CLEVER, CLEVER For reasons of space economy, trucks have increasingly evolved from long-hoods to short-hoods and forward-controls as they have developed. Opel had this idea a long time ago.
At an auction, experts from Opel Classic have discovered unknown photos of a van of the brand from the 1930s. At that time, the company was the market leader in commercial vehicles.
At that time, however, all models had a classic body with a long hood and adjoining driver's cab.
Opel van type 1,5-23 COE (Cab over engine), 1937
Opel van type 1,5-23 COE (Cab over engine), 1937
Opel van type 1,5-23 COE (Cab over engine), 1937
Series-production van The footage that has now surfaced shows that Opel had also long ago developed a production-ready Blitz series van in a forward-control design - many years before the concept became established worldwide.
INNOVATIONS The further developed technology carrier Mercedes-Benz Sustaineer can now be seen for the first time at Shift Mobility and the Future Mobility Summit. It promises more quality of life and driving safety in cities.
Henrik Petro - September 5, 2022
With the technology carrier Sustaineer (named after Sustainability and Pioneer), Mercedes-Benz Vans gave a concrete outlook on sustainability in the urban delivery traffic of the future as early as 2021.
Now the all-electric van is receiving further innovative solutions to improve the quality of life in cities, conserve resources and protect the climate.
The new version of the Mercedes-Benz Sustaineer brings even more safety, comfort and sustainability.
Intelligent solutions for details These include, for example, the body-hugging heater, the automatic radiator shutter, the mobilization seat and the Driver Coaching app. Features already familiar from the predecessor such as fine dust filters, a solar panel on the roof and components made from recycled materials are still on board.
Mercedes-Benz will be showcasing the optimized technology carrier until September 6 at Shift Mobility in Berlin and at the Future Mobility Summit, which will also be held in Berlin from September 7 to 8. Interested parties will have the opportunity there to experience the new features in real time with augmented reality glasses.
More e-models by the end of 2022 Mercedes-Benz Vans has firmly anchored its claim to leadership in electromobility in its strategy and is consistently electrifying all its model series - including commercial vehicles.
The eVito panel van, the eSprinter, the eVito tourer and the EQV are already available today. By the end of 2022, the electric portfolio will also be extended to the small van segment with the eCitan and the EQT.
SHOWING CHARACTER STRENGTH Jorge Díez, head of design at the Spanish Cupra brand, explains details of the future models. A strong character and new features are to characterize the exterior, while the interior must hint at driving pleasure.
Editorial - September 4, 2022
People fall in love not only with their hearts, but also with their brains. According to the manufacturers, the future Cupra brand models will also arouse comparable feelings.
The recently unveiled Cupra models Urban Rebel, Tavascan and Terramar should make you fall in love with them in seven seconds, or at least that's what Cupra design chief Jorge Díez believes.
Design chief Jorge Diez ensures emotional body lines on the outside and inside.
Design with award
Jorge Díez: "Creating the future without looking to the past is a spectacular journey. Our ultimate goal is to make people fall in love with our cars and to create unique experiences."
In any case, the brand received the prestigious Golden Steering Wheel awards last year for the first Formentor and Born models designed entirely by Cupra.
Looking ahead Cupra looks to the future. The cockpits of future vehicles will offer an unprecedented sense of space when they enter the market in the coming years.
Jorge Díez: "At Cupra, we are crazy about driving. Sitting behind the wheel of the new models will be a sensory experience where everything is focused on driving fun."
Sustainability is also a key component of the new interior. Recycled materials are used, and new techniques such as parametric design and 3D printing give the vehicles a distinctive character.
Jorge Díez is convinced: "Technology and sustainability will go hand in hand - with the aim of generating strong and immediate emotions."
ENERGY CRISIS? The discussions about an impending power shortage have so far had no impact on the Swiss car market. At 21.6%, the market share of plug-in vehicles in August was similar to that of the previous year.
Editorial - September 4, 2022
The proportion of plug-in vehicles is still rising sharply in Switzerland.
Despite ongoing supply problems with vendor parts, the level of the overall market in August was only 0.4 percent lower than a year ago, at 16,384 new registrations.
Of the 141,659 new vehicles put on the road since the beginning of the year, 34,361 have a charging option via the power grid. This includes 22,302 electric cars and 12,059 plug-in hybrids. The number of first-time registrations of plug-in vehicles is 13.1 percent higher than in the previous year.
Electricity consumption of e-mobiles modest According to the Swiss Federal Office of Energy, the 70,000 or so electric cars on Swiss roads as of the end of September 2021 would require less than 0.4 percent of the country's electricity consumption.
Auto-Schweiz President Albert Rösti: "The current discussions and planning games about a possible electricity shortage in the coming winter are therefore also poison for the further market development of electromobility. Savings measures should not first hit those who have been pioneers in recent years and bought a CO2-efficient electric car. Moreover, transport is systemically relevant for our society."
Ban on internal combustion vehicles from 2035 remains questionable In the short term, the power supply must be secured for the coming winter, both through effective measures on the production side and through sensible savings on the consumption side, Albert Rösti further emphasized.
