Fun Facts - Little Known Sideline of Auto Manufacturer

[Carbon82]

You are in the right section, since it is about auto manufacturer...

 

It is not uncommon for large corporation to venture into businesses that is not directly related to what they are best known for, such as Fujitsu and Hitachi have gone into agriculture business (high tech farming), or for that matter, Nokia started off as a manufacturer of toilet paper, Geely with fridge, etc.

 

For a start, let make a guess what is this item number for, under VW's official part list? 199 398 500 A (siting right between the wiper blades and lug nuts)?

 

Nope, it is not bumper, headlight, engine oil, key chain or stuffed toy, but something edible. And nope, not the coffee or biscuit you had while waiting for your car to be service, but something that is very much popular in western...

 

 

 

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First created in 1973, Volkswagen has made its own currywurst sausage ever since, and in the process turned it into a symbol of the company throughout Europe. While it’s a staple of the factory cafeterias in Wolfsburg and other European Volkswagen plants for breakfast or lunch, it’s also sold in grocery stores under the “Volkswagen Originalteil” (German for “original parts”) brand. Dealers in Germany often give five-packs of them to customers as gifts. And it’s a huge hit: last year, Volkswagen made 6.8 million currywursts – more than the number of vehicles the VW brand sold worldwide in 2017.

 

 

What does the VW currywurst taste like? To an American palate accustomed to bratwursts and other sausages typically labeled “sweet” or “hot,” the currywurst walks the broad space in between. There’s a strong yellow curry flavor, but with a kick from the pepper and ginger in the spices. The actual recipe, as devised by the original Volkswagen butchers in 1973, is an official company secret known only to a few people. It’s typically served either intact or chopped into bite-size slices on a paper bowl and drenched in ketchup – preferably the curry-flavored variety also made to Volkswagen’s recipe.

 

 

Since its inception, the currywurst has been made in-house by Volkswagen employees. Today, about 30 workers, most of them trained butchers, oversee the process at VW’s flagship plant in Wolfsburg. Three times a week, the plant takes in fresh pork from nearby farms and grinds choice cuts into a precise mix. “Our currywurst has a fat content of only 20 percent. Normally, it’s around 35 percent,” explains Head Butcher Franco Lo Presti, who has been making VW currywurst since 1979.

 

After mixing in the spices and packed into casings, the sausages are dried, smoked over beechwood and steamed for 100 minutes at 176 degrees. The final product is weighed, inspected and packaged for shipping to other Volkswagen plans or retailers, with a typical output of 18,000 sausages a day. For those workers who don’t prefer meat, VW has also made a vegetarian variant since 2010.

 

 

And VW also made their own ketchup...

 

 

[Carbon82]

Up next...  which auto manufacturer owns this bee farm?

 

 

 

 

 

And here's the answer:

 

 

Turbienchen by Porsche

 

Porsche takes its commitment to the environment and preserving Germany’s natural resources very seriously. Part of that commitment involves maintaining 25 bee colonies and a total of 1.5 million bees at the brand’s off-road area in Saxony, Germany. These colonies were set up in May 2017 and now the bees have produced their first batch of honey, resulting in about 400 kilograms (881 lbs) of lime blossom honey. It’s available for sale at the Porsche Leipzig customer center shop under the name “Turbienchen.”

 

The honey bees will spend the upcoming winter months in the off-road area before appearing again in the spring. “We will continue the initiative next year and we are planning to expand it. Our nature reserve offers the ideal conditions for bees”, says Gerd Rupp, Chair of the Executive Board at Porsche Leipzig GmbH. Bees are some of the most important productive creatures in Germany but are severely endangered. They pollinate most of the country’s agricultural crops. Environmental factors such as pesticide residues, bacteria, viruses and parasites have threatened bee populations for decades. In addition, there has been a gradual loss of natural bee habitats. As they are so important in ensuring biological diversity, bees are protected in Germany by the Federal Nature Conservation Act and the Federal Species Protection Regulations.

 

Sustainable pasture concept

 

The sustainable pasture concept at Porsche Leipzig is unique in the automotive industry. In addition to the honey bees, Porsche established colonies of Exmoor ponies and aurochs in the factory’s off-road area as long ago as 2002. The 132-hectare nature area is also home to many other wild animals, including various species of birds, amphibians, hares, deer and bats.

 

 

Now I can consider buying a Porsche for my wife ehmm... 

