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Category: World

This section brings you news reports from around the world, covering global events, politics, economy, and more. Stay informed with the latest international updates and developments.

  • Hyundai, Kia sign pact to develop mobility to explore moon

    Hyundai, Kia sign pact to develop mobility to explore moon

    SEOUL, Korea: Hyundai Motor and Kia Corporation on Wednesday signed agreements with six Korean research institutes to develop mobility solutions to explore the surface of the moon.

    Hyundai Motor and Kia, who have pioneered endless possibilities for mobility expansion through innovative technologies such as robotics and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), are now expanding their vision beyond the bounds of Earth and into space.

    READ MORE: COVID-19 cases reported at Toyota work sites

    The announcement follows Korea’s successful launch of a domestically produced rocket in June.

    Yong Wha Kim, Executive Vice President, and Head of R&D Planning & Coordination Center of Hyundai Motor and Kia said “We have taken the first step towards transforming our vision for robotics and the concept of Metamobility into reality.”

    “We will expand the scope of human movement experience beyond traditional means of transport and beyond the bounds of Earth to further contribute to the progress of humankind and help create a better future.” He added.\

    READ MORE: Honda Cars declares 29% fall in quarterly profit

    The signing ceremony held in Korea was attended by Chung Kook Park, President and Head of R&D Division of Hyundai Motor and Kia as well as top officials from the six research institutes: Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI); Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI); Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI); Korea Automotive Technology Institute (KATECH); Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology (KICT); and Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI).

    With collaboration expected to start as early as August, the consultative body will define the concept of lunar exploration mobility and major core technologies while developing and reviewing specific strategies and implementation measures to operate on the moon. Hyundai Motor and Kia will support the consultative body with their smart mobility technologies.

    READ MORE: Honda to slash production on supply constraints

    Under the multilateral research agreement, the participants from the private and government sectors will integrate their knowledge and capabilities to significantly advance their existing technologies and engineer new solutions for moon exploration mobility. Expertise will be brought to bear across numerous areas, including exploration equipment, software for mobility operation and remote communication functionality.

    With no air, extreme temperatures and countless craters and coatings of lunar dust composedof sharp and abrasive particles, the moon’s surface is an exceptionally harsh environment. While it poses significant challenges to the development of surface exploration mobility, it also provides the ultimate proving ground and will deliver invaluable lessons for Hyundai and Kia to further accelerate the delivery of smart and sustainable mobility solutions on earth.

    READ MORE: Suzuki starts producing outboard motors with plastic collecting device

    Hyundai and Kia have formed an internal consultative body with key personnel for the development and operation of lunar surface mobility. Resources will be brought to bear from Hyundai and Kia’s Robotics Lab in charge of robot development. Hyundai and Kia will also collaborate on software and hardware design and interpretation, space environment response technology, and special equipment for conducting lunar exploration missions.

    The multilateral agreement to develop mobility for exploring the moon’s surface represents a seminal moment in the history of Hyundai Motor and Kia that expands their vision for future mobility, including Robotics and AAM, to areas beyond the Earth. Hyundai and Kia also expect to secure proprietary technologies for future mobility businesses in the process of the new lunar exploration mobility robotics development. 

    In January, Hyundai Motor announced its robotics vision of ‘Metamobilty’ to help overcome the limitations of movement at CES 2022, which featured a video of Boston Dynamics’ robot, named ‘SPOT’, exploring outer space. 

    READ MORE: Hyundai announces second quarter financial results

  • COVID-19 cases reported at Toyota work sites

    COVID-19 cases reported at Toyota work sites

    Takaoka Plant in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan: Toyota Motors Corporation on Tuesday announced COVID-19 cases reported at its work sites.

    In a statement the company said that this news may cause to people in the surrounding regions.

    The virus is an issue that has the potential to affect all Toyota locations and we are continuously working to further enhance our communication and health checks with staff at all locations.

    “Toyota is actively implementing measures to prevent the further spread of the virus and remain committed to provide timely updates as the situation requires,” the company added.

    The company shared the following information:

    Announced on July 26, 2022

    Location, Worksite

    Takaoka Plant in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan

    Type of worker

    Line workers (a male in his 20’s, two males in their 30’s, a male in his 40’s, a female in her 30’s.)

    Affect to production operation

    Suspended operations on production line #1 at Takaoka plant for the second shift on July 26.

