Bosch remains confident on gradual transition to electromobility
Manila - Robert Bosch Inc. (Philippines), local subsidiary of Germany’s Bosch Group and the largest automotive technology parts supplier in the domestic aftermarket, showcased its local line of Gasoline Direct Injection and Diesel Common Rail Injection components at the second Philippine Energy Efficiency Forum. The Bosch Group is engaged in the development and production of fuel components and systems as well as alternative drives that enable vehicles to operate more efficiently and emit significantly lower CO2. Bosch aims to reduce the fuel consumption of internal-combustion engines by another third - considering that some 95 percent of all new vehicles in 2020 will still be powered by diesel and gasoline engines.
“While continuing to increase the efficiency of today’s internal combustion engines Bosch also researches new technologies to reduce the cost of electromobility in the future,” said Joseph Hong, Managing Director of Robert Bosch Inc. (Philippines). “The future of mobility belongs to the electric drive. The only question is when,” Hong further explained to a selected group of media during the forum.
Investing on e-mobility
On the global front, Bosch invests 400 million euros each year in projects related to powertrain electrification while some 800 engineers are working to make the vision of e-mobility a reality. Development work, however, only shows one side of the coin. Convincing drivers of the benefits of electric cars poses another major challenge, which requires presenting customers with market-ready solutions today.
The e-bike, which is already available today, shows the benefits of electromobility to the mass market. 18 brands of e-bikes are already equipped with Bosch drive systems. While traction batteries for long ranges remain expensive, it makes sense to think about how and where the battery technology can be applied in the meantime. On the road to e-mobility, small steps are equally important for future success.
The plug-in hybrid vehicle, which is powered by a relatively compact and affordable battery for short ranges, can be plugged in and the battery recharged from the electricity main. Combined with a gasoline or diesel engine for longer trips, the plug-in hybrid could soon be a realistic option. It could be the solution for a family that runs errands in the city using the electric drive, and then visits relatives a few hundred kilometers away using the internal-combustion engine.
Technically speaking, a combined system such as this calls for broad systems expertise in all types of drive systems – the very kind of networked knowledge that a global supplier like Bosch brings to the table. This broad-ranging know-how has enabled the company to think beyond choosing between conventional and electric drives to come up with technologies that combine both.
A broad range of drive systems
Even in 2020, a lithium-ion battery with a range of 200 kilometers will cost more than PHP300 thousand (5,000 euros). The further development of lithium-ion batteries will play a decisive role here. Together with its partner Samsung SDI, Bosch manufactures such batteries. In the long term, the energy density of such batteries will have to at least double.
The Bosch product portfolio includes electric motors and power electronics as well. With an investment of 600 million euros, the automotive supplier is building a new wafer fab in Reutlingen, Germany to produce its own power semiconductors. This illustrates that Bosch corporate strategy comes not only from broad-based expertise, but also from in-depth technical know-how. By 2013, Bosch will be supplying 12 automakers with components and systems required for some 20 electromobility-related projects.
Full-cycle approach to harnessing clean energy
There are many arguments to support the assertion that the transition to electromobility will be gradual and will see a number of specific solutions for specific markets. Until the full realization of electromobility, companies will need to pool production and standardize components, in addition to reducing costs. Small examples like standardizing plug-in connections show a lot of cost-saving potential. Economies of scale, on the other hand, can be achieved through cooperation between carmakers, and also between carmakers and suppliers. This is why Daimler and Bosch have decided to join forces to develop and manufacture electric motors for electric vehicles.
“The full transition to electromobility in the future will only make sense if energy is harnessed from renewable sources,” said Hong. “It will not make sense if the consumption of fossil fuel is only passed on to power producers.” Bosch is also active in the development of core components for multi-megawatt wind turbines and solar photovoltaics which are locally categorized as “new” renewable energy sources.
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July 29, 2011. Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) announces the introduction of its Civic MUGEN Limited Edition model. With only 26 units available in the market, the Civic MUGEN Limited Edition model offers original, factory-installed MUGEN accessories that bring the sporty character of the Honda Civic 2.0 S to another level.
Exclusively designed for the discerning car enthusiasts who appreciate enhanced premium dynamic styling to complement spirited driving performance, the Civic MUGEN Limited Edition model bears front and rear under spoiler, side spoiler, front sports grille, ventilated visor, rear wing, forged gunmetal aluminum alloy wheel, heptagon nut set, door under garnish and MUGEN metal emblem. It also comes with a certification paper to ascertain authenticity of the fitted MUGEN accessories. All these frills definitely make the Civic MUGEN Limited Edition stand out from the rest.
