Rolls-Royce: luxury brand on record-breaking run 🎥
GOOD BUSINESS Last year, Rolls-Royce sold 6032 cars. That was more than ever before in the company's 119-year history. The luxury vehicles were exported to over 50 countries.
Editorial - January 17, 2024
The largest customers are the USA and China. In Europe, where sales also increased, the home country of the UK is the market with the highest sales. The Cullinan is still the most popular model, followed by the Ghost. The Phantom remains at the top of the range. The company has over 2500 employees at its headquarters in Goodwood.
Stromer Spectre arrives in the fall
As planned, production of the Wraith (launched in 2013) and Dawn (2015) was discontinued last year. This also marked the end of the V12 coupé era at Rolls-Royce. In return, production of the fully electric Spectre (gallery) began in the last quarter of last year. However, the first vehicles are not due to be delivered to customers until the fall.
The Cullinan is the bestseller in the Rolls-Royce range.
STRONG PERFORMANCE Once again, a young Swiss delegation of automotive mechatronics technicians successfully asserted itself in an international competition.
Editorial - January 16, 2024
The EuroCup in the fields of commercial vehicles and passenger cars took place at the Provincial Vocational School for Crafts and Industry in Bolzano, South Tyrol, Italy. For the young Swiss talents, it was also about making it to the final of WorldSkills 2024.
First team weekend of the delegation
The reigning Swiss champion Nevio Bernet from Ufhusen LU took an excellent third place. Just 0.2 points separated him from second-placed Tobias Forer from Italy. For the 20-year-old, the bronze medal also means an entry ticket for WorldSkills 2024, specializing in passenger cars, in Lyon FR. However, Bernet has little time to enjoy his success. He will soon be heading off with the SwissSkills delegation to the first team weekend to prepare for this world championship.
The Swiss delegation in Bolzano IT (from left): Markus Schwab, responsible for Automotive Engineering & Testing, Nevio Bernet (3rd place), Abinas Uthayarasa (4th place), Noah Frey (6th place), Sophie Schumacher (2nd place, specializing in commercial vehicles). The delegation was accompanied by Olivier Maeder, AGVS management and Michel Tinguely. Photo: AGVS Media
Second place for Sophie Schumacher
The same applies to Sophie Schumacher from Hagneck BE, who secured second place in the commercial vehicle mechatronics technician category in Bolzano. For the Bernese, the EuroCup was an international preparatory competition for the WorldSkills in this discipline. She had already qualified for it in the fall.
Sophie Schumacher: "It was very interesting for me and great that there were also explicit posts for trucks. I also managed them well. I had some catching up to do, especially at the engine and measurement posts. This time, the brakes were for cars, which will be different at the world championships."
DIVERSITY The MY24 version of the Jeep Avenger, which was voted European Car of the Year 2023 and recently Swiss Car of the Year 2024, is now available to order.
Editorial - January 16, 2024
The Jeep Avenger MY24 gives customers a free choice of engine: from a petrol combustion engine (from CHF 25,990) to a 48V e-Hybrid with automatic transmission (from CHF 28,990) to a 100 % electric version (from CHF 39,490).
There are already over 40,000 orders for the Jeep Avenger in Europe.
Petrol, hybrid or electric
The all-electric version has a 115 kW (156 PS) electric motor and a 54 kWh battery, which offers a range of over 400 km according to the WLTP standard. The new e-Hybrid 48V version has a 1.2-liter three-cylinder petrol engine with 100 hp, a 48-volt lithium-ion battery and a 6-speed automatic transmission with dual clutch.
The petrol version is powered by a 1.2-liter petrol engine with a maximum output of 100 hp at 5,500 rpm and a torque of 205 Nm at 1,750 rpm and has a 6-speed manual gearbox.
Sunroof and massage function
A new sunroof is available for the Jeep Avenger MY24. Further comfort enhancements are offered with the introduction of the electrically adjustable driver's seat with massage function and leather material.
In the interior, there is also a choice between a 7-inch e-Hybrid instrument cluster with MHEV information such as driving mode and engine status feedback, and the 10.25-inch e-Hybrid instrument cluster. The vehicle is also equipped with an automatic 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. Steering wheel paddle shifters can be used to take control of the gear selection in manual mode.
IT WILL BE EXCITING The Formula E season opener in Mexico City was very different from a Swiss perspective: Sébastien Buemi set a strong example with second place. Only ex-Sauber driver Pascal Wehrlein was faster.