    Date tested positive

    July 24 and 25, 2022

    Last date at work

    July 23, 2022

    Date work site was disinfected

    July 25 and 26, 2022

    Announced on January 20, 2022

    Location, Worksite

    Tsutsumi Plant in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan

    Type of worker

    Line workers (4 males each in their 20’s, 30’s, 40’s and 50’s.)

    Affect to production operation

    Suspended operations on production line #1 at Tsutsumi plant for the second shift on January 20.

    Date tested positive

    January 17, 18, and 19, 2022

    Last date at work

    January 17, 2022

    Date work site was disinfected

    January 17, 18, and 19, 2022

    Announced on January 19, 2022

    Location, Worksite

    Tsutsumi Plant in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan

    Type of worker

    Line workers (ten males in 20’s, one male in 30’s, and three males in 40’s.)

    Affect to production operation

    Decided to suspend operations on production line #2 at Tsutsumi plant for the first shift from January 19 to 22.

    Date tested positive

    January 18 and 19, 2022

    Last date at work

    January 18 and 19, 2022

    Date work site was disinfected

    January 18 and 19, 2022

    Location, Worksite

    Tsutsumi Plant in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan

    Type of worker

    Line workers (eight males in 20’s and 40’s.)

    Affect to production operation

    Production line #2 at Tsutsumi plant halted operation for the first shift on January 19.

    Date tested positive

    January 18, 2022

    Last date at work

    January 18, 2022

    Date work site was disinfected

    January 18, 2022

  • Honda to slash production on supply constraints

    Honda to slash production on supply constraints

    TOKYO, Japan: Honda Motor Co has said it may cut production due to supply constraints and logistical issues.

    READ MORE: Suzuki starts producing outboard motors with plastic collecting device

    According to foreign media, the company said that two lines at Suzuka plant will reduce production by about 10 per cent this month and 30 per cent in early August this year.

    Another plant in Saitama prefecture may also cut production to 10 per cent next month.

    READ MORE: Hyundai announces second quarter financial results

    Auto manufacturers in China are unable to escape from the impact of shortage of semiconductors and COVID-19 lockdowns.

    Toyota Motor Corp said that its global production for August would be about 700,000 units, down roughly 18 per cent from its plans at the beginning of the year.

    READ MORE: Honda unveils all-new Civic Type R

    Honda adjusted its production plan in May but had said it would return to normal in early June.

  • Huawei suggests characteristics for 5.5G

    Huawei suggests characteristics for 5.5G

    SHENZHEN, China: Yang Chaobin, President of Huawei’s Wireless Solution on Friday delivered a speech titled “Continuous Innovation Towards 5.5G for a New Journey of 5G Industry”.

    President of Huawei talked about the characteristics of 5.5G network. He said that the network would provide 10 Gbps experience, 100 billion connections, and native intelligence.

    READ MORE: Peshawar Customs announces auction of motor vehicles on July 26, 2022

    “Driven by new toC and toB services, we will enhance eMBB, URLLC, and mMTC, and provide new capabilities of sensing, passive IoT, positioning, and native intelligence. With them, we will build intelligent 5.5G that support 10 Gbps downlink, 1 Gbps uplink, and 100 billion connections, embarking on a new journey of 5G,” he added.

    As XR Pro and other toC services continue to gain popularity, networks must increase user-perceived rates tenfold for mobile connections. ToB services require high uplink speeds and sensing capabilities, medium-speed connections, and passive IoT. “This means that 5.5G networks must provide a downlink speed of 10 Gbps and an uplink speed of 1 Gbps, support 100 billion IoT connections, and become natively intelligent,” commented Yang.

    READ MORE: Suzuki starts producing outboard motors with plastic collecting device

    Ultra-large bandwidth has proven essential to mobile networks, requiring all sub-100 GHz resources to be fully utilized. As high bands are increasingly used, extremely large antenna array (ELAA) will be necessary to address the resulting coverage contraction.

    ELAA enables high-band networks to provide the same coverage as C-band so that operators can provide 10 Gbps to all users at all times no matter where they are. ELAA MetaAAUs have been put into commercial use in more than 30 cities.

    Field tests are completed on 6 GHz band, showing that co-coverage with C-band is possible in cases where outdoor deployments cover outdoor (O2O) and indoor (O2I) users. mmWave can ensure an overall peak rate of 10 Gbps, with a Gbps experience possible even at a distance of 5 km.