[Carbon82]

Take a closer look and you will see a familiar logo, don't you?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yes, Peugeot, the French auto manufacturer under the PSA group, has a division (Peugeot Saveurs) selling pepper mill, coffee mill, plates, wine glasses, cork screw, cultery, etc.

 

Check out on their website for a full range of their non-automotive related products, and you will be amaze by their collection.

 

https://www.peugeot-saveurs.com/en_wd/

[flashbang]

Amazing post!

[Inlinefour]

BMW also make a lot of stuff to sell

 

But quality no good all MIC one 

[Ender]

i got see ferrari cap, polo shirt and key chain before.

Edited February 27, 2019 by Ender

[Carbon82]

There are many more interesting sideline to be revealed... Now think about this. A BMW powered by Honda, possible? I am not referring to engine / technology sharing, neither am I referring to after market modification or swooping of engine... ...

 

Well yes, it is possible, and legally nothing wrong with it. And here's the proof!

 

 

 

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Beside motorcycle, passenger and light weight commercial vehicle, Honda has a division dealing with power equipment. Some of their product lineup includes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

But one of the most interesting power equipment Honda has is this Robotic Mower (Miimo):

 

 

 

There is even a Type R version!

 

[Jammy_buttons]

I want to try the VW sausages

[Jamesc]

Why put on the floor?

 

Put in the boot lah.

 

So can charge while the car is moving.

 

 

Honda powered BMW

 

 

 

[Carbon82]

Now, this yacht is from which auto manufacturer?

 

 

The next time when someone said "I am taking my Lexus (or Toyota) out to the sea this weekend." he / she is not joking.

 

Lexus LY 650 Luxury Yacht Crafted in the Spirit of Amazing

 

- 65-foot Lexus yacht joins the LS sedan, LX SUV and LC coupé as the fourth Lexus flagship

- Lexus LY 650 is the first production maritime expression of Lexus design language, L-finesse

- Exploration into non-automotive ventures continues beyond Lexus involvement in culinary, film, design and other select luxury lifestyle experiences

 

 

 

 

 

 

Crafting amazing automobiles is something Lexus has pursued relentlessly, as evidenced by the beautiful hand-pleated door panels in the LS 500 or the complex paint process, inspired by the morpho butterfly, that results in dazzling Structural Blue. And crafting every touch point around the Lexus brand is an opportunity Lexus continues to seize. This maritime application is another proof point in Lexus' storied history of exploring new frontiers both inside and outside the automotive industry.

 

Lexus continually evaluates what constitutes a luxury experience and has, as a result, ventured into the worlds of culinary, design, film, and more as alternative opportunities to interact with the brand. Driven by the vision of Lexus International president Yoshihiro Sawa for a brand that "explores new ways to deliver innovative and amazing experiences for our guests," Lexus has partnered with some of the world's finest purveyors of experience to further celebrate the phrase, Experience Amazing.

 

And now, Lexus returns to the water with its next expression of a Lexus yacht in the form of the LY 650. Bearing the most contemporary expression of Lexus design language, L-finesse, applied beyond the world of automobiles, the production LY 650 picks up where the stunning Lexus Sport Yacht Concept left off.

 

Lexus Takumi Meet Marquis-Larson Craftspeople

 

Encouraged by the robust public interest in the Lexus Sport Yacht Concept, a follow-up maritime effort was fueled by Executive Vice President; Shigeki Tomoyama's desire to, "present a dream-like vision of the luxury lifestyle; one where the Lexus Yacht expands the potential of Lexus mobility to the ocean." Making this dream-like vision a reality, Marquis-Larson Boat Group was selected to build, sell and service the next Lexus yacht based largely on their extensive experience with bespoke boat building and their proven capability, confirmed by their work bringing the Lexus Sport Yacht Concept to life.

 

Based in Pulaski, WI, Marquis-Larson is the ideal partner to bring the second chapter of Lexus yacht design to fruition with their thorough blend of artisanal craftsmanship, modern technology and inspired design. Complementing Lexus' renowned heritage of takumi craftspeople who are supremely skilled in their roles, Marquis' craftsmanship backbone is clearly demonstrated by their masterful boat builders, many of whom have been with the company for 30 years.

 

L-finesse Seamlessly Transitions from Automotive to Maritime Applications

 

Several of the most attractive features from the 42 foot concept have made their way onto the LY 650. In 65 foot overall length, 19 foot beam form, the newest Lexus yacht has a distinguished style found in the strong, pronounced bow, curved deck accents and accentuated aft hips. Viewed from the profile, the elegant rise and fall of the yacht's distinctly Lexus roofline flows into rising, broad hips of the rear section.

