+++ Volkswagen Group Korea on Thursday appointed Steve Cloete to become the next head of AUDI Korea as the German automaker looks for a breakthrough to turn around ailing sales in the local market. According to the announcement, Cloete will begin this new post on May 1st. The new chief has over 27 years of experience in the automotive industry having worked at the Hyundai Motor Group in South Africa and the BMW Group in Bahrain. After joining Audi in 2014, Cloete worked in after-sales and dealer network management for the German automaker in Australia. He has led the sales and network development teams at Audi Australia since 2019. Lim Hyun-ki, the former head of Audi Korea, became the first female and first Korean manager to lead the Audi brand when she took the Korean unit’s chief position in July 2022. However, the sales of Audi Korea have gone down in the last 2 years. After selling 21.402 vehicles in the country to retain the third most-selling auto importer spot in 2022, Audi Korea sold 17.868 units last year. According to the Korea Automobile Importers and Distributors Association’s data, the outlook has worsened this year as the German automaker only sold 447 units from January to February, down some 90 percent from the same period last year, and fell out of the top 10 auto importers’ list here. “I would like to express my gratitude to executive director Lim Hyun-ki for her dedication and contribution to the development of Audi in Korea over the past 20 years”, said Till Scheer, CEO of Volkswagen Group Korea. “As an early member of Audi Korea, Lim showed exemplary leadership and dedication by standing firm despite the ups and downs of the brand. I wish her success in all future challenges”. +++
+++ FORD is considering making a new SUV at its Almussafes plant in Valencia in Spain, the company said on Thursday. “We are closely monitoring the evolution of the European markets for opportunities to enhance our current product offering”, a spokesman said. “Given the changes we see in the industry, we believe there is an opportunity to add an all-new multi-energy SUV to the Europe cycle plan, to be manufactured in Valencia”. The group said this was still subject to a formal decision. “Great news for Valencia, Spain and the workers of FordSpain. The company’s decision to produce electric vehicles guarantees the viability of the Almussafes plant for the coming years”, Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez said in a message on X. The plant, which employs 4.800 people, only makes the Kuga after other models were cut back in recent years. The General Workers Union (UGT) told on Thursday: “Almussafes will have a new vehicle and will maintain a sufficient workload”. Francisco Segura, of the Valencian Automotive and Mobility Group, which represents automotive companies, said in a statement on Thursday that Ford’s possible plans for building a new car in Valencia were “positive news”. +++
+++ GENESIS showcased 2 electric concept models, the Neolun full-size SUV and the high-performance GV60 Magma, in a strategic move to bolster its luxury identity with the 2 high-end vehicles, the automaker said. The luxury vehicle arm of Hyundai held the much-hyped ceremony to unveil the 2 upcoming strategic models, at Genesis House New York to redefine what the automaker said were the boundaries of performance and luxury and level up its palatial image. The group’s top executives, including Hyundai Motor CEO Chang Jae-hoon (photo) and Lee Sang-yup, head of Hyundai Motor and Genesis Design Center, described the 2 concept cars as the pinnacle of the brand’s luxurious elegance and dynamic performance.
The Neolun concept car is equipped with a string of state-of-the-art features, such as electric side steps. It also comes with an eye-catching exterior identity of what Genesis calls “reductive design.” Under the identity, the vehicle eliminated unnecessary details. The electric side steps of the vehicle are automatically deployed when the doors open, which makes it easier for passengers to step in and out of the car. When the doors close, the side steps recede into the vehicle to complete its seamless exterior look.
Genesis also showcased its GV60 Magma concept, featuring high-performance functions that are well-blended with its aerodynamic exterior design identity. The vehicle was also designed with a widened and lowered stance so drivers can feel more dynamic experiences with a lower center of gravity, according to Genesis. The automaker is set to unveil the GV60 Magma vehicle in 2025 and plans to equip all of the Genesis lineups with high-performance features. The GV60 Magma elevates the overall design and performance of the existing GV60 SUV, the first-ever EV model for Genesis. The upcoming vehicle will come with improved battery functions and motor technologies, Genesis added. “The Genesis Magma presents an exciting opportunity to push the boundaries of performance and luxury for new interpretations in high-performance vehicles, with the ultimate goal of developing models exclusive to Genesis”, Genesis chief creative officer Luc Donckerwolke said. The luxury automaker made a rapid foray into the market after the brand made its debut in November 2015. As of 2021, the company achieved substantial annual sales of 200,000, placing its name on the list of the world’s top 10 luxury automakers. Genesis aims to stand at the forefront in leading the upcoming era of electric vehicles by diversifying more luxurious all-electric lineups preemptively, even if the industry is now faced with a slowdown. The accumulated sales of Genesis vehicles also surpassed one million for the first time last year. The brand aims to expand its export portion to more than half of its total sales, possibly by some point next year. The Neolun and the GV60 Magma concept cars will be displayed along with other Genesis flagship vehicles at the 2024 New York International Auto Show.