    READ MORE: Hyundai announces second quarter financial results

    ToB connections often feature far stronger uplink capabilities than downlink. With the uplink decoupled from the downlink, toB services flexibly use uplink and downlink spectrum on different bands, including existing FDD spectrum and newly defined uplink-only spectrum. Through uplink/downlink decoupling, spectrum convergence will be possible to ensure Gbps uplink. To date, uplink/downlink decoupling has already been commercially adopted in mining and steel sectors to ensure 1 Gbps uplink transfer required for 100-channel HD backhaul and panoramic remote control.

    RedCap is already available for commercial use. Compared with eMBB, RedCap features a low power consumption and high cost effectiveness, making it to be easily adopted on a massive scale.

    READ MORE: Honda unveils all-new Civic Type R

    Passive IoT combines cellular communications and passive tagging and features low terminal prices and long coverage distances, providing an ideal option for connecting tens of billions of passive IoT devices.

    Based on Huawei’s verification, passive IoT supports a coverage distance exceeding 200m. Additionally, sensing will be integrated onto mobile networks, facilitating the use of mmWave high bandwidth to improve sensing precision.

    As such, speed and distance measurements and imaging will be enhanced to further improve exception identification for smart transportation, geo-fencing for smart factories, and other industry applications, ultimately enabling digital replica.

    READ MORE: Pakistan reintroduces capital value tax on motor vehicles

    5G developments will increase service varieties and differentiation, with networks running with multiple bands and radio access technologies concurrently. This justifies the urgent necessity for introducing intelligence into mobile networks to maximize resource utilization and ensure service experiences.

    In addition, intelligence will best balance network performance and energy consumption, which will be important to fulfill increasing 5G traffic demand. The native intelligence will further enable networks to facilitate real-time sensing, modeling and prediction, and multidimensional decision-making.

    As such, networks will be intelligently optimized, with various resources to be configured on demand to deliver optimal user experience and capacity. O&M will be intelligently simplified, with site planning, deployment, and troubleshooting automated to maximize performance and energy saving.

    “To meet the diverse requirements across various industries of the next 10 years, 5G must enhance existing capabilities and support new capabilities of high-precision sensing, passive IoT, and native intelligence. We will continue to work with global partners to further innovate 5G and strive for the 5.5G era by protecting the investments of operators,” concluded Yang.

  • Suzuki starts producing outboard motors with plastic collecting device

    Suzuki starts producing outboard motors with plastic collecting device

    JAPAN: Suzuki Motor Corporation on Friday announced to start production of five mid-sized outboard motors equipped with the world’s first Micro-Plastic Collecting Device.

    The product will be available around the world including the major markets of North America and Europe.

    READ MORE: Hyundai announces second quarter financial results

    The press release issued on July 22, 2022 stated that huge amount of marine plastic waste that flow into the ocean has become a significant environmental issue in the recent years, and micro-plastics that are further crushed in the natural environment are concerned to have an impact on ecosystems.

    To tackle these issues, in October 2020 Suzuki announced the development of a Micro-Plastic Collecting Device which can be equipped to outboard motors. By installing this device to outboard motors, micro-plastics near the water surface can be collected simply by running the boat.

    READ MORE: Honda unveils all-new Civic Type R

    After the announcement, monitoring surveys were conducted in 14 countries, including Japan, the United States and Europe, and improvements were made to the device. In July 2022, 5 models (DF140BG, DF115BG, DF140B, DF115B, and DF100C) have started production with the device as standard equipment.

    The installation of this device on outboard motors is one of the three activities of the SUZUKI CLEAN OCEAN PROJECT, which is Suzuki’s commitment to address the marine plastics issue.

    Suzuki aims for the further improvement of marine environment and the realization of a sustainable society, by promoting the SUZUKI CLEAN OCEAN PROJECT, along with our customers all over the world.

    READ MORE: Pakistan reintroduces capital value tax on motor vehicles

  • Hyundai announces second quarter financial results

    Hyundai announces second quarter financial results

    SEOUL, South Korea: Hyundai Motor Company on Thursday announced its financial results for Q2 (second quarter) of 2022.

    The company’s revenue and operating profit from April to June rose 18.7 percent and 58 percent year-over-year to KRW 36 trillion and 2.98 trillion, respectively. 

    READ MORE: Honda unveils all-new Civic Type R

    During the three-month period, Hyundai Motor posted operating profit margin of 8.3 percent, and net profit, including non-controlling interest, increased 55.6 percent to KRW 3.08 trillion.

    Hyundai sold 976,350 units around the globe in the second quarter, a 5.3 percent decrease from the year earlier. Sales in markets outside of Korea were down by 4.4 percent to 794,052 units, and sales in Korea decreased 9.2 percent to 182,298 units. The decrease in sales volume mainly stemmed from the ongoing global chip and component shortage and geopolitical issues.

