F&I Management & Training

LOMMEL, Belgium, April 26, 2013 - Ford Motor Company and Schaeffler today demonstrated the Fiesta-based eWheelDrive car, a driveable research vehicle that could lead to improvements in urban mobility and parking by making possible smaller, more agile cars.

Powered by independent electric motors in each of the rear wheels, eWheelDrive technology offers space under the hood that in conventional cars is occupied by the engine and transmission, and in electric cars by a central motor.

This technology could in the future support the development of a four-person car that only occupies the space of a two-person car today. At the same time, eWheelDrive steering system designs could enable vehicles to move sideways into parking spaces - a potential breakthrough as cities become more populated and congested.

"This is an exciting project to work on with Schaeffler because it potentially opens new options for the development of zero emission vehicles with very efficient packaging and exceptional manoeuvrability," said Pim van der Jagt, Ford's director of Research and Advanced Engineering in Europe. "Looking forward, we have the opportunity to scope out the vehicle's capabilities and how we might overcome some of the challenges presented by implementing the technology."

With in-wheel motors, the components required for drive, deceleration and driver assistance technologies are installed in an integrated wheel hub drive - including the electric motor, braking and cooling systems.

"This highly integrated wheel-hub drive makes it possible to rethink the city car without restrictions, and could be a key factor in new vehicle concepts and automobile platforms in the future," said Peter Gutzmer, chief technical officer, Schaeffler.

Ford joined the project led by Schaeffler, the leading German-based automotive component manufacturer and supplier, to investigate the potential for future vehicles that also could offer zero emissions, and more space for features such as additional protection zones.

In-wheel electric motors are seen by many industry experts as a potentially important future technology enabler for city cars as the world becomes more crowded and urbanized. It is projected that by 2050 the number of people living in cities globally will have increased from 3.4 billion to 6.4 billion*, and the number of cars worldwide will have increased fourfold.

"We face challenges that will have to be addressed through time, thought and investment," said Sheryl Connelly, Ford's global trends and futuring manager. "It is by starting to look at how we might meet those challenges through research projects such as eWheelDrive, that we ensure that we embrace a future of choice and not a future of constraint."

Ford will next partner with Schaeffler, Continental, RWTH Aachen and the University of Applied Sciences, Regensburg, on project MEHREN (Multimotor Electric Vehicle with Highest Room and Energy Efficiency) to develop two new driveable vehicles by 2015. The project aims to increase the integration of in-wheel motors in a car and will look at vehicle dynamics control, braking, stability and the fun-to-drive factor.

Click on th image below to view/download infographic:

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DATED: 26.04.13

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Car output falls in Q1, but growth expected in full year

"Car output fell 2% in Q1 2013 as UK vehicle manufacturers continue to grapple with weak demand in Europe," said Mike Baunton, SMMT Interim Chief Executive. "Other factors such as extended facility holidays during the Easter period may have also impacted production volumes in March, during which output declined 6%. Despite ongoing difficult market conditions, UK automotive manufacturing is expected to grow overall in 2013 and beyond, fuelled by significant investment from global automotive companies."

Car output rolling year total

                 

Notes

Data presented is from a regular survey of selected UK manufacturers: 14 car manufacturers, nine CV and six engine manufacturers.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is one of the largest and most influential trade associations in the UK. It supports the interests of the UK automotive industry at home and abroad, promoting a united position to government, stakeholders and the media. The automotive industry is a vital part of the UK economy accounting for £55 billion turnover and £12 billion value added. With more than 700,000 jobs dependent on the industry, it accounts for 10% of total exports and invests £1.3 billion each year in automotive R&D. For more details, see SMMT's Sustainability Report 2013 and Motor Industry Facts 2013 at www.smmt.co.uk/publications

DATED: 26.04.13

FEED: HA

Following the successful introduction of the Euro VI-compliant models of the series Actros, Antos, Arocs, Atego, Mercedes-Benz is now continuing its Euro VI product offensive with the presentation of the new generation of unique vehicle concepts in Wörth: the Unimog all-terrain vehicle, the Unimog implement carrier, and the Econic. As a result, Mercedes-Benz Trucks and Special Trucks are currently the only manufacturers in Europe to offer Euro VI-compliant products in all categories of the light, medium, and heavy-duty segments, as well as in the special-purpose vehicle sector. The brand has achieved comprehensive compliance nine months before the new emissions standard goes into effect, thus underscoring its leading role as a supplier of environmentally friendly automotive technology.

"In a wide variety of applications, the three new model series impressively demonstrate the leading role that the Unimog and the Econic play in innovation," says Yaris Pürsün, Head of Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks. "We're convinced that the new vehicles will set standards and substantially contribute to the business success of existing and future customers."

