Five years after its launch, the PEUGEOT 3008, one of the brand’s bestsellers, is already celebrating its one millionth model, which has rolled off the production lines at the Sochaux factory. The employees gathered around the PEUGEOT 3008 Hybrid to celebrate the launch of this millionth vehicle.
A huge success: The latest generation PEUGEOT 3008 has already passed the one million mark. Manufactured in Europe and China, it began by winning over the experts before it was even rolled out on the markets, since it has received seventy-six awards worldwide, including the prestigious Car of the Year award in 2017.
In France, the PEUGEOT 3008 has been the leader in its segment since its first month on the market. In Europe, it comes in second place in the SUV segment in 2021. It has also taken a strong position in Southern Europe, where it is number one in Portugal and number two in Italy and Spain.
Europe accounts for 65% of PEUGEOT 3008 sales. Its major markets outside Europe are Turkey, Israel, Japan and Egypt. More than 80% of the PEUGEOT 3008’s sales are of automatic gearbox versions, and almost 38% are in higher segments, perfectly illustrating the upmarket positioning of the PEUGEOT brand.
The PEUGEOT 3008 offers the latest generation of driving aids, as well as a PEUGEOT i-Cockpit® with a new high-quality display and a new 10-inch high-definition touch screen. The vehicle is the perfect embodiment of the “power of choice”, offering rechargeable hybrid, two- or four-wheel drive and internal combustion engines, combining driving pleasure and efficiency.
The PEUGEOT 3008 has won over customers thanks to its dynamic qualities and distinctive, modern exterior style. The interior, with its i-Cockpit®, offers a technological, warm, and cosy atmosphere, a very different environment in which customers feel at ease, and one of the best overall satisfaction levels in Europe.
I love electrified vehicles. I love them not only because I’ve worked on their development for decades, but because I’ve been deeply concerned about greenhouse gases and climate change since I first learned about them from my father, who worked for the Air Pollution Control division of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
Today, I live with my family in California, and like my neighbors last year, we watched the sky turn orange with smoke due to extensive wildfires. On the opposite side of the spectrum, we now see unprecedented floods in Europe. Regardless of how much of today’s extreme weather events are directly attributable to climate change, I feel passionately that to prevent even worse catastrophes, we must achieve carbon neutrality, and soon.
Today, besides owning a Toyota Sienna Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) and RAV4 Prime Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), I also own a Tesla model X Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV). I love them all.
In line with my concerns, starting in the late 1980s as a graduate student, research scientist, and faculty member at MIT, I designed power electronics that helped MIT’s solar-electric vehicle team win races around the world. Later I helped our team captain, James Worden, create Solectria Corporation, which made electric vehicle components, early electric vehicles and photovoltaic inverters.
Today, besides owning a Toyota Sienna Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) and RAV4 Prime Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), I also own a Tesla model X Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV). I love them all.
You would think that with all my experience, I would be an enthusiastic proponent of ditching the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) and switching as soon as possible to pure Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs). I am not.
Following Science
As a scientist, I know that as with many other natural and man-made systems, a diversity of EV drivetrain types is a better way to prevent climate change than a monoculture of only BEVs. Why is this? For two reasons: First, producing a battery cell costs money, uses natural resources, and produces significant greenhouse gases.
I love my Tesla Model X BEV. But commuting 30 miles in it every day — the average US commute — and recharging it every night is wasteful of the carbon reducing potential of most of its over 300-mile (482km) range battery.
Sometimes we take the Tesla on long trips. But most of the time, 90% of its battery cells aren’t doing any good, and would reduce carbon much more if they were harder at work in other types of electrified vehicles, including HEVs or PHEVs.
For example, we hardly ever put gas into our RAV4 Prime PHEV, which has a battery ⅙ as large as our Model X BEV
– Dr. Gill Pratt: Chief Executive Officer of Toyota Research Institute (TRI) and an Executive Fellow of Toyota Motor Corporation
Maximizing the benefit of every battery cell produced requires that we distribute them smartly.
This means putting them into a greater number of “right sized” electrified vehicles, including HEVs and PHEVs, instead of placing them all into a fewer number of long-range BEVs, like my model X. This is particularly important because presently it is difficult to recycle the kinds of batteries used in BEVs. If we are to achieve carbon neutrality, we must pay attention to all parts of the “3R” process — Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.
For example, we hardly ever put gas into our RAV4 Prime PHEV, which has a battery ⅙ as large as our Model X BEV. For the same investment in batteries as our single Model X, five other RAV4 Prime customers could reduce their carbon footprint too.
Don’t I think we should try to increase battery production, lower the carbon footprint of electric power plants, and expand rapid charging stations as quickly as possible? Of course I do.