    READ MORE: Pakistan reintroduces capital value tax on motor vehicles

    A robust sales mix of SUV and Genesis luxury models, reduced incentives from a lower level of inventory, and a favorable foreign exchange environment helped lift revenue in the second quarter, despite the slowdown in sales volume amid an adverse economic environment.

    Hyundai’s EV model sales surged 49 percent from a year earlier to 53,126 units in the second quarter, accounting for 5.4 percent of its total sales volume. 

    The company maintains its financial guidance that was set in January for 13~14 percent of consolidated revenue growth and 5.5~6.5 percent annual consolidated operating profit margin.

    Hyundai Motor’s board today approved a plan to pay an interim dividend of KRW 1,000 per common share.

    READ MORE: Chevrolet unveils all-electric 2024 Blazer EV

    Hyundai to optimize business operations with electrification leadership around the world

    Hyundai Motor expects a gradual recovery from the global chip and component shortage. However, the company also anticipates external uncertainties to continue, including the supply chain disruption caused by the resurgence of a COVID-19 variant and fluctuation in raw material costs due to geopolitical issues.

    In addition, the company expects currency rate volatility as well as increasing marketing costs due to fiercer competition among automakers as a burden for the rest of this year.

    In order to cope with the uncertainties, the company will focus on the recovery of sales through an optimized production-sales plan in global operations that will enhance its product mix with SUVs and luxury models to secure robust profitability.

    In addition, Hyundai will continue to strengthen its global leadership position in electric vehicles with its new IONIQ 6 battery electric vehicle, which will launch in the third quarter.

  • Honda unveils all-new Civic Type R

    Honda unveils all-new Civic Type R

    TOKYO, Japan: Honda Motor Co., Ltd. on July 21, 2022, unveiled the all-new Civic Type R, which is scheduled to go on sale in Japan in September 2022.

    At the world premiere which was held online on Thursday, Honda unveiled the exterior and interior designs of the all-new Civic Type R and announced advancements made to the vehicle’s dynamic performance.

    Overview of the all-new Civic Type R

    Grand Concept – “Ultimate SPORT 2.0”

    By further advancing the concept of the predecessor model – Ultimate SPORT – the all-new Civic Type R was developed with a goal to achieve pure sports performance that attains the ultimate in speed and the joy of driving. The value proposition of the Type R is to realize both speed, which is the essential value of a sports model, and driving pleasure, which appeals to the emotion of the driver.

    Design

    Based on the Civic Hatchback, which has been well received in the market, low & wide packaging was further pursued to elevate driving performance for the Type R model. Moreover, a forward field of vision with a wide view of the road was featured with an aim to provide information directly to the driver even while driving at a high range of speed. 

    The exterior design team strived to create styling for both overwhelming speed and beauty. The wide fenders, which are integrated with the body, are shaped to flow beautifully from the side panels and enhance aerodynamic performance by controlling air flow that continues uninterrupted from front to rear. 

    As for exterior color options, in addition to Championship White, which has been an iconic Type R color, Sonic Gray Pearl was newly added to the lineup. 

    The interior design features red seats and floor carpets that lift the spirit of the occupants from the moment they open the door, and “noiseless,” black-toned interior panels that enable the driver to focus on driving. 

    The front seats are designed with a three-dimensional polyhedral form to firmly support the body so that the driver and front passenger can feel complete confidence even while driving on a racing circuit at the vehicle’s full potential. Moreover, the adoption of a suede-like seat surface material with a high friction coefficient reduced body slippage in high-G situations such as cornering and sudden acceleration/deceleration.

    As for the meter design, in addition to the standard display, +R mode-exclusive designs were adopted. Placing the primary focus on enabling the driver to instantaneously recognize necessary information during sporty driving, including on a racing circuit, the upper part of the meter displays key information such as the engine rpm, rev indicator and gear position indicator, while the lower part functions as a multi-information display that can show vehicle information selected by the driver. By adopting an illuminated rev indicator, the driver can obtain information intuitively without keeping close watch on the indicator, along with instantaneous visual recognition of the information and a stimulating meter design. 