“The Neolun Concept was inspired by Korea’s iconic moon-shaped porcelain jars”, said Donckerwolke (standing on the leftside of the car). “It’s the epitome of timeless design and sophisticated craftsmanship”. According to Hyundai, the electric SUV concept’s exterior has been drafted around the principle of reductive design characterized by clean, refined lines that eliminate unnecessary details. Therefore, exterior of the Neolun is sleek, without any bumps. The distinctive coach doors on the side of the Neolun stand out as the most prominent features of the concept vehicle. The coach doors without B-pillars connecting the vehicle’s body and roof allow for more open interior space and create convenient access for passengers. Genesis underlined that the Neolun’s interior cabin represents a modern reinterpretation of Korea’s traditional hospitality culture as the concept car’s heating system was inspired by the country’s ondol heating system to allow efficient heating with heating films applied to the dashboard, door trims, floor, seatbacks and console sides. Ondol is Korea’s traditional heating method that uses direct heat transfer underneath the floor to warm a room. The front-row seats’ swiveling function also adds more to the concept vehicle’s interior hospitality. “We can tell you that the philosophy of the moon-shaped porcelain jar is what Genesis wants to follow”, said Lee Sang-yup, head of Hyundai Genesis Global Design Center. +++
+++ HYUNDAI is weighing the possibility of producing hybrid cars at its electric vehicle factory currently under construction in Georgia, according to José Muñoz, global president and COO of the company. Speaking at the New York International Auto Show, he told that the company is evaluating the potential to manufacture hybrid or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) alongside pure electric vehicles at the Georgia plant. “We are now getting ready for a ramp-up on electric vehicles and then we are evaluating if we need to maybe add some additional technologies into the plan depending on the market evaluation”, Muñoz said. “Everything is on the table. We will adjust to the market demand and, for the time being, we are on track for what the regulators are requesting”. Muñoz emphasized Hyundai’s commitment to electric vehicles while recognizing the appeal of hybrids and PHEVs for certain consumers. “I think the PHEV is a key strategic topic for us. We’ve been one of the pioneers on PHEV and I think we want to take advantage of that”, he said. “But hybrid is very important…our hybrid production is growing. There’s a high demand for it. So you’re going to see an increase in the mix of hybrids in Hyundai as well”. The reassessment comes amid a shift in emissions rules by the Biden administration to include hybrid and PHEV models alongside all-electric vehicles. Hyundai also unveiled a refreshed Tucson crossover at the auto show, which will be offered with traditional gas engines, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle options. The new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) in Bryan County, with an investment of $7.59 billion, is scheduled to begin electric vehicle production in the fourth quarter of this year. +++
+++ KIA on Tuesday announced it has appointed 2 former designers from Mercedes-Benz and BMW to head its design centers in Europe and China, respectively. Oliver Samson, previously with Mercedes-Benz, and Lim Seung-mo, formerly of BMW, will take on their new roles as head of the Kia Design Center Europe and head of the Kia Design Center China, respectively, on April 1 (photo).
Samson and Lim will report to Karim Habib, executive vice president and head of Kia Global Design. The appointments are expected to encourage collaboration and competition among the carmaker’s regional design centers, the company said in the announcement. Samson’s career in design started at the Hyundai and Kia European Design Center in 2003, followed by roles at Changan Automobile, Nio and Mercedes-Benz. While at Mercedes-Benz, he led several key design projects including the development of the EQ Silver Arrow and the Mercedes-Maybach 6. Lim began his career at BMW Group in 2010, where he led the exterior design of the BMW i4 and 4-series, and later took leadership roles at Didi Chuxing Technology and Geely Motors, steering design innovation in electric vehicles and various model developments. “Gathering diverse talents like these helps us truly live out our ‘Opposites United’ design mantra, crafting designs that break new ground and resonate with our customers”, said Habib (photo).
