We spoke with Pierre Leclercq: “our Citroën Oli is not only style. It is French Design.”  

On the Brussels Salon, Citroën showed its already iconic Oli prototype, a harbinger of things to come in the Citroëns which will be in the showrooms already this and next year. Reason enough for your servant to have a talk with its head of design, Pierre Leclercq, about the design philosophy of the progressive brand with the “double chevron”, and so much more…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

I started this interview asking indeed about this new design philosophy of the brand, striving towards simplicity, practicality, lightness, durability and sustainability in a very bold and original package.

PL: “With the Oli, there are two things. First there is the brand identity, as we show with the Oli styling elements which we will bring to the market as soon as this year. The front end, the new logo, the head- and rear lamps, also the coherence between the front and rear end. The latter is a very important element in our brand identity. (We have seen this already in the Ami – editor’s note).

The form language, the simplicity of the edges and the curves will also be seen on our future production cars, but then also the contrasting vertical elements will be present. Our designers will deviate here from the strictly automotive styling which you see in the other brands of the group, we have a non-automotive touch which will be a distinctive element in our future styling.

The magic goals of French Design…

The second fact is that the Oli is not just a styling exercise. It is not only style. It is really French Design. We work together with our engineers to reduce weight, the cost, we are striving for intuitive and simple solutions.

For instance the seats. It’s very important, we work with a whole team to get a seat which is very distinctive, which we can put into production. We discovered with the Oli that our clients are ready for these things. We see that our clients are ready to take bold steps together with us, because we have an image that we will bring something more on the road than just a nice looking car.

HKtB: This translates also into the choice of the materials, the dialogue with the suppliers about the substance and texture of the elements and their surfaces, their unique touch and feel, the atmosphere and character this gives to the car…

PL: We will be a zero carbon company in 2038, and this has a huge impact on materials. Not so long ago, the choice of the materials came very late in the process of building a car. The exterior and interior, the colors, it was seen as pure decoration. Here and there, one started to use recycled materials for some items, but that was it. This process is now completely turned around at Citroën. We now ask first to tell us which materials we can use, as we want recycled materials, unpainted, and we will go from there and adopt them. This is most interesting. And I think that our clients are also ready for this.

HKtB: These elements and this approach we also see in the Ami. The French, as even Mr. Tavares recently put it, love their individual mobility. The Ami is fit for the (mega)city… will there be other models geared for a new City Mobility in the spirit of the Oli?

We always search for new solutions…

PL:  We have many projects running now. It’s a bit like a funnel. When there is one project hitting the road, we have already other proposals in the pipeline. We are always searching for new solutions. If you remember, two years ago, we showed a rather disruptive project of robotized platforms, which is an intelligent use of the present day autonomous technology, in controlled urban areas. But I imagine perfectly in 2030 and 2035 that these solutions will be used in our cities. The design will then focus on the interior of the cabins and structures rolling on these platforms, a very interesting evolution.

The Ami represented a big risk for us, indeed, we thought about the city, but in fact, we scrutinized the clients who bought the Ami, age, location, etc, and we noticed that the Ami is not only used in the cities. We have clients who buy the Ami for their children and grandchildren, remember that in France you can drive an Ami at the age of 14, and it is better than a scooter. And in a market where these vehicles cost between 12 and 15.000 Euros, ours is available for 6.000 Euros… No small feat, as we respect the profitability margins of our group! It is now on the market for two years, and it has grown more into a lifestyle than a car. This is also what the 2 CV has achieved. It is not easy to create the same phenomenon in this day and age…

HKtB: Can you tell a bit more about your Ami buyers?

We have also many clients who buy an Ami for their holiday homes. And as I said, of course grandparents who buy the Ami for their grandchildren. There are also clients who own a Ferrari and buy an Ami for their third or fourth car…

HKtB: We talked earlier in Paris about your open mindedness towards other designers, in other sectors, who could become involved in offering elements of the car during its life, for example, that in a further future one could offer replacement seats for Oli’s or Citroëns who after years of intensive use get a bit long in the teeth… or, rather, offer parts and items to customize the new Citroëns…

PL: It’s a philosophy I love very much. People more and more want an object which is really theirs. Design is not a luxury anymore. If you go for an Ikea kitchen, you can still choose the finish, styling and colors you want, to make it yours. This is now also true for cars. We have started this with the Ami.

HKtB: It is also true for Jeep. Mopar offers a wide array of accessories.

PL: Indeed, this trend is already more prominent in the States. But with the Ami we started off in Europe with the same trend. Not that we offer many accessories, but we created a desire with the customer to customize his car. It’s like Apple. They don’t offer many accessories themselves, but are produced by Belkin etc. It is a very interesting path for our cars in the future. This will give us for instance incredible interiors. I want the client to appropriate our geometries. Why not share our geometries on the internet Open Space and invite the developers to have fun with it?

Every brand has its own design team to embody its proper DNA

HKtB: What is your relationship or rather dialogue between your styling department and the suppliers? Do they come present you what is possible, or after having established a manifest for yourselves what you want to do in styling in the next five years, let’s say, you ask them to come up with new materials, possibilities?