 

Background

 

Lexus was founded in 1989 to develop and produce the finest cars ever built with a commitment to providing the highest levels of customer service.

 

Lexus International was dedicated as a company-within-the-company in 2012 to coordinate all central strategy, planning, design, engineering and production for the brand.

 

The Marine Business Department of Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) was founded in 1997 to develop premium yachts using advanced technology and quality control methods perfected in making Lexus luxury cars. Toyota Marine's Ponam line has included sport-fishing boats in 26- and 28 foot lengths, and luxury cabin cruisers in 31-, 35-, 37- and 45 foot lengths with durable and quiet hulls of fully-welded A5083 aluminum alloy. Ponam models are powered by high-efficiency turbodiesel engines based on those of Lexus GX 300d (3.0-liter turbodiesel 4 cylinder) and LX 450d (twin turbo diesel 4.5-liter V8) luxury utility vehicles. The Toyota Ponam line is the market-leader in the premium yacht industry in Japan.

 

From 1998 to 2002, Toyota Marine also developed and produced the Epic line of fiberglass tournament ski boats and wakeboard boats, primarily for the US market, all powered by the 4.0-liter 1UZ-FE DOHC gasoline V8 from the Lexus LS 400 luxury sedan.

 

Marquis-Larson Boat Group believes that there is no truer sense of freedom than when you're on the water. That's why they offer a family of six premier recreational boat brands ranging from 16 to 52 feet: the new Marquis yachts, Carver yachts, Larson family runabouts, Larson FX freshwater fishing boats, Larson Escape pontoon boats, and Striper saltwater fishing boats.

 

[Carbon82]

Always wishing that a Lamborghini can be cheaper? Nah, got lobang must share share, this one look super chio and solid 

 

 

 

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The super car maker has a division, Lamborghini Trattori, producing tractor, crawler and accessories for commercial user. To put thing in perspective, Lamborghini Trattori was founded in 1948 in Cento by Ferruccio Lamborghini, who later went on to establish Lamborghini Automobili.

 

 

So don't envy someone with a Lamborghini keyfob in hand, he/she might just be a tractor operator... OK I sour grape.   

[uniquely_ad]

Wow learnt something new..thank you

[Carbon82]

These nice furniture are by... ...

 

 

 

It does have some hints of this particular auto manufacturer: The fine leather, wood panel, contour... ...

 

Well, here is another one hint,

 

 

BENTLEY HOME COLLECTION

 

Bentley furniture and homeware design inspired by the time-honoured craftsmanship and material selection that characterise Bentley car interiors.

 

Now you can live the way you drive, with a new range of handmade furniture inspired by the techniques, the materials and the finishes that characterise Bentley’s renowned car interiors. Bentley Home is partnership between Bentley and Club House Italia, the artisan furniture designer.

 

This exclusive collection of Bentley furniture and homeware combines Bentley craftsmanship and material selection with the exacting design of one of Europe’s leading luxury furniture makers.

 

The new Bentley Home collection takes traditional and modernist designs, injecting a little of the spirit of the British gentleman driver. The leather, veneers, metal, and glass throughout the suite, along with and the distinctive quality of each object mirrors that of a Bentley’s performance and luxury core elements.

 

Club House Italia has a long history of furnishing homes, hotels, boardrooms, yachts and private jets. Bentley has an even longer history of furnishing the world’s finest car interiors. Together, they offer an unmissable opportunity to transform your home to the same high standard as your car.

 

The Bentley Home Collection includes the following finely crafted pieces:

 

Richmond

An elegant and sophisticated line of seating which includes sofas, chaise lounges and armchairs. The enveloping external structure can have a veneer finish or leather cover. In contrast, the inner structure is covered in leather or linen or in fine cashmere velvet. The profile is embellished by a leather braid.

 

Madeley & Kendal

A large oval or round meeting table with refined Kendal chairs embellished with leather and the Bentley logo which can be embroidered on the back, on request. A trapezoidal structured table made of curved wood panels with edges embellished in hand-made leather coating. The feet are made of steel with a gun-metal finish.

 

Sherbourne & Kingsbridge

Tall and short leather-coated cabinets with veneered fronts; these are also available in smooth or quilted leather. Tone-on-tone lacquered interiors with external coatings and shelves of crystal represent the luxury and quality of both Bentley and Club House Italia, part of the Luxury Living Group. The handles and feet are also made from steel with a complimenting gun-metal grey finish.

