Tag Archives: vehicles

News

2024 VW Tiguan has arrived

In 2007, Volkswagen presented the first generation of a new crossover that took its place between the T-Roc and the larger Touareg, the VW Tiguan. Since then, 16 years and two generations have passed with 7.6 million copies of this model sold, and now the third generation VW Tiguan has arrived on the market.

At the front, there are stylish headlights integrated into a black panel over the hood, LED technology with a full-width light strip, and a new front bumper with a black grille for an aggressive look. The rear part has undergone the most changes compared to the previous generation. A large rear spoiler and a full-width light strip across the tailgate are standard. The R-Line model has a rear bumper with a sporty look.

The interior of the previous models was classic and somewhat conservative in design, but now that has also changed. In the middle of the dashboard is a completely new 12.9-inch touch screen, i.e. a larger 15-inch diagonal available as an option. It’s a big step up from the current car, which has a 9-inch screen. The user interface has been modernized to make it easier to use. Climate control is still managed via on-screen controls, but the menu is now at the bottom for easier access. On the central console there is a round button for adjusting the volume, changing the driving mode and changing the ambient lighting.

When it comes to the powertrain, the VW Tiguan will be offered with mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid, gasoline and diesel engines. At the bottom of the range will be a 1.5-L mHEV engine with 130 hp (96 kW) or 150 hp (110 kW). There are 2.0-L TSI petrol engines with 204 hp (150 kW) and 265 hp (195 kW). Both will have all-wheel drive. The third option is a 2.0-L TDI engine with 150 hp (110 kW), with front-wheel drive, and 193 hp (142 kW) with all-wheel drive.

The plug-in hybrid option will be available in two versions with a 1.5-L gasoline engine combined with an electric motor with a total output of 204 hp (150 kW) or 272 hp (200 kW). Both versions will have a range of up to 100 km. The all-electric Tiguan is not offered.

Source: Volkswagen

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2024 VW Tiguan has arrived
Hybrid

2024 Fiat 600 Hybrid

After recently introducing the all-electric Fiat 600e that comes almost a decade after the production of the Fiat 600 was discontinued, the Italian automaker is now introducing the 600 Hybrid.

This model is the same size as the all-electric 600e, but lighter. The interior is made of recycled materials, and the instrument panel is made of bioplastic. Fiat claims that thanks to the electric motor, the car can be driven partly without emissions in the city and in parking lots. This technical solution reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 15%.

Fiat 600 Hybrid is powered by a 1.2L three-cylinder engine that, combined with an electric motor, has a total power of 128 hp (94 kW), which is enough to reach 62 mph (100 km/h) in 11 seconds. The car is equipped with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission and a 48 V lithium-ion battery that enables a range of one kilometer with a top speed of 30 km/h.

For now, it will be available in Italy and other countries where the sale of electric cars is not so popular, and the starting price will be 25,000 euros.

Source: Fiat

News

Chinese Gotion is building a battery factory in Europe

After the Chinese manufacturers of electric cars seriously set out to conquer the European market, another company is expanding its operations in Europe. In cooperation with the Slovakian startup Inobat, the Chinese Gotion is building a battery factory that will start operating in 2026.

The executive director of Inobat, Marian Bocek, said that the construction of the plant will start next year and will last for two years. The start of battery production is expected in 2026, from when a gradual increase in production can also be expected. Gotion and Inobat are currently looking for a location for the factory, and several European countries are among the options.

VW, which is the largest shareholder of Gotion, will benefit the most from this project. VW has an exclusive contract with Gotion to supply EV batteries outside of China. Gotion is also building a $2.36 billion battery plant in Michigan and a $2 billion plant in Illinois.

Europe’s efforts to build its own electric vehicle battery industry and reduce reliance on dominant Asian battery manufacturers are obvious and reasonable. Last month, Swedish lithium-ion battery maker Northvolt – whose customers include VW and Volvo – told Reuters it had raised $1.2 billion from investors. At the same time, French battery startup Verkor announced that it has secured more than 2 billion euros in funding for the construction of a gigafactory in Dunkirk.

Source: Reuters