PL: The dialogue goes both ways. But I want to stress here that the design has become very important. The suppliers are specialized in offering technology, for instance for the platforms we have conceived within the group, but over the last 30 years, what have we done? Instead of asking PininFarina or Bertone to style all the cars in the world, we have all established our design centers which carry truly our DNA, and every brand has its own equipe or team of designers. This is génial, because we have cars within the group which don’t resemble each other at all…

HKtB: With the new materials comes also repair friendliness, durability…

PL: Indeed, we want our cars to have a longer lifespan, and we will refresh them within our network. We need of course more control as nowadays we don’t see the car anymore after it has been produced. We have to control the recyclability of the car. Otherwise it’s no use to build the car with recyclable materials.

HKtB: It think it is necessary to tell the client that his car now has a long life and that you as the manufacturer will follow the car throughout its life.

PL: Indeed, a lifelong car, staying with you the rest of your life.

HKtB: Indeed, that as a brand policy you commit yourself to the clients that your Citroën model, Type A, B, or whatever, that you will always follow this car for decades to come…

PL: Ca serait génial, that would be a stroke of genius. It is our goal. It would be very interesting and it would completely change the idea of the automobile of today.

HKtB:  The youth is already there. They support and adopt the circular economy. I think Citroën is the right brand to do this. 

PL: Indeed, we push within the Stellantis group for these concepts, and I think that our clients are far more inclined to make these choices than the buyers of other brands.

HKtB: I thank you for this interview. Thinking out of the box is always interesting.

PL: I thank you, always lovely to exchange these ideas, thank you for the conversation. I also think that every car we build has to make the life of our clients better. These are not empty words. The Ami improves lives. We offered a new service; in Paris, people smiled when they saw the car. It takes something to convince a Parisien!

Hans Knol ten Bensel

The Citroën C3 is the best-selling car in Belgium in 2022…

With 8,472 units registered in Belgium in 2022, the Citroën C3 is the most popular car in our country.  Citroën’s compact saloon is clearly very wanted for its pleasing size, which makes it easy to use in the city, its driving comfort and its original, empathetic design. Citroën’s compact sedan appeals to a large number of customers in Belgium, both individuals and companies.

“Citroën has always had a strong presence in Belgium,” says Damien Martin-Cocher, General Manager of the brand for the Belux market. “We are therefore pleased that our current range maintains this special connection with the Belgian public. The C3 is indeed very visible in the Belgian car landscape and we are very enthusiastic about it. We are on the eve of the 2023 Brussels Motor Show and we are convinced that we can use the success of the C3 to further strengthen Citroën’s position.”

Citroën builds further on is success and is planning a number of attractive offers for the Citroën C3 for the 2023 Brussels Motor Show. The C3 You! (e.g. equipped with air conditioning, BlueTooth radio and cruise control) is available from € 13,480 (€ 5,000 unconditional discount). More Citroën news soon!

Hans Knol ten Bensel

A look at Peugeot’s future products and electrification strategy with the INCEPTION CONCEPT…

Featuring a revolutionary exterior and interior design, including the next-generation PEUGEOT i-Cockpit® and innovative Hypersquare control system with steer-by-wire technology, the INCEPTION CONCEPT will inspire PEUGEOT’s future products from 2025 onwards. The better news is that Peugeot plans to bring most of its innovations to production (!)

Based on the STLA Large platform, the fully electric INCEPTION CONCEPT is powered by a 100kWh battery providing a range of 497 miles. With two electric motors, the INCEPTION CONCEPT produces almost 680hp and accelerates from 0-62mph in under three seconds. The model also features 800V technology, enabling it to add 93 miles of range in just five minutes, and is capable of wireless induction charging.

Linda Jackson, CEO of the PEUGEOT brand, said: “PEUGEOT is committed to the electrification of its range. In 2023, our entire line-up will be electrified and in the next two years, five new 100% electric models will be launched. Our ambition is simple: to make PEUGEOT the leading electric brand in Europe by 2030. This objective and ambitious vision pave the way for a radical transformation for the brand, as represented by the INCEPTION CONCEPT.”

Indeed, PEUGEOT will reduce its carbon footprint by more than 50% by 2030 in Europe and to become fully Carbon Net Zero by 2038.

Over the next two years, PEUGEOT will launch five new 100% electric models and by 2030, all PEUGEOT cars sold in Europe will be electric.

Dramatic design

The PEUGEOT INCEPTION CONCEPT introduces a new, simpler and more refined design language for the brand, which will be introduced on future models from 2025. At the front, it features an all-new light signature incorporating PEUGEOT’s distinctive claw design, which is merged with the front grille to create a single object that also houses the sensors. This is made up of a single piece of glass with the logo in the centre, magnified by the 3D luminescent effect.  The front grille and headlamps are in my opinion a bit reminiscent of the ‘70s 504… 

A TECH BAR runs horizontally through the door layer. This flush screen emits different messages to the outside of the car when the driver and passengers approach it. The artificial intelligence equipped on the PEUGEOT INCEPTION CONCEPT makes it possible to recognize the driver in order to set up the comfort settings (seat posture, temperature, driving mode and multimedia preferences) desired by each occupant. In addition, the TECH BAR also displays the battery charge level and houses many sensors and radars, leaving the bodywork completely smooth.