Editorial - January 15, 2024
While other racing series are still hibernating, Formula E completed its first race in front of 40,000 spectators in Mexico City at the weekend. The best Swiss driver was - as so often - Sébastien Buemi. In qualifying and the race, the man from Vaud only had to contend with one other driver: ex-Sauber driver Pascal Wehrlein (Porsche, gallery left). Despite the good result, Buemi was not completely satisfied. He finished on the podium in Mexico for the fourth time. Once again, he did not make it to the top step of the podium.
Sébastien Buemi: "Qualifying almost decided everything, I had a clean start and was able to defend my position in the first corner, but it wasn't possible to make any more progress towards the front."
Sébastien Buemi finished second in the season opener in Mexico.
Buemi had a glimmer of hope. However, an investigation into Wehrlein (and defending champion Jake Dennis) for a technical infringement was shelved late after the race.
Nico Müller 17th after crash
Twelfth-placed Nico Müller (gallery, right) had to settle for 17th place with a defective car after a contact with Antonio Félix da Costa. The fact that da Costa was subsequently penalized did not help Müller. After all, the driver from Bern had set a decent pace in free practice and qualifying and was clearly the fastest of the four Mahindra-powered drivers. He was also faster than Edoardo Mortara (center gallery), who finished 13th in the works team and therefore (like Müller) scored no points. The next race, a doubleheader in Saudi Arabia, will take place on January 26 in Diriyah.
SECRET TIP RENNER The GR Yaris received so much praise when it was launched that Toyota could have considered its work on it complete. Nevertheless, it has now become even more powerful and agile.
Editorial - January 15, 2024
The list of changes for the new edition of the Toyota GR Yaris is extensive. Among the most important are the further development of the three-cylinder turbo engine, which now delivers even more torque and power with 390 Nm and 280 hp, and the introduction of the new Gazoo Racing Direct 8-speed automatic transmission, which ensures particularly fast gear changes. Optimization measures on the 1.6-litre engine include the reinforced valve train, the new material for the exhaust valves and the increase in injection pressure. New lightweight pistons and a new boost pressure sensor are also used.
With a power-to-weight ratio of just 4.6 kg/hp, the four-meter-long GR Yaris promises outstanding driving performance.
Manual or automatic switching
The Racing Direct automatic transmission is offered as an alternative to the tried-and-tested 6-speed manual gearbox. During its development, Toyota concentrated on achieving the fastest possible downshifts. Tests have shown that the new transmission has proven itself on the racetrack with faster lap times. The new driving mode selection function allows the car to be adapted for both sporty driving and everyday use. As with the previous GR Yaris, grip and traction are optimized by the electronically controlled GR-Four all-wheel drive system. The system adapts the interaction of front and rear-wheel drive in the three modes Normal, Sport and Track to the driving situation.
Lighter body
The three-door lightweight body has been made even stiffer by increasing the number of welding points and using more structural adhesives. This improves yaw behavior, steering feel and road grip. The wheel suspension has also been modified. The spring rates have been retuned and the front shock absorbers reinforced. The aerodynamic components have also been revised to optimize the downforce.
The fog lights and reversing lights have now been repositioned. The high-mounted brake light has been moved down from the rear spoiler to the tailgate so that all rear lights are in line.
Optimized operation
Inside, the cockpit and seating position have been redesigned to create an even better sports car feel. The instrumentation includes a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster with two layouts, Normal and Sport. The driver's seat has been lowered by 25 millimetres and the steering wheel adjusted accordingly. The GR team took feedback from racing and rally drivers into account in order to reposition the controls and provide the driver with quicker access. The shift direction has been changed so that the driver pushes the lever forwards to downshift and backwards to upshift.
The new GR Yaris will be on sale in Europe from summer 2024.
CLEVER In the all-electric MX-30 R-EV, Mazda uses a small Wankel engine as a range extender. This once again confirms the manufacturer's love of special technical solutions.
Michael Kirchberger - January 15, 2024
The hybrid electric drive with Wankel engine is characteristic of the attractive MX-30 R-EV 170.
Mazda obviously felt a certain amount of pressure when the MX-30 failed in many markets as a battery-operated electric car with a range of only 200 kilometers. At least the design shouldn't have been the problem. The stylish crossover with its rear doors opening in the direction of travel was just the thing for car customers with special tastes.
Mazda is therefore now launching a version with a range extender that can supply itself with energy thanks to its own on-board power generator, giving it a range of more than 500 kilometers. The miniature power station is driven by a Wankel engine with a chamber volume of 0.83 liters and a maximum output of 75 hp. This always starts when the 17.8 kWh battery falls below a charge level defined by the driver, but at least 20 percent.