Kia’s design philosophy, dubbed “Opposites United”, aims to integrate diverse and contrasting elements to create harmonious vehicle designs. This includes the combination of warm and cold colors, traditional and futuristic elements, and the incorporation of organic shapes with advanced technology. The appointments of Samson and Lim come as part of Kia’s efforts to infuse global talent into its design ethos, a practice that gained prominence with the hiring of former Audi designer Peter Schreyer as chief design officer in 2006. Schreyer’s influence led to the creation of acclaimed models like the Kia K5, the Soul and the Stinger, as well as the introduction of the distinctive tiger nose grille. Kia appointed former BMW designer Jochen Paesen as vice president of interior design in 2020 and welcomed John Buckingham, another distinguished BMW designer, as the leader of Kia’s Next Design Exterior Group last year. +++
+++ MINI is set to make an aggressive foray into the compact electric vehicle (EV) market here with the planned launch of its 2 electrified Mini Cooper and Countryman models, the carmaker said. The iconic brand of BMW Group is set to start selling the two electric models in June, with an aim to attract more customers seeking to purchase compact EVs with a strong brand identity. Mini boasts its distinctive position in the car industry due to the combination of its adorable exterior and powerful driving performance. Mini has been expanding its footing gradually in the Korean market with its unique brand identity.
According to the company, Mini has achieved ten-fold growth over the past 18 years since it entered the market here. Its total vehicle sales reached 761 in the first year it debuted in Korea in 2005. But the figure has soared to more than 9.500 in 2023. This has led the carmaker to become the nation’s 8th-largest imported vehicle maker as of last year. The launch of the firm’s 2 electrified models came in line with an ongoing mobility paradigm shift. The Cooper and Countryman are the two favorite vehicles for many Mini fans here and abroad, so the company hopes to attract more customers to purchase the eco-friendly electric vehicles and extend its winning streak here. “The 2 new electric models will be available for sale in June, both of which will offer a whole new experience to drivers at this period of electrification”, Mini Korea director Jung Soo-won told reporters during a media event in Seoul.
Both vehicles are equipped with Mini’s symbolic circular screen, but this time, they are equipped with OLED displays provided by Samsung Display. Mini Korea will also continue its 2-track strategy of launching petrol-powered vehicles and EVs. The carmaker plans to release gasoline versions of its new Mini Cooper and Mini Cooper Convertible models sometime in the third quarter of this year. +++
+++ NIO announced that the mass-production version of the 900 Volt electric drive system (EDS) called Thunder had rolled off the production line. This occasion conveniently coincided with the manufacturing of the 1-millionth Nio’s EDS. The upcoming Nio ET9 will be the brand’s first vehicle to adopt the Thunder EDS. Nio has provided some details on the 900V Thunder EDS. First, the electric motors in the front and rear axle integrated into this electric drive system became 30% lighter, and their longitudinal size was reduced by 280 mm. The lighter weight improves the car’s energy consumption, while the smaller size boosts the living space in the cabin. Nio mentioned that the ET9 uses the world’s first 925 Volt W-Pin synchronous permanent magnet electric motor, which has a peak power output of 340 kW. Meanwhile, it weighs just 79 kg, resulting in a power density of 4.3 kW/kg. In the front axle, the ET9 has an asynchronous induction motor with a peak power of 180 kW. Its power density is 2.6 kW/kg. Nio says it is the world’s highest power density among asynchronous electric motors. The 900V Thunder EDS isn’t just about electric motors and raw power. It utilizes the 1.200V silicon carbide power module with a power density of 1.315 kW/L and can handle over 300,000 power cycles. It also has continuous wave winding technology that offers 86% of the motor’s power. Last but not least, the EDS features the revised liquid-cooling system, which increases the motor’s peak continuous power by 30%. Today, the first mass-produced 900V Thunder EDS has rolled off the production line. As mentioned, the first car to get this powertrain is the Nio ET9. It will enter the Chinese market in 2025.