The INCEPTION CONCEPT’s bold design incorporates 7.25m2 of glazing to create a glass capsule for the passenger compartment that plunges to the driver and front passenger’s feet. All the glazing (windscreen, side windows and quarter windows) is made from glass designed for architecture. Adapted to the PEUGEOT INCEPTION CONCEPT, it retains its exceptional thermal qualities and benefits from a multi-chrome treatment (treatment with metal oxides), a process initially used for the visors of astronauts’ helmets by NASA.

Completing the car’s unique design is an exclusive body colour, which highlights the shapes in the bodywork and interacts, like the glazing, by tinting according to the external environment. The paint is single-coated, meaning far less energy is consumed during its application.

‘BEV-by-design’ platform

The INCEPTION CONCEPT has been given the silhouette of a low (1.34m) and efficient saloon and is 5m in length. It is based on the STLA Large platform, one of four future Stellantis Group “BEV-by-design” platforms. The arrival of this new range of platforms from 2023 will revolutionize the PEUGEOTs of tomorrow. Specifically created for electrification, they offer major differences in terms of architecture which enabled designers to completely reshape the PEUGEOT INCEPTION CONCEPT’s passenger compartment.

The new “BEV-by-design” native electric platforms will also introduce technological modules powered by artificial intelligence: STLA Brain, STLA SmartCockpit and STLA AutoDrive. Like the INCEPTION CONCEPT, future PEUGEOT models will be equipped with STLA Brain artificial intelligence and will be fully connected.

Powertrain

The 100% electric PEUGEOT INCEPTION CONCEPT is equipped with 800V technology. Its 100kWh battery enables it to travel 497 miles on a single charge, with extremely low consumption of just 12.5kWh per 100 km. The INCEPTION CONCEPT is capable of adding 19 miles of range in one minute, or 93 miles in five minutes, and can also be recharged wirelessly by induction.

Two compact electric motors, one at the front, the other at the rear, make the PEUGEOT INCEPTION CONCEPT a four-wheel drive vehicle. The combined power is close to 680hp (500kW), enabling it to accelerate from 0-62mph in under three seconds.

Next-generation i-Cockpit®

With its new Hypersquare control system, the PEUGEOT INCEPTION CONCEPT offers an agile driving experience and an all-new, more intuitive i-Cockpit®. Inspired by video games, the Hypersquare control system does away with the conventional steering wheel in favour of digital electric controls and steer-by-wire technology.

The centre of the Hypersquare is a tablet-type screen dedicated to the distribution of control information. The pictograms for the different features (air conditioning, radio volume, ADAS etc.) are displayed on the two side panels to facilitate access to the chosen control. The latter is located inside the circular recesses and can be accessed by moving the thumb only, without taking your hands off the steering control.

The next generation i-Cockpit also includes the Stellantis STLA SmartCockpit technology platform and STLA AutoDrive, enabling Level 4 autonomous driving. When driving is delegated, Hypersquare retracts and a large panoramic screen slides out from the floor to offer a new passenger compartment experience.

 PEUGEOT’s goal is to introduce the Hypersquare on a next generation vehicle in the range before the end of the decade.(!)

Interior

The PEUGEOT INCEPTION CONCEPT features a minimal cockpit dedicated to the driver alone, which does without a dashboard, crossbar and the bulkhead, providing a completely open view of the road.

Sustainable ‘moulded textiles’ are also used throughout the interior. Scraps of 100% polyester fabric from the design centre’s prototyping workshops or from suppliers are re-used to make load-bearing or trim parts. The seats are covered with a velvet made from 100% recycled polyester, which extends onto the floor and features 3D patterns to act as a floor mat.

More Peugeot news soon…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

BMW rides you into an enhanced real and virtual world at CES Las Vegas…

The BMW Group is sharing its vision of the future digital experience, both inside and outside the vehicle, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2023 in Las Vegas.

It presented the BMW i Vision Dee, a futuristic mid-size sedan with a new and pared-down design language. The name “Dee” stands for Digital Emotional Experience – and that is precisely its aim: to create an even stronger bond between people and their cars.

This car has future digital functions will go far beyond the level of voice control and driver assistance systems we are familiar with today.

It starts all with a BMW Head-Up-Display extending across the full width of the windscreen, providing a glimpse of the next vehicle generation.

From 2025 onwards, this innovation will be available in the models of the NEUE KLASSE. The BMW Group has also refined its use of colour-change technology. Having unveiled the BMW iX Flow Featuring E Ink, with the ability to change from black to white, at the last CES, BMW i Vision Dee can now curate its exterior in up to 32 colours.

“With the BMW i Vision Dee, we are showcasing what is possible when hardware and software merge. In this way, we are able to exploit the full potential of digitalisation to transform the car into an intelligent companion. That is the future for automotive manufacturers – and, also, for BMW: the fusion of the virtual experience with genuine driving pleasure,” said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “At the same time, BMW i Vision Dee is another step on the road to the NEUE KLASSE. With this vision, we are looking far into the future and underlining the tremendous importance of digitalisation for our upcoming product generations.”

With its intelligent, almost human capabilities, BMW i Vision Dee accompanies drivers not only through real-life situations on the roads, but also in their digital environment.

“A BMW lives by its unparalleled digital performance. BMW i Vision Dee is about perfect integration of virtual and physical experiences,” said Frank Weber, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Development. “Whoever excels at integrating the customer’s everyday digital worlds into the vehicle at all levels will succeed in mastering the future of car-building.”

