With the start of production of the e-Expert Hydrogen, Peugeot is one of the first manufacturers to offer a hydrogen fuel cell version in the light commercial vehicle segment in addition to internal combustion engines and electrified models.

Linda Jackson, Global CEO Peugeot: "The hydrogen-electric powertrain enables intensive daily use without recharging - a key advantage for working people who need to travel several hundred kilometers on the highway in a day and then enter emission-restricted urban areas."

Stability, safety and agility of the H2 van
The H2 electric van is characterized by the good integration of the plug-in hydrogen fuel cell system in the engine compartment and underbody. Therefore, there is no loss of cargo volume, and the low center of gravity favors stability, safety and agility.

The maximum cargo volume is 6.1 cubic meters, and the highest payload and the largest towing capacity are 1000 kilograms each. The first customer to be supplied before the turn of the year is Watea by Michelin, the Michelin Group subsidiary specializing in green mobility solutions.

The presentation of the fuel cell-powered version comes just 15 months after the launch of the battery-electric e-Expert model, which was named International Van of the Year in early 2021 and which also forms the basis of the e-Expert Hydrogen1.

Hydrogen for 400 kilometers in three minutes
The new model will initially be produced in France at the Hordain site and later also in Rüsselsheim. The fuel cell works in conjunction with a 10.5-kWh lithium-ion battery that can be recharged via the power grid.

The vehicle is said to be able to be refueled with hydrogen in just three minutes for a range of over 400 kilometers.
The launch date and pricing for the Swiss market will be communicated later.

peugeot.ch

In Switzerland, the Spring is available from 18,990 Swiss francs. More info on the Internet.

The Autobest jury consists of trade journalists from Switzerland and another 31 European countries. Now the competent car experts have chosen the Dacia Spring as the "Best Buy Car of Europe 2022".

With a comfortable points lead, the judges hoisted the all-electric little Dacia to both best and most affordable vehicle of the year. It is also a first that, for the first time in the 21-year history of the Autobest poll, a 100 percent electric vehicle was chosen as the winner.

Prices start at 18 990 francs
Following the Good Deal Award at the Automobile Awards, this latest accolade is confirmation of Dacia's vision of electric mobility: to make it indispensable and accessible to all. Launched at the end of March this year, the Dacia Spring has immediately found its audience with over 43,000 orders.

And obviously for good reason, because it makes electromobility easy and offers everything that is important to the clientele. With good equipment, including navigation, air conditioning, power windows, and smartphone integration, the SUV is available at a price unmatched in Europe.

Ranges of up to a good 300 kilometers
The spacious four-seater covers up to 230 kilometers in the combined WLTP cycle; in the city cycle it can even be 305 kilometers, depending on the driving style.

Denis Le Vot, CEO of the Dacia & Lada brands: "We are very proud to win the Autobest 2022 Award. This award confirms Dacia's determination to always offer its customers what really makes sense for them. The Spring is simple and accessible to all, and is right on trend with the times."

dacia.ch
autobest.org

The year 2021 brought some challenges for the VW partners in Switzerland. Corona and supply bottlenecks were particularly challenging for dealerships.

Service level and sales performance

Christian Sprenger, Head of Sales Volkswagen: "By the second half of 2022 at the latest, our customers can again expect the usual delivery times. That makes our salespeople happy, but it's sure to make customers happy, too."

And Reto Zehnder, Head of Aftersales, adds: "Especially in these difficult times, it shows how professional the Volkswagen partner network is."

Despite the major challenges, the partner network delivered not only a high level of service but also a good sales performance and looks set to defend its first place in the Swiss new car sales statistics again this year - for the 22nd time in succession.

Support for an employee event
As recognition and motivation, the best companies were awarded for their performance for the eleventh time. The assessment of all businesses was based on several qualitative and quantitative criteria. The sum of the evaluation points in the areas of sales and service was used to determine the best business of 2021 in each case.

Kreuz Garage Willisau was named "Dealer of the Year 2021" and Sommerhalder Garage was named "Customer First Dealer of the Year 2021". The Kreuz Garage received a check worth 10,000 Swiss francs for an employee event, the Garage Sommerhalder one for 7,000 Swiss francs.

volkswagen.ch

In principle, anyone in possession of a driving license can drive on the Nordschleife.

On the Grand Prix circuit - regardless of the day of the week - the 15-minute stint is available for 30 euros. The season ticket for frequent drivers, which entitles them to drive on both circuits from January 11, costs 2200 euros.

Green-Hell Driving Days are highlights
The operating company has now published the dates for 2022 on its website. The real action starts on March 21, when the racetrack opens its gates to private drivers almost every day.

Highlights of the season are the Green Hell Driving Days (June 16-19 and October 1-3) and the Easter weekend (April 15-18), when the Nürburgring can be driven from dawn to dusk for several days at a stretch.

Rules of the road traffic regulations
The rules for this are simple: In principle, anyone in possession of a driving license and a registered, roadworthy car or motorcycle can drive on the Grand Prix circuit or Nordschleife. The rules of the road traffic regulations apply, according to which right-hand driving is mandatory and overtaking is only permitted on the left.