Driving without a forced break
The significantly more powerful electric motor is responsible for the drive. It transmits its output of 125 kW (170 hp) and its peak torque of 260 Nm to the front wheels. The promised 85-kilometer range shrinks to 50 kilometers in winter. However, this is not a problem, as the Wankel engine starts before the battery runs out of juice and ensures that there is no need to take a break to recharge.
There are 50 liters of petrol in the tank, enough energy for a total of 500 kilometers. The interaction between the combustion engine and electric motor works well, but not with the expected quietness. It is more than just a sonorous purring with which the Wankel engine reports for work.
To 100 km/h in 9.1 seconds
Weighing in at 1780 kilograms, the car drives with ease and great elasticity. The sprinting ability of 9.1 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h allows carefree acceleration, although the top speed is limited to 140 km/h for reasons of energy efficiency. The level of recuperation can be adjusted in stages, but even the maximum setting does not allow the driver to do without the brake pedal.
Even with a relaxed driving style, the drive requires around 20 kWh for 100 kilometers. As the battery capacity draws to a close, the consumption of the on-board power generation settles at 7.2 liters per 100 kilometers. Nevertheless, the small battery can be charged quickly when stationary. This takes one and a half hours on an 11 kW wallbox, and it should be 80 percent full again after 25 minutes on a DC charging station with at least 36 kW.
Lots of comfort and equipment
The 4.4-metre-long vehicle is richly equipped. In addition to the usual safety assistants, gimmicks such as a head-up display, glass sunroof, multi-colored paintwork and front headrests with embossed logo are included. The Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV 170 is available in five trim levels with prices starting at 42,400 Swiss francs.
Valet parking: ... and the robot helps with charging
HOW BY GEISTERHAND Supplier Bosch and Volkswagen subsidiary Cariad are testing driverless parking and battery charging based on Automated Valet Parking.
Editorial - January 14, 2024
Automated Valet Charging increases the convenience of charging electric vehicles.
Finding a parking space in confusing parking garages can be exhausting and time-consuming - as can finding the vehicle again afterwards. The same applies when searching for a free charging station. Together with Volkswagen subsidiary Cariad, Bosch is therefore now testing Automated Valet Charging. With this solution, which is based on Automated Valet Parking, electric vehicles are guided driverless to a free parking space with a charging facility and charged automatically by charging robots. Once the charging process is complete, the vehicle is maneuvered back to a parking space without a driver.
Tests in our own parking garages Bosch and Cariad are currently testing the necessary technology in two of their own parking garages. In Cariad's employee parking garage in Ingolstadt, the companies are testing driverless parking with Automated Valet Parking, while driverless charging with Automated Valet Charging is also being tested in the Bosch parking garage in Ludwigsburg.
Improvement in charging convenience Simple and uncomplicated charging is at the top of the wish list for electric car drivers. However, long queues at charging stations or blocking fees if the power cable is unplugged too late and manual operation of the cable are almost an everyday reality. Automated Valet Charging addresses these challenges and significantly increases the convenience of charging electric vehicles.
This is how it works: The vehicle is guided to the parking lot by the system. There, a robot opens the charging flap, automatically plugs in the charging cable and unplugs it again as soon as the vehicle battery is fully charged. The car then drives back to a parking space without a charging option and makes room for the next e-vehicle to be charged. This makes it possible to charge and park several vehicles without human interaction.
Honda: 0 Series shows the future of the Japanese 🎥
NULLER AB 2026 Honda presented the new all-electric 0 Series at the CES 2024 electronics trade fair in Las Vegas: This includes the sporty Saloon saloon and the Space-Hub large-capacity vehicle.
Editorial - January 14, 2024
The global market launch of the new Honda series is planned for 2026 - initially in North America, then in Japan, Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and South America. In addition to the vehicles, the Japanese company also unveiled the new H-brand logo, which will be used exclusively for the next-generation Honda EV models.
The sporty Saloon sedan of the 0 Series is intended to lead Honda to CO2 neutrality.
Battery and fuel cell By 2040, Honda is aiming for a complete switch to battery electric vehicles (BEV) and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) in sales. As a new BEV series, the 0 Series represents Honda's transformation in line with the global brand motto and electrification strategy.
With the new model series, Honda also wants to raise the "joy of driving" and the "joy and freedom of mobility" to an even higher level. The market launch of the first model in the new Honda 0 Series will begin in 2026.
Zero fatal road accidents Honda is determined to achieve "zero environmental impact" throughout the entire life cycle of a vehicle, including corporate activities, as well as "zero fatal traffic accidents" with the brand's motorcycles and cars. Accordingly, the approach for the development of electric vehicles is "Thin, Light, Wise". Honda wants to overcome the disadvantage of electric cars, which results from the fact that they require large and heavy batteries for long ranges.