    Dynamics

    The development team set three goals for the dynamic performance of the all-new Civic Type R: 1) “Fastest”, representing the pursuit of overwhelming speed and being the fastest FF (front engine/front-wheel-drive) vehicle by refining and perfecting every aspect of driving feel offered by the vehicle; 2) “Addictive Feel” representing the goal to achieve dynamics that make the driver feel “addicted” to driving the vehicle by offering a thrilling driving experience; and 3) “Secure Feel”, representing the goal to ensure high-speed stability and a complete feeling of trust.

    Fastest

    Aiming to realize an all-new Type R which outperforms all previous Type R models, the 2.0-liter VTEC Turbo engine designed exclusively for Type R was further refined to achieve higher output and responsiveness to the upper limit.

    Addictive Feel

    In addition to achieving the ultimate in speed, the development team strived to create a car that makes the driver passionate about driving the vehicle. To this end, a thrilling driving experience was pursued by refining drivability with highly-responsive handing developed with an aim to realize driving at the will of the driver, a throttle that reacts immediately to driver input, and also by further advancing a feeling of control of the 6-speed manual transmission and the rev match control system. 

    Secure Feel

    On the premise of ensuring highly-sophisticated design, aerodynamics was further advanced to achieve well-balanced downforce both front and rear and a reduction of drag. Moreover, the lightweight and highly rigid body contributes to the high stability of the vehicle at high speeds.

    Furthermore, through utilization of Honda LogR, which provides real-time information on the mechanical movements of the vehicle and vehicle behavior resulting from the driver’s input, the all-new Civic Type R will provide the driver with enhanced driving pleasure with a sense of oneness between the driver and the vehicle, which includes the sharing of driving videos and helping the driver improve their driving skills. 

  • Chevrolet unveils all-electric 2024 Blazer EV

    Chevrolet unveils all-electric 2024 Blazer EV

    DETROIT: Chevrolet revealed the all-electric 2024 Blazer EV on Wednesday expanding the growing electric vehicle (EV) portfolio. The car makes the ownership more accessible and driving Chevy into the heart of the growing midsize electric crossover segment.

    Multiple distinct trims, multiple range options — Including an available GM-estimated range of up to 320 miles on a full charge— and available front, rear- and all-wheel-drive configurations offer customers more choices, and a seamless EV experience designed to complement virtually every lifestyle.

    Those choices include available 1LT, 2LT, RS and Chevy’s first-ever electric SS performance model, along with a pursuit-rated Police Pursuit Vehicle (PPV) model for police fleet applications.

    Scott Bell, vice president of Chevrolet said that, “The 2024 Blazer EV sets a new tone for electric SUVs, with options and intuitive technologies that help position Chevy for leadership in one of the fastest-growing EV segments.”

    He also said that, “Along with the all-new Silverado EV and Equinox EV coming next year, we are making great strides in offering more choices for zero tailpipe-emissions vehicles — choices that make switching to an EV easier than ever.”

    The Blazer EV is based on GM’s innovative Ultium Platform with athletic styling that elevates the heralded design established in 2018 by the gas-powered Chevrolet Blazer, and performance cues inspired by the Camaro and Corvette.

    With design and engineering developed to live up to the legacy of the iconic Super Sport performance designation, the Blazer EV SS offers customers the most powerful experience in the lineup.

    It features an exclusive performance AWD propulsion configuration designed to produce up to 557 horsepower and up to 648 lb-ft of torque, and unique WOW (Wide Open Watts) mode enabling 0-60 sprints of approximately less than 4 seconds (based on GM estimates).

    Additional Blazer EV highlights include:

    Driving range options up to an available GM-estimated 320 mileson a full charge (depending on the trim)

    11.5 kW level 2 (AC) charging and standard DC public fast-charging capability of up to 190 kW, depending on the model, which enables approximately 78 miles of range to be added in 10 minutes, per GM estimates

    Large, intuitive 17.7-inch-diagonal customizable infotainmenttouchscreen

    Full LED exterior lighting, with choreographed walk-up/walk-away animation on RS and SS models

    Beautiful, spacious and sustainably crafted cabin made with soft-touch materials

    Available Super Cruisehands-free driving technology for compatible roads

    Advanced safety features intended to inspire confidence, including Reverse Automatic Brakingand Advanced Park Assist

  • Nissan launches all new X-Trail in Japan

    Nissan launches all new X-Trail in Japan

    YOKOHAMA, Japan: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd on Wednesday launched all new X-Trail which will be in sale from July 25, 2022 in Japan.

    X-Trail went on to become a bestselling SUV and is widely viewed as an iconic Nissan. Over the years, Nissan has continued to evolve the X-Trail. The latest incarnation features leading-edge technologies, powerful performance and a level of equipment that only a genuine SUV offers.

