We are driving the impressive DS 4 E-TENSE, and you will read our driving experiences soon. Did you know that since its launch, DS Automobiles has a 100% electrified range offered to its buyers since 2019?
DS Automobiles was the first premium manufacturer to commit to Formula E, and is the only brand to have won two consecutive Teams’ and Drivers’ titles. As of now, DS Automobiles has renewed its commitment until 2026, while starting development of a new generation of single seater that’s more competitive and more efficient. This technology laboratory enables progress to continue with production models.
On the Stellantis stand, DS Automobiles is showing off its Formula E World Championship DS E-TENSE FE21 single seater, like a winning secret of electrification from the brand.
Taking advantage of its commitment to this competition to transfer its expertise to its production vehicles, DS Automobiles is accelerating its electrification strategy and will present new exclusively 100% full electric models from 2024…
For the moment, with the 100% electric DS 3 CROSSBACK E-TENSE plus DS 4 E-TENSE, DS 7 CROSSBACK E-TENSE and DS 9 E-TENSE plug-in hybrids with 225 to 360 horsepower, every DS is offered with an electrified power unit.
In 2020 and H1 2021, DS Automobiles has been the leading multi-energy brand in Europe with the lowest average CO2 emissions (100.2 g/km WLTP in 2021) with its electrified range (34% of registrations).
At the heart of the Stellantis experience at the 2022 Consumer Electronic Show (CES) in Las Vegas, which had opened its doors from 5 to 8 January, Citroën shared its vision of current and future mobility with an original innovation, the Citroën Skate and of course, its mind-blowing Citroën Ami.
Citroën exhibited its “Skate”, an essential part of its concept of autonomous and shared mobility, Citroën Autonomous Mobility Vision.
The concept combines an autonomous technology platform, Citroën Skate, with pods purposed for a range of services and uses designed by partners (local authorities, service companies). The “Skates” will transport users from one point to another in the city, offering them a singular on-board experience”e.
The aim of this autonomous open-source concept is to free up urban traffic and bring users an original experience that takes care of all their needs.
To optimise urban traffic flows, a fleet of autonomous and interconnected robots, “Citroën Skates”, dissociated from the pods that they transport, will circulate in special lanes seamlessly integrated into the urban landscape. The Skates are mobility vectors which enable the pods, created by various service companies, to position themselves on their platform.
Users enjoy 24-7 access to the service of their choice. For example, they can benefit from a relaxed environment to read a book, watch a video, listen to music while sipping a drink, or practice sports while travelling from A to B.
Of course, focusing on the present, the Citroën Ami was also in the spotlight in its playful and sporty My Ami “Pop” version. Accessible, electric, ultra-compact and agile, Ami responds to new micro-mobility needs, rounding out our range of electric vehicles for individuals and professionals alike.
Lexus is taking advantage of the Salon period to introduce “Lexus Relax”, a unique program with a free extended warranty of up to 10 years to all customers, irrespective whether they have a new or pre-owned Lexus. Indeed, as our report about our own Lexus on these pages shows, reliable they are!
In order to offer the customer the opportunity to discover all hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric models and the Salon conditions at any time, Lexus is opening a virtual showroom. The latest model, the new NX, will be on public display in a number of shopping centers across Belgium and Luxembourg.
Relax with a Lexus…
With the Lexus Relax Program, every Lexus owner that has reached the end of the conventional manufacturer’s warranty (3 years or 100,000 km) automatically receives a free extended warranty of 12 months or 15,000 km after each annual service in the Lexus authorized network. Any car that is less than 10 years old or has less than 185,000 miles on the odometer is eligible for this free extended warranty. This also applies to used cars, even if they were previously serviced outside the official network(!).
Virtual showroom, the interactive Lexus experience
Lexus offers a fully virtual showroom to give everyone the opportunity to explore its hybrid, electric and plug-in hybrid models. When a visitor selects a model, he or she is given the opportunity to discover the car, the interior and the technical specifications. With regard to this specific “Salon”period, Salon conditions will be proposed. After this interactive experience, the visitor has the option to make an appointment with a Lexus dealer and even book a test drive right away.
