Latest news with #EQS
Daily Maverick
4 days ago
- Science
- Daily Maverick
‘Hidden' Beneath Our Feet: The Wonder of South Africa's Geological Heritage
When we speak of South African heritage, we often think of ancient rock art, vibrant languages, and deep-rooted cultural traditions, maybe even the fabled braai! But woven into the very ground beneath our feet is another story—older, vaster, and just as awe-inspiring. South Africa is home to some of the planet's most extraordinary geological wonders: rocks that record the origins of life, those that have withstood intense folding and deformation, even surviving cataclysmic events that shaped the Earth itself. This is a land where 3-billion-year-old rocks lie just a stone's throw from bustling cities, where gold and platinum-rich layers speak of deep-Earth processes, and where volcanic lavas once linked what are now distant continents. Just as rock art connects us to ancient human expression, the rocks of South Africa connect us to the ancient forces that made our world. Our geological heritage is not just a scientific treasure—it's a natural legacy as rich, powerful, and uniquely African as any monument or tradition. It's time to look down, and marvel. Giant (1-2 m) 'pillows' preserved in 2.9 billion year old lava flows show evidence of eruptions under water in lakes or seas. These domes, called stromatolites, preserve ancient evidence of algal mats—some of the earliest evidence of life on Earth. To aid us on this quest, the School of Geosciences at the University of the Witwatersrand has launched Earth Quest Solutions (EQS). EQS's most novel offering is arguably the Geotourism experiences we have planned. These events will give us the opportunity to share South Africa's vast untapped geological heritage, stemming from our unique geology, with local and international scientists, students and the general public. Our hope is that these experiences both educate and inspire audiences about the incredible natural resources of our country and the role that geoscience plays in our economy and society. Join us on this inaugural 'Geo-Safari through Earth's Ancient Past'. DM
Miami Herald
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
2027 Mercedes EQS Spied With Updates As Sales Falter
Like the other Mercedes prototypes captured through the lens of our spy photographers, the facelift of the EQS SUV will feature revised daytime running light graphics, with a three-pointed star motif appearing in the headlights. The taillights, at least on this prototype, are unchanged. Since there's camouflage on the bumpers, we can expect some subtle changes in those areas too; our spies say the front "grille" panel will be revised. The X296 EQS SUV has only been on the market since 2022, and as is the case with the sedan that shares its name, customer interest in the all-electric SUV has been low. These subtle styling updates will aim to bring the EQS more in line with the styling of conventional Mercs to help reverse that disinterest, and there'll be more changes beneath the skin. The current EQS SUV offers an EPA-estimated maximum range of up to 323 miles, but the future models are expected to exceed that with the same sort of battery as the recently launched CLA, which set a world record for EVs by covering 2,309 miles in 24 hours last year. The compact sedan has an 85-kWh battery with anodes made of silicon oxide mixed with graphite, something Mercedes says increases energy density by as much as 20 percent compared to previous batteries, so the new EQS should exceed 350 miles of range in most forms. The EQS is also expected to feature eATS 2.0 motors, delivering more power and efficiency from the modified EVA2M architecture, which supports 800-volt technology. Our spies say the new EQS will be presented at IAA Mobility 2025, taking place from 9-14 September, so we'll know more soon. Still, despite these improvements, the EQS may not be successful. Some reports indicate the EQS name will disappear altogether, and even Mercedes admits that it made mistakes in the EV space. Recently, CarBuzz reported that Mercedes is closing its U.S. order books for the EQE and EQS sedans and SUVs, halting production from September 1. No timeline for a return was announced, but with huge price cuts of over $10,000 on some models, it seems that Mercedes has more inventory than it knows what to do with. With EV incentives going away at the end of September, shifting the EQS will be even tougher for dealers, and we doubt the facelifted model will fare much better. Then again, a lot can change between now and next year, when the 2027 EQS is expected to reach the market. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Entrepreneur
19-07-2025
- Automotive
- Entrepreneur
The Luxury EV Innovator