    READ MORE: Pakistan’s import of CBU motor cars surges by 21% in FY22

    The fourth-generation X-Trail maintains the “tough gear” concept from the first-generation model with an even greater focus on quality. The second-generation e-POWER electric powertrain system and e-4ORCE electric-drive all-wheel control technology raise the bar for its class. As an authentic SUV that combines tradition and innovation, the all-new X-Trail provides excitement in a wide range of scenarios, ranging from daily use to exciting outdoor adventures.

    Ashwani Gupta, Nissan’s chief operating officer said, “As announced in Nissan Ambition 2030, Nissan aims to drive towards a cleaner, safer, and more inclusive world through our products and services”.

    READ MORE: Prices of KIA Motors raised up to 19.3% amid rupee devaluation

    “With this in mind, we are electrifying major models, with the X-Trail for the Japan market becoming a dedicated e-POWER model with e-4ORCE an option. The new X-Trail will play an important role in leading our electrification” he said. 

    e-POWER and VC-Turbo engine provide powerful yet quiet acceleration
    The all-new X-Trail features a completely redesigned platform that reduces body weight while increasing rigidity. A high level of cabin quietness has been achieved by insulating against road and powertrain noise.

    READ MORE: Rolls-Royce, Hyundai signs pact to lead advanced air mobility market

    The X-Trail comes equipped with the second-generation e-POWER system, which features improved power, smoothness and quietness. The system’s gasoline engine, the world’s first mass-produced variable compression ratio engine, serves as a generator to produce electricity. Specifically tuned for the e-POWER system, the VC-Turbo engine significantly improves output even at low revs. The combination of e-POWER and the VC-Turbo engine provides a powerful driving experience and unparalleled quietness, while maintaining high fuel efficiency.

    e-Pedal Step reduces the need to apply the brakes by providing deceleration when the accelerator pedal is released. The function provides increased peace of mind and smoother driving on city roads, slippery surfaces and downhill slopes.

    READ MORE: Global car manufacturers agree to introduce electric mini-commercial vans

    e-4ORCE changes the view of 4WD
    The 4WD X-Trail is equipped with e-4ORCE, which integrates Nissan’s electric propulsion and 4WD control technologies with its chassis-control technology for a huge leap in acceleration, cornering and braking performance. e-4ORCE raises driving performance and confidence on a wide variety of road surfaces, while providing a supremely comfortable onboard experience for all occupants.

    e-4ORCE delivers:

    • Intuitive driving: Instantly assessing the road surface and vehicle condition, e-4ORCE precisely controls the driving force and braking of the front and rear twin electric motors to maximize tire frictional force. This ensures smooth cornering and boosts driving confidence.
    • Confidence on all kinds of road surfaces: By always ensuring optimal traction, e-4ORCE minimizes wheel slippage and enables smooth starting and driving, even in slippery conditions.
    • Ride comfort for all: When decelerating, the front and rear motors control regenerative balance to stabilize the vehicle’s movement, ensuring a smooth ride for driver and passengers alike.
    • Powerful, smooth output: The high-output motors respond instantly to accelerator pedal pressure, delivering powerful yet smooth acceleration that makes merging onto expressways easy. 

    READ MORE: Pakistan car sales surge 54 per cent in FY22

    Advanced technologies
    The all-new X-Trail features a wide range of safety technologies that support driving in a variety of conditions.

    • Nissan Safety Assist 360 utilizes cameras, radar and sonar to constantly monitor the vehicle’s surroundings and can take safety steps if necessary.
    • An SOS call service can provide assistance in the event of an emergency.
    • An adaptive LED headlight system enables use of the high beam in conjunction with the low beam to illuminate surrounding areas even when there are preceding or oncoming vehicles.
    • Navi-link has been added to ProPILOT, Nissan’s autonomous drive technology designed for highway use in single-lane traffic. ProPILOT with Navi-link reduces the frequency of driver operations by supporting vehicle speed changes in line with posted speed limits, as well as deceleration support for curves.
    • ProPILOT Park controls the steering, accelerator, brakes, gear shift and the parking brake for precise, safe parking in a wide variety of situations.

