Ford Pro Doubles Down on European Market Leadership with International Van and Pickup of the Year Awards

Ford Pro Doubles Down on European Market Leadership with International Van and Pickup of the Year Awards LYON, FRANCE, Nov. 22, 2023 – Ford Pro has earned double honours, claiming the International Van of the Year (IVOTY) award and the International Pick-up Award (IPUA) for its all-new Transit Custom van and all-new Ranger pickup. Ford Pro has now won the IVOTY and IPUA awards in the same year on three occasions – more than any other manufacturer – following double wins in 2013 and 2020. The awards were presented during a special ceremony at the Solutrans commercial vehicle show in Lyon, France, and further validate Ford Pro’s position as a leader in the European commercial vehicle market. Collecting the awards on behalf of Ford Pro, Tim Slatter, vice president of Product Programs, Ford, said: “This is a pride point for our Ford teams across the globe who strive to deliver quality-driven products for our customers. We are delighted that the jury has recognised the strength of our newest commercial vehicles, built with the purpose of supporting customers’ business needs across all vocations.”   Transit Custom takes IVOTY title  An expert jury of 25 commercial vehicle journalists voted Ford Pro’s all-new Transit Custom 1,2 the winner of IVOTY 2024. The new generation of Ford Pro’s segment-leading 3 van went on sale across Europe earlier this year, offering the widest choice of variants ever and introducing unique, digital and customer-led features such as a 5G modem for superfast connectivity; 4 software updates for over 30 vehicle modules; Delivery Assist that can save over 20 seconds per stop; Alexa Built-in from the factory; 5 a tilting steering wheel and versatile MultiCab bodystyle to build on the productivity benchmarks set by its predecessors. Hans Schep, general manager, Ford Pro Europe, said: “We are very proud that the IVOTY jury has bestowed this prestigious award on the all-new Transit Custom. As the leading one-tonne van of choice for European customers, the all-new Transit Custom has been designed and engineered to meet their wide-ranging needs. Along with our award-winning diesel, customers will soon also have the choice of electric and PHEV versions too. Every model is packed with innovation and superfast connectivity to Ford Pro’s uptime, charging and productivity software ecosystem to help our customers’ businesses thrive.” Jarlath Sweeney, chair, International Van of the Year, said: “Well, it’s a ‘High Five’ for the Ford Transit on winning the International Van of the Year Award 2024. This is the fifth occasion that the Ford Transit has won IVOTY, first in 2001 and 2007 with the then all-encompassing model.   Soon after its launch, the new generation standalone one-tonne variant – the Transit Custom – secured the title in 2013, and in 2020 and now for 2024. Congratulations to all involved for this significant achievement.” Transit Custom was Europe’s top-selling one-tonne van last year 3 as well as the UK’s best-selling vehicle overall for 2021 and 2022. The all-new model is produced at Ford Otosan’s state-of-the-art Yeniköy Assembly Plant in Türkiye. Ranger brings home coveted pickup award After arduous on- and off-road testing by the IPUA jury in Greece earlier this year, the Ford Ranger 6,2 has picked up the IPUA crown for the third time – establishing a new record. Ranger is Ford’s most global product; developed by designers and engineers in Ford’s Australian engineering centre, built in six Ford factories across four continents, and loved by customers in Europe. Ranger has been the region’s top-selling pickup for the last eight years, and accounts for almost half of all pickup sales in Europe. 3 The all-new model’s off-road ability, 7 refined on-road performance and unprecedented level of connectivity and technology make it popular with business and private users alike. Ford Pro recently announced the Ranger PHEV 8 – Europe’s first PHEV pickup – combining electric driving capability with Ranger’s work-ready versatility. Ranger was judged the winner by a jury of expert journalists from Europe and also from South Africa, home to Ford’s Silverton plant where Ranger is built for customers in Europe.  Hans Schep said: “We are delighted that the Ford Ranger has been recognised by the IPUA jury for the third time, which is testament to its enduring appeal as Europe’s favourite pickup for the past eight years. The new Ford Ranger has the most comprehensive series choice yet, offering customers the on-road refinement and off-road capability to suit work days and weekends. It’s built ready for work and play.” Jarlath Sweeney, chair, International Pick-up Award jury, said: “Ford has now scored a hat-trick in securing three International Pick-up Awards with its best-selling Ranger. This seventh running of the IPUA sees the sixth generation Ranger adding to the titles won in 2013 and 2020. Congratulations to the global Ford development team on creating this exceptional vehicle.” 1 Ford Transit Custom EcoBlue diesel homologated CO2 emissions 178-296 g/km WLTP, homologated fuel efficiency 6.8-11.3 l/100 km WLTP. 2 The declared WLTP fuel/energy consumptions, CO2-emissions and electric range are determined according to the technical requirements and specifications of the European Regulations (EC) 715/2007 and (EU) 2017/1151 as last amended. The applied standard test procedures enable comparison between different vehicle types and different manufacturers. 3 Austria, Belgium, Britain, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Romania, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye. 4 FordPass Connect, the FordPass App, and complimentary Connected Service are required for remote features (see FordPass Terms for details). Connected service and features depend on compatible network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent operation of connected features. Connected service excludes Wi-Fi hotspot. 5 Seven European markets – Austria, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain, and ​the UK. Alexa will only be available in English, French, German, Italian and Spanish in supported markets. An alternate market cannot access Alexa despite being able to use a supported language. To use Alexa Built-in, drivers need to activate FordPass Connect within their vehicle using the FordPass smartphone app or in-vehicle settings. Access to Alexa requires an Amazon …