We continue to redefine the top-end luxury BEV segment with an unparalleled blend of technology and luxury appointments, says Santosh Iyer, Md & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. With strong local manufactur ing, a growing charging infra structure, and an unrelenting focus on premium experi ence, Mercedes-Benz India under Santosh Iyer is not just keeping pace with global EV trends — it's setting the benchmark for luxury electrification in one of the world's most dynamic markets. According to Iyer, the company's early and consistent focus on top-end luxury battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has helped accelerate segment adop tion. "We continue to redefine the top-end luxury BEV segment with an unparalleled blend of technology and luxury appointments," he explains. The result? A 73% year-to-date growth in BEV sales as of May 2025 — significantly outpacing the 66% growth in the overall luxury BEV segment. The demand is being fueled by vehicles like the EQS range, the EQS Maybach SUV, and the G580 with EQ Technology — all of which exemplify opulence, performance, and electric engineering. "EV adoption is a long journey," says Iyer. "We must take our customers and partners along in this transition." From home to dealership to road trips, the company ensures 24x7 charging support across more than 50 DC fast chargers (60–180 kW) installed countrywide. Interestingly, the Indian luxury EV landscape is evolving in a distinct way. "In India, BEV adoption is largely driven by strong demand for top-end BEVs, which is unique and underlines our custom ers' preferences," notes Iyer. This aligns seamlessly with the brand's global 'Ambition 2039' mission — aiming for a carbon-neutral and digitally connected future. Moreover, Mercedes-Benz is the only luxury car maker currently producing two world-class BEVs in India — the EQS 580 4MATIC sedan and the EQS 450 SUV, reinforcing its local commitment without compromising on product substance or quality. Meeting the expectations of Indian luxury consumers means prioritizing range, performance, and charging convenience. Iyer proudly recalls the Made-in-India EQS 580 that set a Guinness World Record in 2024, traveling 949 km from Bengaluru to Mumbai on a single charge — a tangible testa ment to its engineering prowess. "Using a luxury BEV is embracing future tech nology," he reflects. "The learning curve is steep, but rewarding." Despite its remarkable progress, Iyer acknowl edges the barriers to rapid EV adoption: high up front costs, inconsistent state policies on road tax, patchy fast-charging networks, and lack of a unified digital payment interface. "These factors continue to deter luxury BEV customers from switching faster," he notes. Yet, each year sees measurable improvements. The fact that BEVs already account for 8% of Mercedes-Benz India's overall sales, with rising momentum in 2025, signals a tipping point ahead. EVs aren't just about batteries — they're about brains. Iyer emphasizes the cultural transfor mation needed to steer a traditional auto OEM into a future-ready tech-driven entity. "Agility, flatter hierarchies, and faster market adaptability are essential," he asserts. "With shorter product cycles and rapidly evolving technology, in novation and software integration will become key differentiators." Looking ahead, Iyer is pragmatic but optimistic. While market transformation will dictate the pace, the Mercedes-Benz BEV portfolio is expected to grow steadily in volume and desirability.
IOL News
13-07-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
Urgent recall notice for certain Range Rover Evoque and Mercedes-Benz models, consumers urged to check their vehicles
Motorists are urged to check their vehicles following urgent recalls of certain Range Rover Evoque and Mercedes-Benz models due to serious safety defects. Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers Motorists are urged to check their vehicles following a recall of several models of Range Rover Evoque and Mercedes-Benz due to serious safety defects. The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has issued a warning to motorists, as these defects could increase the risk of injury or accidents. Range Rover Evoque Recall Jaguar Land Rover Limited has recalled certain 2021 to 2024 models of the Range Rover Evoque, as well as some 2025 models, due to a defect in the passenger airbag. According to the supplier, the airbag may tear during deployment as a result of improper folding during the assembly process. 'A torn airbag may reduce occupant protection and increase the risk of injury in a crash. Additionally, a torn airbag could allow hot gases to escape, potentially causing burns to occupants,' the NCC said. Mercedes-Benz Recall Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz South Africa is recalling several 2023 models, including the SL (232), EQS (297), GLC (254), S-Class (223), and C-Class (206), due to a fault in the fuse box. The company notified the NCC that the fuse box might not have been reworked as intended, posing serious risks to vehicle functionality and safety. 'As a result, systems connected to the fuse might fail. The vehicle might lose power without prior warning, restraint functions or the instrument cluster might be impaired, increasing the risk of an accident,' the NCC said. 'In addition, the risk of a thermal event cannot be ruled out.' Acting Commissioner of the NCC, Hardin Ratshisusu, urged all affected consumers to act immediately. 'Affected consumers are urged to immediately contact any nearest authorised dealership of these motor vehicles to have the defect repaired at no charge,' said Ratshisusu. The NCC is responsible for monitoring product recalls in South Africa and ensuring that suppliers notify both the regulator and consumers when potentially dangerous defects are identified. The Commission has advised motorists to visit the dealerships as soon as possible to avoid any harm or risk associated with the faulty components. Consumers can also visit the NCC website or contact the Commission for more details on the recall process and to verify if their vehicle is affected. Safety remains a top priority, and the NCC continues to encourage proactive cooperation from manufacturers and consumers alike. THE MERCURY