Efficient and economical despite Euro VI compliance

Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks did everything it could to build on the proven model series' success and further strengthen its pioneering role in the area of environmentally friendly trucks. To do this, the brand invested around €135 million in three completely new and unique vehicle concepts for its Euro VI-compliant product range. The new product lineup introduces the new BlueEfficiency Power medium-duty engine generation in special trucks, now that it has been successfully installed in regular Mercedes-Benz trucks. The four and six-cylinder engines have outputs ranging from 115 kW (156 hp) to 260 kW (354 hp). The state-of-the-art engines combine low fuel consumption with extremely clean exhausts. They make the Unimog more efficient overall, despite the extensive design changes that were implemented to ensure compliance with Euro VI. In the Econic, the engines even reduce fuel consumption by up to four percent. In addition to being extremely reliable, the new special trucks boast a long service life and long maintenance intervals - features that pay off for the customer. 
 
Efficient assembly process and mass production quality

From the initial draft stage to job number 1, the new-generation Unimog and Econic have been completely made in Wörth. The development department of Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks created the vehicles all on its own while at the same time benefiting from the proximity of the mass production operations for Mercedes-Benz trucks. The joint use of the production processes in Wörth ensures extremely efficient assembly operations and a high level of quality assurance. The vehicle concepts of the special trucks are based on the modular principle used for the Actros, Antos, Arocs, and Atego series. For example, the Econic incorporates many components from the new Actros, including the chassis, the electronics architecture, and certain control elements. The broad range of new products was made possible by the close interlinking of series-production operations and the special truck manufacturing facility.

Unimog and Econic: cleaner, stronger, and more efficient

Despite the challenges resulting from the Euro VI standard, the three vehicle ranges were able to further increase the advantages of their concepts. The new generation of the Unimog all-terrain vehicle, the Unimog implement carrier, and the Econic have thus substantially increased their performance and efficiency while also becoming easier to operate.

In addition to new engines for all model series, the Unimog all-terrain vehicle boasts a revamped mid-engine concept, and the Unimog implement carrier driveline features a new seamless change between the infinitely variable speed hydrostatic drive and mechanical drive providing all-round visibility, and new hydraulic systems for implements and performance that make the vehicle significantly more efficient to use. The new Econic further enhances the low-entry cab concept and boasts many ergonomic improvements as a result of its new chassis, interior, and exterior. Despite its unchanged payload, the truck is also much more economical than its predecessor, thanks to reduced fuel consumption and lower costs for repair and maintenance.   

About Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks

Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks (MBS) is a separate product unit within Mercedes-Benz Trucks and has its own management board and business responsibilities. As a professional specialist for small-batch production, MBS rounds out the Mercedes-Benz product range with the Econic, Unimog, and Zetros model series. In 2012 the facility in Wörth produced about 3,450 units of these vehicles. As a professional conversion specialist with a plant in Molsheim, France, and a number of conversion partners, MBS also customises around 10,000 trucks from all model series each year. MBS currently employs about 1,600 men and women at its two locations in Wörth and Molsheim.

DATED: 25.04.13

FEED: HA

The BVRLA has welcomed the publication of the UKH2Mobility report on hydrogen vehicles.

Its chief executive, John Lewis, commented:

"Hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles are our best hope for long-term, mass market adoption of practical zero-emission transport. We are delighted that UKH2Mobility is working with the BVRLA and other fleet industry representatives that will lead the uptake of this exciting new technology. This report gives us a clear, sensible roadmap that finally lays to rest the myth that the arrival of hydrogen vehicles is always 20 years away."

About the BVRLA:

The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association is the national trade body for companies engaged in the leasing and rental of cars and commercial vehicles. Its members provide short-term rental, contract hire and fleet management services to corporate users and consumers. They operate a combined fleet of around 2.75 million cars, vans and trucks, buying nearly half of all new vehicles sold in the UK. Through its members and their customers, the BVRLA represents the interests of more than two million business car drivers and the millions of people who use a rental vehicle each year. As well as lobbying the government on key issues affecting the sector, the BVRLA regulates its members through a mandatory code of conduct. www.bvrla.co.uk

DATED: 25.04.13

FEED: HA

The Environment Agency (EA) has just bought 31 Citroën Berlingo HDi 90 manual L1 850 Enterprise vans as part of its commitment to reduce the carbon footprint of its LCV fleet.

Graham Patrickson, EA Fleet Operations Manager, explains; “This latest purchase of Berlingo vans is part of the EA’s continuing drive to reduce the carbon footprint of its LCV fleet, while reducing costs and raising operational efficiency.  Not only meeting, but exceeding our green targets is at the forefront in all our vehicle selection processes - and the Berlingo Enterprise has all the green credentials required by the EA.”

The EA - an agency within the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) - is allocating its 31 Berlingo vans to staff involved in flood defence and maintenance work, as well as to EA specialists carrying out environmental management monitoring. To meet individual user requirements, the EA has worked with racking specialist Bri-Stor to develop a number of internal racking layouts and equipment specifications.

Bri-Stor is fitting the Berlingos with its latest high tensile steel racking (which is up to 45% lighter than the system previously supplied to the EA), white polycarbonate load area lining and roof light bars, while the users get a choice of options, including hand wash units, tow bars, ladder racks, inverters and roof vents.

