The Jogger aims to combine SUV, van and station wagon. The ground clearance of 20 centimeters is in the SUV range.

Dacia has become popular for its excellent price-performance ratio. From a niche brand, the Romanian Renault subsidiary has become a permanent fixture in Europe's registration statistics.

A lot of car for little money - a recipe that goes down well. Now the concept is being taken further: With the Jogger, Dacia is launching what is currently the brand's largest model.

Seven seats and large trunk
The newcomer uses the platform of the Renault Clio, but it has been massively stretched. At 4.55 meters in length, the car offers up to seven seats - or up to 1819 liters of trunk space.

The spaciousness is combined with a design that falls somewhere between station wagon, van and SUV. This also includes the protective planking around the wheel arches and the high ground clearance of 20 centimeters.

However, all-wheel drive is not available - Dacia reserves this for the Duster. The Jogger is powered by the familiar 1-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine with 110 hp and 6-speed manual transmission. A hybrid version with 140 hp and automatic transmission will be available in 2023.

Infotainment with three levels on offer
The interior is also familiar. As usual from Dacia, the interior is functionally equipped, but appears rock-solid and basically offers everything you need for everyday driving. Three levels of infotainment are on offer, whereby the basic equipment is actually only a smartphone holder and uses it as a navigation system and media source via a corresponding app.

A clever solution for bringing the most important functions into the car at a reasonable price. The higher equipment levels include a touchscreen that integrates the smartphone via Apple Carplay and Android Auto.

The base model is available from 15,990 Swiss francs
Overall, the list of surcharges for this Dacia is also clear. Thus, the Jogger remains inexpensive even if it is fully equipped; you won't get it far above 20,000 francs.

The price list already starts at 15,990 Swiss francs, the highest equipment level Extreme costs from 18,590 Swiss francs. The third row of seats is 800 francs extra. Thus, a seat in the seven-seater costs just around 2000 francs.

You can hardly transport the family cheaper.

dacia.ch

For the first time since 1960, Bugatti again took part in the GP Ice Race on the ice track in Zell am See, Austria, at the end of January. The Type 51 and the Bugatti Baby II, inspired by the legendary Type 35, caused quite a stir.

Skijoring, in which first horses and then motorized vehicles pulled skiers across the ice piste, gave rise to a new sport that was first practiced in Zell am See in the winter of 1937. Inspired by this sport, the Professor Ferdinand Porsche Memorial Race started for the first time on February 10, 1952 on the frozen lake of Zell.

Flight attendant and bikes 1960 at the start
62 years ago, a Bugatti Type 35 opened the GP Ice Race along with two motorcycles, while an airplane flew over the starting line at low altitude.

In the current staging of the race, the racers competed not only in modern and classic race cars, but also in iconic rally cars. The race was held at the airfield in Zell - without a crowd due to pandemic restrictions. In previous races, more than 10,000 fans stood at the race track.

Baby II with hazard warning lights as safety car
Despite its small size, the Bugatti Baby II built by The Little Car Company was used as a safety car. The miniature version of the Type 35, which was successful in many races, competed in an Ice Spec version designed especially for this purpose.

Painted in French Racing Blue, the baby was adapted to winter conditions to provide maximum safety. In addition to studded tires, limited slip differential and GP Ice Race branding, the vehicle was also equipped with a safety car style hazard warning lights.

Upgraded drive achieves top speed of 70 km/h
The versions of the Baby II offered with rear-wheel drive have a fully electric drive and selectable driving modes. The basic model offers two levels: a beginner mode with a power of 1 kW and a maximum speed of 20 km/h, and a professional mode with 4 kW for a maximum of 45 km/h.

The Vitesse and Pur Sang versions also offer a choice between beginner and professional modes - but in addition, an upgraded drivetrain provides 10 kW and a top speed of 70 km/h.

bugatti.com

The basis for the planned road model is the KTM X-Bow GT2, which celebrated its racing premiere in 2021. The developers of the new version are working hand in hand with racing protagonists in an extensive research and development process. The process includes performance tests, crash tests and initial test drives in Europe.

Reinforced roof offers more protection
During development, the focus is on lightweight construction, which is achieved through optimized components and an outer skin made of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP). In terms of safety, the developers rely on the established carbon monocoque. A reinforced roof provides additional protection for the occupants.

Extreme power-to-weight ratio and 600 hp
The KTM X-Bow GT2 is powered by Audi's 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbocharged engine combined with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The 720 Nm and 600 hp delivered by the racing engine reach the rear wheels via a limited-slip differential.

KTM Sportcar GmbH will announce when the road-going version of the X-Bow GT2 will be launched, as well as details such as engine performance and acceleration values, at a later date.

sportec.ch

The 718 Cayman GT4 RS scores with elaborate aerodynamics and impressive sound.

