Newsflash

+++ AUDI has revealed more information on its plans to launch 5G-connected cars by 2020. The innovation will come from a joint venture with Chinese tech giant Huawei, allowing vehicle-to-X (V2X) communications for safer, semi-autonomous driving. While the alliance was formed in 2016, new details offer insight into how the technology will work when it launches in the next 2 years. The set-up will precede fully autonomous driving, offering “additional help” to make city driving safer and more efficient. By reading current traffic conditions, your car will be able to communicate with traffic lights, cameras and road signs, to best direct you to your chosen destination. The systems will launch first in China, before being rolled out later across Europe and the US. The V2X tech is being trialled in Jiangsu Province in eastern China, but by 2020 bosses want 90 % of the country’s cities and highways covered. A Huawei spokesperson said: “This is not one car. It’s a community. It allows communication with people, facilities and cars. V2X can read crossings and traffic lights, slowing your car progressively. You can get additional help to adjust speeds for red lights. It will offer assisted driving”. The technology will force the adaptation of existing roads, too, with new construction in nine Chinese provinces already meeting revised legislation for intelligent highways. No time frame was given to when the systems may launch in Europe, although our Huawei spokesperson suggested the company would focus on urban parking solutions to begin with. +++ 

+++ Once hailed as an example the world should follow, the Autolib’ CAR SHARING service operated by the city of Paris is on the verge of collapse. It has racked up millions of euros in debt and city officials indicated they’re considering shutting it down well before the contract expires. The contract that ties Bolloré, the French company that makes the battery-electric Bluecar used in the service, and the Paris city hall expires in 2023. Daily newspaper Le Monde recently reported funding the program for the next 5 years will amass a debt that could reach 293.6 million euros. Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo wants Bolloré to foot most of the bill. Bolloré is willing to pay up to 60 million euros. The group asked city officials for an annual subsidy of about 40 million euros, which Hidalgo refuses to pay. “This service should have been profitable. It evidently hasn’t been. It faces competition from the taxi industry plus scooter and bike sharing programs. We’re seriously rethinking it”, she told Le Figaro. For its part, Bolloré claims it began warning Paris officials about the looming crisis 3 years ago but no one listened. The writing has been on the wall for years. The situation got worse last fall, when the city began closing some Autolib’ locations after users complained about homeless people breaking into the cars to sleep in them. Vandalism became an increasingly common problem and many cars ended up trashed and abandoned, especially on the outskirts of Paris. The number of users canceling their subscription to the service grew rapidly. Autolib’ might not be around for much longer, but Paris officials are already looking at how to replace it. Hidalgo told she’s currently talking to several car-makers about setting up a car-sharing service in the French capital, though she declined to reveal who she’s considering working with. Peugeot and Renault are widely seen as the most likely candidates. Regardless, she stressed the city’s next car-sharing service will be funded entirely by private companies, not by taxpayers. +++ 

+++ DAIMLER said planned launches of battery-powered luxury cars were on schedule following a newspaper report that they were facing delays because of battery shortages and other technical problems. The report said that Daimler’s new EQ C electric midsize cross-over will not hit dealerships until June 2019, several months after originally planned. But a spokesman at Daimler’s Stuttgart headquarters said it has not yet specified a launch date for the EQ C model. It was also reported that a battery-powered version of Mercedes’ redesigned S-Class flagship saloon will not be available until 2021, a year after the combustion engine model is due to come to market, citing unnamed Daimler sources. The Daimler spokesman told that development of a plug-in hybrid version of the new S-Class was going to plan. “We are on target, there are no delays”, he said. Battery production could become a major choke point for vehicle electrification as more automakers shift their model lineups to electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids. By 2022, Mercedes plans to offer an electric version of every model it sells, with a total of at least 50 electric or hybrid models for sale. The Smart brand will stop offering cars with combustion engines altogether in 2020. +++

+++ With consumers shifting towards petrol- and alternative fuel-powered cars, and with several governments all around the world looking to ban DIESEL cars completely, automakers are starting to ditch them. The latest company to go down this route is Nissan, by no longer selling diesel-powered passenger models in Japan. Moreover, they’re looking to discontinue them in Europe too, after the turn of the decade. And that’s not all, because according to a report, Nissan will end the development and production of diesel engines completely over the next few years, and focus on electric solutions instead. Still, despite adopting a similar strategy as Toyota and other big names in the industry, Nissan won’t renounce oil burners completely, as they will still offer some commercial vehicles with diesel engines. However, these units won’t be developed and built internally, but rather sourced from other companies. And don’t think that means Renault, because the French automaker apparently plans to end the development of new diesel engines, too. Such a move by Renault-Nissan could affect their partners. Let’s not forget that Mercedes-Benz is using a modified version of the 1.5-liter dCi in some compact models. Additionally, Dacia will be forced to drop diesels, too. But with previous reports speaking about possible electric vehicles made by the Romanian brand, it appears that Dacia might have anticipated a diesel-free future for quite some time. The good news is they won’t have to leave the nest in search of this new technology, as they will continue to have the support of the Alliance. +++