Supplied through Springfield Citroën of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, the well-equipped Berlingo Enterprise vans come with air conditioning, Bluetooth® and rear park sensors as standard and have Citroën’s Trafficmaster package, which includes Smartnav satellite navigation and Trackstar stolen vehicle tracking. The EA will operate its Berlingo vans for a minimum of five years, with the maintenance out-sourced to Hitachi Capital.

DATED: 25.04.13

FEED: HA

Whitley, 25 April 2013. UK pricing and specifications have been unveiled for the All-New Range Rover Sport which takes its place alongside the All-New Range Rover and Range Rover Evoque as the ultimate sports SUV and a perfect representation of Land Rover's world-leading contemporary design and engineering capabilities. Order books are now open with first deliveries planned to start from quarter three 2013.

The initial line-up will comprise five equipment grades - SE, HSE, HSE Dynamic and Autobiography Dynamic and a choice of three world-class engines; TDV6 with 258hp, SDV6 with 292hp and the 510hp supercharged 5.0-litre V8 petrol.

The All-New Range Rover Sport is Land Rover's most technology-packed vehicle to date including several brand new innovative features. For example, customers can specify the new Wade Sensing^TM feature, monitoring depth when driving through water (the new Range Rover Sport also gains an extra 150mm in its wading capability, to 850mm) and Land Rover's outstanding park assist feature, which debuted on the Range Rover Evoque, which now includes new ‘Park Exit' and ‘Perpendicular Park' features.

The Range Rover Sport offers state-of-the-art audio systems developed by Meridian, global leaders in digital signal processing and audio technologies. Three levels of audio system are available ranging up to the stunning 1700W Signature Reference system which has 23 speakers to offer the ultimate surround sound experience.

The aluminium architecture and lightweight technology are core to the new model delivering up to a 420kg weight saving over the outgoing model and resulting in a step-change in on-road and off-road dynamics, while the vehicle's impressive on-road handling can be further sharpened with a new Torque Vectoring control package.

The new model is a clever lesson in intelligent packaging and versatility; while retaining compact dimensions that contribute to its sporting character - overall length has grown by only 62mm - its longer wheelbase has allowed for the option of an additional third-row of occasional rear seats.

Standard specifications across all grades reflect the luxury and premium quality that are intrinsic to Range Rover. The SE comes equipped with leather upholstery, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, DAB digital audio, a power tailgate, intelligent stop-start, two-zone climate control, heated front seats, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, HD navigation, four-corner air suspension with automatic levelling, Terrain Response®  and Say-What-You-See voice control. Prices start from £51,550.

Among the additional features provided on the HSE are 20-inch alloy wheels, Oxford perforated leather seats featuring 14-way electric front seat adjustment with memory function, heated rear seats, power steering column adjustment, front fog lights, paddle shift controls, heated windscreen, rear view camera and aluminium Range Rover treadplates. Prices start from £59,995

HSE Dynamic adds both extra styling and handling features, including stainless steel pedals, a bright finish for the twin tailpipes, a gloss black grille and vents, 21-inch alloys, illuminated treadplates, twin speed transfer box, torque vectoring and the added functionality of Terrain Response^® 2 Auto. Prices start from £64,995.

The Autobiography Dynamic specification befits its flagship status, introducing as standard; High Beam Assist for the headlights, configurable interior mood lighting, Meridian Surround Sound audio system, illuminated treadplates, adaptive cruise control with Queue Assist, an advanced preventative safety package including emergency braking and active front seatbelts. Prices start from £74,995.

All customers have the opportunity to make their new Range Rover Sport truly individual thanks to an exceptional range of optional features and accessories. This extends to 11 interior colour themes, four aluminium finishes, three headlining colours, 17 exterior paint finishes, seven alloy wheel designs, three contrast colours for the roof and three finishes for exterior accents.

The All-New range Rover Sport will make its UK debut at the Royal Windsor Horse Show taking place from 8th - 12th May. To explore the full range of possibilities through the online configurator, visit:www.newrangeroversport.landrover.com.

DATED: 25.04.13

FEED: HA

Mazda UK is planning for growth from a base of 26,200 sales in 2012 and has set bold, but entirely realistic sales objectives on the back of introducing cars to new segments and entering new sales channels.

"After five years of challenging business conditions I finally feel we have turned the corner and we are in charge of our own destiny," said Jeremy Thomson, Managing Director, Mazda UK.

That destiny sees a product-led recovery as the roll-out of Mazda's sixth generation SKYACTIV technology models gather pace and Thomson is forecasting sales in the 2013 financial year (FY) of over 31,000 units.

"While a 20 percent growth might sound ambitious, it is all growth from our new generation cars. There's nothing in our forecast that worries me," he said.  "Our network is reporting exceptionally strong interest in our cars and customer offers.  Independent surveys and data from our media partners backs that up and order take is strong."

The decision to cut the sales network from 157 to 135 outlets to boost sales per outlet and improve dealer profitability, combined with run-out of previous generation Mazda6 and short supply of the globally popular Mazda CX-5 compact crossover were the main factors affecting the 2012 sales performance.