– DR. GILL PRATT: CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF TOYOTA RESEARCH INSTITUTE (TRI) AND AN EXECUTIVE FELLOW OF TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION
Second, what is best for the average person is not best for every person. Different people have different needs and different circumstances. In some parts of the world, people have access to highly renewable electric power and BEV rapid charging stations. In many other parts of the world, rapid chargers are rare, or electricity is generated with high carbon emissions resulting in BEVs putting more net carbon into the air over their lifetime than PHEVs and in some cases even HEVs.
So, even if the best choice for the average person someday becomes a BEV, it will not be the best way for every person to contribute to reducing carbon emissions, or for the most carbon emissions to be eliminated.
Don’t I think we should try to increase battery production, lower the carbon footprint of electric power plants, and expand rapid charging stations as quickly as possible? Of course I do.
But I also know that in many countries (including the US) much of the easier carbon reduction of electric power plants has already been achieved through conversion of coal and oil burners to natural gas (lowering carbon output by roughly half). Further improvement, such as conversion to green or blue hydrogen, or replacement of thermal power plants by new nuclear, photovoltaic, wind and geothermal plants will be harder, cost more, and take longer, at time scales comparable to and beyond the lifetime of new vehicles.
I believe, as does Toyota, that it would be a tremendous mistake for governments around the world to prescribe narrow solutions like insisting that all vehicles be BEVs.
– DR. GILL PRATT: CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF TOYOTA RESEARCH INSTITUTE (TRI) AND AN EXECUTIVE FELLOW OF TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION
Ending Carbon Emissions ASAP. So where does this leave us?
The atmosphere accumulates carbon over long periods of time, so the carbon we emit now will be with us for a century or more. Our responsibility is clear: We must eliminate carbon emissions as soon as possible. As a scientist, I know that, to paraphrase Einstein, the solution of how to eliminate carbon as soon as possible should be as simple as possible, but no simpler.
As a result, I believe, as does Toyota, that it would be a tremendous mistake for governments around the world to prescribe narrow solutions like insisting that all vehicles be BEVs. Instead, the better solution is to allow manufacturers to innovate across a diversity of drivetrains and drivers to choose the low-carbon drivetrain that suits their circumstances best.
Carbon is the enemy, not ICEs. In many parts of the world for some time to come, PHEVs and even HEVs will generate comparable or less lifetime carbon than BEVs. We have open-sourced a modeling and simulation tool that shows this. Now to be clear — I still love BEVs, and Toyota expects BEVs and FCEVs will make up 15% of its U.S. sales by 2030.
We are also heavily investing in R&D on new types of batteries, including solid-state batteries and AI tools for discovering and optimising battery performance. But neither Toyota nor I think this is all we should make. By keeping HEVs, PHEVs, BEVs, and FCEVs in the lineup, 70% of Toyota’s vehicles will be electrified by 2030.
This approach — of diverse solutions for diverse circumstances — is exactly what the phrase “think globally, act locally” means to me. And I sincerely believe it is the best way to reduce the most carbon emitted into the atmosphere as soon as possible.
The South African line-up for the re-imagined new 2021 Lexus IS sports sedan has been unveiled.
What’s new for South Africa is that for the very first time, Lexus has decided to launch IS as a hybrid-only model. The hybrid market has shown immense growth on a global scale in the past five years and the shift from diesel to alternative-propulsion vehicles is expected to keep growing at rapid rate.
Lexus will position hybrids as performance and technology-rich vehicles, and as such is launching three model grades in hybrid: IS 300h EX, IS 300h SE and IS 300 F Sport.
LEXUS FIRSTS
Features that become standard on the Lexus IS for the first time include 18-inch alloy wheels for the EX and SE (19-inch for the F Sport), an electric park brake (replacing foot-operated), new 10.3-inch touch-display with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, a pre-collision system for the SE grade and F Sport featuring daytime/night-time pedestrian detection plus daytime cyclist detection, all-speed active cruise control (SE and F Sport), lane tracing assist (SE and F Sport), blind-spot monitor (SE and F Sport), rear cross-traffic alert+brake, as well as a panoramic view monitor for the SE and F Sport when reversing.
This is an addition to smart entry and start, heated- and power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, 10-speaker audio for the EX grade and 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound for SE and F Sport grades.
The top-spec models also come standard with satellite navigation, voice control and LED headlamps with automatic high-beam.
IS 300h SE customers have the luxury of a moon roof which comes standard for the grade. The models achieve a total system output of 164kW. The IS has a combined-cycle fuel consumption from as low as 5.2 litres per 100 kilometres. The 0-100 sprint is dispatched in 8.7 seconds with a top speed of 200 km/h. The IS boasts a petrol-hybrid 2.5 litre CVT engine that achieves a maximum power of 133kW @ 6000rpm and maximum torque of 221Nm @ 4200-5400rpm.