A stopwatch is also not allowed to run during the ride. These rules define the tourist rides as a driving offer for everyone and distinguish them from racing events.

nuerburgring.com

These newly developed diesel fuels with proportions of bio-components enable significant CO2 savings of 70 to 95 percent compared with conventional diesel.

All Volkswagen models delivered with four-cylinder diesel engines (TDI) since the end of June this year (calendar week 25/21) have been approved for operation with so-called paraffinic diesel fuels in accordance with European standard EN 15940.

Paraffinic fuels as a supplement

Prof. Thomas Garbe, Head of Gasoline and Diesel Fuels at Volkswagen, explains: "By using the environmentally friendly fuels in the models approved for them, we enable customers throughout Europe to significantly reduce their CO2 emissions as soon as the fuel is available locally. For example, especially for companies with a mixed fleet - consisting of models with e-drives, but also conventional drives - the use of paraffinic fuels is a sensible addition."

e-Fuels from renewable sources
The range of paraffinic fuels is broad: On the one hand, there are fuels produced from biological residues and waste materials such as hydrogenated vegetable oils (hydrotreated vegetable oil or HVO).
These vegetable oils are converted into hydrocarbons by a reaction with hydrogen and mixed with diesel fuel in any quantity. However, they can also be used 100 percent as fuel.

In addition, in the future there will be so-called e-fuels such as PtL (power-to-liquid), which are produced with CO2 and electricity from renewable sources.

Over 70 percent pure e-cars by 2024
At Volkswagen, the share of pure e-cars in sales in Europe is to rise to over 70 percent by 2024. In parallel, the combustion engine fleet will be further developed in the direction of CO2 reduction. The company aims to be completely climate-neutral by 2050.

On the "Way to Zero," Volkswagen plans to reduce emissions per vehicle in Europe by 40 percent by 2030 compared to 2018 levels - that's an average of 17 tons less CO2 per car over its entire life cycle.

volkswagen.ch

The new Genesis G90 embodies the interpretation of the brand's own new design philosophy Athletic Elegance. The front end is dominated by a new Crest grille and two-line headlights. The narrow light strips integrate both the lenses of the daytime running lights and the microlenses of the low beam.

Luxury experience in a unique way
The elegant proportions give the vehicle a powerful and balanced appearance. The long-wheelbase version of the G90 has a 190 millimeter longer wheelbase. It offers even more comfort for passengers in the second row of seats and allows the use of exclusive 20-inch wheels.

Sangyup Lee, Head of Genesis Global Design: "The new G90 will uniquely redefine the luxury design experience. The G90 embodies our Athletic Elegance design language in its ultimate expression, combining dynamic driving characteristics with a comfortable travel experience."

380 hp and 8-speed automatic transmission
The G90 is powered by a 3.5-liter turbo gasoline engine with 380 hp combined with an 8-speed automatic transmission. A new feature is the Chauffeur braking mode, which allows the braking force to be controlled. It is one of three braking modes that the driver can use depending on preferences and driving conditions.

The new chassis ensures a smooth ride and perfect handling characteristics. Part of the system is the Preview Electronic Control Suspension, which uses a front camera and data from the navigation system to detect current road conditions and adjust the suspension accordingly. Additional driving stability is provided by the multi-chamber air suspension.

ch.genesis.com

The Vision Gran Turismo features a forward-looking version of familiar Porsche design elements.

The Porsche Vision Gran Turismo is the first concept car developed specifically for use in a computer game. It will be available to experience exclusively in the new Gran Turismo 7, which will be released on March 4, 2022 for Playstation 4 and the new Playstation 5.

Porsche's partnership with the Japanese company Polyphony Digital also demonstrates the high level of expertise of its designers. Detached from series developments, they were able to realize their ideas of a GT concept car.

Design as a forward-looking version

Michael Mauer, Head of Style Porsche: "Projects like the Porsche Vision Gran Turismo are particularly valuable for us in the creative process. The further development of the clearly defined Porsche design DNA and the exchange with designers from other industries are an important part of our work."

The Vision Gran Turismo presents a forward-looking version of familiar Porsche design elements. The concept car has the proportions typical of the brand with a sporty height-to-width ratio, the extremely low-set front hood and the strongly pronounced fenders.

Continuation of the brand identity
The emphasis on brand identity continues in the interior. The hologram display tailored to the driver is visually free-floating above the steering wheel, and the low seating position underscores the sporty character. In addition to design themes, new functionalities create a distinct sports car feel.

The player experiences haptic feedback via the controller that mimics the feeling at the steering wheel. The expansion of gaming activities also has strategic significance for Porsche.

Automotive dreams at play

Robert Ader, Vice President Marketing at Porsche: "We are picking up young and digital target groups where their automotive dreams originate: in gaming. The integration of the first sports car developed purely for virtual space is an important milestone in the strategic partnership between Porsche and Polyphony Digital."

porsche.ch