SPAIN - Audi launches the new A4 Avant with an alternative Bi-Fuel Engine system, making this car more efficient.

• Alternative propulsion system for the new Audi A4 Avant
• Bi-fuel engine 2.0 TFSI equipped with an innovative combustion process
• The Audi e-gas provides free mobility of CO2 emissions

Sporty, versatile and with low emissions of CO ₂ . With marketing scheduled for late 2016, the Audi A4 Avant g-tron Audi is another proposal for the sustainable mobility of the future.Following the trail initiated by the Audi A3 Sportback g-tron, it is the second model of the brand that can use natural gas and Audi e-gas production sustainable.

The A4 Avant g-tron is simultaneously sporty, efficient and extremely economical. The engine is based on the new 2.0 TFSI developed by Audi, which offers an advanced and highly efficient combustion process.Turbocharged power unit produces 170 hp (125 kW). 

Its maximum torque of 270 Nm is available at around 1650 rpm. The pistons and valves have been specially modified to run on gas and allow optimum compression ratio. An electronic controller reduces the high pressure of 200 bar gas from the reservoir until a pressure of 5 to 10 bars in the motor. 

This control system pressure is done dynamically and precisely in response to the requirements that the driver requires the engine. The correct pressure is thus always present in the gas pipes and valves injection: low pressure for efficient driving at low speed ranges, and higher for more power and torque pressures.

According to the NEDC measurements, the Audi A4 Avant g-tron consumes less than four kilograms of CNG (compressed natural gas) per 100 kilometers, which results in fuel costs for the client less than four euros (prices in October 2015 ). Emissions of CO ₂  are less than 100 grams per kilometer. 

The fuel tank capacity is 19 kilograms of gas, enough to have a range greater than 500 kilometers. When the content of gas in the reservoir falls below 0.6 kilos -number analogous to a residual pressure of 10 bar-control unit switches to gasoline mode operation. 

The A4 Avant g-tron can then cover an additional distance of 450 kilometers in this mode. The total potential range is comparable to that of a car equipped with an engine TDI.

Mouths filling gas tanks and gas are located next to each other in the same location under the same cover.

After refueling and whenever the temperature is not too cold, the engine begins its start in petrol mode, then changing as fast as possible, to run on natural gas. Two indicators in the scorecard keep the driver abreast of fill levels of both deposits. The driver information system shows fuel consumption in active mode.

Audi four cylindrical tanks installed CNG as a single compact module in the rear of the A4. Each has been specifically sized and adapted to the available space. 

They are protected by a coating of steel sheet and a tensioning straps hold the cylinders and protect them against damage. The full CNG tank module, which includes the fuel tank 25 liters, the body is set during production of A4. 

The usual spare wheel has been removed, the battery and its location varies from the luggage compartment to the engine compartment. The trunk floor even has its edge in the cargo area, which can offer a fully functional space for luggage.

CNG tanks, with an operating pressure of 200 bar at 15 ° C, follow the principle of lightweight construction of Audi. 

Thanks to its innovative design, its weight is 56 percent lower than comparable steel deposits. Its inner layer is a polyamide matrix gastight. The second layer, a compound consisting of polymers reinforced with carbon fiber (CFRP) and polymers reinforced with fiberglass (GFPR), provides maximum strength. 

The third layer is made of GFPR and serves mainly aid for initial visual inspection if necessary, to turn a milky white in case of damage. Before being installed in the car, every tank is tested at 300 bar during the production phase, so that the maximum pressure that support is even higher and far exceeds legal requirements.

Audi e-gas produced in Germany, the A4 Avant g-tron is a vehicle that runs free of CO ₂ . 

The e-synthetic methane gas is obtained from water and CO ₂  with the help of sustainable electricity in plants "power-to-gas". Audi launched the world's first plant of this type for the production of Audi e-gas on an industrial scale in Werlte, but now e-gas produced at other facilities. 

With the "power-to-gas" technology, the brand with the four rings makes it possible to store excess renewable energy, a valuable contribution to the energy transition.

The company and its partners are strongly promoting the development of various known synthetic fuels such as Audi e-fuels, including through new biological production processes.

In Germany, the driver can refueling card using the Audi e-gas refueling as in the case of the Audi A3 Sportback g-tron, which serves as a means of payment and at the same time as a tool to balance emissions.

From the information transferred during payment, Audi supplies the German natural gas network with the amount equivalent to the gas load refueled by the customer. Thus, Audi achieved a completely neutral emission mobility CO ₂

Translated by Google - Apologies for any errors that may have been caused.