“Honda enthusiasts have long been waiting for a model that is spruced up with authentic MUGEN accessories,” said Mr. Voltaire Gonzales, vehicle sales and corporate communications head of HCPI. “For an exclusive offer, we are very excited to present the Civic 2.0 S in Pearl White Mica color with original MUGEN accessories to further enhance the Civic’s sporty demeanor,” he added.
MUGEN, which is a Japanese word for infinite, designs and manufactures racing engines and premium aftermarket parts under the strong partnership with Honda. MUGEN has a strong racing heritage and has gained international recognition from its Super GT and Formula One background, to name a few. It also specializes in tuning engines and developing customized parts exclusively for Honda products since the mid 1980’s.
Chiefly designed to deliver pure intensity into one’s driving experience, the Honda Civic provides spirited performance and technologically-advanced features that go perfectly well with its unparalleled styling. It comes with a race-inspired paddle shift technology that enables manual shifting of gears without the clutch. Staying true to its sporty DNA, the Civic 2.0 S variant is equipped with an i-VTEC DOHC engine that delivers a maximum power output of 155 ps at 6000 rpm. Easily, more than 26,000 units of the current generation Civic have already been sold in the country.
Be part of the 26 privileged soon-to-be owners who will get the rare chance of owning the Civic MUGEN Limited Edition. It will hit select Honda dealer showrooms starting August 5, with a suggested retail price of Php 1,398,000. For more details, you may get visit www.hondaphil.com.
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- Top title ‘Best of Best’ secured in the category for overall brand design
- Three Kia models triumph in the category for Exterior Design
- New competition promoted by the German Design Council
(SEOUL) July 20, 2011 -- Kia Motors is one of the main winners in the first-ever Automotive Brand Contest. This new international brand and design competition was organised by the Rat für Formgebung (German Design Council), which is also
responsible for the Designpreis der Bundesrepublik Deutschland (German Design Award).
The judging panel of the first Automotive Brand Contest declared Kia Motors the worthy winner in two categories. In the Brand Design category, where strategy and focus of the brand’s overall design is rated, Kia was ranked ‘Best of Best’.
For the Exterior category, in which the design of the vehicle itself is the centre of attention, three Kia models were picked as winners: the compact Sportage CUV, the forthcoming Rio B-segment model (on sale from Fall 2011 in most global markets)
and the all-new, athletic D-segment Kia Optima sedan. The Kia Optima and Kia Sportage have already been awarded prestigious design prizes: the red dot award (Kia Optima: ‘best of the best’) and the iF product design award.
“We are all exceedingly proud that Kia Motors has done so well in this new competition, which is very important within the automotive industry,” says Kia’s Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer. “By changing our basic design focus, we have given our brand a face, a distinctive identity.
“The ‘Best of Best’ title for Kia’s new design identity in the Brand Design category is a great endorsement of the creative and professional work done by our entire international design team. The latest awards conferred on the Sportage and Optima,
and the very first one to go to our latest model, the Rio, reflect the continuity of our efforts to uphold our own high design standards. All four awards are a fantastic acknowledgement of our strategy to position design as a core Kia brand promise,” adds Schreyer.
Three Kia award winning models: design that points to the future
The fourth-generation Kia Rio, which celebrated its world premiere at the 2011
Geneva International Motor Show, is not a further development of its predecessor, but a powerful new personality in its own right. By clearly moving away from its past, the new B-segment model epitomizes Kia’s transformation to a design and quality-led brand. The wedge-shaped profile and sleek side windows lend the newcomer dynamic flair, while the balance between window graphics, wheelbase and the vehicle’s overall proportions creates a ‘premium’ impression rarely found in
this segment. Developed with the global market in mind, the Rio will be available in Europe in both three-door and five-door bodystyles, with four-door and five-door bodystyles offered in most other markets.
The newly developed Kia Optima is a model that bears no resemblance to the brand’s earlier D-segment vehicles. Peter Schreyer headed the design of the athletic sedan at the Kia design centres in Frankfurt, Germany and Irvine, USA. Immediately
following its launch in the Korean market in mid-2010, the Kia Optima topped the D-segment sales chart there – the first Kia model ever to do so.
With its third-generation of the Sportage, Kia has given the popular compact CUV a complete makeover. The Sportage combines all the key off-road features – raised ground clearance, commanding driving position and heightened sense of security –
with a sleek and urban-friendly design. In Europe, the most eco-friendly version, the Sportage 1.7 CRDi 2WD featuring a start/stop system, achieves a CO2 emissions rating of just 135 g/km.
Winners to be presented at IAA motor show in Frankfurt
The Rat für Formgebung (German Design Council), organiser of the newly instituted Automotive Brand Contest, was founded in 1953 as an initiative of the German Federal Parliament, and today counts among the world’s leading centers of excellence for communication and knowledge transfer in the field of design.
