+++ ASTON MARTIN will ramp up its production efforts with the addition of 400 new temporary agency jobs at its Gaydon and St. Athan manufacturing facilities. Many of the new jobs, which are all technical and engineering roles, will concern production of the new Vantage sports car and DB12 grand tourer in Warwickshire. Others will concern production of the DBX 707 super-SUV in South Wales. “We’re delighted to be able to increase our manufacturing team across both our facilities in Gaydon and St. Athan, creating further employment opportunities for our local communities”, said Simon Smith, Aston Martin’s chief people officer. “These 400 agency roles, supporting our production plans and introduction of thrilling new products, are a fantastic opportunity for new team members to join us and play their own part in our iconic brand’s next chapter”. +++
+++ DACIA is preparing a pair of SUVs (first the all-new Duster, due on sale this summer, then the larger, Skoda Kodiaq-rivalling Bigster that will land in 2025). But the value brand is also considering 2 other family-sized models that could arrive in the second half of the decade, including a regular hatchback that would potentially see Dacia target the Skoda Octavia. Known internally as the Dacia C-Neo, the core vehicle would be positioned alongside, or even slightly above, the 7-seat Jogger, which is actually Europe’s best-selling C-segment (Golf-class) vehicle on retail numbers (excluding fleet sales) alone. It would forego scope for a third row of seats, but feature an Octavia-style ‘notchback’ design, with a semi-saloon profile masking hatchback practicality that trumps that of more compact models, such as the Golf and Opel Astra, on outright load capacity. Indeed, Dacia believes it can steal sales from these cars on space, price and value; not least because many of them will have switched to more expensive hybrid or EV powertrains by the time C-Neo arrives. I expect Dacia to continue with petrol power and hybrid technology. It’s conceivable that C-Neo could then spawn an estate variant, giving Dacia its second new C-segment model. Dacia chief executive officer Denis Le Vot said that the company is sticking to its plan (announced at Renault Group’s capital markets day in November 2022) to add cars beyond the Bigster. “What we’re doing right now is going around all of the ideas because we intend to launch one, maybe 2 more models that will be C-segment in size”, he said. “They would be based on the same platform – CMF-B, period!” That choice of architecture is only to be expected, because Dacia has already announced that its plans for the rest of this decade are intrinsically linked to CMF-B; the same platform that also underpins the Renault Clio and Captur, along with the Nissan Juke. Building larger models on the chassis allows Dacia to tap into Renault Group economies of scale, particularly since its focus remains on efficient combustion-engined models instead of a switch to EVs. “We have a lot of technical possibilities to offer for new shapes of body”, Le Vot told me. “That’s the capacity within the platform; with new Duster we’re going to sell it with a hybrid, and we’ll also be able to sell models as mild hybrids”. The reliance on CMF-B makes it relatively easy to predict the technical make-up of a new Dacia family car. In base form it would feature a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine producing 110 hp, but it would also be offered with a 1.2-litre petrol developing 130 hp and boosted by 48 volt mild-hybrid assistance. Further to this, it’d probably get the same 1.6-litre full-hybrid set-up as the Jogger and forthcoming Duster. When asked if a decision has been made on the project, Le Vot said: “We still haven’t decided yet. We’re talking about 2026 onwards, after all”. Dacia’s senior vice-president for sales, operations and marketing, Xavier Martinet, said the brand is studying how many additional gains it can make by launching further models in the family-car segment. “We’re looking into possibilities”, he said. “Jogger is already strong; when you look at Bigster, you’d say that this will give us another good contender in the class. But are they enough? This is the decision we are exploring. We know we’re not going to get another big gain with an extra C-segment model, so we look at the numbers and see if they add up. If they don’t, we don’t go there; sometimes it’s heartbreaking for us, but that’s what we do”. Martinet said, meanwhile, that although the Bigster will have typical Dacia traits (size, space, usability and value), it will be positioned apart from the Duster, with a different target audience (and probably at Dacia’s highest price point to date). “If Bigster is thought of as a large Duster, it’s a fail”, he told us. “There will be some similarities, but I have spent the past year making sure they are 2 distinct models”. +++
