2023-09-06 19:00:04
The automotive future in Europe becomes electric and with high technological overtones. This has been demonstrated by the main manufacturers during the International Motor Show in Munich, IAA Mobility, an event of great impact that will continue until September 10 at the Exhibition Center.
Brands such as Volkswagen, Cupra, Renault, Opel or BMW have presented great innovational projects that mark the roadmap for its future portfolio, and for European manufacturers in general: electrification and high-level technology. Some are already in phases prior to production, and others to show their ability to face the new regulations and roadmaps set.
They have even decided break with the latest trends that only filled the SUV market. Now the compact, minivans and sedans also come into play. A wide range created to adapt to the needs of all consumers.
In the specific case of Volkswagen, it has presented the ID. GTI Concept, the first 100% electric sports car from the German brand. Based on the ID. 2all, a future electric compact car in the 25,000-euro category, this new model is already 90% of what will go into production from 2025. And the plant chosen for its manufacture is in Spain, specifically in Martorell. A model that ensures the strength of this plant in terms of electricity production for many years.
In general, VW will launch in 2024 the second electric platform of the Group: the Premium Platform Electric (PPE). Jointly developed by Audi and Porsche, the platform features a powerful and efficient electric drivetrain with a range of more than 600 kilometers, as well as innovative battery and charging management with 800-volt technology. And from 2025 the improved MEB+ platform will be launched with a further increase in range and efficiency of around 10%. It offers acceleration times of less than 5 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h and fast charging in less than 20 minutes based on the Group’s unified cell with Cell2Pack technology. In this way, the new fully electric models from Volkswagen, Skoda and Cupra, with basic prices below 25,000 euros, will make electric mobility accessible to even more customers.
This offensive is absolutely necessary, not only to offer highly efficient models at a reduced cost; if not also to fight against Chinese power. The Asian manufacturers have been clear with their intentions: Xpeng will start selling its cars in Germany; Zeekr, a brand of the Geely group – parent company of Volvo and Polestar – will do the same with a supercar capable of reaching 100 km/h in 2.1 seconds. Leapmotor presented its first model for the Old Continent, the C10.
Although the CEO of the Volkswagen Group, Oliver Blume, assures that the Chinese automobile industry is not a threat to European manufacturers, he acknowledges that it forces Europe to be better and that, for this reason, it is convenient to position itself to “be competitive”. “We have the knowledge to make vehicles, the quality and a brand identity”, emphasizes Blume. “Newcomers don’t have that. Therefore, we see ourselves well positioned », he concludes.
In the same sense, the CEO of Seat and Cupra, Wayne Griffiths, has positioned himself, who has recognized that Chinese brands “are coming and are very competitive” while ensuring that his option is not to restrict them, but to make Europe “more competitive”
But it is important to note that even brands that are already consolidated in Europe, such as BYD, Li Auto, MG or Nio, are standing up to the natives on their own ground. In Spain, the MG ZS already became the best-selling car last August.
efficient innovation
Brands such as Renault, Opel, BMW or Mercedes-Benz are transforming into new generation technology companies, focused, for the most part, on creating environmental and social value. For example, and as far as environmental value is concerned, the Clase CLA Concept exhibits the use of sustainable materials throughout its structure and interior. These materials range from CO2-reduced steel and aluminum to sustainably produced and processed leather upholstery and paper-based trim. The new Renault Scenic E-Tech uses up to 24% recycled materials and 90% of its mass -including the battery- can be recycled through authorized centers.
This latest model also covers the social sphere, for which manufacturers have decided that technologically minimalist and comfortable is the future. The Scenic features a panoramic glass roof, which, thanks to its “AmpliSky” technology, this unique system becomes opaque in segments.
In the BMW Vision Neue Klasse the analog controls have been reduced to a minimum. The interaction between man and car takes place via BMW Panoramic Vision, the central display and the multifunction buttons on the steering wheel; which is completed with a voice assistant. Or the commitment to a great feeling of spaciousness inside the Opel Experimental. For greater driver comfort, light is prioritized in the cabin, the steering wheel can be folded, and the lightweight adaptive seats combine a lightweight yet durable structure with 3D mesh technology fabrics.
Likewise, it is worth noting the roof of the Opel Experimental, which is equipped with solar panels to increase autonomy. Although not that of the batteries that feed the motor, but of the main functions of the electrical system.
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