 

Harlow

A modern coffee tables with metal steel structure and a complimentary gun-metal grey finish. The surface is made from onyx or leather coated.

 

Canterbury

The bed is characterised by an imposing headboard, embracing coated structure available in leather of fabric. The shapes are soft and convoluted, working in harmony with the contemporary and informal line. An innovative duvet cover, Fibra di Legno®, is a high-quality fabric made from wood pulp that gives the yarn softness and smoothness, adding to the luxurious feel of this piece.

 

 

More about Bentley Home Collection can be found in the link below:

 

Luxury Living Group by Bentley

[Tohto]

I always like currywurst sausage in Germany. Especially Christmas market.

[Carbon82]

Who own this?

 

 

It's a Harley for your toddler!

 

When we all said that Harley Davidson needed to appeal to younger riders, this isn’t quite what we had in mind, but we’ll take it!

 

 

HARLEY-DAVIDSON ACQUIRES STACYC, INC., MAKER OF ELECTRIC-POWERED TWO-WHEELERS FOR KIDS

 

Acquisition broadens electric two-wheeled portfolio to grow the next generation of Harley-Davidson Riders and lead in the electrification of motorcycling.

 

MILWAUKEE (March 5, 2019) – Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HOG) announces today that it has acquired StaCyc, Inc., producer of the 12 and 16 EDRIVE, electric-powered two-wheelers specifically designed for kids.

 

StaCyc, which entered the market in 2016, currently designs, markets and sells their EDRIVE models for kids, with an MSRP range of $649 to $699. StaCyc EDRIVES are sold in the U.S. through powersports dealerships, including 29 Harley-Davidson ® dealerships, online and in specialty bicycle retailers.

 

“We’re thrilled to have StaCyc become part of the Harley-Davidson family,” said Harley-Davidson Senior Vice President of Marketing and Brand Heather Malenshek. “The StaCyc team shares the same vision we have for building the next generation of riders globally and we believe that together, we will have a significant impact in bringing the fun and enjoyment of riding to kids everywhere.”

 

The acquisition of StaCyc expands Harley-Davidson’s electric portfolio and reinforces its commitment to lead in the electrification of motorcycling. Harley-Davidson previously announced plans to launch LiveWire ™ , a premium, high-performance electric motorcycle in fall 2019 and future lightweight and middleweight electric motorcycles at various price points starting in 2021. The StaCyc electric two-wheelers will provide an entry point for the youngest riders to enjoy the thrill of riding. As a subsidiary, a Harley-Davidson branded version of StaCyc’s 12-inch and 16-inch models will be sold through select Harley-Davidson dealers. The branded products will be available in the U.S. in the third quarter of 2019.

 

StaCyc branded EDRIVES will continue to be sold through StaCyc’s existing distribution network. Since its inception, StaCyc has inspired more than 6,000 new riders to join the sport through its fun and upbeat brand that focuses on sharing the love of riding through its line of kids’ electric two-wheeled products. The company has served as a catalyst for engaging riders at an early age and has been first to market with an entirely new category in both the motorcycle and bicycle markets.

 

“After a few conversations with Harley-Davidson, we realized that the ethos of our brands and our commitment to bringing more riders to motorcycling were incredibly aligned,” said Ryan Ragland, Founder of StaCyc. “The opportunity to work with the team at Harley-Davidson and have the support to carry out our mission to create the next generation of riders is exciting. Together we’re building a plan that fast-tracks our ability to help the industry create as many riders as possible.”

 

 

Harley-Davidson Motor Company 3700 W. Juneau Ave., P.O. Box 653, Milwaukee WI 53201

 

NEWS

 

The StaCyc acquisition is the latest example of how Harley-Davidson is investing in opportunities that inspire increased ridership in the near-term and deliver sustainable growth for the future as part of its More Roads to Harley-Davidson plan. The accelerated plan, which was unveiled in 2018, focuses on building the next generation of riders through new products in additional motorcycle segments, providing broader access to the brand and products and a commitment to supporting and strengthening dealers globally.

 

Harley-Davidson previously unveiled its plans for its full portfolio of motorcycles, starting with LiveWire, which will be available for sale later this year in the U.S. Preorders in the U.S. are now open and the company announced today at the Geneva International Motor Show that preorders for Europe will begin in April.

