Latest news with #MildHybrid
Morocco World
17-07-2025
- Automotive
- Morocco World
Stellantis Strengthens Presence in Morocco with €1.2 Billion Project
Morocco has taken a new step in its industrial push with the inauguration of the expanded Stellantis plant in Kenitra. Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch presided over the ceremony on Wednesday and described the project as part of the country's long-term ambition to grow a competitive, integrated, and value-driven economy. The €1.2 billion investment includes €702 million dedicated to developing local suppliers. It will double the plant's production capacity and raise the local integration rate to 75% by 2030. The expansion is also set to create 3,100 direct jobs and strengthen Morocco's position as a key player in the global automotive industry. Akhannouch said the project reflects the goals of the New Investment Charter and Morocco´s industrial roadmap. It transcends numbers and output, he noted, pointing to a wider effort to build a resilient industrial fabric rooted in national production. Minister of Industry Ryad Mezzour emphasized the scale of the achievement, saying Morocco now stands among the few countries with an annual automotive production capacity exceeding one million vehicles. He called the project a result of shared confidence between Morocco and Stellantis, and a sign of growing technological independence that offers skilled opportunities for young Moroccans. Samir Cherfan, Stellantis' Chief Operating Officer for the Middle East and Africa, said the Kenitra project has already exceeded expectations. Since its launch in 2016, the factory has progressed more quickly than planned. Its production reached 200,000 vehicles per year by the end of 2020, three years ahead of schedule. Stellantis plans to produce 350,000 engines annually at the site. The first phase began in May 2025 with the assembly of a new Mild Hybrid generation. A second phase focused on machining is set to begin in November 2026. The group has also expanded its micromobility operations. Since January 2025, annual production of Citroën Ami, Opel Rocks-e, and Fiat Topolino models increased from 20,000 to 70,000 units. In July 2025, the site will launch new fully electric three-wheeled vehicles and start producing electric charging stations with a projected output of 204,000 units. Tags: automobile industryMoroccoMorocco economyStellantis
News.com.au
05-07-2025
- Automotive
- News.com.au
2025 BWM X3 review
My fiance has been on my case for years about us buying a BMW, and for as long as I can remember, I've said no. I've always gravitated towards German brands like Mercedes or Volkswagen. But as with many things, he was right. This isn't just another family-hauling or school-run warrior, this is an SUV that has nailed design, performance and technology. It's an SUV that quickly became natural to me. There was no awkward adjustment period, no fumbling around trying to get comfortable, this is a car that immediately felt like home. That's rare. The 2025 line-up includes the X3 20 xDrive ($86,100 plus on road costs), which is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit capable of producing 140kW and 310Nm. The mid-tier option is the 30e xDrive ($104,100) which combines a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor and high-voltage battery, delivering 220kW and 450Nm. This model also features a 19.7kWh battery offering an electric driving range of 91km. The top spec, the X3 M50 xDrive ($128,900) which replaces the outgoing M40i and is powered by an updated 3.0-litre twin turbocharged straight six, producing 298kW and 580Nm thanks to a 48-volt mild hybrid system. That's enough to rock this 1980kg SUV from 0-100km/g in just 4.6 seconds, seriously quick for something of this size. MORE AGGRESSIVE This generation is longer, wider and lower, giving it more of an aggressive stance on the road. It has a different look to the Audi Q5 or Mercedes-AMG GLC 43, it's more commanding. The 14.9-inch curved digital display and 12.3-inch digital drivers display is crisp, high tech and most importantly so easy to use! The X3 M50 was a dream to drive, the adaptive M Suspension strikes an excellent balance between control and handling, even on some of the patchy roads of Mornington Peninsula. You can feel a real difference in sports mode, which stiffens the steering and suspension. I opted for the softer settings for a more composed drive. The other driving modes like 'Expressive' and 'Art' seem a little