"However, our capacity for growth has never been greater. SKYACTIV technology has given us a point of difference to other makes. Winning the What Car? Green SUV Award with the Mazda CX-5 proved that - it's the sort of award that a few other manufacturers might have expected to win," he said.  What Car? subsequently awarded Mazda the coveted Ultra-Low Carbon Award 2013 for SKYACTIV technology which is progressively being introduced across the range.

Sales Director Peter Allibon added that although year-on-year sales were down last year, Mazda UK "achieved its planned registration volumes for the year - we are now looking up.

"The newly-launched Mazda6, second of the SKYACTIV technology models after the Mazda CX-5 crossover, is doing well in the fleet sector with weekly order take getting close to the levels the previous generation Mazda6 enjoyed in its heyday and when the segment was much larger," he said.

"The launch was phenomenal and I'm very confident about the car's performance and look. The press reaction and the awards it has already won speak for themselves."  All-new Mazda6 won the hotly-contested Fleet News award for ‘Best Upper-Medium' category for 2013, crucial for a segment that is around 75 percent corporate sales.

"Our plan of 7,500 Mazda6 sales in the 2013 financial year is now looking like a conservative number as we can go beyond that as natural demand builds," said Allibon.

"There has been very strong global demand for the Mazda CX-5 and we have not been able to get enough to meet the UK demand. We sold almost 3,100 in FY2012 and we're planning for more than 6,000 in this financial year as supply of the car ramps up," he said.

DATED: 25.04.13

FEED: HA

Geely Automobile Group, a prominent China-based global car manufacturer, and Detroit Electric Inc, a leading electric vehicle manufacturer, have announced at the Shanghai Motor Show that the two companies have entered into strategic partnership to co-develop pure electric vehicles and related electric drive systems for the Chinese market.

Under the terms of the partnership the first model of pure electric vehicles will go on sale under Geely's Emgrand brand starting in 2014.

After an initial three years of feasibility studies and a joint development programme, the two companies have selected Geely's best-selling Emgrand EC7 model in the domestic Chinese market as the base vehicle on which to develop a class-leading pure electric vehicle.

The EC7-based EV, called the EC7-EV, will be co-branded with a ‘Detroit Electric - Technology' badge and sales are expected to commence in the first quarter of 2014.  The vehicle will initially be sold primarily to business users and public-sector organisations, and the two companies are forecasting sales of around 3,000 units in the first 12 months, growing to 30,000 in three years' time.

A joint development and engineering team has been formed to work together in all areas of the EV powertrain solution, including electric motor, vehicle management system, advanced thermo-managed battery pack, battery management system and a twin-speed high-torque gearbox.  The partnership also extends to the formulation of a joint venture company to manufacture the critical EV powertrain components and associated parts, situated close to Geely's headquarters in Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang province.  Geely also operates six car assembly and powertrain manufacturing plants across China.

The new EC7-EV model will offer both medium-range (with a driving range of 165km per charge) and long-range options (an approximate range of 258km per charge). Building on Detroit Electric's performance DNA, the vehicle can deliver class-leading acceleration (0-100kph acceleration under eight seconds) and a top speed exceeding 200kph.  Whatever the preferred performance characteristics for the chosen chassis, the innovative Detroit Electric twin-speed high-torque gearbox is engineered to provide exceptional levels of energy efficiency. 

"This is a very significant step in the development of the Detroit Electric business and is testimony to our innovative technology and engineering capabilities," comments Albert Lam, Chairman and Group CEO of Detroit Electric.  "Detroit Electric will jointly develop the EC7-EV, covering all aspects of the powertrain and chassis, safety, vehicle dynamics, system integration, NVH and other items.  We have been working alongside Geely for some time to optimise the EV drive technologies for integration into the vehicles and this partnership will now fast-track both Geely and Detroit Electric to realising the great EV market potential in the Chinese market.  I am confident that we can become a leader of pure electric vehicles in the Chinese market within the next 18 months.  I am sure it is going to be a world class product."

Mr Feng, President of Emgrand, added: "Our partnership with a leading electric vehicle technology provider such as Detroit Electric will enable us to enhance and accelerate our own expertise and knowledge in this area.  The EC7-EV will enable us to provide a wider vehicle choice to our customers and it also reiterates our commitment to providing alternate energy vehicles to the market in China."

Earlier this month Detroit Electric unveiled its first production vehicle, the SP:01.  Boasting an impressive 249 km/h top speed and covering the 0-100km/h sprint in a blistering 3.7 seconds, the SP:01 is the world's fastest pure-electric production car.  The SP:01 also makes its public debut at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show.

DATED: 25.04.13

FEED: HA

Welcome to Transport News Brief

After much lobbying by SMMT and other stakeholders in the UK and Brussels, the EU Commission has officially adopted its long awaited proposal to revise Directive 96/53/EC on masses and dimensions.

The proposal will have to go to the European Parliament and Member States for discussion, revision and adoption. Beyond that will be complex and lengthy negotiations on the detail, but nonetheless this is very welcome news for the CV industry.
 