 

“We’ve said previously that we believe electric vehicles are where global mobility is headed and they hold great appeal for existing riders as well as opportunity to build new riders,” said Malenshek. “As we lead in the electrification of motorcycling, we’re demonstrating our commitment by delivering a full range of electric products for a vast audience who will be inspired to imagine and discover what is possible from Harley-Davidson.”

 

About Harley-Davidson Motor Company

 

Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company of Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Since 1903, Harley-Davidson has fulfilled dreams of personal freedom by leading the innovation of two-wheeled mobility. The company offers an expanding range of leading-edge, distinctive motorcycles and brings the brand to life through Harley-Davidson riding experiences and exceptional motorcycle parts, accessories, riding gear and apparel. Harley-Davidson Financial Services provides financing, insurance and other programs to help get Harley-Davidson riders on the road.

 

About StaCyc StaCyc is a fun, upbeat kids’ brand that is passionate about “Sharing the Love of Riding”. StaCyc is focused on new rider creation within the motorcycle industry and as a young, growing company StaCyc is “first to market”, creating a new category within the motorsport and bicycle industries. The company currently offers a range of products that allow kids ages 3 and older, and less than 75 lbs. to enjoy the thrill of riding, many times for the first time.

 

Introducing the new Harley-Davidson branded version of StaCyc’s electric 12-inch and 16-inch two-wheelers for kids. Harley- Davidson announced the acquisition of StaCyc on March 5.

[Mustank]

Waiting got xiaomi to make car!!!!

[Carbon82]

There were rumors a couple of years back that Xiaomi & Tesla are working on an Electric car.

 

 

Xiaomi Mistla: Chinese smartphone star developing car with Tesla technology?

 

iaomi is a company on the rise. It was the third biggest seller of smartphones in the third quarter of 2014 globally and has usurped Samsung as the biggest smartphone brand in China - one of the world's most important and fastest growing markets.

 

While smartphones are its main business the company also sells other products including TVs, tablets, headphones, and set-top boxes. Now, widespread rumours in China suggest the company is in the process of entering an entirely new market - cars.

 

The reports claim Xiaomi is developing a small car codenamed the Mistla which will reportedly go on sale for 39,999 yuan (£4,100). The car is said to be an A0-type car or "super mini", similar in size to cars like the Renault Twingo, Toyota Aygo, and Fiat 500.

 

Reports suggest Xiaomi is working with Chinese car manufacturer BYD Auto to bring the new car to market.

 

Xiaomi developed its own software called MIUI, which is a fork of the Android operating system, and it is likely that any Xiaomi car would feature the software as part of its infotainment system.

 

A budget Tesla?

The other strand to the rumours circulating on Chinese news websites is that Xiaomi is potentially looking to work with Tesla on the new car. These rumours seem to originate from two sources.

 

The first is that Xiaomi founder and majority shareholder Lei Jun met with Tesla's founder Elon Musk last year at the Global Mobile Internet Conference, writing about his experience on the Xiaomi website.

 

Jun said he was more interested in Tesla over any of Musk's other companies, such as SpaceX. He also spoke about how Tesla disrupted the US car market and took on giants in the luxury sector like Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi - something which could indicate he was planning a similar move in China.

 

The second source of the Tesla link appears to be a little more tenuous. It is based on a Tesla car being seen parked outside the Xiaomi headquarters in Beijing, but considering that Tesla cars are on sale in the country, this is hardly a strong indication of a partnership between the companies.

 

Xiaomi has long been criticised for designing smartphones which seem to copy the look and feel of other phones, particularly Apple. Some have suggested that Xiaomi could be set to replicate this model with Tesla, using its ideas to build a much more affordable version of an electric car.

 

Xiaomi has built its success on being able to keep costs low by eschewing traditional advertising spend, selling everything online, and using word-of-mouth to build its brand. It is unclear if a similar tactic would work in the automotive industry.

 

Attempts to contact Xiaomi for a comment on this speculation have been unsuccessful so far.

[Carbon82]

These playing cards are from... ... Alfa Romeo.

 

 

These are not free gift, but one of the many merchandise sold by the Italian auto manufacturer. Other product in their lineup includes:

 

Portable Speaker

 

Wireless Headphone

 

Leather Tablet Cover

 

Scarf

 

Bag

 

Wine Glass

 

Glass Coasters

 

and many others. Check out Alfa Romeo website for a full range of their merchandise.