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Top-end EVs power Mercedes-Benz India's Q1 FY2025-26 growth; entry-level segment sees sharp decline
New Delhi: Mercedes-Benz India has posted a strong performance in the first quarter of FY2025-26, fueled by a 157 per cent growth in electric vehicle (EV) sales—entirely driven by top-end models priced above ₹65 lakh. As the company ups its ante on 'premiumisation', its high-end EVs and premium internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles are driving the volume while there is a significant degrowth in the entry-level segment. 'We don't have an entry-level EV in our portfolio, and we're not looking to de-content cars like the GLA just to push price points,' said Santosh Iyer, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India. 'The growth is purely top-end—both EV and combustion.' During the April-June period, the company retailed 4,238 vehicles, registering a growth of 10 per cent over the corresponding period of the previous fiscal. EV growth and product strategy In Q1, the luxury carmaker's EV portfolio, including the EQS sedan, EQS SUV, and the G580 electric, led the charge. All of these sit in the top-end bracket, with prices starting at ₹65 lakh. 'We've seen a 157 per cent growth in EVs, and that's primarily because our entire EV portfolio is top-end. There's no entry-level electric vehicle in our lineup,' Iyer noted. The company continues to follow a 'customer-led' strategy for EV adoption. While EV penetration in the brand's sales was around 3–4 per cent last year, it now stands at 8 per cent. As a strategy, the company is not chasing numerical targets but is instead focused on offering EV options across the premium spectrum. 'It's about giving the customer a choice and letting them decide the pace of transformation,' Iyer said. Luxury market flat, German trio stable According to Iyer, the overall luxury car market in India grew by only 1–2 per cent in H1 of the calendar year, with the German trio (Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi) posting largely flat results. He attributes this to a strong base effect from last year's H2, which accounted for over 50 per cent of total annual volumes. 'If you look at the first half of the year, the luxury market is flat. The full-year outlook is still cautiously optimistic, with flat to low single-digit growth,' Iyer said. Tier-2, Tier-3 markets in focus The carmaker is also focusing on Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities—not necessarily to drive volumes, but to improve service accessibility. It plans to open 19 new outlets this year, with recent launches in Agra and Jammu and upcoming ones in Patna, Kanpur, and Varanasi. 'In most cities, we're starting with service centres because customers hate traveling to Tier-1 cities just to get their vehicles serviced. It's a customer-centric move, not just a retail expansion,' Iyer emphasised. Premium products and price hikes Mercedes-Benz India has already implemented two price hikes this year—in January and July—with a third possible in September. Despite this, thanks to a timely RBI interest rate cut, the impact on customer EMIs has been mitigated. 'Even though prices went up, our captive financial services arm—which finances over 50 per cent of our cars—was able to pass on the benefit of the rate cut. So EMIs for customers remained unchanged,' Iyer said, adding that price hikes haven't dampened demand in the premium segments. In fact, most new launches have been at the top-end. The GLS, Maybach variants, AMG models, and the E-Class continue to be strong drivers in the core and top segments. 'There are no new launches planned in the entry or core segments. Most of our launches this year—around eight—are in the top-end segment,' Iyer said. Supply chain stable, no rare-earth disruption Speaking on the rare earth magnet crunch that the auto industry is currently grappling with due to the export restrictions imposed by China--which produces 90 per cent of the world's rare earth magnets-- Iyer said the company's supply chain is fairly insulated from the disruption as procurement operations are Germany-based. 'Our supply chain is managed out of Stuttgart and has been robust. We have no issues with sourcing or production. Waiting periods exist for some models like the EQS SUV or Maybach G580, but that's due to demand—not supply constraints,' Iyer clarified. The company also has no plans to localise or develop entry-level EVs for the Indian market. 'All localisation efforts will remain in the top-end segment. Entry-level localisation is not in the pipeline,' Iyer confirmed. Currently, Mercedes-Benz India localises several models in the top-end EV range. Clearly, Mercedes-Benz India is steering its India strategy towards sustainable profitability over sheer volume, banking on top-end electrification, customer experience in emerging cities, and premium-only positioning. As it puts the entry-level models on the backburner, and with EV penetration slowly climbing, the brand appears focused on quality over quantity in a market where luxury still accounts for just 1.1 per cent of total car sales.