BMW Mixed Reality Slider: into the virtual world in five steps

The BMW, in combination with the advanced Head-up Display, is the digital highlight and central operating control of BMW i Vision Dee. The completely virgin and simple dashboard panel shows just a line with dots. This is the Mixed Reality Slider. By using shy-tech sensors on the instrument panel, drivers can decide for themselves how much digital content they want to see on the advanced Head-Up Display. The five-step dot selection ranges from analogue, to driving-related information, to the contents of the communications system, to augmented-reality projection, right up to entry into virtual worlds. In parallel, dimmable windows can also be used to gradually fade out reality. Mixed reality can be experienced in BMW i Vision Dee in an immersive way that engages different senses without requiring any additional tools, creating a new dimension of driving pleasure for the user.

Advanced BMW Head-Up-Display: in NEUE KLASSE from 2025

The BMW Group is known in the automotive sector as a trailblazer for the Head-Up-Display and has systematically refined this technology over the past two decades. In BMW i Vision Dee, projection across the entire width of the windscreen allows information to be displayed on the largest possible surface – which only becomes recognisable as a display once it is activated. In this way, the BMW Group demonstrates the huge potential of projection technology and BMW i Vision Dee visualizes how a advanced Head-Up-Display could also be utilized in the future for the display and operating concept. The standard-production version of the BMW Head-up-Display extending across the full width of the windscreen will be used in the models of the NEUE KLASSE from 2025 onwards.

Welcome scenario with voice and phygital icons

The digital experience already begins outside the vehicle, with a personalized welcome scenario that combines graphical elements, light and sound effects. Natural language serves as the simplest, most intuitive form of interaction, enabling perfect understanding between humans and their vehicles. The headlights and the closed BMW kidney grille also form a common phygital (fusion of physical and digital) icon on a uniform surface, allowing the vehicle to produce different facial expressions. This means BMW i Vision Dee can talk to people and, at the same time, express moods such as joy, astonishment or approval visually. BMW i Vision Dee can also project an image of the driver’s avatar onto the side window to further personalize the welcome scenario.

World premiere for full-colour E Ink technology

Following the spectacular debut of the BMW iX Flow Featuring E Ink at CES 2022, the BMW Group is now unveiling a full-colour version of the E Ink technology in BMW i Vision Dee that will be used as the outer skin of the vehicle for the first time worldwide.

BMW i Vision Dee, rather than simply alternating between black and white, now showcases a multi-coloured, fully variable and individually configurable exterior. An ePaper film from the BMW Group’s cooperation partner, E Ink, is applied to the body to create this magical display of colour. Up to 32 colours can be displayed.

The body surface of the BMW i Vision Dee is divided into 240 E Ink segments, each of which is controlled individually. This allows an almost infinite variety of patterns to be generated and varied within seconds. The laser cutting process used to trim the films and the electronic control design were developed in partnership with E Ink. The adaptation of this technology for curved surfaces and the programming of the animations, were developed by BMW Group’s in-house engineers – enabling a form enabling a form of customisation that is unique throughout the automotive sector worldwide.

Reductive design – inside and out

The design of BMW i Vision Dee has been deliberately pared down to focus attention on the digital experience and the DNA of the BMW brand. The exterior is defined by the classic three-box sedan design that forms the core of the BMW brand. Traditional design elements, like the BMW kidney grille, twin circular headlights and the Hofmeister kink, are reimagined, with phygital icons replacing analogue elements. This gives BMW i Vision Dee its own digital, but human, character.

Inside, digitalisation goes hand in hand with reductive use of materials, operating controls and displays to ensure nothing distracts from the digital experience and the new feeling of enhanced driving pleasure. The unconventional design of the steering wheel, with its central vertical spoke, creates touchpoints that come to life when approached or touched and can be operated by moving the thumb. These phygital touchpoints control selection of the content projected onto the windscreen and, together with the Head-Up Display, thus support the principle of “hands on the wheel, eyes on the road”.

“With BMW i Vision Dee, we are showing how the car can be seamlessly integrated into your digital life and become a trusty companion. The vehicle itself becomes your portal to the digital world – with the driver always in control,” said Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group Design. “Implemented the right way, technology will create worthwhile experiences, make you a better driver and simply bring humans and machines closer together.”

Another milestone on the road to the NEUE KLASSE

The future of the BMW Group is electric, circular and digital. BMW i Vision Dee represents the digital aspect of this trio and will be another milestone on the road to the next vehicle generation, the NEUE KLASSE. The BMW Group will provide further insights and glimpses of the revolutionary vehicle concept of the NEUE KLASSE over the course of 2023. See more news soon!

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Fiat present at CES with the 500 electric, and a metaverse powered showroom…

The FIAT brand is playing its original approach to automotive mobility again at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegaswith two major exhibits starring the New 500 electric.

FIAT unveils for the first time the world’s first metaverse-powered showroom: the FIAT Metaverse Store. This revolution in customer experience is accessible, thanks to the partnership with Microsoft and Touchcast, at the Microsoft booth located in the West Hall #6017, recreating the feel of a showroom from home.