+++ Following a successful trial phase launched last year, DS has announced it will integrate the hugely popular AI program ChatGPT into its ‘DS Iris’ suite of connected systems, available across its entire range of cars including the 3 crossover, 4 hatchback, 7 SUV and 9 saloon. For anyone who’s been living off the grid in a nuclear bunker since late 2022, ChatGPT is a ‘generative artificial intelligence model’. Essentially it’s an AI programme that has been trained by consuming enormous amounts of text from the internet, that uses the information to generate natural and fluid responses to questions and prompts. It also draws on every scrap of information available online in order to provide detailed and, hopefully, accurate answers to almost any question you throw at it, as almost everyone with internet access seems to have been doing since it went live. What’s this got to do with cars? Well, DS has employed ChatGPT to create a handy AI travel companion that complements the brand’s existing voice recognition tech, and provides travel advice and information. For instance, drivers can ask if there are any places on their journey they might want to visit, or even highly specific questions like “what do you advise me to do in this castle if I have two hours and I’m with my 10-year-old son?” But it can do much more, like create a quiz on your favourite subject or even a children’s story during a road trip. You don’t have to open a special app to explore what the AI can do, as DS has integrated ChatGPT directly into its regular voice recognition system which drivers can activate by voice command or pressing a button on the steering wheel. ChatGPT will feature in all models with the ‘DS Iris’ setup delivered from March. That means it’ll be standard-fit on every DS 4, DS 7 and DS 9, plus all but the most bog-standard version of the DS 3. Yves Bonnefont, chief software officer of Stellants (which owns DS, as well as Peugeot, Citroen and Opel) said: “After the great success of our pilot phase and the enthusiastic response from our customers, we are proud to be the first OEM to be able to integrate the ChatGPT function as standard, starting with all DS models and soon followed by other Stellantis brands”. Peugeot has already confirmed that its latest generation of vehicles, including both passenger cars and vans, will be offered with ChatGPT towards the end of 2024. Meanwhile, Volkswagen and Skoda have also announced the AI chatbot will be part of their next-generation infotainment systems. But Luis Medinas, project manager at Volkswagen, has informed us that VW plans to go beyond enhancing its standard voice assistant with ChatGPT, the goal being to enable 2-way conversations between the driver and AI. +++
+++ MERCEDES is working on an updated version of the EQS, the S-Class sized all-electric flagship saloon that was introduced back in 2021. The EQS was revealed with great fanfare as a vision of the brand’s future in terms of tech, design and overarching philosophy, but has received mixed reviews in terms of its design. Keen to refine the package, Mercedes will most likely focus on tech and powertrain updates with this facelift, as well as some subtle styling changes. Starting with the design, most obvious on this particular prototype are new head and tail lights. The headlights are a similar shape to before, but we can expect new internals that feature the 3-pointed star motif. Also visible is a horizontal element above, suggesting that Mercedes intends to retain a full-width light bar that helps distinguish it from the marginally smaller EQE on the road. These sit within a redesigned front bumper. Of more interest is the space above it, which looks to be housing a larger radar opening which should support the application of extended autonomous driving functionality. The rear lights keep the same internal lighting elements as on the current EQS model, but will be slightly darker in appearance. Beneath, the rear bumper will also feature subtle design changes. Helping disguise the prototype EQS’s vast body side are a set of 21-inch wheels. This wheel design is currently available for non-AMG Line models. The headline-grabbing Hyperscreen will continue to be fitted only to high-spec models or as an expensive option. Mercedes has also been working on upgrades to the EVA platform underpinning the EQS. This was the first production