+++ First revealed at the 2018 New York Motor Show, the facelifted HYUNDAI Tucson is set to be offered with a 48v mild-hybrid diesel powertrain when it is launched this summer. The use of 48v tech is a first for the brand, which claims that it will reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 7 %. Initially, only the most powerful 184 hp 2.0-litre Tucson diesel engine (which also comes with four-wheel drive as standard) will be offered with 48v electrification. But motorists will be able to choose between either a 6-speed manual or Hyundai’s new 8-speed automatic. The electric motor used is a ‘Mild Hybrid Starter Generator’, which can supply up to 12kW of additional power, while the battery pack is a 0.44 kWh lithium/ion unit. Even though the hybrid system is currently limited to a single engine, Hyundai has stated that by early 2019 the 48V mild-hybrid tech will be available with Tucson models fitted with its new Smart Stream 1.6-litre diesel. Starting with the changes made up front, you’ll find full-LED headlights, a re-designed bumper and skid plate, as well as Hyundai’s familiar cascading grille. The rear gets new tail-lights, as well as a new bumper and exhaust tip; giving the Tucson a fresher look. Inside there is a 7 inch screen, which can support Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth connectivity. A bigger 8 inch screen is also available, offering 3D maps and a seven-year subscription to Live services, which includes updated real time traffic information. Rear passengers get an extra USB port, while other features include a Krell sound system and wireless QI phone charging. The new Tucson features Hyundai’s Surround View Monitor, which uses 360-degree cameras for help when parking. Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist and Driver Attention Warning also feature, which should help the Tucson keep its 5-star EuroNCAP rating. Hyundai’s Mazda CX-5 and Volkswagen Tiguan rival will be launched globally with a choice of 5 engines; 3 diesels and 2 petrols. The current 115 hp 1.7-litre diesel will be replaced with more fuel-efficient Smart Stream 1.6-litre diesel, with 2 power outputs; 115 hp or 136 hp. The more powerful engine will be the first available with Hyundai’s new 7-speed double-clutch gearbox, which gives better fuel consumption and CO2 emissions than the current 6-speed transmission. The petrol variants include a 135 hp 1.6 GDI and a 177 hp 1.6 T-GDI. The latter comes with the option of front or four-wheel drive, and can be ordered with the new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The less powerful non-turbo petrol engine comes standard with front-wheel drive and a 6-speed manual gearbox. The Hyundai Tucson is the brand’s best-selling model worldwide and will make its European debut in the coming weeks. Prices will be announced nearer the time, though it’s unlikely to cost much more than the outgoing car. First deliveries are expected this summer. +++

+++ The current-generation JEEP Grand Cherokee was introduced over 9 years ago and the model is showing its age despite a number of updates including the addition of a Hellcat-powered variant. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles recently announced it is planning to introduce a redesigned Grand Cherokee by the end of 2022 and new details are starting to emerge about the vehicle. CEO Sergio Marchionne said the next Grand Cherokee will ride on a modified version of the Giorgio platform that underpins the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio. As he explained, “It started originally off the Alfa architecture, which has now been modified and extended to reach both a 2-row and a 3-row Grand Cherokee”. While the Stelvio isn’t exactly Rubicon ready, Marchionne said engineers have modified the platform to meet the needs of Jeep. He didn’t elaborate but it seems reasonable to assume the platform has been updated to ensure it can tackle more extreme conditions than the performance-oriented Stelvio. Little else is known about the model at this point but FCA has already confirmed the next Grand Cherokee will be offered with semi-autonomous driving technology and a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The latter variant may share its powertrain with the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan which has a 3.6-liter V6 engine, 2 electric motors and a 16 kWh lithium/ion battery pack. This setup enables the model to produce a combined output of 260 hp and travel up to 50 km on electricity alone. Interestingly, Marchionne mentioned a “3-row Grand Cherokee”. This suggests the mysterious “E-Segment 3-Row” from Jeep’s 5-year plan is simply a Grand Cherokee with an extra row of seats. +++ 