BYD Achieves Record-Breaking New Energy Car Sales

BYD Achieves Record-Breaking New Energy Car Sales BYD, the world’s leading manufacturer of new energy vehicles, achieved record–high NEV sales for the sixth consecutive month in October 2023. In October 2023, BYD achieved a total monthly sales of 301,833 NEVs, an increase of 38.4% compared to the same month last year. So far this year, BYD has sold over 2.37 million new energy passenger cars worldwide, and the cumulative number of new electric vehicles sold by BYD now stands at more than 5.7 million units. BYD, the world’s leading manufacturer of new energy vehicles, achieved record-high NEV sales for the sixth consecutive month in October 2023. This follows a record sales performance posted by BYD in the preceding third quarter. BYD has so far in 2023 sold over 2.37 million new energy passenger cars, with cumulative NEV sales now surpassing 5.7 million units, further crystallizing the brand’s No.1 ranking for NEV sales on a worldwide scale. BYD sold 301,833 units of new energy passenger vehicles in October 2023, surpassing the 300,000-unit threshold for the first time. This comes on the back of BYD accomplishing record-high car sales six months in a row. Such a consistently strong performance and increasing market share has been pivotal to BYD becoming No. 1 in the world for NEV sales and the top five global car brand in terms of all car sales in 59 countries, including China, the EU (European Union), the UK, Japan, and Korea. Fundamental to this robust performance is consumer demand for BYD’s innovative electric car range. Continuous investment in technological innovation enables BYD to produce new energy vehicle products that are well-suited to consumers’ needs. In the first three quarters of this year, BYD’s R&D investment amounted to 24.938 billion yuan (about 3.21 billion euros), an increase of 129.42% year-on-year, with R&D costs significantly exceeding net profit for the same period. BYD’s passenger vehicles have now entered markets in 58 countries and regions around the world. BYD’s regional presence has been elevated further following the formation of strategic partnerships with high-profile dealer groups providing localised sales and aftersales services in their respective countries. Specifically in the European market, BYD has launched in 19 European countries with five new EV models and opened more than 170 stores in prime city locations. BYD is committed to offering accessible choices for green mobility, combining value with premium high-tech, as well as inspiring retail experiences, with the reassurance of high levels of local customer care. Expanding its new energy vehicle footprint to over 400 cities in 70 countries and regions, spanning 6 continents, BYD’s eco-friendly solutions are reducing the equivalent of over 40 million tonnes of carbon emissions as of October 2023, underlining the company’s commitment to sustainability and vision to ‘Cool the Earth By 1°C’. BYD sold 301,833 units of new energy passenger vehicles in October 2023, surpassing the 300,000-unit threshold for the first time. This comes on the back of BYD accomplishing record-high car sales six months in a row. Such a consistently strong performance and increasing market share has been pivotal to BYD becoming No. 1 in the world for NEV sales and the top five global car brand in terms of all car sales in 59 countries, including China, the EU (European Union), the UK, Japan, and Korea. Fundamental to this robust performance is consumer demand for BYD’s innovative electric car range. Continuous investment in technological innovation enables BYD to produce new energy vehicle products that are well-suited to consumers’ needs. In the first three quarters of this year, BYD’s R&D investment amounted to 24.938 billion yuan (about 3.21 billion euros), an increase of 129.42% year-on-year, with R&D costs significantly exceeding net profit for the same period. About BYD BYD is a multinational high-tech company devoted to leveraging technological innovations for a better life. Founded in 1995 as a rechargeable battery maker, BYD now boasts a diverse business scope covering automobiles, rail transit, new energy, and electronics, with over 30 industrial parks in China, the United States, Canada, Japan, Brazil, Hungary, and India. From energy generation and storage to its applications, BYD is dedicated to providing zero-emission energy solutions that reduce global reliance on fossil fuels. Its new energy vehicle footprint now covers 6 continents, over 70 countries and regions, and more than 400 cities. Listed in both Hong Kong and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges, the company is known to be a Fortune Global 500 enterprise that furnishes innovations in pursuit of a greener world. About BYD Auto Founded in 2003, BYD Auto is the automotive subsidiary of BYD, a multinational high-tech company devoted to leveraging technological innovations for a better life. Aiming to accelerate the green transition of the global transportation sector, BYD Auto focuses on developing pure electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The company has mastered the core technologies of the entire industrial chain of new energy vehicles, such as batteries, electric motors, electronic controllers, and automotive-grade semiconductors. It has witnessed in recent years significant technological advancements, including the Blade Battery, the DM-i and DM-p hybrid technology, the e-Platform 3.0, and the CTB technology. The company is the world’s first carmaker to stop the production of fossil-fueled vehicles on EV shift and has remained top of new energy passenger vehicle sales in China for 9 years in a row. About BYD Europe BYD Europe is headquartered in the Netherlands and is the first overseas branch of BYD Group, with a commitment to delivering safe and efficient sustainable solutions in new energy vehicles through world-leading technological innovations.

