WeeklySA_AdminVISIONS OF THE FUTURE FROM RENAULT
Renault will re-introduce the Scenic name — made famous by the French carmaker’s small MPV — when it introduces a new all-electric family-sized SUV, due to arrive in 2024.
The brand has given an indication of how the new model will look with a first glimpse at the Scenic Vision Concept, which also gives an insight into its wider design and drivetrain plans.
According to lead designer Gilles Vidal the exterior of the Scenic Vision represents “more than 90% of how the production car will look”.
While the interior is pure concept car indulgence, the powertrain technology is more a preview of what Renault thinks it could offer commercially post-2030 and that means a combination of electric and hydrogen power.
The concept also hints at a more sustainable manufacturing process – it is made from 70% recycled materials, while 95% of the whole vehicle can be recycled at the end of its lifespan.-NationalWorld
WHY MERC SOLD THE WORLD’S MOST VALUABLE CAR
Mercedes has sold the world’s most valuable car, releasing a 1950s classic to an unnamed collector in exchange for €135 million ($202 million).
News of the sale shocked the car industry, but Mercedes-Benz says the proceeds will go toward a worthy cause.
The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé is one of two examples built by famed engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut. Two were built, and both have remained in Mercedes’ classic collection until now.
The manufacturer invited a handful of the world’s wealthiest car collectors to its museum to take part in a private auction of the car. One Mercedes insider likened the sale to the British royal family selling off its crown jewels.
CHINESE CAR SLAMMED AS “BLATANTLY SEXIST”
An electric car offered by an emerging car company that claims to ”love women more” has been derided as “blatantly sexist”, “patronising” and “misogynistic”.
Great Wall Motors’ Ora Ballet Cat is a battery-powered machine inspired by the classic Volkswagen Beetle.
The car is powered by a 127kW/250Nm electric motor linked to a choice of Ora took an interesting approach to the new model by developing a “Punk Cat” for men, and the “Ballet Cat” for women. The latter is finished in soft pastel hues that complement its retro styling.
It also has enormous vanity mirrors with LED ring lighting that, according to the brand, is “specially designed for oriental women”. Other features include a selfie camera, a “Lady Driving Mode” that keeps a greater distance to the car in front, a voice-activated automatic parking system, and ergonomics shaped around smaller female frames.
Reddit users reacting to the new model suggested it combined “the most patronising shit ever” with a “misogynistic” approach laden with “gimmicky gendered bullshit”.
Car Scoops, a popular automotive website, said that “nothing we can think of is as blatantly sexist as the Ora Ballet Cat”.-NEWS.COM
TOYOTA TAKES RWANDA BY STORM
If you are walking around the streets of Kigali, you will immediately notice that you are surrounded by Toyota braded vehicles.
Toyota is the most popular brand in Rwanda and by far it dominates the car markets in the country.
The core reasons for the dominance of Toyota in the Rwandan market are the easily availability and cheap price of spare parts as well as the availability of garages that handle minor servicing and maintenance, paint as well as heavy maintenance of those vehicles. Recently, the models Toyota Yaris and Toyota Corolla are the most widely wanted in the market.
Models such as Toyota Yaris compact and Toyota Avensis are very popular due to their lower price and low fuel consumption; their small size also makes them easy for parking.
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