#vehicle_design

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ABS and eco-standard "Euro-5", in top versions - cruise control with a speed limiter function and much more Russian automobile giant AvtoVAZ announced the release of new models of branded SUVs. As the press service reported, Lada Niva Legend and Lada Niva Travel became available in the 2024 model year version. [caption id="attachment_85190" align="aligncenter" width="780"] AvtoVAZ[/caption] The recommended retail price for the Lada Niva Legend of the 2024 model year will be from 927,500 rubles, for the Lada Niva Travel - from 1,215,500 rubles. AvtoVAZ has released new models Lada Niva Legend and Travel The press service explained: The legendary SUVs once again received an anti-lock braking system and a toxicity reduction system that meets the Euro-5 eco-standard. Engine calibrations and control units for Euro-5 standard were developed in Russia. Cars that comply with the Euro-5 standard have undergone a full cycle of tests at various temperatures, mountain tests, electromagnetic compatibility tests, etc. An anti-lock braking system also appeared on Niva SUVs after reengineering and a series of tests. ABS allows you to maintain control during emergency braking, preventing complete wheel locking and uncontrolled sliding. ABS and Euro-5 eco-standard are available on all trim levels of the Lada Niva Travel and Lada Niva Legend SUVs. Also available on the top versions of the Lada Niva Travel are cruise control with a speed limiter function, an on-board computer, constant backlighting of the instrument cluster and two-tone alloy wheels.

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Diesel, all-electric and hydrogen options available Renault has unveiled a completely new light commercial vehicle, the Master, with a new design from scratch for the first time in 13 years. [caption id="attachment_84049" align="aligncenter" width="780"] Renault Master 2024[/caption] As well as looking more modern than its predecessor, the new generation of large van is much more aerodynamic, delivering "class-leading" fuel economy. The lineup will include diesel, all-electric and hydrogen powertrain options. The Blue dCi diesel engine is available in four power outputs: 105, 130, 150 and 170 hp, while consuming less fuel and emitting less CO2 than before. Diesel engines can be combined with either a manual or a 9-speed automatic transmission. [caption id="attachment_84051" align="aligncenter" width="780"] Renault Master 2024[/caption] The all-new Renault Master 2024 has been unveiled. The all-electric Renault Master is powered by a single electric motor producing 129 hp. or 141 hp and a torque of 300 Nm. The less powerful version is equipped with a battery with a capacity of 40 kWh, providing a range of 180 km. The other version is equipped with a significantly larger 87 kWh battery, increasing the range to 410 km, more than double that of the previous generation. The large battery is compatible with 130 kW DC fast charging, which increases the range by 229 km in 30 minutes. In the near future, the Renault Master will also be available with the H2 hydrogen engine and fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). Although Renault has not revealed the specific characteristics of these versions. [caption id="attachment_84052" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Renault Master 2024[/caption] The cabin is equipped with a standard 10-inch touchscreen OpelR Link infotainment system with built-in Google services, a digital instrument cluster, rotary climate control switches and a steering wheel borrowed from a Renault passenger car. Thanks to numerous compartments, the luggage compartment volume in the cabin increased by 25% and reached 135 liters. Passengers have access to USB-C ports, wireless chargers, cupholders, cubbies, door storage tiers and a slot in the cabin ceiling, and the center seat can fold down into a table. Finally, the security suite can include up to 20 ADAS systems. Competing models include the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, VW Crafter, and the Ford Transit. In addition, the recently updated Stellantis range of large vans, which includes the Fiat Ducato, Citroen Jumper, Peugeot Boxer, Opel Movano and Toyota ProAce Max, also poses serious competition. [caption id="attachment_84054" align="aligncenter" width="780"] Renault Master 2024[/caption] The Renault Master will be produced in Bathily, France, with all versions assembled on the same assembly line. Pricing will be announced closer to market launch, which is scheduled for spring 2024.