    Sturdiness and premium quality

    • The all-new X-Trail’s exterior raises the bar for SUVs by combining the “tough gear” legacy of the first-generation with even higher levels of quality. The headlamps have a two-layer structure, with the position lamps and turn lamps at the top and the main lamps below. The boomerang-shaped rear combination lamps use a delicate faceted pattern that conveys exquisite workmanship.
    • The interior design gives a feeling of both toughness and premium quality. The center console has a bridge structure that includes a large cup holder and storage space. The console lid also functions as an armrest. Roll-down sunshades are installed on the rear windows to enhance interior comfort.
    • The lineup features 12 body colors, including five two-tone options and Cardinal Red, which is inspired by the deep crimson hues of a rose. Four seat materials are available: black fabric, premium tan Nappa leather, Nissan’s exclusively developed Tailor Fit™ and Cell-Cloth®, a water-repellant material that’s ideal for people who enjoy outdoor activities like skiing and marine sports.

    User-friendly features

    • The 12.3-inch Advanced Drive Assist Display has two display modes. The 12.3-inch NissanConnect navigation system in the center display has a voice recognition function that enables operation using everyday language and Amazon Alexa*3 for greater convenience. The large 10.8-inch head-up display allows the driver to see information while watching the road.
    • The luggage space is best-in-class and its large opening makes it easy to load and unload luggage.
    • The Bose Premium Sound System is tuned exclusively for the X-Trail and provides a premium sound experience.
    • The 100V AC power source has a maximum output of 1500W and can be used as an emergency power source.
  • Rolls-Royce, Hyundai signs pact to lead advanced air mobility market

    Rolls-Royce, Hyundai signs pact to lead advanced air mobility market

    FARNBOROUGH: Rolls-Royce and Hyundai Motor Group on July 18, 2022 signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on bringing all-electric propulsion and hydrogen fuel cell technology to the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) market.

    The partnership will leverage Rolls-Royce’s aviation and certification capabilities and Hyundai Motor Group’s hydrogen fuel cell technologies and industrialization capability. Both companies share a vision of leading the way in the AAM market delivering battery-electric and fuel cell electric solutions to the Urban Air Mobility (UAM) and Regional Air Mobility (RAM) markets and advancing sustainable aviation.

    The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Rolls-Royce and Hyundai Motor Group includes five strategic aims:

    • Collaborating on the technology development and requirements of power and propulsion systems for Hyundai’s Advanced Air Mobility Division.

    • Collaborating on the industrialization of Rolls-Royce power and propulsion systems for the Advanced Air Mobility market.

    • Development of electric propulsion systems based upon hydrogen fuel cells as an energy source for Hyundai’s RAM platforms.

    • Collaborating to bring to market a joint fuel-cell electric propulsion system to the wider AAM market.

    • Delivering a joint fuel-cell electric aircraft demonstration by 2025.

    Supernal (the Company) revealed its initial eVTOL vehicle cabin concept at Farnborough International Airshow, providing the first look at how Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) is integrating automotive capabilities to develop the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) market.

    Supernal partnered with the Group’s design studios to create the cabin concept as the Company works to certify its eVTOL vehicle for commercial use in the United States starting in 2028 – and in the E.U. and U.K. shortly after. Beyond the vehicle, Supernal is collaborating with external partners and the Group’s more than 50 affiliates – which span automobiles, automotive parts, construction, robotics and autonomous driving – to responsibly co-create the expansive AAM value chain.

    “In order for Advanced Air Mobility to become a wide-spread mode of transportation, every detail – from the passenger experience to regulations and infrastructure – needs to be addressed from the start and work in lockstep with one another,” said Jaiwon Shin, President of Hyundai Motor Group and CEO of Supernal.

    “Leveraging Hyundai Motor Group’s mobility capabilities, Supernal is investing time and resources upfront to ensure the industry can scale to the masses in the coming decades and reach its exciting potential.” He added.

    Harnessing Automotive Design

    Supernal’s five-seat cabin concept provides clues to how the Company is harnessing automotive design processes and materials – while meeting commercial aviation’s highest safety standards – to optimize the AAM passenger experience and price-point. The design embodies biomimicry philosophy – a butterfly in this case – and the Company’s pillars of safety above all, human-centered design and environmental responsibility.

    “Supernal is partnering with Hyundai Motor Group’s top automotive designers to develop our eVTOL vehicle for manufacturability and wide-spread public acceptance,” Shin added. “We are taking the time to create a safe, light-weight commercial eVTOL that provides our future passengers with the security and comfort they find in their own cars.”