The proposal is to allow an increase in length of up to two metres for the addition of aerodynamic devices to the rear of vehicles, and possibly to enable the vehicle cabs to be redesigned to improve fuel consumption and potentially the driver's field of vision.
 

Also, the proposal plans to authorise a weight increase of one tonne for vehicles with an electric or hybrid drivetrain without prejudice to the payload. Similarly, two-axle buses and coaches would also gain a weight allowance to take account of new equipment imposed by safety regulations.
 


Nigel Base - SMMT Commercial Vehicle Manager

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DATED: 25.04.13

FEED: HA

Leased cars emitting 100g/km of CO2 or under have been granted a further 12 months of London Congestion Charge-free travel thanks to lobbying from the BVRLA.

Transport for London is introducing a new 100% Ultra Low Emission Discount (ULED) for the London Congestion Charge on 1 July 2013, with a stricter emissions threshold of 75g/km of CO2 or lower. Although this will replace the existing Greener Vehicle Discount (GVD) currently available to cars emitting 100g/km CO2 or under, TfL has now agreed that cars registered for the GVD before July will continue to enjoy the 100% discount for a further three years, a year longer than previously intended.

TfL has said it will extend the lifespan of its 100% Greener Vehicle Discount (GVD) until 24th June 2016, meaning that a customer driving a qualifying car on a typical lease contract can enjoy the discount throughout their agreement.

The ULED being introduced in July will replace the existing GVD and Electric Vehicle Discount, providing a single 100% Congestion Charge rebate for electric cars and vans and those emitting 75g/km of CO2 or less.

"We applaud TfL's pragmatic approach to Congestion Charge discounts", said BVRLA  legal and policy director, Jay Parmar.

"There aren't many sub-75g/km vehicles out there, so extending the life of the previous GVD, which is available for sub-100g/km cars, will give fleets a more realistic opportunity to choose greener, Congestion Charge-free models.

"However, we are disappointed that TfL has not listened to our calls to support the used market for sub-100g/km cars by allowing them to be sold to the second buyer with the discount."

About the BVRLA:

The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association is the national trade body for companies engaged in the leasing and rental of cars and commercial vehicles. Its members provide short-term rental, contract hire and fleet management services to corporate users and consumers. They operate a combined fleet of around 2.75 million cars, vans and trucks, buying nearly half of all new vehicles sold in the UK. Through its members and their customers, the BVRLA represents the interests of more than two million business car drivers and the millions of people who use a rental vehicle each year. As well as lobbying the government on key issues affecting the sector, the BVRLA regulates its members through a mandatory code of conduct.

Please visit www.bvrla.co.uk to find out more.

DATED: 25.04.13

FEED: HA

Trading Standards-backed garage code offers greatest choice for customers

The launch this month of GROUPAUTO approvedgarages.co.uk, an independent garage scheme that mandates commitment to Motor Codes for its members,   has added 300 garages to the Motor Codes network, swelling the independent ranks of its Service and Repair Code to over 1,800. 

Significant growth in independent garage subscription, with 441 new subscribers so far in 2013, has cemented the position of Motor Codes in the consumer landscape as the one-stop-shop for car servicing customers searching for a reputable garage.

Chris Mason, managing director at Motor Codes points to the GROUPAUTO move as one which increases protection for car owners and shows that the commitment of the diverse sectors within the automotive industry has paid off:

"Tasked by the government to tackle rising complaint levels and to provide an inclusive organisation that delivered comprehensive reassurance to car owners, we have pursued an open, "one industry one code" approach to self-regulation. 

"That approach has paid dividends, relegating complaints about new cars from the top tier of government league tables and providing a safe haven for service and repair customers of any type of garage that commits to the transparency of Motor Codes subscription.  This latest partnership with GROUPAUTO, committing hundreds more garages to quality and transparency, is another win for the consumer who now has a single port of call, through Motor Codes, to find a government-backed garage."

Crucially for consumers, Motor Codes works at the heart of the government's self-regulatory set-up, not just operating Trading Standards approved codes but also formally partnering Citizens Advice in its call-handling operation where calls relate to car purchases and warranty claims.

The diversity of Motor Codes' make-up is reflected in its subscription numbers, with almost a quarter of its 7,438 members being independent garages.

More information on subscription benefits can be found at www.motorcodes.co.uk.

DATED: 25.04.13

FEED: HA

Road safety charity the IAM is offering weekly motoring tips from Britain's top advanced driver, Peter Rodger. This week he is advising on parking.

IAM chief examiner Peter Rodger said: "Parking is now a staple part of the L-test, and it can be quite surprising to see how often people struggle with it, and see the task as particularly stressful. It's important that you take your time and don't succumb to pressure by other drivers around you when you are parking - it's far better to do it right than to do it quickly.  Practice is the real key - if you do it often you should be able to do it well."

DATED: 25.04.13

FEED: HA

Renault has chosen the Twizy manufacturing plant in Valladolid, Spain, to present its new Twizy Renault Sport F1 concept car.

This fun take on the brand's electric urban compact features muscular styling and impressive performance credentials to serve as a bridge between the world of F1 technology and that of production cars.