+++ NISSAN has received orders for more than 37,000 examples of the latest-generation Leaf in Europe alone. Sales of the new model only commenced 8 months ago meaning a Leaf is sold to a European customer every 10 minutes. This demand for the new model, plus the success of the previous-iteration Leaf, means the Japanese marque has now delivered 100,000th Leafs in Europe. Additionally, a total of 320,000 Leafs have been sold globally, making it the highest-selling electric vehicle ever. The first-generation Leaf was produced for seven years and thoroughly updated last year with the introduction of an all-new model. The 2018 Leaf features a single electric motor delivering 150 hp and 310 Nm of torque. When mated to a 40 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the Leaf can run for 370 km on a single charge, Nissan claims. A quick-charging function allows the electric hatchback to charge to 80 % capacity in 40 minutes. A plethora of safety features also play a role in the vehicle’s ongoing popularity. The hatchback includes Intelligent Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Intelligent Lane Intervention, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Intelligent Around View Monitor. Since the Leaf hit the market, Nissan says customers have driven over 2 billion kilometers and saved more than 300,000 tonnes of CO2. +++

+++ PORSCHE is putting the finishing touches on the facelifted Macan and we’re starting to learn new details about the crossover. The updated model will eschew diesel engines but feature an assortment of new and upgraded petrol units. In particular, the base Macan is slated to have an upgraded turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that develops around 304 hp. This would be a significant boost as the current engine develops 252 hp. The Macan S will reportedly receive a new turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine sourced from the Panamera. Specifications remain unconfirmed but the publication says the engine will produce around 360 hp. For comparison, the current model has 340 hp. Likewise, the Macan Turbo will reportedly drop its turbocharged 3.6-liter V6 engine and adopt a turbocharged 2.9-liter unit. Despite having a smaller displacement, the new engine will be more powerful as it is slated to have 440 hp. Besides the updated engine lineup, the 2019 Macan will have a modestly revised exterior and an updated cabin. Speaking of the latter, drivers will find a new infotainment system which is apparently larger than before. More meaningful changes occur underneath the skin as the updated crossover will have a revised suspension which uses aluminum uprights to reduce weight and improve ride comfort. Porsche also fine-tuned the steering system and will make tungsten-coated brakes available as an option. The facelifted Macan will be reportedly debut this fall so look for a possible unveiling at either the Paris or Los Angeles Auto Show. +++

+++ PSA Group has begun to suspend its joint venture activities in Iran to avoid U.S. sanctions after Washington’s withdrawal from the international nuclear deal. “The group has begun to suspend its joint venture activities, to comply with U.S. law by Aug. 6”, PSA said in a statement. “With the support of the French government, the Groupe PSA is engaging with the U.S. authorities to consider a waiver”. PSA and its French rival Renault moved swiftly to sign new production deals to upgrade their pre-sanctions partnerships with Iran Khodro and Saipa. Production deals worth 700 million euros have been signed by PSA, while Renault has announced a new plant investment to increase production capacity to 350,000 vehicles a year. The suspension of its joint ventures does not alter PSA’s current financial guidance, the group said, adding that its Iranian activities accounted for less than 1 % of revenue. Large French companies active in Iran, including oil major Total, are struggling to obtain exemptions from the sanctions imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration. European signatories are scrambling to save the international deal, which seeks to protect trade with Iran in return for curbing the country’s nuclear program.+++

+++ TESLA may have the most fiercely loyal fan base in the automotive world but even this can’t help the company in the face of ongoing Model 3 production delays. When the order books for the entry-level model opened in April 2016, Tesla received hundreds of thousands of deposits within a matter of weeks. However, as of the end of April, 23 % of all Model 3 deposits in the United States had been recalled. Figures reveal that 18 % of all Model 3 refunds happened in April, the same month when Elon Musk said the sedan would be delayed 6 to 9 months. Of course, not all the cancellations would be because of the delays as the financial positions of many would-be customers could have also changed in the past 24 months. Nevertheless, the data reveals that at least some customers are growing tired of waiting. Tesla still has over 400,000 orders to fulfill. Unsurprisingly, Tesla claims that the figures don’t match its internal data but failed to mention how many orders had been cancelled. Before Musk started his ongoing crusade against the media, he said that Tesla had secured 455,000 net reservations out of 518,000 gross reservations as of August 2017, indicating roughly 63,000 cancellations. Last year, Tesla was actively trying to “anti-sell” the Model 3 and convince customers to opt for a more expensive Model S or Model X. The Californian carmaker admitted that delays had indeed impacted cancellations during its most recent earnings release. +++