    The team of engineers and designers utilized the automotive industry’s reductive design approach to create the light-weight interior cabin, which is made of forged carbon fiber. Ergonomically contoured seats offer a cocoon-like environment for passengers. Deployable seat consoles mimic automobile center consoles and provide a charging station and stowage compartment for personal items. Grab handles built into the cabin doors and seatbacks assist with ingress and egress. A combination of lighting – including overhead lights inspired by automobile sunroofs – adjusts with the various stages of flight to emulate a “light therapy” effect. The cabin layout draws on automotive space innovation with a minimized bulkhead, which allows for generous headroom and package functionalities.

    With sustainability as a priority, the cabin concept incorporates materials such as advanced recyclable carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic, durable plant-based leather, recycled plastic fabric and responsibly sourced woods. The seat frame also utilizes excess raw material from the airframe manufacturing process.

    “The Supernal eVTOL vehicle draws on the competence of the Hyundai Motor Group and the skillset of experienced automotive designers, which allowed us to develop a new air mobility concept that is not only safe and rational but also highly emotional,” said Luc Donckerwolke, Chief Creative Officer of Hyundai Motor Group.

    Developing Air Mobility Beyond Urban Markets

    The Group is leveraging its expansive mobility and mobility-enabling capabilities to develop a family of electric air vehicles, as well as the surrounding value chain.

    Complementing U.S.-based Supernal’s battery-powered eVTOL vehicle designed for intra-city passenger journeys starting in 2028, the Group’s Korea-based division (the Division) focused on Regional Air Mobility is developing a hydrogen-powered mid-sized vehicle for regional – city-to-city – cargo and passenger journeys. The Division plans to launch service of its hydrogen vehicle in the 2030s.

    Supernal and the Division are partnering with the Group’s manufacturing innovation teams across the globe to create a robust high-rate, high-quality AAM manufacturing process that will produce electric air vehicles at scale – at an increasingly affordable price-point – over the coming decades.

    “Hyundai Motor Group is working to leverage synergies between automotive’s high-rate manufacturing capabilities and aerospace’s high certification standards to build the foundation for everyday use of passenger and cargo air vehicles,” Shin said.

    The signing ceremony took place at Supernal’s booth at Farnborough Airshow and was attended by Warren East, CEO of Rolls-Royce, Grazia Vittadini, Chief Technology and Strategy Officer and Rob Watson, President of Rolls-Royce Electrical as well as Euisun Chung, Executive Chair of Hyundai Motor Group, Jaiwon Shin, President and Head of AAM Division of Hyundai Motor Group, and Jaeyong Song, Vice President of AAM Division of Hyundai Motor Group.

    Jaiwon Shin, President of Hyundai Motor Group, said: “We are pleased to partner with Rolls-Royce to draw upon their aviation and certification expertise to accelerate the development of hydrogen fuel-cell propulsion systems. Hyundai has successfully delivered hydrogen fuel cell systems to the global automotive market and is now exploring the feasibility of electric and hydrogen propulsion technologies for aerospace integration. We believe this to be the key technology to support the global aviation industry’s goal to fly net zero carbon by 2050.”

    Rob Watson, President, Rolls-Royce Electrical, said: “We are delighted to partner with Hyundai Motor Group which provides a valuable opportunity to leverage and build on the capabilities each company brings from the aerospace and automotive sectors. The Advanced Air Mobility Market offers great commercial potential, and this collaboration supports our joint ambitions to lead the way in the Advanced Air Mobility Market. It is also another demonstration of Rolls-Royce’s role in delivering the solutions that will enable passengers to travel sustainably and help deliver net zero carbon by 2050.”

    The benefits of using a hydrogen fuel cell system in an all-electric aircraft propulsion system is that it is a zero-emission, silent and reliable on-board power source that enables scalability in power offerings as well as long distance flight range. Hyundai will work with Rolls-Royce to bring hydrogen fuel cells, storage systems and infrastructure to the aerospace markets, and advance this technology into Hyundai’s RAM vehicles and Rolls-Royce all-electric and hybrid-electric propulsion system offerings.

    Last year, Rolls-Royce announced a pathway to net zero carbon emissions and its electrical technology is one way in which the company is helping decarbonise critical parts of the global economy. Rolls-Royce is committed to ensuring its new products will be compatible with net zero carbon operation by 2030 and all its products will be compatible with net zero carbon by 2050.

    Hyundai Motor Group earlier this year announced its AAM business roadmap, which encompasses the UAM and RAM segments to offer eco-friendly air mobility solutions for people within and between cities. Hyundai Motor Group’s US-based Supernal unit is aiming to begin commercial services of UAM businesses in the US in 2028 while Hyundai Motor Group plans to launch RAM services in the 2030s.