Twizy Renault Sport F1 sits on the wheels of a single-seater race car and is equipped with a front splitter, side-pods, rear wing and a diffuser complete with an F1-style rain light which forcefully express the concept's ties with motor racing's premier category.

Twizy Renault Sport F1 is much more than just a concept. In addition to its spectacular looks, it delivers genuine high performance thanks to its Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) which is identical to the solution used by Renault-powered Formula 1 cars. The system instantly boosts power output six-fold to reach almost 100 horsepower and is capable of catapulting the car from standstill to 62 mph as quickly as Renault's highest-performing road car, Mégane Renaultsport 265. This technological gem is the fruit of close collaboration between the engineers at Renaultsport and their colleagues at Renault Sport F1.

This extraordinary vehicle showcases Renault's advanced expertise in electric technology employed in F1, notably in the field of KERS in which it was one of the precursors in 2009. Renault's long-standing commitment to motor racing's blue ribband category provides it with a unique technological laboratory, giving it an advantage not only in the world of race cars, but also in that of road cars.

Twizy Renault Sport F1 will be shown at major events throughout the year, beginning with its first public appearances at the World Series by Renault meeting at Aragon, Spain (April 27-28), followed by the Barcelona Motor Show.

I.               F1 TECHNOLOGY APPLIED TO TWIZY

"We always said we wanted to create F1-derived technology that was road relevant! Hopefully, this Twizy will make a few people smile while also making a serious point. The project was led by Renault Sport F1 and Renault Sport Technologies, working in close conjunction with Renault's electric vehicle development department. KERS is a very complex system and integrating it into another electric vehicle was a very serious endeavour, but they managed to make it work, delivering a huge boost of power safely and efficiently. I'm not sure we'll be seeing many of these on our roads, but it does show that the same principles we see on the race track can be filtered down to the road legal range - this is  just the evil elder brother!"

Jean-Michel Jalinier (President and Managing Director, Renault Sport F1)

1.   Small but tough: a spectacular look inspired by Formula 1

Twizy Renault Sport F1's calling is immediately apparent through its slick tyres (the same as those fitted to the Formula Renault 2.0 single-seater), as well as through its carbon splitter, side-pods and rear wing. Its unique proportions give it the appearance of a beast that is about to pounce yet which is still fun to drive.

Other features derived from the racing world are its single-seater type mirrors and diffuser, which incorporates the rain light of a Formula Renault 3.5 car. At the same time, the bulbs of the lights have been replaced by LEDs which, again mirroring the world of motor sport, consume less energy.

Meanwhile, Twizy's rear seat has made way for the KERS which is visible inside a transparent housing. Last but not least, Twizy Renault Sport F1 is equipped with an F1-type steering wheel from the Renault Sport Technologies catalogue.

"Twizy Renault Sport F1 is a simple, yet smart, vehicle which combines original lines and advanced technology derived directly from Formula 1. Our objective was to reinforce Twizy's ‘fun' side by using F1 cues to express its personality. In terms of both its look and performance, the result is quite simply spectacular."

Eric Diemert (Design Director, Renault Sport Range).

In order to express the link with Formula 1 and the Renault Sport race car range, both Renault Sport F1 and Renault Sport Technologies contributed to Twizy Renault Sport F1's design.

"As far as styling was concerned, we wanted to avoid falling into the trap of simply producing a steroid-fed Twizy. We therefore worked closely with Renault Design to find a way of incorporating Formula 1 cues on a vehicle of this size. Although Twizy's forms clearly distinguish it from a single-seater race car, you can see numerous echoes of the world of grand prix racing."

Tarik Ait Said (Project Coordinator, Twizy Renault Sport F1).

2.     A Twizy boosted by F1-derived technology

Twizy Renault Sport F1's performance credentials are founded on the use of the KERS employed by Renault-powered Formula 1 cars.

The KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) is designed to recover some of the kinetic energy which is generated under braking. Instead of being lost in the form of heat, this energy is recovered and stored before being used to momentarily boost power output, just as it is in Formula 1.

The KERS comprises three main elements:

-      An electric motor-generator unit (MGU) directly linked to the driveshaft.

-      Specific lithium-ion batteries.

-      A KERS Control Unit (KCU).

Mechanical energy --> electrical energy --> chemical energy

                             <==             <==

As its name implies the motor-generator unit serves as both a generator and a motor. In ‘generator' mode, it functions like a dynamo to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy which is then stored in a battery. To use this energy, it suffices to reverse the process. The system then switches to the ‘motor' mode to use this stored energy to deliver a power boost to the wheels via the motor.

Six times the power output!

Twizy Renault Sport F1 is consequently equipped with two electric motors, i.e. Twizy's original motor (17hp/13kW) onto which an F1-style KERS has been grafted to turn the concept car into a genuine pocket rocket with exceptional performance.