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The price has not yet been announced Dongfeng has officially announced that the upcoming minivan, called Forthing U-Tour V9, is expected to go on sale in the first quarter of next year. The car debuted at the Munich Motor Show in September. [caption id="attachment_84017" align="aligncenter" width="780"] Dongfeng Forthing U-Tour V9[/caption] The dimensions of the Dongfeng Forthing U-Tour V9 are 5251 × 1920 × 1810 mm, and the wheelbase is 3018 mm. For comparison: the dimensions of the Toyota Alphard are 4915 × 1850 × 1895 with a wheelbase of 3000 mm, and the dimensions of the Denza D9 are 5250 × 1960 × 1920 mm with a wheelbase of 3110 mm. The car is available in both ICE and hybrid versions. The first version is equipped with a 1.5 liter engine with a maximum power of 190 hp. The PHEV powertrain is powered by an electric motor and can achieve thermal efficiency of up to 45.18%. The lithium battery is supplied by Sunwoda. Dongfeng Forthing U-Tour V9 will go on sale in the first quarter of 2024 The hybrid received a 1.5-liter internal combustion engine with a capacity of 190 hp. and an electric motor with 307 hp. When the electric drive is switched on, consumption is 5.9 l/100 km. The car also offers 3.3 kW power for electrical devices. [caption id="attachment_84018" align="aligncenter" width="780"] Dongfeng Forthing U-Tour V9[/caption] Most of the interior is trimmed in leather. The equipment includes a digital instrument panel, a central control screen and a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel. The seating layout is 2+2+3. Dongfeng claims that the seats are aviation grade. Second-row passengers have access to electronic seat adjustments.

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The UAW trade union reported on its successes This weekend, the UAW reached a tentative agreement with Stellantis and expanded its strike against General Motors. As for Stellantis, the deal largely mirrors the agreement reached with Ford. As a result, it will "provide a 25% increase in base wages until April 2028 and will collectively increase the maximum wage by 33% combined with an estimated COLA to more than $42 (£34.63/€39.70) per hour " The union further said starting wages would increase by 67%, combined with estimated cost of living allowances, to more than $30 (£24.74/€28.36) an hour, while casual workers would see increases by more than 165% during the term of the agreement. [caption id="attachment_77877" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Ford and Stellantis[/caption] The largest strike in the USA: Ford and Stellantis have already given in, but General Motors is still resisting The agreement also includes three years of salary increases, the elimination of salary levels, and the aforementioned cost of living allowances. The UAW also said union members can expect increased benefits as well as "the right to strike over product and investment obligations." This is good news, but the preliminary agreement must be approved by union members. The tentative agreement with Stellantis leaves General Motors as the only automaker without a deal, and the union has increased pressure by extending its strike to GM Spring Hill Manufacturing. The plant produces the GMC Acadia, as well as a range of Cadillac crossovers, including the XT5, XT6, and Lyriq. GM released a statement saying, “We are disappointed in the UAW's actions in light of the progress we have made. We continue to negotiate in good faith with the UAW, and our goal remains to reach an agreement as quickly as possible."

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Passed an audit and received two certificates valid until 2026 The Russian automotive giant AvtoVAZ announced its latest audit, which confirmed compliance with the international standard ISO 14001. [caption id="attachment_77040" align="aligncenter" width="780"] AvtoVAZ[/caption] The audit was carried out by the certification body Intercertifica, which noted that AvtoVAZ divisions are working to improve the environmental friendliness of technological processes.  Auditors named effective measures to reduce energy consumption as one of the strengths of AvtoVAZ’s environmental activities. In all departments, mercury-containing lamps are being replaced with LED lamps, and the roofing of workshops is being changed to something more effective in terms of reducing heat loss. AvtoVAZ improves the environmental friendliness of production [caption id="attachment_77041" align="aligncenter" width="780"] AvtoVAZ[/caption] The press service said: In addition, over the past year, the body painting industry has repaired filters in three painting chambers, which helps improve air purification. Installations for pumping process fluids were consistently introduced in various departments, which reduces the likelihood of leaks. In the production of iron castings and forgings, four automatic molding lines have been modernized, which reduces compressed air consumption. Also during the audit, a high level of implementation of investment measures and the involvement of managers and staff in environmental activities was noted. AvtoVAZ first received a certificate of compliance with ISO 14001 requirements in 2005, and since then external audits of the environmental management system have been carried out annually. A feature of the audit conducted in 2023 was that at the same time the compliance of the system and its Russian version, GOST R ISO 14001, was also assessed. Based on the results of the audit, certificates of compliance with two standards were issued, valid until 2026.