Alongside the FIAT Metaverse Store, the New 500 will also be the center of attention in the Free2move area of the Stellantis booth.

Reinventing customer approach in North America…

At the Los Angeles Autoshow 2022 Olivier Francois, FIAT CEO and CMO Global of Stellantis, officially announced the launch of the new Fiat 500e in North America in the first quarter of 2024 and the FIAT Metaverse Store will be one of the key innovative pillars for launching the FIAT electric icon in the US.

Launched last December in Italy, the FIAT Metaverse Store makes the Brand a leader in offering an immersive, simple, and human-driven brand experience. Inside the FIAT Metaverse Store, customers will be able to discover, configure, and even purchase the New 500 La Prima by Bocelli, experiencing the feel of a showroom with the help of the FIAT Product Genius, a real person ready to answer any questions. The entire New 500 line-up, additional models and markets can be found in the metaverse-powered showroom during 2023.

The FIAT Metaverse Store is a user-friendly and accessible to all technology, in fact it does not require a virtual reality (VR) headset or expensive hardware. The public will be able to try it out at the Microsoft booth located in the West Hall #6017 at CES 2023.

FIAT and Free2move together for more sustainable urban mobility

Lights shine on the New 500e 3+1 in the special Rose Gold livery, displayed as the only car at the Free2move stand. A collaboration, between FIAT and Free2move, stemming from a common goal: to build an increasingly sustainable urban mobility ecosystem as part of their mission to make EVs more accessible. The two brands are working on a unique value proposition that goes beyond rental, car sharing, and subscription. The customers will be able to enjoy a 360° Free2move experience through a Fiat car for a few minutes, several days or even months. This offer allows customers to tailor their rental contracts and associated services based on usage with a single invoice, directly from a dedicated APP.

More Fiat news soon also on the Brussels Salon de l’auto!

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Volkswagen Group of America will provide a glimpse of the ID.7…

At the CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas between 5 and 8 January 2023, Volkswagen Group of America will showcase its first fully electric sedan based on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB). It will still be seen in a “smart” camouflage, which uses unique technology and multi-layered paintwork to create light effects on parts of the vehicle.

The ID. AERO3 concept vehicle initially presented in China already provided a preview of the new model, which embodies an aerodynamic design concept and is able to achieve ranges of up to 700 kilometers (WLTP).

After a six-year break, Volkswagen Group of America is returning to the CES – the world’s largest trade show for electronics – with a very special product…

With the new ID.7, VW is extending its electric model range into the upper segments. The ID.7 is one of ten new electric models that VW is planning to launch by 2026.

VW seems to have learned some lessons when it comes to the functionality of the various infotainment and dashboard commands. It ofeers a new display concept, an augmented reality head-up display, a 38-centimeter (15-inch) screen and new air conditioning controls integrated into the first level of the infotainment system. Now we also have illuminated touch sliders…

Like all other models in the ID. family, the ID.7 is based on the MEB of the Volkswagen Group. The advantages of the modular matrix with short overhangs and long wheelbase (2.97 meters) provide a large interior.

With its ID.7 sedan, Volkswagen is expanding its successful fully electric ID. family into the upper middle class of the high-volume segment and advancing its electric mobility campaign with the ACCELERATE strategy. VW has already reached a first milestone: Since the first ID.3 models were handed over to customers in September 2020, Volkswagen has delivered 500,000 vehicles from its ID. family worldwide through its subsidiaries – around one year earlier than planned and despite the ongoing difficulties in the supply chain.

After the ID.3, ID.4, ID.5 and ID.6 (only in China) models and the new ID. Buzz7, the ID.7 will be the sixth model from the ID. family and is Volkswagen’s second global car to be based on the MEB after the ID.4. It is planned to launch the electric sedan in the three primary markets of China, Europe and North America. The ID.7 for the European market will be produced at the Volkswagen Emden plant. After the ID.4, it will be the second model based on the modular electric drive matrix to be built in Emden.

More news soon!

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Stellantis looks back at a good year in Belgium…

It is Brussels Car Show time soon, and the major manufacturers are looking back at their results this year on our Belgian market. Also Stellantis…

During the first eleven months of the year, Stellantis confirmed its strong position as a Belgian manufacturer of LEV, low-emission plug-in vehicles, strengthening its position in all relevant market segments.

In the field of BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles), the star is the New FIAT 500 electric. During the first eleven months of 2022, the New Fiat 500 electric ranks 6th in the total BEV market (all segments combined) as the first general public model after a top 5 made up of Premium brands and the first electric model of the Stellantis group. Did you know that in just two years, the New FIAT 500 Electric has been chosen by more than 100,000 customers in Europe and has won 33 international awards, in nine countries, making it the most awarded FIAT of all time.

Now it’s EV time for Abarth…

The Abarth brand also recently ushered in a whole new era with the launch of the all-electric New Abarth 500e. Combining performance, electric technology, style and powerful sound, the new ‘Scorpione’ turns advanced technology into pure adrenaline and durability into performance. A new online shopping experience will also be launched, with the New Abarth 500e Edizione Scorpionissima and an exclusive pre-booking phase until December 15 will be dedicated to members of the Abarth community only.

As for the Jeep brand, orders have been opened for the new Avenger in our market, the first all-electric Jeep SUV that recently had its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show. An important new asset that will certainly help the brand to promote sales of BEV vehicles.