The virtual showroom is accessible through the Lexus website.
The new NX goes shopping…
During the Salon period, the new Lexus NX will be on display in a number of shopping centers throughout Belgium and Luxembourg. Visitors to the various Lexus stands will have the opportunity to discover the new compact SUV for the first time, experience the luxurious interior and learn more about the technical specifications and the associated Salon conditions.
On a special website, D’Ieteren presents Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT, CUPRA, ŠKODA and Porsche, to make buyers choose more easily…
In the first days of this new year, interesting auto news is reaching our desk. Last but not least big Belgian importers are doubling their efforts to reach the car buying public, as there is no Automobile Salon this year due to Covid reasons.
Indeed, the salon period in January is traditionally the time for the Belgian public to think about a new car, even when the Show is not taking place. Today, where the range of models is ever increasing, making the right choice has become more complex. This is how the idea was born at D’Ieteren to offer a comfortable solution in a few clicks by bringing together all the models of the importer and making a ‘short list’ with the ideal model in the first place.
The site suggests these models, but of course the buyer can freely click away and make his personal choice…
D’Ieteren therefore launches for the first time a national multi-brand campaign from January 3 to 31 to coincide with the show period. Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT, CUPRA, ŠKODA and Porsche are joining forces on the new platform Dezewordthet.be/voicimavoiture.be, on which visitors can discover their ideal Top 5 cars based on personal criteria.
Once the visitor has selected their ideal model, they can use the platform to find the contact details of the nearest dealer, request a quote or even book a test drive.
José Fernandez, Chief Marketing & Digital Officer D’Ieteren comments: “This innovative approach takes advantage of the entire model range of the Volkswagen Group and has been designed as simply as possible to guide customers in their choice. It takes into account their criteria of use and the technological developments, especially in the field of hybrid and electric vehicles.”
The launch of the internet platform will be supported by a major communications campaign, including a digital campaign and a major TV and radio campaign.
Dominique Fontignies, PR & Communications Director, highlighted the news we can expect the coming year from Alfa Romeo, Citroën, DS Automobiles, Fiat and Jeep.
Here follows, dear reader, the second part of the interesting press conference held by Stellantis Belux. Dominique Fontignies, PR & Communications Director, highlighted the news we can expect the coming year from Alfa Romeo, Citroën, DS Automobiles, Fiat and Jeep.
Alfa Romeo will launch in the spring and autumn respectively the MHEV and PHEV versions of the beautiful Tonale, Citroën has a strong market position with its C4, also in the EV version, and has not to forget the Ami and the ë-Berlingo in its model range.
The stylish C5 X
The new flagship, the C5 X, will certainly also make its mark the coming year. DS Automobiles will also surprise with a new model in March. It has exceptional products which breathe French “Savoir Faire” and provide a unique customer experience.
DS Automobiles is the CO2 champion among the multi-energy brands, and last but not least has been two-time Formula E world champion.
In 2022-23 it will increase its electrified mix and consolidate its leadership, leveraging on the E-Tense line-up.
In 2024 it will launch only BEV cars, and in Europe it will sell exclusively electrified automobiles.
Fiat is the #1 volume brand of Stellantis, and caught the spotlights this year with its “roof garden” or the “Pista 500” on the top floor of the iconic former Lignotto plant. It is the largest hanging garden in Europe…
It also opened in September the “Casa 500”, a museum dedicated to the Cinquecento, and it is more than a simple car museum. Casa 500 tells the future of the FIAT brand, starting from its roots; ones that are indeed the inspiration for the future. The common thread is the ‘metamorphosis’ of the FIAT 500 across its three generations, a model that has made history in the automotive industry and has always inspired new ways of thinking and living. An icon of our times whose evolution conveys the culture of a country and the history of its city.