In addition, the current energy crisis calls into question the European Union's target of banning internal combustion engines from 2035, as it massively restricts flexibility in the use of available energy sources. Detailed figures by brand are available on the website.
Volkswagen: First appearance of the ID.Buzz in Switzerland 🎥
PREMIERE Ahead of their market launch, the new Volkswagen ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo are making their Swiss debut at the square new mobility hub showroom in the Circle at Zurich Airport and will remain there until October 2.
Editorial - September 3, 2022
Both variants of the ID.Buzz are expected to arrive at Swiss dealers at the end of the year. Advance sales of the new all-electric models from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles have already been underway since the beginning of July and, according to Amag, customer interest is high: "Whether as an electric bus for family, leisure and business or as a delivery vehicle for companies - the zero-emission all-rounder makes almost everything possible.
Rico Christoffel, Brand Manager VW Commercial Vehicles (center gallery): "Never before has a model generated so much interest before the actual sales launch. Customers are looking forward to getting in the electric Bulli and driving off at the end of the year. And we are, too, of course."
With the decision to build a retro bus, Volkswagen creates a bridge to the beloved rear-engine models.
Reflection of a new automotive era The most important current automotive trends are reflected in the ID. Buzz: electromobility, intelligent networking of assistance and information systems, and over-the-air software updates.
With a useful range and short charging times, the locally emission-free ID. Buzz is also a sustainable and economical everyday companion. To date, no other competitor in Europe offers a stand-alone all-electric series for buses and vans in the Bulli class.
The ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo are manufactured at the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles plant in Hanover and handed over to their customers in a balance sheet-neutral manner, and if they are driven with 100 percent green electricity, they are already driving in a climate-neutral manner.
Cargo prices start at 59,633 francs And when will the ID. Buzz California?
Rico Christoffel: "There will certainly be an all-electric California model. But when - and whether on the MEB platform, we don't know yet. The next step will be the long-wheelbase version, followed by the all-wheel-drive version. We hope to be able to offer both as early as next year."
Prices start at 67 860 francs for the ID. Buzz Pro and 59,633 francs for the ID. Buzz Cargo.
WHERE YOU MEET 77 years ago, the Amag Group was founded. Now the company is taking this number as an opportunity to invite its customers to a roadshow at the Dübendorf airfield.
Editorial - September 3, 2022
Amag roadshow in Dübendorf is to become a folk festival for friends of the automobile.
For the first time ever, Amag is holding a roadshow dedicated entirely to electromobility. From September 7 to 10, visitors to the Dübendorf airfield can look forward to a wide range of activities including test drives, culinary delights, special offers and competitions.
Grand prize an Audi Q4 35 e-tron Model highlights of the Amag brands Volskwagen, Audi, Seat, Škoda, Cupra and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles as well as Bentley and Porsche will be on display. Test drives will be possible with selected electric models, including the latest addition to the Amag family, the Microlino (gallery).
At the booths of various cooperation partners for financing, insurance and installation of electric charging solutions, visitors can get advice. The roadshow also includes other attractions such as information stands on the topics of sustainability and mobility, an outdoor SUV course for an off-road driving experience, and an exhibition on 77 years of Amag.
With a little luck, you can win one of the 77 instant prizes or even the grand prize, an Audi Q4 35 e-tron, in the competition.
Transformation to climate neutrality
Mathias Gabler, Managing Director Amag: "The Amag Roadshow is an opportunity for us to present to our existing and future customers everything that the 4,000 employees of Amag Garages develop every day with passion and a lot of love for our brands: service and customer friendliness, the transformation to climate neutrality, new mobility solutions and the know-how from 77 years of experience."
ICON FOR COLLECTORS With the special edition El Diablo, Harley-Davidson presents a new low-rider series. It particularly impresses with its striking paint, the already legendary touring characteristics and the special sound.
Editorial - September 2, 2022
ABS and cruise control are standard features on the new low rider El Diablo.
Once again, manufacturer Harley-Davidson is putting a new spin on one of its icons. The Low Rider El Diablo, a tribute to the legendary West Coast Custom Style, combines performance and sportiness with a very special look and sound system. The new machine appears as part of the Icons Collection, with which Harley-Davidson releases limited edition models once a year for true connoisseurs.
Each model of this collection is numbered and produced only once. Only 1500 examples of the new Low Rider El Diablo will be produced worldwide. From autumn they will be available from Harley-Davidson dealers at prices starting at 32,000 Swiss francs.
Representative of the custom trend The technical basis for the new Low Rider El Diablo is the Low Rider ST. With two panniers, a frame-mounted fairing, the Softail chassis and the V-twin engine of a Milwaukee-Eight 117, the El Diablo sets new standards.
Brad Richards, vice president of design and creative director, says, "The Low Rider El Diablo is a modern expression of the iconic 1983 Harley-Davidson FXRT and a representation of the custom trend it started that continues today."
Painting is done by hand The special edition's multi-layer paint finish is a special form of craftsmanship. The base coat in El Diablo Bright Red is complemented by a second fine coat in Bright Red Sunglo.
The red pinstripes are carefully masked off and highlighted by shading in Dark Red and Dark Red Pearl. A coat of Diablo Dark Red Metallic is then applied.
