Skoda’s head of purchasing, Dieter Seemann, discusses sourcing EV components in a new interview. He says the biggest challenge is seeking out future suppliers for electric motor and connected vehicle components. “We have to really understand what happens in this business to identify the right partners to have in five to eight years from now,” says Seemann. “Many of these are suppliers completely new to us.” He says Skoda purchases 50 to 55 percent of its parts directly, while chassis and powertrain parts are shared among other Volkswagen Group brands. Read the full interview at Automotive News Europe.
Nissan is helping the European Commission develop a pedestrian alert system for electric vehicles. Called Electric Vehicle Alert for Detection and Emergency Response (eVADER), the project aims to develop technology that provides audible cues to alert pedestrians to oncoming vehicles without contributing to noise pollution. Nissan created a system for the Leaf that uses a camera to recognize pedestrians and cyclists and direct a sound in their direction. This work will help the EU shape its laws moving forward. Read more at Electric Cars Report.
The Nissan Murano Hybrid has gone on sale in China. The Murano Hybrid is powered by a supercharged 2.5-liter engine and an electric motor with lithium-ion battery. The hybrid uses Nissan’s All Mode 4×4-i all-wheel-drive system, and is equipped with a host of safety technology. The new Murano helps Nissan cater to China’s growing demand for SUVs, and is also part of the “Young Nissan” strategy. Read more at Green Car Congress, or in the press release below.
SHANGHAI, China(August 8, 2015) – Nissan today announced that the all-new Murano, including the hybrid version, is officially available for sale from its joint venture in China, Dongfeng Nissan Passenger vehicle company (DFL-PV).
Priced from RMB 238,800 to 379,800 (approximately USD 38,208 to 60,768*), the all-new Murano strengthens Nissan’s SUV lineup for the Chinese market and responds to the demand for SUVs from Chinese consumers, especially those young urbanites who pursue a high energy lifestyle and have discerning tastes. Murano also is an important product in DFL-PV’s “Young Nissan” strategy to reach a significant and growing part of the market in China.
The all-new Murano speaks Nissan’s latest global design language, with distinctive signatures such as the V-motion grille, floating roof and boomerang LED lights. The dynamic and sharp body is guided by the Emotional Geometry concept, while an upscale, spacious interior welcomes users inside. Thanks to its aerodynamic design, the all-new Murano has a drag coefficient at 0.31 which is one of the lowest in class.
As a key market in Nissan’s global business, China is the first market to introduce the hybrid version of Murano. The all-new Murano, including the hybrid version, is equipped with the new supercharged QR25DER gasoline engine and an electric motor with a compact lithium-ion battery. With the Nissan Intelligent Dual Clutch System and Xtronic transmission, it delivers powerful driving performance equivalent to the V6-3.5L gasoline engine, as well as superior fuel economy similar to the 2.0L gasoline engine. Furthermore, the hybrid version of Murano offers enhanced driving experience in both city and rural contexts thanks to the ALL MODE 4×4-i drive system.
Nissan places priority on automobile safety for its customers, and the all-new Murano boasts some of the most advanced in-class safety shield technologies, including Moving Objective Detection (MOD) and Around View Monitor (AVM) for real-time monitoring of road conditions.
A comprehensive range of driving aid features is also offered to further enhance driving safety, such as Forward Emergency Braking (FEB), Emergency Assist for Pedal Misapplication (EAPM), Driver Alert System (DAS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Warning BSW and Cross Traffic Alert (CTA).
First launched last year in the United States, the all-new Murano has received numerous awards, including the “IIHS top safety pick” and “Wards’ best ten interiors for 2015.”
*Converted based on RMB 1 is approximately USD 0.16