Mercedes to sit on the bespoke platform that’s since gone on to underpin the EQE and the pair’s subsequent SUV derivatives. Being so new, the chassis’ fundamentals are unlikely to change. I expect the battery tech and capacities are likely to be upgraded without being totally redesigned. As it stands, all EQS models feature a 112 kWh capacity, unlocking class-leading range figures of up to 700 km. Unlike a growing number of rival EVs, Merc’s EVA platform still utilizes a 400 Volt electrical system, putting a relative ceiling in terms of the car’s charging and performance capabilities. This might suggest an adoption of a more advanced 800 Volt architecture with this facelift, but nothing is as yet confirmed. Beyond this, I expect the update to focus on some of the rough edges of the Mercedes EQS. This should include changes right across most of the car’s dynamic elements, such as the intelligent air suspension and rear-wheel steering systems, plus refinements around the car’s regenerative brakes and electric motor calibrations. +++
+++ The PEUGEOT 408 could be a very interesting alternative for saloon lovers who don’t want to make the leap to a conventional SUV. In fact, the French company is committed to a spectacular, crossover-like design that does not neglect practicality or performance. In short, it is difficult to find a direct rival for the Peugeot 408. In a way, it can be compared to models such as the Cupra Formentor and Renault Arkana. On the other hand, the Citroën C4 X has a simpler approach and the Citroën C5 X is more luxurious. The Peugeot 408’s mechanical range has no diesel versions, starting with the 3-cylinder 1.2-litre PureTech petrol with 130 hp. Above that, there are 2 plug-in hybrids, with 180 hp and 225 hp combined, which benefit from up to 63 km of electric range. This model also debuts the 48 Volt hybrid version, the e-DCS6 dual-clutch gearbox with 6 ratios and a 0.89 kWh battery. It produces 136 hp, accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in 11.2 seconds and reaches 211 km/h. It consumes 5.1 litrers per 100 km according to the WLTP cycle. Considering the structure of the range, many consumers would like an engine with more power, but without the need to choose a plug-in hybrid version. That’s why I decided to investigate further… and I have found a very appealing alternative! We’re talking about the Peugeot 408 with the 4-cylinder 1.6-litre PureTech petrol engine, although in this case without hybridization. This variant produces 215 hp, transmits 300 Nm of maximum torque to the front axle (at 2.000 rpm) and is linked to the 8-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. The new Peugeot 408 1.6 PureTech EAT8 could be available soon. +++
+++ STELLANTIS could build electric vehicles based on technology from Chinese affiliate Leapmotor in Europe, North America or other markets where it needs competitively-priced models to compete with Chinese EV makers, chief executive Carlos Tavares said. “At one point in time, Western governments may be tempted to block Chinese exports”, Tavares said. “We have the opportunity to assemble Leapmotor cars inside the bubble. It could be Europe it could be North America”. Stellantis is considering building Leapmotor EVs in Italy. “There’s no reason to exclude any country that has a Stellantis plant”, Tavares said. The pressure to cut electric vehicle costs will force consolidation among global automakers, Tavares told reporters during a videoconference from New York. But said he has no significant deals under discussion himself. “We have enough on our plate”, Tavares said. Earlier this month, Stellantis denied rumors that it was considering a combination with French automaker Renault. Tavares said there could ultimately be as few as 5 major automakers as incumbents try to achieve economies of scale to compete with BYD and other rising Chinese automakers. “You can discuss whether it’s a good thing to fight against big Chinese companies like BYD with an anti-trust lock that prevents the Western companies from getting together”, Tavares said. Automakers are under pressure “to sell EVs at the price of a petrol car”, Tavares said, using the acronyn for the Internal Combustion Engine. “As long as we cannot sell EVs at the price of ICE while making a profit, we are not doing what consumers are expecting of us”. BYD and other Chinese EV makers have a 30% production cost advantage over Western automakers, Tavares said. “Tariff protection will not help”, he said. If Chinese automakers decide to build factories in Mexico to send vehicles to the United States, the Mexican government will welcome that investment, he said. Washington will have to choose between breaking the rules of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement, or potentially adding to pressure on Mexican workers to migrate to the United States for jobs, he said. +++