Hyundai launches new European i20 at Paris.

• Premiere of New Generation i20
• New Generation i20 to be equipped with new 1.0-litre T-GDI engine in 2015
• New powertrain concepts to boost fuel-efficiency

Hyundai Motor has revealed the New Generation i20 at the Paris Motor Show 2014. With sophisticated design, class-leading interior space and generous equipment and comfort-enhancing features, the New Generation i20 has evolved into a more premium-quality package. Designed, developed and built in Europe, the New Generation i20 is a truly European car and the Paris Motor Show was a natural choice for its world premiere.

Hyundai has confirmed that the New Generation i20 engine line-up will be enhanced with a new downsized 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine in 2015. The new Kappa 1.0-litre T-GDI is the first of a new generation of small turbocharged petrol engines, offering enhanced performance, driving pleasure and efficiency. Developed at Hyundai’s European Technical Centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany, the 1.0 litre T-GDI engine produces up to 120 PS and 172 Nm of torque.

Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO at Hyundai Motor Europe, commented, “The i20 is a truly European car and we are proud to present it here in Paris. With our new 1.0-litre engine we follow the trend of small turbocharged engines, which provide great driving performance while being very efficient. The new engine underlines Hyundai’s commitment to sustainable mobility in Europe and gives an insight into future drivetrain innovations from Hyundai.”

To reinforce its position at the forefront in the development of sustainable mobility, Hyundai will also display a fuel-efficient 1.4-litre turbo petrol direct injection (T-GDI) engine, a 48-volt Hybrid version of the i40 and a New Generation i30 powered by compressed natural gas (CNG).

USA RECALL #1 - General Motors recalls over 3,000 units for possible CNG leakage.

Report Receipt Date: AUG 13, 2014
NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V500000
Component(s):
Potential Number of Units Affected: 3,196 

Manufacturer: General Motors LLC

SUMMARY:

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chevrolet Express compressed natural gas (CNG)vehicles manufactured September 10, 2010, to April 28, 2014, and GMC Savana CNG vehicles manufactured May 23, 2011, to April 21, 2014. The affected vehicles may leak natural gas from the CNG high pressure regulator.

CONSEQUENCE:

A natural gas leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire or explosion.

REMEDY:

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure regulator, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification date. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 14321.

NOTES:

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

The ŠKODA model range is getting exciting extensions.

› ŠKODA Octavia: model series expanded with Octavia G-TEC and Octavia Laurin & Klement; new sports steering wheels, wheels and technological features
› ŠKODA Yeti and ŠKODA Citigo launched in Monte Carlo versions
› More comfort features for ŠKODA Citigo and ŠKODA Rapid
› New special edition ŠKODA Superb Outdoor – strikingly adventurous
› ŠKODA model & design campaign moves into the next stage

The ŠKODA model range is getting exciting extensions. Two new versions of the Octavia will be heading to auto-dealers in May – the new ŠKODA Octavia G-TEC and the new ŠKODA Octavia Laurin & Klement. There will also be two new additions to ŠKODA’s sporty Monte Carlo family – the Yeti Monte Carlo and the Citigo Monte Carlo. A distinctively styled version of the ŠKODA Superb is also now available as the ŠKODA Superb Outdoor. In detail, the Citigo, Fabia, Rapid, Octavia und Yeti will also receive new and exciting product features. These introductions will take place as part of the 2015 model year change.

​The Czech manufacturer’s model range is becoming even more versatile through renewing and expanding the current range. In addition, the ŠKODA model and design campaign will be moving into the next stage this year. The new ŠKODA Octavia Scout is to be launched on the European markets in mid-2014. The spectacular ‘ŠKODA VisionC’ design study, seen a few weeks ago at the Geneva Motor Show, gave an insight into ŠKODA’s future design language. 

“The new ŠKODA models are extremely popular with our customers. This is proved by our sales in the first quarter of 2014. We are pleased that we can offer our customers even more innovations in terms of technology, design and equipment,” says Werner Eichhorn, ŠKODA Board Member for Sales and Marketing.

The new ŠKODA Octavia G-TEC is soon to be launched. The first series-produced Octavia to run on CNG enriches ŠKODA’s model range of environmentally-friendly yet affordable vehicles. The Octavia G-TEC can travel up to 1,330 km on a single tank. The bivalent engine runs on petrol and CNG. On CNG, the vehicle uses only 5.4 m3 (3.5 kg) of natural gas, corresponding to CO2 emissions of a mere 97g/km. The Octavia G-TEC is ŠKODA’s second natural gas vehicle after the Citigo G-TEC.