Peugeot shows its claws…

In the pure electric market, PEUGEOT is positioned in second place in the BEV B Hatchback segment, with the 100% electric PEUGEOT e-208. The PEUGEOT e-2008 compact SUV occupies third place in the BEV B SUV segment, demonstrating that it is also very popular with Belgians in the 100% electric version. In 2023, the PEUGEOT 308 range will be completed by the PEUGEOT e-308 and e-308 SW and will strengthen its leading position in the C Segment. As for the 408, it is already available in two plug-in HYBRID versions. in, but PEUGEOT will present a 100% electric version later this year.

A successful entry in the premium market…

As for DS Automobiles, the new DS4 is already on the podium among C-segment sedans. Since 2019, the French luxury brand has presented a 100% electric range, becoming in 2020 the multi-energy brand whose CO2 emissions 2 are the lowest in Europe. The transition is accelerating: from 2024, each new DS Automobiles model will be 100% electric.

DS Automobiles is growing in Belgium in LEV cars much more (+48%) than the Premium market (+33%). In terms of sales, DS Automobiles increased its volume by 47% and one out of two DS is electrified. In October, DS Automobiles launched the new DS 7 and a DS 7 E-Tense 360 4×4 version. The same month, the brand opened orders for the new DS 3.

Opel is back…

The Astra Sports Tourer electric….

Similar sales successes are recorded by Opel. The Opel Corsa is fourth in the B Hatchback segment, and the Opel Mokka-e is second in the BEV B SUV segment. In 2023, the brand’s electrified offer, already extended today with 12 models, will be further enriched with the arrival of the new Opel Astra Electric. In this way, Opel is moving fast towards realizing its promise to become an all-electric brand in Europe by 2028.

Alfa shines with the Tonale Hybrid Q4

Alfa Romeo has also entered the electrified vehicle market with the launch of the new Tonale Plug-In Hybrid Q4. This launch is part of the brand’s overall electrification strategy. The new Tonale Plug-In Hybrid Q4 thus becomes the most efficient Alfa Romeo ever, with CO2 emissions of 26 g/km, more than 80 km of city range in all-electric mode – more than 600 km of total autonomy for long extra-urban journeys – and 280 hp power. Since the opening of orders, the new Tonale Plug-In Hybrid Q4 already represents nearly half of sales on the Tonale model, all engines combined.

Citroën’s C5 turns heads…

Citroën’s LEV range is also gaining popularity in the Belgian market thanks to the recent launches of the brand’s flagship, the New C5 X Plug-In Hybrid and the family SUV, the New C5 Aircross Plug-In Hybrid. In particular, the New C5 X Plug-In Hybrid ranks 1st in the ranking of PHEV sedans in the D segment (mainstream) after only a few months. Note also the success of the Citroën Ami (100% electric), which has confirmed since the beginning of the year its leading position in the segment of light electric quadricycles with the milestone of 1,000 units ordered since its launch in May 2021 largely exceeded. . Last October Ami recorded the second largest month of orders (134 units). And more news to report: orders have been opened for the New ë-C4 X. This new model dares to challenge traditional definitions of compact bodies to offer something innovative and distinctive: a design that combines the elegant silhouette of a fastback with the modern look of an SUV, as well as the timeless refinement and space on board of a 4-door. And last but not least, Citroën is positioned as the market leader in terms of ë-LCV BEVs.

More Stellantis news soon… we would like to lay our hands on the C5 X for a test!

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Nissan press conference 2023: more than ever offering clever and future-oriented electrification with a renewed range…

Nissan Belux was the first to hold a press conference prior to the Brussels Auto Show 2023, and organized it at the magnificent premises of Quartier Papier in Zaventem. On the photo below you see the Nissan Ariya, which according to Nissan, redefines E-Driving…

At the start of the conference, Jerôme Saigot, Managing Director of Nissan Belux, stated that with the Ariya, LEAF and Townstar EV models, Nissan has a very nice range of e-vehicles. But consumers are still not fully ready for a 100% electric range of cars. With the new Qashqai e-POWER and the X-Trail e-POWER, they can experience the pleasure of a 100% electric transmission without having to recharge the car via a socket, thanks to a second gasoline engine that produces electricity, he said. Indeed, Nissan goes a step further than the competition with new technologies such as e-POWER. So Nissan reaffirms its role in the fields of crossovers and electric cars. But read further…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Jerôme Saigot, Managing Director of Nissan Belux, presented the new Nissan electrified range and the environmental strategy of the brand towards 2030…

Nissan’s green strategy for 2030…

Jerôme Saigot also stressed that sustainability is at the core of Nissan’s long-term vision, Ambition 2030. Responding to critical environmental, societal and customer needs, this strategy sets out to deliver electrified models and technological innovation in key markets globally, empowering mobility and beyond. Ambition 2030 supports Nissan’s goal which is to be carbon neutral across the life cycle of its products and operations by 2050. 