Your servant will be very interested to see it, Corona pandemic permitting!
Fiat also entered a multi-year partnership with RED, a charity organization fighting against pandemics. Co-founder of RED is Bono, and he stated: “This partnership with FIAT, Jeep and RAM is a powerful shot in the arm for (RED)’s fight against pandemics and the complacency that fuels them.” He continued:” the New (500)RED they won’t even need petrol to do it. FIAT wants to be as green as they can while they’re going (RED) and that’s a reason to punch the air.” The whole RED range of Fiats will be launched in January next year.
Jeep continued in 2021 its electrification program with the Renegade, Compass, and this year also the Wrangler joined the 4xe range.
(Left to right) All-new 2022 Jeep® Grand Cherokee Trailhawk, 2022 Jeep® Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe and Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve 4xe
There will be more electric models in 2022, with MHEV versions of the Renegade and the Compass, and of course a brand new Grand Cherokee 4xe.
In the next report of this press conference, we will tell you more about Opel and Peugeot.
Dear reader, I will be driving a BMW Z4 Coupé until the 24th of December, on Christmas eve… so indeed, driving home for Christmas. And I will certainly be listening to the iconic song by the same name… Also the choice of the BMW is fitting, as MINI belongs to the same group.
And this because that the all-time classic “Driving home for Christmas” was composed by Chris Rea in 1978 in… the Mini of his wife. MINI is now dedicating a specially produced video clip to the song that gets people all over the world in the mood for the festive season every year, starring the global MINI community.
The production of the video is another highlight in the MINI’s current brand campaign titled BIG LOVE. The motto is, as MINI puts it, “an expression of diversity embraced in practice in all its forms, welcoming fresh thinking and new ideas no matter where they come from.” The MINI community’s characteristic blend of individuality and the sense of belonging together plays a central role here, MINI says too. The diversity of this community is summed up by the slogan “We are all different, but pretty good together”.
With the video clip production initiated by MINI, “Driving Home for Christmas” returns to where it all began: in a very special British automobile. Because the journey that inspired Chris Rea to write his successful song was taken in a classic Mini. In the video clip, the original journey from London to the north of England is reflected upon and combined with scenes showing MINI fans of today on their pre-Christmas journey. You MUST see it, and here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2we7JdB7iY
We just let you look at some photos to get you in the mood, and enjoy also the sound track!
A new Fiat Scudo is available for ordering. This new Scudo, after the E-Ducato, is the second Fiat Professional commercial vehicle also available in an electric version.
This is another important step in Fiat’s Electric journey. Of course, here we also await a Hydrogen version soon. The Scudo runs on the same platform as the Citroën Jumpy, and is built in the same French factory. So it is certainly in the cards that it will also be converted to Hydrogen in Rüsselsheim…
The Scudo for now has a 50- or 75-kWh battery, and offers a range of up to 330 km (WLTP)
Flexibility is important in the cabin, and thanks to the “Moduwork”, it can commute the double passenger seat bench in a workstation and in a loading bay extension.
The “car-like” driving comfort, the “urban-fitting dimension” (max height 1,9mt), the ergonomic cockpit and complete set of ADAS and safety features delivers to the customer a stress-free, zero-emissions together with outstanding comfort, according to Fiat.
The Scudo is available with full-electric and diesel powertrain with manual or automatic transmission and can now be ordered in four versions and up to three lengths: Van, Crew Cab, Cab with platform, and Combi M1.
By the way, did you know that Stellantis will produce the Fiat Scudo also in Russia and export them to other markets?
Stellantis owns a 70% stake in a car plant in the Russian city of Kaluga, where it plans to produce the vehicle by 2022. Mitsubishi owns the remaining 30% stake…
The development of fuel cell technology is now taking on a new dimension at CITROËN with the production of the first ë-Jumpy Hydrogen. Indeed, the CITROËN ë-Jumpy Hydrogen, assembled in France in the SevelNord-factory, is being adapted to hydrogen in the hydrogen-fuel cell expertise center of the STELLANTIS-group in Russelsheim, Germany…
This ë-Jumpy Hydrogen has therefore the same technical specifications as its Opel sister car, the Vivaro e-HYDROGEN. Like the Opel, it retains a 10.5 kWh lithium-ion battery, which provides dynamic peak power when required, for example, at start-up and under acceleration. Since the battery covers power needs in such situations, the fuel cell can run at optimum operating conditions.