The top-of-the-range L&K standard will be seen in the new Octavia for the first time, being launched as the ŠKODA Octavia Laurin & Klement (L&K). The L&K range pays homage to the founding fathers of ŠKODA, Václav Laurin and Václav Klement. The Octavia L&K, as a saloon and estate, will be one of the best equipped cars in the compact segment. The car’s comfort features include bi-xenon headlights with integrated LED daytime-running lights, redesigned 18-inch wheels, a modern 4-spoke multifunction leather steering wheel and the CANTON sound system. In addition, high-quality materials and subtle design effects provide an air of elegance. There are three powerful engines, including the 135 kW 2.0 TDI Green tec with the fantastic combination of a six-speed DSG gearbox and four-wheel drive. This engine will be available from August 2014. ŠKODA has also improved the driving comfort of the Octavia L&K, with a new chassis set-up and with an emphasis on high-comfort suspension tuning. 

The Octavia also features some exciting innovations. There are new sports steering wheels and new 16-inch alloy wheels for the Green Line version. The Optical Parking Assistant is also available upon request. The ‘Swing’ radio has been redesigned as well. 

ŠKODA’s Monte Carlo model family has grown. The ŠKODA Yeti Monte Carlo has won over customers with dynamic design elements and extensive series-standard equipment. Among other things, there is a black-painted radiator grille frame and a black front spoiler. In addition, the Yeti Monte Carlo now has black 17-inch alloy wheels and tinted rear side windows and rear window (SunSet). The vehicle roof and the A, C & D pillars are painted black, as is the roof rack and the exterior mirror housings. A black rear diffuser highlights the car’s sporty appearance. The interior is equally as sporty, with 3-spoke sports steering wheels, sports seats, stainless steel pedals and Monte Carlo decorative trim. 

ŠKODA will be offering brand new 3-spoke sports steering wheels and three new wheel designs for the Ambition and Elegance Yeti versions from the end of May. The exterior colour ‘Shark-Blue’ is to be replaced by the new colour ‘Laser-White’.

ŠKODA now offers a Monte Carlo version of the ŠKODA Citigo. This version will be available with all engines, a bivalent variant running on compressed natural gas and petrol as well. The special edition drives up on black 15-inch alloy wheels, and black 16-inch alloys will also be available as an option. The car comes with sports suspension, 15 millimetres lower compared to the standard Citigo. In addition, there are tinted windows, a black front and rear spoiler, a black diffuser and grille and black exterior mirror housings. The car also features a sporty interior, with a 3-spoke sports steering wheel, black roof lining, black interior lining and seat covers in Monte Carlo design. The instrument panel has a special Monte Carlo design with an inlaid pad in black decor paint. 

As of September for the ŠKODA Citigo a high quality sound system with subwoofer and six speakers is available. Other new features are the optional three-spoke sports steering wheel and as standard equipment in the Ambition version a safety vest holder under the driver's seat.

The ŠKODA Rapid and ŠKODA Rapid Spaceback are also to be upgraded as part of the 2015-model year change. The manufacturer will be offering optional rain and light sensors on both models. The rain sensor attached to the windshield under the rear-view mirror automatically operates the wipers when it rains. The light sensor detects the intensity of the light outside and, for example, switches automatically from daytime running lights to low beam at the entrance to a tunnel. The light sensor also includes the ‘Coming home/Leaving home’ function. 

A 3-spoke sports steering wheel upholstered in perforated leather is a new feature in the dynamic package for the Rapid and Rapid Spaceback. The leather steering wheels are to receive a silver-coloured decorative trim. ‘Laser-White’ and ‘Topaz-Brown’ (from CW38) are also going to be available as exterior colours. There is also going to be a new style package for the Rapid saloon. This includes black exterior mirror housings as well as the fog und rear lights encased in black. 

A strikingly adventurous version of the ŠKODA Superb is now available. The special edition ŠKODA Superb Outdoor features robust panelling, attractive alloy wheels, a rough-road package, and other design elements. Except for the GreenLine version, the ŠKODA Superb Outdoor is available for virtually all Superb engine and transmission variants and with front or all-wheel drive.