When the KERS is activated, Twizy Renault Sport F1's power output climbs instantly six-fold, from 17 to 97 horsepower (72kW). This boost is available for approximately 13 seconds, just as it is in the case of a Formula 1 car. Thanks to this additional power, the concept car is capable of accelerating from standstill to 62 mph in the same time as Mégane Renaultsport 265.

Adapting KERS for Twizy

It goes without saying that Twizy Renault Sport F1 isn't as fast as a single-seater race car. As a consequence, the kinetic energy produced under deceleration is insufficient to charge the KERS' battery. To get round this problem, the experts at Renault Sport Technologies and Renault Sport F1 developed a system that enables the battery to be charged by siphoning power from the main motor. This solution gives the driver total independence over how the KERS is used.

The driver can choose between two modes for the KERS used for Twizy Renault Sport F1, using the controls located on the steering wheel.

1/ Recovery mode: with this mode activated, the electric motor functions like a conventional generator, drawing power like a dynamo to convert the mechanical energy produced by Twizy main motor into electrical energy. Up to 4kW can be siphoned off in this way to charge the battery while on the move.

2/ Boost mode: the energy recovered using the Recovery Mode can be re-employed whenever the driver wishes by pressing on the button located on the steering wheel. This reverses the process. Instead of serving as a generator, the KERS' motor-generator unit (MGU-K) now functions as a motor to bring a power boost to the principal motor to which it is directly linked via the driveshaft. The maximum power output of the MGU-K is 60kW (approximately 80hp).

The charging process and the way the stored energy is delivered are controlled by a control unit which is itself linked to Twizy Renault Sport F1's ECU (Electronic Control Unit).

When the system is triggered, the maximum revs of Twizy's motor rise to 10,000rpm for a top speed of 68 mph. The fruit of advanced technology, the MGU-K fits inside a 10cm-diameter cylinder and can rev to as high as 36,000rpm. The KERS is equipped with its own battery capable of very short charge/discharge cycles. Derived directly from F1 technology, the package weighs barely 30kg, battery included.

Given that the peak revs of the KERS and Twizy's principal motor are 36,000rpm and 10,000rpm respectively, the connection between the two was one of the chief challenges of the project. Synchronisation is ensured by a 1:3.6 reducer gear which uses the same drive gear as that of the F1 V8 engine.

The KERS uses a pressurised lubrication system to enable certain bearings to withstand peak revs of 36,000rpm. Meanwhile, in order to prevent the KERS battery from overheating despite the constraints to which it is exposed, Twizy Renault Sport F1 is equipped with water cooling. Both these systems are existing Renault Sport Technologies solutions.

An F1-type steering wheel derived from Renaultsport's race car range

Twizy Renault Sport F1's steering wheel is derived directly from that of the Formula Renault 3.5 race car. Its functions have been adapted for use on an electric vehicle equipped with KERS, while the rim is of a wider diameter.

The amount of energy recovered while the Recovery mode is activated can be adjusted using the four-position rotary knob. Another rotary knob enables the power boost to be set at one of six pre-set levels, ranging from 10 to 60kW.

The driver releases the energy stored by the KERS by activating the two steering wheel-mounted paddles at the same time. To show spectators that the system has been activated, the rain light incorporated in Twizy Renault Sport F1's diffuser is switched on.

The concept comes with its own data logging system, with information displayed on a multi-page screen situated on the steering wheel. This display can be personalised to show information concerning both Twizy's and the KERS F1 electronic systems.

A wide range of parameters can be displayed in real time, including the main battery's level of charge, the KERS battery's level of charge, oil pressure, water temperature, etc.

Twizy Renault Sport F1 is also equipped with an ‘RS Monitor' data logging system similar to the one available for Mégane R.S. and New Clio R.S. 200 EDC. This allows the driver to monitor a number of performance-related parameters in real time (0-31 mph time, 0-62 mph time, 50- and 100-metre standing start times).

II.               A KERS FOR TWIZY? GO FOR IT!

"Twizy Renault Sport F1 serves quite simply as a bridge between the excellence of Renault's F1 technology and the brand's electric vehicle expertise. Carrying over racing technology for use with a production car without having to make major modifications to the latter was not as straightforward as it may seem and was a significant technological challenge. The development of Twizy Renault Sport F1 called for some very careful thought."

Guillaume Brotonne (Technical Manager, Twizy Renault Sport F1)

An electric vehicle which benefits from the combined technological expertise of Renault Sport Technologies and Renault Sport F1.

Renault Sport F1 and Renault Sport Technologies worked hand in hand to convert the KERS system for use on the Twizy Renault Sport F1 concept car and then fine-tune the resulting package.

Throughout the project, the collaboration between Renault's two sporting departments was exemplary, and the combination of their taste for a challenge, their passion for motorsport and their prior knowledge of Twizy was key to the project's success.

Based on an idea suggested by Renault Sport F1: thanks to the technological excellence it has acquired as a supplier of engines to a number of F1 teams, Renault Sport F1 wanted to communicate to a wider audience the savoir-faire it has built up in the realm of electric power thanks to KERS which became a part of the sport in 2009. Indeed, it was because of this very expertise that Renault's F1 engine specialists were called in to play a part in the development of the standard Twizy's electric motor in 2010. This grasp of the KERS used in F1 and of Twizy's electric motor provided the perfect opportunity to bring the two worlds together.