The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS is a driver's car that scores with lightweight construction, a particularly agile chassis setup, elaborate aerodynamics and an impressive sound backdrop.

At its first European appearance in Zell am See, the top model of the 718 family was able to demonstrate all this - and with a significant reduction in CO2.

Fuel from food waste
The GT4 RSs were powered by synthetic fuels that can make an important contribution to significantly reducing CO2 emissions in the transport sector. In this case, it was renewable gasoline based on an advanced biofuel made from food waste products.

This fuel has already proven its suitability for use in high-performance engines in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, where the 911 GT3 Cup race cars of all teams were fueled with it in every race of the 2021 season.

Reduction of CO2 emissions in transport

Porsche Board Member for Development Michael Steiner: "Given the large number of vehicles - around 1.3 billion worldwide - the ramp-up of electromobility is not happening fast enough to meet the Paris climate targets."

To drive development forward, the go-ahead was given a few weeks ago for Porsche to build a factory for the production of eFuels. These are fuels produced from wind energy with the help of electric current. Water is broken down into its components hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2) by electrolysis. The hydrogen is then processed with CO2 extracted from the air to produce eMethanol.

In the next step, methanol-to-gasoline synthesis, this is turned into a synthetic raw gasoline that is processed into a standard-compliant gasoline fuel that can be used in all gasoline engines.

Use for the time being in motor sports and classic cars
From 2022, the pilot plant is expected to produce around 130,000 liters of eFuels per year. Porsche will purchase this volume in full and initially use the renewable synthetic fuel primarily in motor sports. In addition, Porsche will use the eFuels in its own models with combustion engines - including classic vehicles.

Rally legend Walter Röhrl: "We urgently need a solution for the sustainable operation of existing fleets. Green fuels can achieve this goal. They are a sensible complement to electromobility."

porsche.ch

A new study published by Siemens Financial Services estimates that the global investment gap needed to provide charging networks for electric vehicles in the next two years alone is the equivalent of around €40 billion.

For the years 2024 to 2026, growth is even predicted to more than double to around 92 billion euros. Europe accounts for a good quarter of this.

Usage-based financing solutions
There is therefore an urgent need for intelligent financing solutions on a usage basis that make investments possible and affordable, says Kai-Otto Landwehr, Head of Commercial Finance at Siemens Financial Services in Germany and Chairman of the Managing Board of Siemens Finance & Leasing GmbH.

Intelligent financing, for example also via specialized private financiers, could adjust the investment costs to the expected cash flow of the charging stations, so that the investment could be designed in a budget-neutral way.

siemens.com

The world premiere of the film "Uncharted" will take place on February 11 in the UK, then in Switzerland from February 16.

The adventure film is based on the Playstation video game of the same name. In "Uncharted," the crafty thief Nathan Drake, played by Tom Holland, is recruited by the experienced treasure hunter Victor Sully (Mark Wahlberg) to recover a considerable fortune lost to Ferdinand Magellan 500 years ago.

TV commercial starring Tom Holland
As part of the marketing activities for the film, Hyundai has initiated a TV commercial starring Tom Holland, as well as a variety of promotional activities.

The 60-second commercial, titled "Car Wash," shows the film's character Nathan Drake pulling up to a car wash with his Tucson covered in mud and filled with various tools and artifacts for treasure hunting.

Cooperation on other productions
Hyundai has already cooperated with Sony Pictures on "Spider-Man: No Way Home" and will be involved in another Spider-Man adaptation. "Across the Spider-Verse (Part One)" is the sequel to the Oscar-winning animated film "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse," which is scheduled to hit theaters in October.

hyundai.ch
sonypictures.com

New to the CX-5 are three model variants that complement, rather than replace, the existing three.

Since its market launch in 2012, the Mazda CX-5 has been the brand's most successful model. The SUV has since been sold more than 3.5 million times, 509,000 of them in Europe.

Matthias Walker, Head of Mazda Switzerland: "The model is also the clear bestseller for us. The CX-5 is not only a milestone, but also a business pillar for us."

Before the small Japanese brand also embarks on the path of electrification - five hybrids, five plug-ins and three new electric models will be available by 2025 - the CX-5 will be upgraded once again.

New paint colors and materials
The update is within the usual bounds: Gentle touch-ups on the outside, especially on the headlights, some new materials on the inside, and new paint colors bring the SUV into the here and now. The comparatively small screen and the old-fashioned graphics of the infotainment system reveal that the popular model already has a few years under its belt.

In future, customers will not only have a choice of the wealth of equipment, but can now give their CX-5 a different visual character. Newground is the elegant version with silver trim elements, Homura focuses on sportiness with glossy black add-on parts, and Signature with wheel arches, side sills and bumpers in body color is emphatically high-quality.

