motoring www.bahrainthismonth.com 70 November 2022 STELLANTIS MIDDLE EAST APPOINTS NEW GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR One of the world’s leading automakers, Stellantis, has appointed a new Group Managing Director for the Middle East. Frano Šušnjara will lead the company’s continued growth in the region, and support its aims to become the industry leader in climate change. The new appointment comes just weeks after Stellantis unveiled its Dare Forward 2030 strategy for Middle East and Africa (MEA) which includes leading the energy transition in the region with 100 percent of Stellantis product portfolio electrified by 2025; moving from 25 percent to over 70 percent regional production autonomy; and a total regional industrial capacity of one million vehicles per year by 2030. With almost two decades of experience in the automotive industry gained across major international markets, Šušnjara was previously Managing Director responsible for overseas territories for Stellantis. His industry experience - which includes roles in Europe, Asia and South America - spans sales, marketing, fleet, importing and network management. Hyundai IONIQ 5 Powertrain Receives Accolade In 1900, Rolls-Royce co-founder, Charles Rolls, prophesised an electric future for the motor car. Having acquired an electric vehicle named The Columbia Electric Carriage, he foresaw its suitability as a clean, noiseless alternative to the internal combustion engine – providing there was sufficient infrastructure to support it. In September 2021, Rolls-Royce confirmed that it had commenced testing of Spectre, the first Rolls-Royce to be conceived and engineered as an electric car. The transformative motor car will go through an exhaustive testing programme - a journey of more than 2.5 million kilometres, simulating more than 400 years of use for a Rolls-Royce. In unveiling Spectre, Rolls-Royce sets a new precedent in the creation of an entirely original class of motor car; the Ultra-Luxury Electric Super Coupé. On its completion in 2023, Spectre will represent a prophecy fulfilled. For the first time on a series production Rolls-Royce, Spectre is available with Starlight Doors, which incorporate 4,796 softly illuminated ‘stars’ and a nameplate surrounded by a cluster of over 5,500 stars. Spectre is also equipped with SPIRIT which will manage the motor car’s functions, while being integrated into the marque’s Whispers application, allowing clients to interact with their car remotely. Spectre is available for commission immediately, with first client deliveries commencing in Q4 2023. Rolls-Royce has also confirmed that by the end of 2030 its entire product portfolio will be fully electric. ROLLS-ROYCE’S FULLY-ELECTRIC SPECTRE UNVEILED The powertrain on Hyundai’s all-electric IONIQ 5 was named one of the ‘2022 Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems’. The annual awards recognise compelling powertrain advancements that are all-new, or significantly improved. The IONIQ 5 was selected for its performance, charging capability, range and price. Hyundai has earned fifteen ‘Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems’ recognitions since the awards’ annual inception in 1995. “With the introduction of our new E-GMP platform, the IONIQ 5 created new advancements in the automotive powertrain world with ultra-fast charging and Vehicle to Load two-way on-board charging,” said Director of Electrified Propulsion Development at Hyundai America Technical Center Inc., Byungho Lee. According to WardsAuto Judge Drew Winter: “The IONIQ 5 redefines the modern vehicle, not only from the propulsion standpoint. The car creates a new, roomy interior space by taking advantage of all the things an EV platform doesn’t have.” The competition recognises outstanding powertrain achievement and powertrain teams for their ability to dial up more power, more torque and better efficiency. This year, 29 entries were competing for the prestigious recognition.
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