A project that hit the ground running

Flashback to the European F1 Grand Prix at Valence, Spain, on June 21, 2012. In the busy paddock, with the countdown to the race well under way, a discussion is taking place between three people in the Renault Sport F1 motorhome. Renault's KERS project leader Laurent Debailleul is talking about his involvement in the development of Twizy's motor and of the latter's parallels with racing technology. Almost as a joke, he says: "Why not fit Twizy with KERS?" Tarik Ait Said (Marketing Operations, Renault Sport F1) and Axel Plasse (Manager of Engine Engineering for the RS 27 V8 F1 engine) jump on the idea at once. The seed for Twizy Renault Sport F1 was sown, sparking off an immediate chain reaction...

Between the end of the summer and late-November 2012, Renault Sport F1, Renault Sport Technologies and Renault Design met frequently to evaluate the technical feasibility of the different options with a restricted budget. Their findings were then presented to Renault's senior management who gave the green light at the end of December. In less than four months, the idea was transformed into a project sanctioned at the very highest level of the company.

"From the moment the idea germinated and the first time Twizy Renault Sport F1 turned a wheel, only 10 months elapsed. This ultra-short development period was made possible by the passion and commitment of a small team of experts from different fields. From the outset, the spirit behind the project was worthy of that which prevails in Formula 1. By that I mean it combined passion, thinking outside of the box and a rigorous framework which allowed us to take it forward as a team, in addition to our everyday responsibilities."

Tarik Ait Said (Project Coordinator, Twizy Renault Sport F1).

Renault Sport Technologies rises to the challenge: the Twizy Renault Sport F1 project was put in the hands of experts who have experience of low production-run Renault sporty vehicles. The specialists from Renault Sport Technologies had previously been responsible for the design and development of Renault Twizy's suspension and were also able to use their experience as the entity responsible for the Renault group's race and rally cars to work on this one-off project:

-      Supply of a production Twizy.

-      Development and adaptation of F1 components as a function of the architecture of Twizy's motor,

-      Chassis modifications and fine-tuning.

"When Renault Sport F1 asked us to work on the project, our engineers didn't hesitate. Renault Sport Technologies had already made a significant contribution to the design and development of the highly innovative Renault Twizy which meant that our input was perfectly natural.

"Thanks to our experience of race car engineering, we were able to take elements from our FR2.0 and FR3.5 race cars and also check that the rigidity of Twizy's chassis and suspension was capable of handling the additional 60kW.

"Thanks to the very close working relationship we enjoy with Renault Sport F1, we were able to combine the ‘fun' side of the project with some very advanced technology. We are very proud of the result."

Patrice Ratti (General Manager, Renault Sport Technologies).

Meanwhile, the experts at Viry-Châtillon brought to the table their integration savoir-faire and KERS expertise, including the battery, not to mention their experience of Twizy's own motor.

"Thanks to our experience of KERS, we were able to guide the system's integration in the concept car and provide the necessary support for its fine-tuning development."

Laurent Debailleul (Electric Systems Test Manager, Renault Sport F1)

An echo of the Espace F1...

Twizy Renault Sport F1 serves as an exciting bridge between the world of Formula 1 and that of production cars in much the same way as Espace F1 which was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 1994. This prototype was the fruit of a partnership between Renault and Matra and was produced to celebrate the 10^th anniversary of Espace's launch. Its carbon fibre body was based on the design of the second-generation Espace.

Espace F1 used the same 820hp RS5 V10 3,500cc 40-valve engine as that which powered the Williams FW15C F1 car. It drove through a semi-automatic six-speed paddle-shift gearbox and the car was turned out in a striking yellow livery.

Comfortably strapped into bucket seats by three-point harness belts, the four passengers were able to enjoy a near-Formula 1 experience from the inside.

In addition to the fact that the two projects place the emphasis on ‘fun', Espace F1 and Twizy RENAULT SPORT F1 both serve as eloquent illustrations of Renault's desire to see production vehicles benefit from technologies developed for motorsport. Thanks to its 35 years of experience as an F1 engine supplier, Renault benefits from an exceptional technological laboratory which provides it with an undeniable advantage when it comes to developing vehicles of tomorrow.

Technical data

An outstanding weight-to-power ratio

The people behind the project:

Renault Sport F1

-      Tarik Ait Said (Marketing Operations Manager / Project Coordinator)

-      Laurent Debailleul (Electric Systems Test Manager / KERS Expert for the Twingo RSF1 project)

-      Axel Plasse (Programme and Renault Sport F1 Customer Support Director) 

Renault Sport Technologies

-      François Champod (Motorsport Technical Manager / Technical Project Coordinator)

-      Guillaume Brotonne (Synthesis Engineer, Twizy / Technical Project Manager)

Renault Design

-      Eric Diemert (Renault Sport Range Design Director / Project Manager, Design)

DATED: 25.04.13

FEED: HA