useless, albeit nice and not something I think drivers will use consistently. Thanks to well placed shortcuts, there's no deep menu diving while driving. The storage and functionality is a big tick, there are countless storage compartments. Two wireless charging pads, two USB-C ports, four cupholders and even a jewellery box (an extra storage space in the middle console). Brilliant. There's also Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a premium 15 speaker Harmon Kardon sound system, heads up display, smartphone key access and adaptive LED headlights. The M50's cabin feels premium, with tri-zone climate control, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof as standard. THE REAL DEAL The upholstery is synthetic leather. If you want real leather you'll need to fork out an extra $4,000 but the synthetic is perfectly comfortable and feels premium. BMW has delivered on the upholstery and colour choices with all the options feeling sophisticated and on trend for 2025. Rear space is generous, with heated outer seats and plenty of legroom. Luggage space is terrific with 570 litres, expanding to 1700 litres with the seats folded – more than enough for school runs or weekend getaways. There's plenty of safety features including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist and a 360 degree camera system. The Driving Assistant Professional suite even offers auto lane changes, simply requiring a flick of the indicator to execute smoothly. So to cut to the chase, does the BMW X3 M50 xDrive live up to the $128,900 asking price? Yes. At $128,900 plus on-road costs, the X3 M50 is priced on the higher side, going head to head with Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 and the Audi SQ5. But you're paying for what you get, a premium SUV, an engaging drive, a bold new design and plenty of everyday practicality. If you're looking for a luxurious SUV then the X3 should be at the top of your list.
NDTV
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- NDTV
2025 Audi A4 Signature Edition Launched In India At Rs 57.11 Lakh
Audi, the German luxury car manufacturer, has launched the Audi A4 Signature Edition in India. Audi claims that the Signature Edition has exclusive design elements that elevate its premium appeal and sophistication. The Signature Edition features distinctive styling enhancements, including the elegant Audi rings entry LED lamps, exclusive Audi rings decals, and dynamic wheel hub caps that separate it from the standard A4 iteration. 2025 Audi A4 Signature Edition: Engine And Powertrain The 2025 Audi A4 Signature Edition is powered by a 2.0L TFSI engine that generates 204 hp (150 kW) and 320 Nm of torque. Also, the car can sprint from 100 km/h from a standstill in just 7.1 seconds and can attain a top speed of 241 km/h. The 12V Mild Hybrid System minimizes fuel consumption. 2025 Audi A4 Signature Edition: Exterior The Signature Edition package offers bespoke styling enhancements for the Audi A4. This exclusive package delivers a distinguished appearance with park assistance with a 360-degree camera, new decorative inlays in wood oak, and natural grey, Audi rings entry LED lamps that create a striking welcome light projection, distinctive Audi rings decals for enhanced brand presence, dynamic wheel hub caps with Audi logo with orientation regardless of wheel motion. The Audi A4 Signature Edition is available in limited units. It offers a choice of five striking exterior colors: Glacier White Metallic, Mythos Black Metallic, Navarra Blue Metallic, Progressive Red Metallic, and Manhattan Grey Metallic. 2025 Audi A4 Signature Edition: Interior Design The 2025 Audi A4 Signature Edition gets interior design elements like wood oak with leather and leatherette upholstery, stainless steel pedal covers that add a sporty interior accent, a 3-spoke, flat-bottomed, sports contour leather-wrapped multi-function plus steering wheel. Audi A4 Signature Edition Interior 2025 Audi A4 Signature Edition: Features The Audi A4 Signature Edition has a bunch of features in the list, which include- a B&O premium sound system with 3D sound with 19 speakers, including a center speaker, and subwoofer, 16-channel amplifier, and an output of 755 watts, high-resolution TFT display measuring 25.65 cms, 30-color ambient lighting, three-zone climate control, wireless charging feature, and more. 2025 Audi A4 Signature Edition: Price The 2025 Audi A4 Signature Edition has now been launched in India at a starting price of Rs 57.11 lakh (ex-showroom).