The ŠKODA Fabia and ŠKODA Roomster are going to have slight changes to the range of colours available. The top bar of the radiator grille is to be painted in the same colour as the body in future editions of the Fabia Monte Carlo special model. The Fabia’s ‘Sky-Blue’ exterior is to be replaced with ‘Moon-White’. The Roomster will have ‘Laser-White’ and ‘Jungle-Green’ in place of ‘Shark-Blue’.

SEAT Generates 6.5 Billion Euros, its highest ever against a total Loss of -149 million Euros.

• Earnings after tax totals -149 million euros
• SEAT generates EBITDA of €221m; operating cash flow increases by 70%
• Investments fully covered by operating cash flow for the first time since 2007
• Over 2,600 million euros investment and R&D expenses over the past five years
• Martorell factory records its highest production volume since 2007

With a major upswing in sales demand and production, SEAT closed 2013 with the highest revenue in its history, having posted a turnover of 6,473 million euros – that’s 6.3% more than the previous year.

“2013 was a difficult and demanding year, but SEAT proved its potential by joining the ranks of the fastest growing brands in Europe and set sales and production records for the past years,” highlighted SEAT President Jürgen Stackmann during the presentation of the 2013 results.

Fierce market competition in Western Europe (SEAT’s largest trading region), driven by the challenging economic difficulties in the region, resulted in diminished revenue per unit – one of the key factors of an operating result of -217 million euros in 2013, compared to -134 million euros the previous year¹. The operating result was also affected by higher personnel and restructuring costs, and an increase in amortisations due to the launch of new models. 

SEAT has made enormous investment efforts over the past five years in order to guarantee its future, amounting to over 2,600 million euros for investments and R&D expenses. Earnings after tax totalled -149 million euros compared to -30 million the previous year.

The company’s EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization) improved by 73% to a total of €221m, and operating cash-flow went up by 70% to €358m. For the first time since 2007, investments were fully covered by operating cash flow. Holger Kintscher, Vice-President for Finance and Organization, stressed that “SEAT has carried out an important streamlining of the balance sheet that consolidates its financial position. The company has considerably increased its ability to self-finance investments and has also improved the quality of its operating business”.

Quality and efficiency

With more than 102,000 units delivered worldwide (+44.4%), the Leon holds the key to explaining SEAT’s positive sales performance in 2013, as overall brand sales reached 355,000 units – an increase of 10.6%. Its five-door version, which was the model sold all year, became the brand’s best-selling model in several markets (Germany, United Kingdom², France, Italy and Turkey, amongst others). SEAT took advantage of the crisis to reduce its dependence upon the domestic market and expand internationally, exporting 83% of its output last year compared to 75% in 2009.

Together with the Leon, the Ibiza and Altea ranges and the second complete year of production of the Audi Q3 gave SEAT its highest production volume in the Martorell facilities since 2007, with an output of more than 390,000 units (+3.4%). On the 20th anniversary of its inauguration, the Martorell factory was elevated with the prestigious Automotive Lean Production award for the efficiency of its production processes.

The quality of SEAT’s processes and products gained widespread international recognition, which further boosted the company’s brand image. Three SEAT models (Leon, Ibiza and Alhambra) were distinguished with several awards in many countries, particularly Auto Express Car of the Year in the United Kingdom and Car of the Year in Spain for the Leon.

Employment and sustainability

Social engagement and a commitment to sustainability were a major focus for SEAT in 2013. The company remained one of Spain’s leading industrial employers and in contrast to the domestic labour market, SEAT has emerged from the worst stage of the crisis with the net creation of more than 1,000 jobs, rising from 10,369 employees in 2009 to 11,458 last year.

SEAT’s commitment to training – to which some €13m annually are devoted – and especially to the dual-vocational training programme carried out at the company’s Apprentice School, continues to trigger huge interest among thousands of young people who see the company as a great opportunity to achieve personal and professional fulfilment.

The inauguration of SEAT al Sol, the car industry’s largest solar energy plant, has become SEAT’s emblem of environmental commitment, which is also passed on to its products. Thanks to the company’s Ecomotive range of products, 60% of the vehicles sold by SEAT all over the world emit less than 120 g/km of CO₂, a figure that increases to 80% in the Spanish market. At the same time, the company is working on initiatives to boost the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) in the car industry, a fuel that is cleaner, safer and more affordable. SEAT currently offers two CNG-powered models: the Leon TGI and the Mii Ecofuel, the latter boasting the lowest consumption and emissions figures in the history of SEAT with 79 g/km.