BYD ATTO 3 Scores Five-Star Rating in Euro NCAP Safety Tests

BYD ATTO 3 SCORES FIVE-STAR RATING IN EURO NCAP SAFETY TESTS BYD’s new ATTO 3 C-segment SUV achieves five-star rating in Euro NCAP tests underpinning the safety benefits derived from BYD’s latest e-Platform 3.0 Excellent results include scores of 91% for adult occupant protection and 89% for child occupant protection The new model benefits from the ultra-safe Blade Battery, and the ultimate in system efficiency and integrated vehicle intelligence The all-new full-electric BYD ATTO 3 has been awarded the five-star safety rating by Euro NCAP, Europe’s leading independent safety assessment programme. The BYD ATTO 3, which makes its European market debut at the Paris Motor Show, performed to a high standard throughout the test process, illustrating the vehicle’s exceptional active and passive safety credentials. Impressive scores in four categories The BYD ATTO 3 was assessed by Euro NCAP engineers in four categories: adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, safety assistance, and protection for vulnerable road users. For adult occupant protection the BYD ATTO 3 scored an impressive 91%, with Euro NCAP praising, in particular, how the passenger compartment remained stable in the frontal offset test. In the child occupant protection tests, the BYD ATTO 3 achieved 89%, minimising impact to all critical body areas for both the six and ten-year-old representative dummies. BYD ATTO 3 safety assist systems achieved a score of 74%, with Euro NCAP highlighting the performance of the camera-based Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Lane Keeping Assist systems. The vehicle’s autonomous emergency braking system (AEB) contributed to a vulnerable road user score of 69%, with testers giving specific mention to the system’s recognition of pedestrians and cyclists. Safety & Driving Assistance Key to the test result is BYD’s world-leading technology. BYD’s new generation e-Platform 3.0, comprises the world’s first mass-produced highly integrated 8-in-1 electric powertrain connecting all electric control units and management systems, and the rigorously tested ultra-safe Blade Battery. BYD e-Platform 3.0 features a ‘multi-load path’ structure controlling how energy is absorbed by the car in the event of a collision, minimising intrusion into the passenger cabin. Passenger protection is further enhanced by a reinforced body structure with high torsional rigidity. There is an abundance of safety and advanced driver assistance features as standard equipment in the BYD ATTO 3. It features Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Rear Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Brake, Lane Keep Assistance, Lane Change Assist, and Emergency Lane Keep.  In addition, further driver aids include Blind Spot Detection System, ESP, Traction Control, Hill Decent Control, Automatic Vehicle Hold, Intelligent Speed Limit Information, and Intelligent Speed Limit Control. The driving experience is improved by Adaptive Cruise Control and Intelligent Cruise Control. The panoramic camera provides 360-degree visibility for the driver for safe manoeuvring of the vehicle. Michael Shu, General Manager and Managing Director, BYD Europe and International Cooperation Division, said: “We are excited to introduce the safe, efficient, zero-emission BYD ATTO 3 C-SUV to customers in Europe. As BYD works relentlessly in the field of eco-friendly technological development, customers have the reassurance that safety is always at the forefront of all our innovations. The new BYD ATTO 3, with its robust structure and modern assistive technologies inherent to the e-Platform 3.0, is a testament to this and substantiated by the five-star Euro NCAP rating, bringing customers the peace of mind of optimised safety for occupants and other road users.” About BYD BYD is a multinational high-tech company devoted to leveraging technological innovations for a better life. Founded in 1995 as a rechargeable battery maker, BYD now boasts a diverse business scope covering automobiles, rail transit, new energy, and electronics, with over 30 industrial parks in China, the United States, Canada, Japan, Brazil, Hungary, and India. From energy generation and storage to its applications, BYD is dedicated to providing zero-emission energy solutions that reduce global reliance on fossil fuels. Its new energy vehicle footprint now covers 6 continents, over 70 countries and regions, and more than 400 cities. Listed in both Hong Kong and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges, the company is known to be a Fortune Global 500 enterprise that furnishes innovations in pursuit of a greener world. About BYD Auto Founded in 2003, BYD Auto is the automotive subsidiary of BYD, a multinational high-tech company devoted to leveraging technological innovations for a better life. Aiming to accelerate the green transition of the global transportation sector, BYD Auto focuses on developing pure electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The company has mastered the core technologies of the entire industrial chain of new energy vehicles, such as batteries, electric motors, electronic controllers, and automotive-grade semiconductors. It has witnessed in recent years significant technological advancements, including the Blade Battery, the DM-i and DM-p hybrid technology, the e-Platform 3.0, and the CTB technology. The company is the world’s first carmaker to stop the production of fossil-fueled vehicles on EV shift and has remained top of new energy passenger vehicle sales in China for 9 years in a row. About BYD Europe BYD Europe is headquartered in the Netherlands and is the first overseas branch of BYD Group, with a commitment to delivering safe and efficient sustainable solutions in new energy vehicles through world-leading technological innovations.