Special high-performance sound The new El Diablo comes standard with a powerful sound system integrated into the fairing, Harley-Davidson Audio powered by Rockford Fosgate, designed specifically for motorcycle use.
The 1.9-liter Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-engine delivers 168 Nm of torque at 3500 rpm and 105 hp of maximum output already at 5000 rpm. A low-mounted solo seat ensures a secure grip during acceleration and cornering.
ANOTHER DRAFT In March, the Audi RS Q e-tron won its first desert rally in Abu Dhabi. Now the next evolutionary stage is ready. The prototype has been revamped for the 2022 Morocco Rally and the 2023 Dakar.
Editorial - September 2, 2022
The body of the Audi RS Q e-tron desert racer is completely new. It now has better aerodynamics and helps to lower the weight and center of gravity. In the interior and during wheel changes, the driver and front passenger also benefit from easier operation.
Following these further developments, the RS Q e-tron now bears the abbreviation E2. It is reminiscent of the legendary Audi Sport quattro in its final development stage for Rally Group B in the 1980s.
Flying is more beautiful. The RS Q e-tron has been further developed for the upcoming rallies.
Preparation for the next exam
Rolf Michl, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH and responsible for motorsport: "The entire team is working excellently together and pulling in the same direction. As is usual at such an early stage, the drivers, co-drivers and technicians quickly agreed on the next development targets."
This marks the beginning of the second phase of the development program. In October, Team Audi Sport will prepare for the 2023 Dakar Rally with the new prototype in Morocco.
Optimization of energy management The electric drive of the RS Q e-tron E2 comprises an energy converter consisting of an internal combustion engine and generator as well as a high-voltage battery and two electric machines. Energy management plays a decisive role in this. The electronic control of the electric drive has proven itself in the first rally events.
Ancillary consumers such as the power steering pump, air conditioning cooling pump and fan also benefit from the now further optimized control system. The Audi teams Mattias Ekström/Emil Bergkvist, Stéphane Peterhansel/Edouard Boulanger and Carlos Sainz/Lucas Cruz can look forward to their new workplaces.
Test at the Rally du Maroc Following initial trials led by Arnau Niubó Bosch, Head of Test Engineering, Audi Sport unveiled the RS Q e-tron E2 on September 1 in Neuburg an der Donau.
From October 1 to 6, the new technology will have to prove itself for the first time in competition at the Rally du Maroc. Then all three Audi driver pairings will contest the desert rally with start and finish in Agadir in the southwest of the North African country.
B. I. Collection: Legendary brands back in Switzerland 🎥
NOT EVERYDAY Luxury car supplier B. I. Collection brings De Tomaso Automobili and ZED Zagato, two renowned and highly specialized automobile manufacturers, to Switzerland.
Editorial - September 1, 2022
Basel-based entrepreneur Beat Imwinkelried (Galerie MitteI) has created a concept store for luxury cars in Niederwil near Gossau, the latest location of his B. I. Collection, he has created a concept store for luxury automobiles. In collaboration with ZED Zagato and De Tomaso Automobili, customized solutions are now offered there.
Besides De Tomaso, ZED Zagato is the second partner of the B. I. Collection Niederwil.
At the same time, B. I. Collection is in talks with Aston Martin, its former partner in Niederwil, to continue providing services for existing Aston Martin customers.
Partner for particularly exclusive vehicles Besides De Tomaso, ZED Zagato is the second partner of the B. I. Collection Niederwil. The design company, which is more than 100 years old, realizes unique one-off and special productions and thus contributes to the preservation of craftsmanship in automobile construction.
Beat Imwinkelried: "The focus of this partnership is the distribution of highly exclusive models. The Zagato Atelier will offer our customers a unique experience where everyone can develop their own dream car,.B. I. Collection Niederwil will also take over the representation of ZED Zagato for the countries in continental Europe."
IMPROVED FINANCES With the final approval of the restructuring plan, Ssangyong Motor is laying the foundations for an economic turnaround. The South Koreans now want to get back on track as quickly as possible.
Editorial - September 1, 2022
After a major economic crisis, things are looking up again for Torres.
Ssangyong Motor Company announces that the Seoul Bankruptcy Court has declared that it will approve the reorganization of the company following the meeting of related parties and the special examination date to finalize the reorganization proposal. As part of this process, the company is now in a position to move forward with its business turnaround.
60,000 pre-orders for new model Now that the restructuring has been approved, Ssangyong will focus on revitalizing its business management with an improved financial and capital structure while implementing the restructuring plans to pay down debt, reduce inventory and capitalize investments.
Insolvency administrator Yong-Won Chung: "Ssangyong employees have done their best for the company by fulfilling the self-rescue plan, which includes the development of a new model called Torres. This new car was launched in July and orders already exceed 60,000 units, resulting in a reduced operating loss compared to last year."
All stakeholders and customers have confidence
Jae-Sun Kwak, Chairman of KG Group: "I am very pleased to see the close cooperation between KG Group and Ssangyong. I will fully support Ssangyong Motor to restore the confidence of all stakeholders, including customers, and help normalize the business as soon as possible."