The future

In 2014, the range of SEAT vehicles will continue to expand mostly around the Leon family. After unveiling the Leon Cupra at the Geneva Motor Show, the fastest and most powerful car in the history of SEAT, the next newcomer before this summer will be the Leon ST 4Drive (with all-drive traction), followed by the Leon X-Perience, a family-sized crossover version based on the ST, by the end of the year.

SEAT’s best-selling Ibiza, one of the company’s cornerstones that has remained a sales leader in Spain since 2001, will see its range expanded in a month with a special version to commemorate the model’s 30th anniversary. This summer sales will begin of the Mii by MANGO, the urban car also presented in Geneva that has been created in collaboration with the fashion brand based in Barcelona.

The company kicked off 2014 with a growth in sales, especially of the Leon. In January and February 2014, Leon registrations increased by 46% compared to the same period in 2013 and 18,700 units were sold globally. Furthermore, over 20,000 orders have already been placed for the family-style Leon ST since production began in the final quarter of 2013.

“Economic difficulties persist in our business environment and we are facing several challenges, both as a sector and as a company. But SEAT has a stronger financial basis than before and a clear strategy for the future that builds on the success of the Leon formula, which is the basis that defines our models and the brand,” summed up SEAT President Jürgen Stackmann.

1. SEAT is preparing its individual financial statements according to the Spanish General Accounting Plan, without including its subsidiaries. Volkswagen applies international accounting standards (IAS/IFRS) and consolidates the figures of the SEAT brand.

2. While total Ibiza model sales (comprising SC, five-door and ST body styles) eclipsed overall Leon sales in 2013, the five-door Leon was the single biggest selling car in SEAT’s range.

First production Audi A3 models capable of running on compressed natural gas are now ready, but only for German highways.

• Audi A3 Sportback g-tron now available to order in Germany, priced from €25,900
• CO2-neutral mobility with the Audi e-gas fuel card
• Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg: “Audi e-gas is an important pillar of our sustainability strategy”

An Audi A3 equipped to provide the most environmentally friendly form of long-distance mobility will soon be taking to the roads. The A3 Sportback g-tron can be powered by ultra-clean Audi e-gas produced using green electricity, or by compressed natural gas, both of which are available to drivers in Germany, where advance sales of the car have just begun.

The Audi A3 g-tron forms part of a new, integrated and sustainable mobility concept from the Vorsprung durch Technik brand. Its 1.4-litre TFSI engine develops 110 PS and can be operated using either natural gas, e-gas generated by Audi or petrol. In pure e-gas mode the g-tron is entirely CO2-neutral, meaning that customers who use the Audi e-gas fuel card can opt to power their A3 g-tron without impacting on the environment if they wish.

The A3 Sportback g-tron will be priced from 25,900 euros in Germany. Due to the lack of infrastructure required to fully implement natural gas filling stations, there are no plans for Audi to introduce this model in the UK.

Audi e-gas is a synthetic methane that is produced at the Audi e-gas facility located in Werlte in Lower Saxony, Germany – the world’s first industrial power-to-gas plant. Green electricity is used in the production of Audi e-gas, and the process of generating it actually binds as much CO2 as is released when the Audi A3 g-tron is driven in gas mode, giving it exceptional ecological credentials. On average the Audi A3 g-tron consumes between 3.2 and 3.3 kilograms of gas per 100 kilometers. Fuel costs at present start at around 3.50 euros per 100 kilometres.

The buying principle for Audi e-gas is straightforward and corresponds to how green electricity is distributed: Audi records the quantities of gas that the customer pays for using their Audi e-gas fuel card and ensures that exactly this amount of Audi e-gas is fed into the German natural gas network.

Customers who choose this option can obtain an Audi e-gas fuel card for a flat price of 14.95 euros per month. In addition, the costs for the quantities of gas refueled by each customer are deducted via the Audi e-gas fuel card. The card can be used to purchase Audi e-gas at over 650 fuel stations in Germany.

Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Board Member for Technical Development at AUDI AG, emphasises: “In addition to our e-mobility developments, the Audi e-gas project is an important pillar of our sustainability strategy – as is the development of other synthetic fuels.” Audi is already operating a research facility for the production of Audi e-ethanol and e-diesel with its partner Joule in Hobbs, New Mexico. Moreover, the company is conducting research into the synthetic manufacture of Audi e-gas in cooperation with Global Bioenergies.