Nissan JUKE Hybrid: new advanced powertrain offers efficiency and responsive performance

Indeed Nissan is embarking further on the 100 % electrification of its range. We have the Juke, the popular compact crossover, offered with hybrid technology. Key to the driving pleasure at the heart of the Nissan JUKE Hybrid is an advanced low friction multi modal gearbox, using  dog clutches instead of conventional synchronizer rings to shift the 4 “ICE” gears and 2 “EV” gears. Additionally, to reduce friction, this gearbox does not use a clutch. All vehicle starts are 100% electric, and the 2 EV motors are used in combination to synchronize the gears, delivering smooth and responsive acceleration. We will be keen to drive a hybrid Juke soon, and tell you about our driving experience with it.

A car which will please many is the Nissan Qashqai  e-Power, said Mervin Keuter, Communications Director at Nissan Belux, offering 100 % electric power without the need for recharging externally. Indeed, a combustion engine coupled to a generator provides the electricity. The e-POWER system consists of a high-output battery, complemented by a variable compression ratio 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo-charged petrol engine generating 156hp, a power generator, inverter and 140kW electric motor of similar size and power output as found in Nissan’s electric vehicles. The petrol engine generates electricity, which can be transmitted via the inverter to the battery pack, the electric motor or both, according to the driving scenario.

Melvin Keuter, Communications Director at Nissan Belux, highlighted the qualities of the Nissan Qashqai  e-Power…

What sets this powertrain apart is that the electric motor is the sole source of power for the wheels, so its response is instant and linear. Needless to say that also here we are looking forward to gets our hands on one to experience how all this actually works. It certainly is clever and responds certainly to what modern-day drivers want… we also want to see how economical and environment friendly all this still is.

The dashboard of the new Nissan X-Trail with e-POWER and e-4ORCE…

Another important novelty for Nissan is the revamped X-Trail with its e-4ORCE  system on X-Trail and fully electric Ariya. The innovative e-4ORCE all-wheel drive system was conceived for use on either Nissan’s pure electric powertrains or with its e-POWER system, mentioned above. In both cases, the driven wheels are powered purely by electric motors fed by the battery.

In the case of the X-Trail, the dual e-motor system has a total output of 157kW (213PS) with a 150kW front motor and a rear 100kW motor. This generates lively acceleration from 0-100km/h in 7 seconds. Nissan proudly announces that a rear electric motor has its advantages: it has a 10,000 times faster rear torque response than a mechanical 4WD system(!).

Rémy Le Gall, Marketing Director of Nissan Belux, commented also on the electrified Nissan range and last but not least dealer organisation and client approach, of which more later in a separate report!

Now, on the X-trail, you can also opt for the turbocharged 1.5-litre variable compression ratio powering the wheels in the traditional fashion. Generating 120kW (163PS) and 300Nm of torque, it will be offered only in two-wheel drive configuration, with power to the wheels being transmitted via Xtronic stepped continuously variable transmission. In driving scenarios with relaxed driving and light acceleration, the engine switches to high compression ratio for optimised fuel efficiency, while in situations where more performance is needed, the compression ratio is adjusted to a low level.

The powertrain is also equipped with 12v mild hybrid technology. The system provides torque assist, extended idle stop, quick restart and coasting stop, with benefits to both fuel economy and CO2 output.

The Nissan X-Trail e-4ORCE offers 100 % electric power without the need for recharging externally…

Driving the future: the Ariya

Staying true to Nissan’s heritage of fun-to-drive, exciting vehicles, the Ariya is built on the all-new Alliance-developed CMF-EV platform that’s optimized to deliver unparalleled performance.

The Ariya’s all-electric platform combines excellent power delivery, charging capabilities and range, with a carefully tuned balance between ride comfort and handling agility. Available in three versions (Ariya 2WD 63kWh, Ariya 2WD 87kWh, Ariya e-4ORCE AWD 87kWh) and a range of up to 533 km, Ariya can confidently meet a variety of customer needs.

The Ariya 87kWh can recover up to 350 kilometres with a 30-minute quick charge using a CCS charging system. The battery pack sits at the base of the chassis to ensure 50/50 weight distribution on the e-4ORCE version and near-equal weight distribution on the 2WD versions. During benchmarking, engineers placed great emphasis on striking the ideal balance between handling agility, secure feeling and ride comfort, something not all EV rivals are known for.

Subtle regional differences exist for Ariya, as well. For example, European consumers demand responsive steering and high manoeuvrability, but also require additional stability at higher speeds, so damping forces were increased to improve body control. Nissan Europe engineers also adjusted spring rates and retuned steering feedback to increase on-centre definition at higher speeds.

A timeless Japanese design language…

Incorporating Nissan’s Japanese DNA, Ariya’s striking exterior and interior reimagines EV potential by embodying Nissan’s Timeless Japanese Futurism philosophy of powerful design that fuses aesthetics with functionality while creating an upscale, open atmosphere.

The all-new EV platform and compact nature of powertrain components made it possible for Nissan to position Ariya’s climate-control system under the hood. This allowed designers to use the whole length of the cabin and create a flat, open floor with a lounge-like space inspired by premium futurism.

For the LCV market: the new Townstar…

The Townstar EV builds on the success of the e-NV200. Built on a shared CMF-C platform, the new vehicle will be manufactured at the Alliance centre of excellence for small vans in Maubeuge, France.