Front-wheel drive is only available on request
Nothing has changed in the engine range. Available are a 2-liter gasoline engine with 165 hp, a 2.5-liter gasoline engine with 194 hp, and a 2.2-liter diesel with 150 or 184 hp. There is also a manual or automatic 6-speed transmission and all-wheel drive.

Only the base model is also available with front-wheel drive on request, but hardly anyone in this country orders it: In Switzerland, 98 percent of CX-5s are ordered with all-wheel drive.

Prices start at 27,900 francs, the top variant costs from 52,100 francs.

mazda.ch

The European charging infrastructure industry should work to give e-car users the freedom to pay using the method of their choice.Currently, there is no single industry standard for accepting payments at e-charging stations in Europe. As a result, e-drivers in Europe often do not have a choice of payment method.

Only a few countries offer a uniform solution
They are often forced to choose a specific option (for example, registering with a provider's app) or even face the prospect of not being able to charge their vehicle because they are not registered with a particular subscription service. Only a few European countries - like Germany - have enshrined a uniform approach in law.

To improve the situation in Europe, Visa is launching a survey among e-charging station manufacturers and other industry leaders. The exchange will help identify barriers to widespread adoption of interoperable contactless and digital payments and find solutions.

Cooperation with the Charging Interface Initiative
Visa will also be the first company from the financial services and payments industry to join the Charging Interface Initiative (CharIN) as a full member. CharIN's mission is to promote global standards for electric vehicle charging by bringing together participants from across the e-mobility value chain.

The initiative aims to develop a global infrastructure, a secure charging and payment protocol, and new technologies that will facilitate the transition to electromobility and encourage its faster adoption. As part of its CharIN membership, Visa intends to leverage its payment expertise to support these goals.

Loading a vehicle without problems is the goal

Santosh Ritter, Country Manager Visa Switzerland & Liechtenstein: "We believe that the widespread adoption and diffusion of electric vehicles is essential for Europe to achieve its net zero emissions targets. If we want people to drive electric, we need to ensure that they can easily charge their vehicles. Currently, this is not the case. We want to do our part to find solutions to this challenge."

visaeurope.ch
charin.global

With 15,899 registrations in January, this represents an increase of 5.1 percent compared to the same month last year (15,130). However, the market level continues to lag well behind pre-pandemic times. Between the turn of the millennium and 2019, for example, just under 20,000 new passenger cars were registered in an average January.

Hybrid, electric, gas and fuel cell drives, meanwhile, continue to expand their market share, accounting for a combined 47.7 percent of new registrations.

Chip crisis is the reason for sluggish sales

Christoph Wolnik, media spokesman for auto-schweiz: "The chip crisis is far from over. Demand is still significantly higher than the supply of vehicles. Delivery times are longer than our customers are used to. We hope for an improvement in the supply situation for electronic components and other raw materials in the second half of the year."

Electromobility continues its strong upswing
The new drive types were able to expand their market shares and unit numbers by a large majority at the start of the year. With 2126 electric cars (+106% compared to the same month last year) and 1531 plug-in hybrids (+32.4%), plug-in vehicles accounted for 23 percent of the market in January.

A further 24.6 percent were accounted for by full and mild hybrids without a recharging option (3912, +24.2%). In addition, there were 13 gas-powered (-23.5%) and eight fuel cell vehicles with hydrogen as the energy source (+300%).

car.swiss

The start is on February 8 at 5 p.m. in Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Germany. After the first two days of driving through Germany, this year's AvD Histo-Monte will cross a national border for the first time on Thursday morning (February 10, 2022).

Closure of the historic city bridge
In Rheinfelden on Thursday, February 10, the teams will be allowed to use the historic town bridge, which is otherwise closed to vehicle traffic, to enter Switzerland. Immediately after entering, the participants roll up in front of the town hall in the Swiss part of the city to pick up another boarding pass stamp as part of a transit check.

The route then leads directly via Basel and the Laufental valley into the canton of Jura, where the next destination is Saint-Ursanne, before France comes into view just one check later.

Sections above the 1000 meter mark
After a stop at Lac de Saint-Point, the teams have even more lonely tracks to complete. In addition, the rally moves at an altitude that is above the 1000-meter mark for long stretches.

Passing Mouthe, statistically the coldest place in France, the route leads once again briefly across the Swiss border in the direction of Geneva and quite safely into the snow. Before the stage finish in Aix-les-Bains (F) in the evening, the mayor and the population welcome the riders in front of the town hall of the city, a regularity test is on the program.

Information for participants and fans
As a special service for media representatives, participants and also fans of historic rallying, the organizers of the AvD-Histo-Monte will not only provide pictures of previous events on their website, but will also offer photos of the current event.

In addition, a media documentation of the three past rallies in 2015, 2017 and 2019 is available.

avd-histo-monte.com