The Nio ET9 is the brand’s flagship fastback, unveiled on Nio Day 2023 in December. It is already available for preorder with a price of 800.000 yuan (€145.000 in the Netherlands). Its deliveries are scheduled for the first quarter of 2025. Its dimensions are 5.324 x 2.016 x 1.620 mm with a wheelbase of 3.250 mm. It has a 120 kWh battery on board. Its combined peak power output reaches 520 kW or 697 hp. Inside, the Nio ET9 has 4 seats. Another feature is the active suspension that allows it to shake and dance. +++
+++ NISSAN plans to introduce its e-Power hybrid technology car in Tunisia, its Africa head said as part of plans to test demand in the African market for electric vehicles (EVs). Africa is the world’s last remaining automotive frontier due to the low level of vehicle ownership. According to Nissan, elsewhere in the world the global motorization average is 182 vehicles per 1.000 people versus 42 per 1.000 in Africa. But, like in many countries globally, EVs are currently priced out of the reach of most domestic consumers, while some countries in Africa, including South Africa, struggle with power outages and logjams on railways and at ports, making it difficult for global executives to invest in EVs on the continent. “Electrification might take some time in Africa but we have a plan on how to introduce electrification, especially with our technology e-Power in some of the markets that are ready for this technology in Africa”, said Nissan Africa managing director Sherief Eldesouky. Nissan’s e-Power technology system includes a petrol engine with a power generator, inverter, battery and an electric motor. The electric motor delivers power directly to the wheels, using energy stored in the battery pack. “We launched it in Morocco with the Qashqai last year, and in Egypt in February with the X-Trail, and we’re going to go to Tunisia after that with the Qashqai”, Eldesouky said on the sidelines of Nissan’s Navara Africa expedition launch. “We’ve been leveraging our technology because Africa is not ready in terms of infrastructure availability of electricity”. South Africa is making some inroads after it published an EV policy roadmap last year, outlining steps to support the transition to EVs, such as government incentives. Japan’s third-largest carmaker by sales wholly owns manufacturing plants in Egypt and South Africa and has been in Africa for more than 60 years. This year Nissan will export the South African built Navara pickup to new markets of Algeria, Libya, Sudan, Tunisia and Egypt, Nissan Africa product marketing director Stefan Haasbroek said. The automaker is also planning to introduce new grades like the mid-grade automatic transmission vehicle in Sub-Saharan Africa and an entry level double cab in South Africa, he added. +++
+++ TOYOTA said Thursday its domestic sales declined for the second straight month in February, hit by a slew of data-rigging scandals among its group companies Daihatsu and Toyota Industries. The number of cars Toyota sold in Japan dropped 33.3% from a year earlier to 103.946 units, while domestic output slumped by 12.9%, also affected by the temporary suspension of its factories due to heavy snow, the world’s largest automaker said. Its sales outside of Japan slipped 6.9% to 719.630 units from the year before, falling for the first time in 13 months. Global output shrank for the first time in 14 months, dropping 2.6% to 737.178 units. While the Japanese automaker reached a record global output of 9.16 million vehicles for fiscal 2023 with 1 month still left, it is unlikely to attain its production goal of 10.1 million units and sales of 10.4 million units due to the string of scandals. Its affiliate Toyota Industries halted up to 6 production lines at 4 factories between January 29 and March 3 after the company admitted to rigging engine power data. The suspension affected popular models including the Land Cruiser. Daihatsu suspended manufacturing at all of its domestic plants in January after it admitted in December to data rigging during safety testing for most of its models, significantly affecting the parent’s overall sales. Sales in China sagged 35.7% compared to the previous year due to the Chinese New Year holidays in February, while those in North America and Europe remained strong. Combined global production at Japan’s 8 major automakers fell 7.6% in February from a year earlier to 1.91 million vehicles, affected by the sharp drop in Toyota and fewer work days in China due to the country’s New Year holidays, data from the carmakers showed. Honda saw its output fall by 13.5% from a year earlier to 294.710 units, as it was also impacted by delays in the delivery of parts following the Noto Peninsula earthquake on New Year’s Day. Suzuki was the only automaker to log growth, rising 10.4% to 287.450 units, thanks to a record-high production in India for February. The combined domestic output dropped 16.3% to 588.354 units, while combined global sales decreased 1.1% to 1.87 million units. +++
