former WEC racer Satoshi Hoshino (JPN) and managed by SUPER GT Series class winner Tomonobu Fujii (JPN), comes to Bahrain hoping to improve on its best WEC finishes of second in class, recorded at the same race, in Bahrain, last year.

Among D’station Racing’s driving strength is Aston Martin’s most decorated active works driver, Marco Sørensen (DEN), a three-time FIA WEC champion in the GT classes and a Rolex 24 and 24 Hours of Le Mans class winner, and now the most recent Spa 24 Hours winner alongside fellow works drivers Nicki Thiim (DEN) and Mattia Drudi (ITA). Erwan Bastard (FRA), a French and European GT4 title-winner, join the Dane in the #777 Vantage.

Adam Carter, Aston Martin Head of Endurance Motorsport, said: “No matter what is left to come from 2024, I believe we are safe to declare the season a successful start to the new Vantage GT3’s career. A resounding a victory in COTA for THoR along with podiums for both our US partners and D’station Racing prove what a raceable GT car the Aston Martin is for both professional and amateur drivers alike in WEC. In contention for championships around the world, Vantage is still fighting for titles in the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe and the SUPER GT Series in Japan. To be competing for second on its debut in the world championship proves what an excellent option it will be for any existing or potential partner in year two.”

Aston Martin’s record at Bahrain in WEC is excellent. Vantage took pole for the inaugural race there in 2012 and went on to finish second with Darren Turner (GBR) and Stefan Mücke (DEU). Since then, it has won in each of its three previous configurations (Vantage V8, V8 Vantage GTE and Vantage GTE) in the GT class, and Aston Martin has recorded seven class victories all told. In total, Aston Martin crews have stood on the podium no less than 15 times. Last year’s event witnessed D’station Racing’s best WEC result (second in the LMGTE class), while THoR recorded its maiden WEC podium with third place.

Official practice for the 8 Hours of Bahrain begins on Thursday, 31 October at 1215 local time (0915 GMT) with the race beginning at 1400 (1100 GMT) on Saturday. Follow details of the event via the official series websites and Apps.

• Fashion designer, Supriya Lele, has created a new bespoke colour, Nīla Blue, inspired by her Indian heritage
• Nīla Blue draws its name from the Sanskrit word for “sapphire” and represents a seamless blend of personal history and artisanal craft
• To showcase Nīla Blue, Supriya co-created a one-of-one specification, working with Mulliner designers to explore the possibilities of personalisation through bespoke finishes
• A Bespoke Bentayga S provides a canvas for Nila Blue exterior paintwork with pinstripes to the 22” sports wheels
• Nīla Blue is as an example of how Mulliner can create unique colours from client’s aspirations through bespoke craftsmanship
• Nila Blue is available to customers exclusively via the Mulliner Bespoke Studio. Enquiries can be made through Bentley retailers

Bentley Motors is proud to announce the continuation of its creative collaboration with acclaimed British fashion designer, Supriya Lele, unveiling a new bespoke colour, Nīla Blue, which will be available exclusively to Mulliner customers. Deeply inspired by Lele’s Indian heritage, Nīla Blue draws its name from the Sanskrit word for “sapphire” and represents a seamless blend of personal history and artisanal craft. This distinctive hue, infused with personal and cultural significance, represents the seamless fusion of automotive luxury and high fashion, reflecting the ultimate in craftsmanship, innovation, and personalised expression.

Bentley Mulliner is renowned for its ability to craft virtually any colour imaginable. Whether inspired by the world of fashion, art, or personal memory, Mulliner’s artisans work closely with each client to develop bespoke paints that reflect individual vision and style. Nīla Blue stands as an example of how Mulliner can create something wholly unique, translating a client’s aspirations into a lasting expression of craftsmanship.

Known for her sensual, delicately crafted, and body-celebrating silhouettes, Lele has always been inspired by the colour blue, a shade she frequently uses in her fashion collections. Her connection to the colour is rooted in her Indian heritage and further influenced by William Gass’s 1976 philosophical treatise ‘On Blue,’ which explores the symbolic significance of blue in relation to themes of sex, sleaze, and sadness. This bespoke hue, subtle yet distinctive, echoes the sense of luxurious restraint and enduring elegance that defines both her collections and Mulliner’s design philosophy.

To showcase Nīla Blue,  Supriya co-created a one-of-one specification, working with Mulliner designers to explore the possibilities of personalisation through bespoke finishes. A bespoke Bentayga S provides a stunning canvas, to display the uniquely commissioned Nila Blue. The lower brightware has been matched with the rest of the exterior paintwork and using the freshly commissioned blue, a pinstripe has been added to the 22” sports style wheels. A bright Mulliner White accent to the carbon fibre bodykit provides a contrast that is echoed through to the interior. The interior includes a multitude of bespoke features, from the satin black Naim audio speaker grilles to the open pore black stained crown cut walnut veneers, all bordered by the Nila Blue edging. This exclusive edition embodies the bold and elevated confidence that defines Lele’s fashion work, featuring luxurious and experimental fabrication that evolves the fluid silhouettes synonymous with her label.

Supriya Lele, commented: “Creating the colour for Bentley has been an exciting and special experience. Colour plays a key role in both my practice and brand identity. This shade of blue feels distinctive yet subtle, slightly different from the usual. It’s this nuanced difference—the inability to exactly define it—that I love about creativity. I incorporate this subtlety into my work, so collaborating with Bentley to bring this unique color to life using my own references and brand has been truly rewarding.”

David Parker, Chief Commercial Officer at Mulliner, commented: “The Bentley Mulliner Bespoke Studio continues to push the boundaries of what is possible. This collaboration invites customers to explore a world where the only limits are those of the imagination. Nīla Blue is an expression of subtlety and depth, a tone that reflects both Supriya’s artistic vision and Mulliner’s expertise in crafting the finest bespoke finishes. It is a hue that speaks to the discerning tastes of those who appreciate quiet luxury.”

Nila Blue is available to customers exclusively via the Mulliner Bespoke Studio. Enquiries can be made through Bentley retailers.

Thursday 4 July, 2024

Roye, France – bk World, leading operator of electric car lounges at charging sites, expands. Following the opening of several locations in Germany, lounges are now being added throughout Europe. Electric car drivers in France can now enjoy their charging break in the latest bk World Lounge in Roye.

New lounge in France

The expansion of bk World Lounges begins with a new location in the north of France. Electric car drivers in Roye can turn their charging break into quality time at the new Roye Tesla Supercharger.

Located on the A1 motorway between Lille and Paris, electric vehicles of all makes equipped with CCS connections can charge using one of the 32 Tesla Superchargers V4 generation. This is the world's largest fleet of V4 chargers located on one of France's busiest roads.

bk World Lounge Roye – That's new

The bk World Lounge in Roye is different from all existing bk World Lounges. Based on the Tesla design, it fulfils the very individual design wishes of the brand.

Even more seating, a large selection of snacks and drinks in state-of-the-art vending machines, coffee, sanitary facilities and the completely redesigned interior make the break in Roye a highlight.

About bk World

By combining innovation, technology, convenience and service, charging time at bk World becomes quality time. We rethink electric car charging. The innovative and hyper-flexible lounges offer guests a comfortable seating area with an exceptional selection of snacks and drinks as well as modern sanitary facilities. Bk World offers comfort and security around the clock. Charge Point Operators benefit from quick deployment, individual customization and the all-in-one operations package worldwide.

Find out more at www.bk.world

Press Contact:

Elina Ranki

Teamlead Markeitng

bk World Holding GmbH

presse@bk.world

phone +49 9843 9801 104

Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/