Among the patrons of this independent institution are 170 companies from both Germany and abroad. With its competitions, such as Designpreis Deutschland (Germany’s highest official design award), its exhibitions, as well as its conferences,
seminars and workshops, the German Design Council’s purpose is to spread the word about good industrial design to a broad public. The Automotive Brand Contest is open to all companies in the automobile industry and their partners, in the supply industry and in the fields of design and brand communications.
This first year’s winners of the new competition will be presented with their awards at the IAA in Frankfurt on Automotive Designers’ Night, 13 September 2011 (first press day).
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Premium ownership and guaranteed peace-of-mind
Viking Cars, Incorporated (VCI), the exclusive distributor and dealer of Volvo cars and parts in the Philippines, takes the lead in raising the bar of premium ownership experience as offers its 5 Year Warranty Program. Now you can drive home a brand new Volvo and enjoy worry free ownership for the next five years.
“Volvo cars are designed around people. With this in mind, Volvo Philippines remains committed in enhancing ownership experience by giving them peace of mind and assuring the best quality of their Volvo even on their fourth or fifth year of ownership” says Roselyn M. Dimalanta, First Executive Vice President of VCI.
“Volvo’s core value of safety extends not only to the people inside the car but also to the people they care for. The 5 Year Warranty program will give our customers more opportunities to celebrate life with their loved-ones knowing that their car is taken care of. This is the kind of security we want to give our clients. This is the kind of safety and quality Volvo is known for”, adds Loi Concepcion.
Volvo’s best-in-class 5 Year Warranty Program comes with unlimited mileage and a 5-year, 24-hour roadside assistance. This guarantees that repairs on your Volvo will be done when needed regardless of mileage and secure yourself with a hassle free experience with you Volvo. All repairs will be undertaken in Volvo’s authorized service center where internationally-trained technicians are ready and well-equipped to take care of your car.
Visit the Volvo Showroom and find out that safety and security can be achieved without much effort with Volvo’s 5 Year Warranty Program.
It’s about time you drive a Volvo.
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MANILA, Philippines, 8 July, 2011 – Ford Group Philippines (FGP) kicks off its comprehensive and UN-recognized road safety initiatives under the company’s global Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) campaign this month. This program is part of Ford’s ongoing commitment to promote and improve driver safety in the Philippines.
Ford is planning a series of day camps and seminars throughout the year and aims to have 2,000 licensed drivers participate in the DSFL program. Training will focus on safe, smart and fuel efficient driving skills as well as providing handy tips on vehicle maintenance.
Driving Skills for Life offers free courses, both classroom training and practical learning, to help educate drivers of all ages on safe driving practices. The program has been customized for the Philippines to reflect the local driving environment and road conditions. Since 2005, Ford’s DSFL program has had more than 20,000 participants.
The Driving Skills for Life program also includes seminars for Ford employees, licensed student drivers, customers, corporate fleet accounts and automotive enthusiast such as car clubs. “Our commitment to our customers does not end with our products. We are also dedicated to encouraging people to become responsible and safe drivers. Since road safety is an important issue and concern in the Philippines, we aim to minimize road traffic accidents and promote economical and fuel-efficient driving through the Driver Skills for Life education campaign,” said Anika Salceda-Wycoco, FGP’s AVP for Communications.
This year’s first DSFL seminar was held recently with customers at Ford EDSA dealership. A total of 21 Ford owners and 9 dealership employees participated in the session that was conducted in collaboration with Ford’s DSFL partner, Tuason Racing School (TRS), and featured interactive activities on safe, smart and fuel efficient driving techniques. Participants were also given the opportunity to drive and apply their classroom learning’s.
“There are different causes of motoring accidents every year. Speeding, drunk driving and not following road signs and regulations are just some of them. We need to understand that road safety is a full time commitment and licensed drivers should always keep an open eye and undistracted mind when on the road,” advises JP Tuason of TRS.
Customers who participated in the Driving Skills for Life seminar were not only pleased with vehicles they test drove, but also with Ford’s admirable initiative.
“As part of my family’s business I transport heavy appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners using my Ford Ranger, my truck has been with me for over a year now and it hasn’t failed me once. After learning so much from the seminar, I feel confident again knowing that I am well-equipped with road safety knowledge which can help me avoid traffic violations as well as road accidents,” explains Ryan Vincent Mitra.
“I really learned a lot from this session. I’m glad that I had the chance to practice my newly-learned skills and apply it to real driving situations. This will help me prepare for or prevent possible dangers on the road,” adds Fiesta-owner Jocephine Yao.
“The Driving Skills for Life program is an ideal way for Ford to leverage our global expertise to help make a difference here in the Philippines. We hope to encourage more Filipinos to practice safe driving every time they are on the road,” Wycoco added.
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