The hybrid direction and sports focus of the new IS, deliver two distinct personalities for Lexus customers to select from in this segment
– GLENN CROMPTON, lexus South Africa Vice President of Sale and Marketing,
A TRUE DRIVER’S CAR…
The IS F Sport is alluring and assertive. The front grille features the iconic mesh pattern that has been used on all F Sport models, complementing the brand’s sporty image. The Automatic High Beam (AHB) Headlamps on the F Sport grade also features the new slim design, along with three newly-designed high-beam projector lamps and integrated L-shaped DRLs.
F Sport exclusive items heighten the sporty driving image, which include the F Sport emblem on the front fender, piano-black garnish on the front grille and lower bumper, as well as exclusive 19-inch Aluminium wheels (previously 18-inch) that feature a premium dark-metallic coating.
For the first time on an IS F Sport, 19-inch alloy wheels are standard, in addition to an F Sport body kit and spoiler, F Sport scuff plates and ornamentation, high-grade LED headlamps, five-mode Drive Select (Eco, Normal, Sport S, Sport S+ and Custom), Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), F Sport leather-accented trim, sports pedals and seats with driver memory settings.
Lexus South Africa Vice President of Sale and Marketing, Glenn Crompton says the new Lexus IS will re-invigorate the medium sedan class with its stunning focus on three key attributes: “An intense focus on evocative design, imaginative technology and leading driving dynamics, will help ensure a new generation of Lexus customers are welcomed into IS sports sedan ownership.
“The hybrid direction and sports focus of the new IS, alongside the luxurious ES, deliver two distinct personalities for Lexus customers to select from in this segment.”
SPOILT FOR CHOICE
The 2021 Lexus IS is offered in a palette of 10 exterior colours to accentuate its stunning lines. Three of those colours – Solar Storm Red, Poseidon Blue and White Nova are exclusive to the F Sport. The EX and SE have an additional two exclusive colours – White Quartz and Morello Red.
LEXUS IS PRICING AND SERVICE INFORMATION
The Lexus IS models retail from R841 300 for the EX grade, R899 800 for the SE grade and R916 100 for the F Sport. The entire IS range boasts a best-in-class 7-year/105 000km Warranty and Full Maintenance Plan. The vehicle service intervals are pegged at every 15 000km, alternatively once a year.
Volvo’s all-electric sport utility vehicle (SUV) has already demonstrated strong sales internationally. Thousands of orders were placed for the XC40 Recharge even before the formal start of sales in Europe last year. By the start of production in the company’s Ghent, Belgium, plant on October 1 last year, every car scheduled to be built that calendar year had already been sold.
According to Greg Maruszewski, Managing Director at Volvo Car South Africa, the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric is capable of travelling more than 400 km on a single charge. “It can be charged to 80% of its battery capacity in as little as 40 minutes using a fast charger,” he reveals.
The XC40 Recharge will deliver a brisk performance, with its twin electric motors producing 304 kW (408 hp) of power and 660 Nm of torque to deliver a 0-100 km/h time of just 4.9 seconds. While pleasing in the area of performance, the car scores highly in the field of practicality too.
Volvo Cars will launch a fully electric car every year, as we look to make all-electric cars 50 percent of global sales by 2025, with the rest hybrids.
For instance, the lack of an internal combustion engine frees up space for an additional 30-litre storage compartment – or ‘frunk’ – under the front bonnet, while the placement of the batteries under the centre of the car means space is not compromised elsewhere.
Owners will be able to charge the vehicle at a dealership, at home or at one of the ever-growing network of public charging stations. Volvo Car South Africa is also rolling out an extensive network of charging stations at its dealerships and, by the end of 2021, each Volvo dealership will have a charging station.
The XC40 is the first of five fully electric cars to be launched by the Swedish company over the next five years. “Volvo Cars will launch a fully electric car every year, as we look to make all-electric cars 50 percent of global sales by 2025, with the rest hybrids. Recharge will be the overarching name for all chargeable Volvos with a fully electric and plug-in hybrid powertrain,” Maruszewski explains.
We look forward to bringing the huge benefits of electric driving – and more – to an already award-winning package.
– – GREG MARUSZEWSKI, MANAGING DIRECTOR AT VOLVO CAR SOUTH AFRICA
The launch of the XC40 Recharge is a significant step towards Volvo Cars’ ambition to reduce its CO2footprint per car by 40 percent by 2025. “That same year, it expects 50 percent of its global sales to consist of fully electric cars, with the rest hybrids. But 2030, the company aims to only build electric cars,” he elaborates.
Maruszewski believes that the XC40 Recharge will find favour in South Africa. “South Africans are already firm fans of the internal combustion engine-powered XC40; it had an 8.40% share of its segment in 2019; that grew to 14.70% in 2020.
We look forward to bringing the huge benefits of electric driving – and more – to an already award-winning package,” he concludes.
Volvo dealers will start taking orders for the XC40 Recharge in April. Deliveries will commence in August.
The price of the XC40 Recharge will be confirmed later this month.
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