The fully electric version of the all-new Townstar EV features a powertrain optimised with intelligent energy management and battery thermal cooling. The Townstar EV is able to achieve a superior range autonomy of up to 300km (WLTP cycle). Delivering 122 PS and 245Nm of torque, the Townstar EV’s  45kWh battery can accept AC charging (11 kW or 22 kW) or DC quick charging (CCS format). The latter of which enables users to charge the battery from 15% to 80% in as little as 37 minutes.

Lots of interesting news from Nissan, keep posted for further Nissan news and driving reports of their interesting new cars!

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Jeep revealed at the Paris Motor Show its Jeep Avenger 4×4 Concept…

Externally, the 4×4 Concept features tow hooks, wider fenders and track, and is equipped with larger, exposed and more aggressive tires.

Indeed, at the finale of the Jeep brand press conference of the Paris show, Jeep announced its 4×4 Concept.

At the event, Jeep brand CEO Christian Meunier pointed out that the Avenger has been designed as a Jeep vehicle from the outset. Indeed, “the all-electric 4×2 model already offers some of the best-in-class capabilities that identify the Jeep brand”, he stated.

Of course, it was tempting to inject the Jeep brand’s four-wheel drive electrified capabilities into a compact package, while retaining the brand’s unique design language, capability and personality.

Externally, the 4×4 Concept features tow hooks, wider fenders and track, and is equipped with larger, exposed and more aggressive tires.

To further enhance the capability of the Jeep Avenger, the approach angle has been improved to 21 degrees, departure angle to 34 degrees and breakover angle to 20 degrees, thanks to the ground clearance which now exceeds 200mm.

The front end has additional protection, with thicker cladding and there are extra built-in flood lights to improve visibility when driving at night.

The Avenger 4×4 Concept also displays a new lightweight roof cargo system concept that, with a special belt system, compresses the luggage on the roof and has scratch-proof protection along its entire length. The whole package is completed by an anti-reflective hood sticker and anti-scratch grille treatment for additional peace of mind when driving off-road.

Concluding the unveiling, Meunier said: “Here in Paris, we have shown that we have a full portfolio of new all-electric 4×4 capable Jeep models just around the corner, with a clear goal in mind: to become the number one electrified SUV brand in the world as we continue our path towards achieving our mission of Zero Emission Freedom.”

The full-electric Avenger joins a portfolio of Jeep vehicles which are 100 percent electrified in continental Europe…

Just look at the photos for now, until the Avenger all electric 4×2 comes available for a test drive…and the 4×4 version will also hit our roads!  

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Come and see Alfa Romeo Storico at Autoworld Brussels this summer!

Autoworld Brussels is during the summer filled with iconic Alfa’s

On the first day of July – for many of us the start of the summer holidays – the mythical Milanese brand Alfa Romeo stands in the spotlight in the iconic Autoworld-Brussels museum, and this until the 28th of August.

So plenty of time for you to come to Brussels, and see the more than 50 of the most emblematic Alfa’s, celebrating the 112th anniversary of the brand.

This stunning show is the result of a close collaboration with the Club Quadrifoglio Belgio, the National Automobile Museum of Mulhouse, private collectors, the Italian collector of prototypes Corrado Lopresto and Stellantis Belux (Alfa Romeo).

There is more for you to see, as this exhibition will start on Sunday 3 July with a event organized by the Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio Belgio Club: a beautiful ride starting in front of the Royal Palace of Brussels and ending on the Esplanade du Cinquantenaire, in front of the Autoworld Museum, where a Concours d’Elegance will be held with nearly 150 cars.

On the first floor of the Autoworld museum are more than 50 historical Alfa’s: pre-war, commercialized, competition and special cars. These include a Giulietta Sprint and a Spider, the 2600 Sprint & 2000 Spider, a Montreal, a Giulia Sprint GT Veloce, a Spider Coda Tronca, a GT 1600 Zagato, a Giulia GT 1300 Scalino, a GT 1300 Junior, a 2000 GTV, an Alfasud, an Alfasud TI and an Alfasud Sprint, a Giulietta Turbodelta, an Alfa 90, an Alfa 75 2.5 QV, an Alfa 6, and many others…

The Musée Nationale de l’Automobile de Mulhouse owns a beautiful 1936 Alfa Romeo 8C Pininfarina, which is said to have won the Mille Miglia that same year. In addition, part of the exhibition will be devoted to five exceptional prototypes from Corrado Lopresto’s magnificent collection.

The Lopresto collection is one of the most important collections of Italian prototypes in the world from 1901 until today. Many of the cars are unique, custom built with special features (rare copies, special series, number 1 chassis, cars with famous owners). Most of these cars have collected awards at Villa d’Este and Pebble Beach. Showcases with scale models show the same cars in subtle dioramas.

One of the absolute highlights of the exhibition is of course the new Alfa Romeo Tonale, the first electrified compact SUV in its history. In addition to the new Alfa Romeo Tonale, the dynamic Giulia and the Stelvio, the brand’s sporty SUV, will of course also be on display.

We would say, you have the whole summer to see this unique collection on display, and who wouldn’t visit the capital of Europe in the meantime, where there is so much to see, and excellent Belgian haute cuisine to enjoy?

Until soon, and I all wish you a fantastic (automotive) holiday. Your servant will be travelling to France at the wheel of his personal Audi A5 Cabrio… soon more about my trip!

Hans Knol ten Bensel