EV/PHEV/HEV/FCV

On April 24, JBM Electric Vehicles showcased its zero-emission luxury coach ‘GALAXY’ and electric citybus ‘ECOLIFE’ at the Bus2Bus 2024 in Berlin. Bus2Bus, Berlin is a platform for showcasing advancements in the intercity transportation domain. JBM has been working on an EV ecosystem ‘JBM E-Verse’ that integrates electric vehicles, battery technology, power infrastructure, fast charging infrastructure, and power electronics. JBM EV can manufacture over 20,000 buses annually.
The buses have lightweight monocoque stainless steel body structures and art features such as intelligent transport systems compliant with EU norms and advanced telematics. It comes with advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) technology and safety measures, including the advanced electronic braking system (AEBS), forward vehicle collision warning systems (FVCWS), lane departure warning system, pedestrian and cyclist collision warning (MOIS), blind spot detection, protection against cyber-attacks, intelligent speed assistance, alcohol interlock installation support, driver drowsiness and attention warnings, advance driver distraction warnings, fire detection & suppression system (FDSS), as well as 360-degree cameras.

Based on the JBM Electric Vehicles press release

On April 30, Volkswagen Group announced that in Q1 2024, it has delivered 2.1 million vehicles globally, i.e., increase of 3.1% YoY (more than 63,673 units were delivered) from 2.0 million vehicles in Q1 2023. This is due to passenger car segment sales rising 3.4% YoY (Q1 2024: 2,023,199 units) from 1,956,087 units in Q1 2023 while commercial vehicle sales dropped by 4.1% YoY (Q1 2024: 81,149 units) from 84,588 units in Q1 2023.

In Q1, it delivered 136,436 units of all-electric vehicles, i.e., decline of 3.3% YoY (4,587 fewer units), attributed to market-related factors and parts supply shortages. The share of Group deliveries for all-electric vehicles stood at 6.5%, compared to 6.9% in Q1 2023. Whereas, in Plug-in hybrid deliveries 71,372 units, i.e., increased by 27.5% YoY, with an increase of 9.9% share of total deliveries compared to 9.7% in Q1 2023. 

Volkswagen Group's sales revenue decreased slightly to EUR 75.5 billion, i.e., decline of 1% YoY from EUR 76.2 billion in Q1 2023. The operating result is EUR 4.6 billion, i.e., decline of 20% YoY from EUR 5.7 billion in Q1 2023, this is mainly due to lower unit sales, mix, and higher interest expenses. Fair value measurement of derivatives without hedge accounting contributed to a decrease of EUR 0.4 billion.

In Q1 2024, the Group's production, including China, remained steady at 2,266,441 vehicles, a marginal decrease of 0.3% YoY. However, production in Germany dropped by 16.9% to 457,802 vehicles, representing 20.2% YoY of the Group's total production, down from 24.2% in Q1 2023.

Based on Volkswagen press release (1/ 2)

On May 2, Renault unveiled its new compact C-Segment SUV, named Symbioz which is positioned between the Captur and Austral models. With dimensions of 4.41m x 1.79m x 1.57m (LxWxH) including 2.64m of wheelbase, it offers a spacious boot capacity ranging from 624 to 1,582 litres and weighing under 1,500 kg.

Built on the extended CMF-B platform in Valladolid factory, Spain. Symbioz features the E-Tech hybrid 145 powertrain known for its fuel efficiency and low emissions. The hybrid architecture combines two electric motors (36 kW and 18 kW) with a 1.6 L 4-cylinder gasoline engine and a 1.2 kWh battery. With 4 gears for the gasoline engine and 2 for the electric motor, it optimizes fuel efficiency with up to 14 different operation modes.

Interior, it has an OpenR Link multimedia system with Google integration and the Solarbay tinted glass sunroof. It has a central 10.4-inch vertical touchscreen for connectivity and services, complemented by a 10.3-inch screen displaying driving information. The Solarbay system features 'AmpliSky' technology, eliminating the need for a blind by darkening the sunroof in segments using PDLC technology.

In terms of safety, it has 29 advanced driver aids, like Active Driver Assist (level 2 autonomous driving) and intelligent speed adaptation. The system combines adaptive cruise control, lane centering assist, and traffic sign recognition for enhanced safety.

Based on Renault press release