+++ Cybertruck engineer Wes Morrill addressed claims that TESLA ’s electric pickup rusts in the rain and clarified that the specks of rust are the size of a “pinhead” and not part of its stainless steel body. Over the past week, some new Cybertruck owners have taken to social media to complain of what they said appear to be spots of rust on their brand new EVs that cost up to $99.900. One owner even said they’d been warned when the truck was delivered that it could rust in the rain. “The advisor specifically mentioned the Cybertrucks develop orange rust marks in the rain and that required the vehicle to be buffed out”, a member of the Cybertruck Owners Club forum wrote. In a post on X, Morrill clarified that it wasn’t the Cybertruck’s metal itself that was rusting and gave some advice on how to address the orange spots, which were explained as apparent rusting from metal particles that may have collected from the factory or when the vehicles were transported via railway. The engineer (who has worked at Tesla for over 13 years) referenced a YouTube video on the issue. “Good myth busting. Stainless is reactive and free iron that sits on it will rust”, the Cybertruck engineer said. “It’s surface contamination only and can be cleaned off easily”. Tesla CEO Elon Musk also appeared to confirm Morrill’s comments, writing “Yeah” in response to the post. Justin Demaree, host of the YouTube channel Bearded Tesla Guy, said in his video on the issue that a Cybertruck owner had brought the truck to him the day after it was delivered when he’d noticed the specks. In his video, Demaree said the tiny orange specks were likely the result of “rust dust” or particles that had landed on the surface of the truck and embedded into the material. He noted rust dust can come from the grating of metal on metal at a train track or even from areas in an automotive factory where vehicles go through their final polishing. The small specks of metal in the air can collect on the vehicle and rust over time, he said. The issue does not appear to be entirely unique to the Cybertruck. Demaree told he’d seen the issue before, but said the Cybertruck seems to be even more prone to collecting the dust, likely due to its stainless steel exterior. “When I finally had a chance to see the issue first hand, I recognized what I was looking at right away”, Demaree wrote over email. “Sometimes when new cars would arrive at a dealership, especially white ones, it would look like the car was ‘rusting’. It doesn’t just wipe away, it has to be buffed off. That’s when I first learned about ‘rust dust’ or ‘rail dust’ “. For the most part automakers have avoided using stainless steel. The Cybertruck is the first production vehicle to be made out of stainless steel since the Delorean was produced in 1983. The metal can be difficult to shape and prone to smudging. The YouTuber tried a handful of methods to address the issue, including wiping the car with Windex and a liquid form of Bar Keeper’s Friend. Demaree said the latter method appeared to do the trick, but advised Cybertruck owners to be careful using the polish on the truck. “Every time you do this, you’re basically cutting it down to a fresh layer”, the YouTuber said. Morrill said he recommends using either Bar Keeper’s Friend or Citrisurf 77 to address the issue. “Clean it anytime or don’t if it doesn’t bother you”, Morrill wrote on X. “It’s not the base metal. The specs are about the size of the pin of a pinhead”. It’s no wonder some Tesla owners are taking note of the specks. The much-hyped electric pickup comes with a price tag between $60.990 and $99.990. And millions of Tesla fans have been waiting for the truck since 2019. It’s unclear how many Cybertrucks have been delivered. Tesla delivered its first dozen on November 30 and several celebrities have been spotted with their own Cybertrucks in the months since. +++
+++ A stumble in the demand for electric cars in the UNITED KINGDOM could be benefiting diesel cars, at least in the short term, new data has shown. In December 2023, EV sales fell 34%, while diesel car sales actually rose 12%, briefly interrupting a decline that began back in 2016. “When BEV does badly, combustion engines do better, but diesel does a little better than petrol”, said Al Bedwell, head of powertrain analysis at market researcher GlobalData. The situation is even more pronounced in Germany. +++