"Thin" stands for new design possibilities, low vehicle height, slim EV platform and outstanding aerodynamics.
"Light" means sporty performance and pronounced efficiency that goes beyond the norm.
"Wise" is intended to highlight the use of the knowledge that Honda has accumulated to date and to further develop technology solutions that make vehicles "smarter".
IT'S GOING UP The number of new commercial vehicles in Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein grew by 19.1 percent in 2023 compared to the previous year. 42,243 new registrations represent an increase of 6,769 vans.
Editorial - January 13, 2024
Campers are popular with the Schweizer family at any time of year. This is also shown by the increasing sales.
With this pleasing number of new registrations, the Swiss commercial vehicle market can finally put the effects of the Covid crisis behind it without losing sight of the record figures for new motorhomes in the camping boom. For 2024, auto-schweiz expects the market volume to be similar to the previous year, as the economic situation is proving to be robust.
Alternative drive systems From January to December 2023, a total of 30,257 new light commercial vehicles were put on the road, 21.5% more than in 2022. As with passenger cars, the delivery difficulties from the previous year were hardly noticeable. The 30,000 mark was exceeded for the first time since 2019. 3995 of these have an alternative drive system, which corresponds to an increase of 59.7% compared to 2022. Electric vans make up the majority, at 3,813, with their market share rising from 9.3% to 12.6%.
Brummis with a strong result The heavy commercial vehicle segment also had a brilliant year. 4369 new registrations represent an increase of 26.7 percent compared to 2022. This means that 2023 was even better than 2019 with 4291 vehicles.
Christoph Wolnik, auto-schweiz media spokesman: "The commercial vehicle market has put the Covid crisis and its negative effects behind it. The Swiss economy is also expected to grow in 2024, albeit less strongly than in 2023. In addition, the rapidly growing range of heavy commercial vehicles with alternative drive systems is attracting more and more interest. In 2023, around one in ten new trucks was powered by electricity, natural gas or hydrogen, including 383 battery-electric e-trucks alone."
Demand for mobile homes In 2023, 6588 new campers were registered - 142 or 2.2 percent more than in 2022, but exactly 1000 vehicles fewer than in the (coronavirus) record year of 2021. There was also growth in buses, cars, minibuses and other passenger transport vehicles.
Together with the 252,214 new passenger cars, 294,457 new motor vehicles were put on the road in Switzerland and Liechtenstein in 2023.
Abarth: This is the most powerful road car from the Italians 🎥
HOMMAGE Stellantis Motorsport and Abarh are working together on a sporty electric vehicle with 177 kW (240 hp). The new platform combines the racing experience of both companies and is therefore a lot of fun to drive.
Editorial - January 13, 2024
Abarth and Stellantis Motorsport are currently working together to develop an electrically powered model for the traditional Italian brand. With an output of 177 kW (240 hp), it is the most powerful road car in Abarth's history. With this project, the brand is continuing along the path of electrification while remaining true to its roots.
Abarth and Stellantis are preparing a particularly sporty road model.
High-performance variant The partnership between Abarth and Stellantis Motorsport, the racing division responsible for all the Group's brands, is also a tribute to Abarth's history. Building on this tradition, Abarth and Stellantis are now working together on a platform created by combining motorsport experience, technical know-how and thousands of hours of testing.
The new platform is called Perfo-eCMP and is a high-performance version of the current eCMP platform. The result of teamwork between engineers, experts and test drivers is a platform that not only sets standards in the segment in terms of performance, but also in terms of handling, dynamics and driving stability.
Upgraded chassis The newly developed limited slip differential has been adapted to the specific requirements of the electric drivetrain. Compared to the eCMP platform, the brake system is also equipped with larger discs for better heat dissipation and thus to reduce fading. In addition, the new platform is fitted with tires featuring new material technology developed with the help of Formula E expertise. Thanks to the softer tread compound, the special tires offer more grip when cornering. At the same time, a polyurethane insert reduces noise development by around 20 percent.
24h Le Mans and Formula E The brands of the Stellantis Group have won 27 titles in the FIA World Rally Championship to date and have won the 24 Hours of Le Mans seven times and the Dakar Rally eleven times. The Group is currently represented in the Formula E World Championship with the DS Automobiles and Maserati brands, competes in the World Endurance Championship with Peugeot and manufactures Citroën C3 Rally and Peugeot 208 Rally vehicles for worldwide use by private customer teams.