Volvo Cars to build EX30 small SUV in Ghent as part of global production capacity boost

Volvo Cars to build EX30 small SUV in Ghent as part of global production capacity boost Responding to strong demand for the car, Volvo Cars has decided that it will start building the new fully electric Volvo EX30 in its Ghent plant in Belgium from 2025, expanding production capacity for its celebrated small SUV. The EX30 was revealed earlier this year to almost universal acclaim and has already won several major awards, including The Sun Car of the Year and the Small SUV/Crossover of the Year award from the Sunday Times. Production of the EX30 started earlier this fall in Zhangjiakou, China and the first cars are scheduled to reach customers later this year. The decision to also build the EX30 in Ghent boosts production capacity for the expected EX30 demand in Europe as well as for global export, and reflects Volvo Cars’ ambition to build its cars where it sells them as much as possible. The decision also adds production flexibility for what the company expects to be one of its best-selling models in coming years. This approach is a proven concept for Volvo Cars, which builds its top-selling XC60 and XC40 SUVs in both Europe and China. “Our ambition is to sell the EX30 around the world at an attractive price point, easing the transition to driving an electric Volvo car for more people while also contributing to company margins,” said Jim Rowan, Volvo Cars’ chief executive. “Adding production in Ghent is a logical move as we aim to capture the strong demand for our exciting small electric SUV across the globe.” Volvo Cars has one of the most ambitious electrification plans in the automotive industry and plans to sell only fully electric cars by 2030. Already by mid-decade, it aims for half of its global sales volume to consist of fully electric cars. The EX30 plays a crucial role in those plans, as Volvo Cars expects it to contribute significantly to its growth and profitability objectives. This makes the EX30 a cornerstone of Volvo Cars’ ongoing strategic transformation. Joining the XC40 and C40 models on the Ghent production line, the EX30 is the third fully electric Volvo model to be produced in Europe. This strengthens Volvo Cars’ electric car production capabilities in the region and underlines the important role of the Ghent plant in the company’s electrification strategy. Volvo Cars in 2022For the full year 2022, Volvo Car Group recorded an operating profit of SEK 22.3 billion. Revenue in 2022 amounted to SEK 330.1 billion, while global sales reached 615,121 cars.  About Volvo Car GroupVolvo Cars was founded in 1927. Today, it is one of the most well-known and respected car brands in the world with sales to customers in more than 100 countries. Volvo Cars is listed on the Nasdaq Stockholm exchange, where it is traded under the ticker “VOLCAR B”.  Volvo Cars aims to provide customers with the Freedom to Move in a personal, sustainable and safe way. This is reflected in its ambition to become a fully electric car maker by 2030 and in its commitment to an ongoing reduction of its carbon footprint, with the ambition to be a climate-neutral company by 2040.  As of December 2022, Volvo Cars employed approximately 43,200 full-time employees. Volvo Cars’ head office, product development, marketing and administration functions are mainly located in Gothenburg, Sweden. Volvo Cars’ production plants are located in Gothenburg, Ghent (Belgium), South Carolina (US), Chengdu, Daqing and Taizhou (China). The company also has R&D and design centres in Gothenburg and Shanghai (China).