Post-production : Astuce Productions
Citroën also wants their car to be put to the test in daily practice as soon as possible. This first ë-Jumpy Hydrogen will be delivered in the coming days to the SUEZ Group, which is preparing to test this model on a large scale at its Carcassonne site, a pilot site where SUEZ is investing in the production of green hydrogen, an important challenge for the coming years.
We photographed the GTAm for you this summer at the Chateau of Princess Lea in Humain…
The Giulia GTAm certainly stole our car loving heart, and apparently we are not alone. The iconic Italian design, combined with 540 hp engine power, convinced also the readers of AUTO BILD SPORTSCARS.
They elected the Giulia GTAm, the most powerful car ever produced by Alfa Romeo, “AUTO BILD SPORTSCAR of the Year 2021”. A total of 109 current sports car models were put to the readers’ vote. The Giulia GTAm won topped the import rankings in the category “Sedans & Station Wagons”.
Who wouldn’t like to be behind the wheel of this Alfa…
Last year, the readers of AUTO BILD SPORTSCARS elected Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio as the winner. This year, it was the turn of the Giulia GTAm to be chosen for the award. A major achievement and a source of great pride for the Italian brand. Both awards embody the high regard in which Alfa Romeo is held by German sports car fans.
As you know, the GTAm is built in just 500 numbered units. The Giulia GTA’s well-known acronym stands for “Gran Turismo Alleggerita” (‘lightened grand tourer’), paying tribute to one of the most legendary cars in the brand’s glorious history: the 1965 Giulia Sprint GTA. With the widespread use of ultralight materials, the Giulia GTA’s weight is reduced by up to 100 kg compared to the Giulia Quadrifoglio, and is equipped with an upgraded version of the 540-hp Alfa Romeo 2.9 V6 Bi-Turbo engine with a best-in-class specific output of 187 hp/L.
Times are changing in our electronic age, and fast. Manufacturers will have to build cars with an open software-defined platform, and three new platforms will arrive as early as 2024… says Stellantis.
Indeed, Stellantis N.V. today mapped out its software strategy to deploy next-generation tech platforms, building on existing connected vehicle capabilities to transform how customers interact with their vehicles, and to generate approximately €20 billion in incremental annual revenues by 2030.
This transformation will move Stellantis’ vehicles from today’s dedicated electronic architectures to an open software-defined platform that seamlessly integrates with customers’ digital lives. It greatly expands the options customers have to add innovative features and services via regular over-the-air (OTA) updates keeping vehicles fresh, exciting and updated years after they have been built.
“Our electrification and software strategies will support the shift to become a sustainable mobility tech company to lead the pack, leveraging the associated business growth with over-the-air features and services, and delivering the best experience to our customers,” said Carlos Tavares, Stellantis CEO. “With the three all-new AI-powered technology platforms to arrive in 2024, deployed across the four STLA vehicle platforms, we will leverage the speed and agility associated with the de-coupling of hardware and software cycles.”
Stellantis plans to invest more than €30 billion through 2025 to execute its software and electrification transformation.
The Stellantis software strategy works hand-in-hand with the Company’s vehicle electrification plans, detailed at EV Day in July 2021, which targets that more than 70 percent of its vehicle sales in Europe and more than 40 percent of vehicle sales in the United States will be low emission vehicles (LEV) by 2030. Each of the Company’s 14 iconic brands is committed to offering best-in-class fully electrified solutions.
More about this, and the strategic partnership with suppliers and software companies it implies, will follow soon!
Autoprova - for the Connaisseur 