Fun Facts - Little Known Sideline of Auto Manufacturer

[Carbon82]

Can any of you name some products by Volvo, other than cars, buses and trucks? Plenty of them actually...

 

 

 

Power Generator

 

Vehicle for Agriculture / Construction / Forestry / Mining

 

 

 

 

Marine - Engine for Boat

 

Volvo used to have also a aerospace division, manufacturing engines mainly for military aircraft application, and even into missile development. It was sold to GKN in 2012.

 

 

[Carbon82]

Can you link these 2 together? I can't honestly, but... ...

 

 

 

Corvette to Cave: Chevy Byproducts Give Homes to Bats

 

 

DETROIT – An adhesive used in production of the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray may help preserve a threatened bat species in North America.

 

General Motors found that when processed, the adhesive can serve as a stalactite in artificial bat caves.

 

International bat experts from such non-governmental organizations as Bat Conservation International and the Organization for Bat Conservation are reviewing the application.

 

White-nose syndrome, a deadly fungus appearing on the muzzle and other parts of hibernating bats, has killed more than 5.7 million bats to date in the United States and Canada. Bats with the disease act abnormally and wake from hibernation too frequently, leading to death.

 

There is no cure for white-nose syndrome, but remedies like nontoxic fungicides and artificial bat caves show promise. Saving bats is important because they contribute to the overall health of the environment. A single bat eats up to 5,000 insects a night, which means farmers can use fewer pesticides. They are also pollinators that help repopulate plants and maintain forests.

 

“We need to do what we can to prevent more bats from contracting white-nose syndrome while they are hibernating,” said Rob Mies, executive director for the Organization for Bat Conservation. “Researchers are working around the clock to find a way to stop the transmission from occurring in caves. This disease is occurring at a rapidly escalating rate and if a solution is not found soon, many bat species could face extinction.”

 

Artificial stalactites give hibernating bats more surface area from which to hang, thus spreading them out around the cave. Creation of the stalactite is simple; robots that apply a structural adhesive that helps join Corvette body parts are purged regularly to keep the adhesive applicator clean and free of dried material. This dried gunk is the perfect shape for a stalactite, and its use in artificial bat caves avoids sending it to landfills.

 

Bat projects have been a part of GM for several years, examples of GM’s industry-leading 26 certified wildlife habitat programs and penchant for creative recycling.

 

The company also creates bat houses out of scrap Chevrolet Volt battery covers that can hold up to 150 little brown bats each. John Bradburn, GM global manager of waste reduction, came up with the reuse idea, transforming the difficult-to-recycle material into nesting structures. So far, 232 of these bat houses have been installed on its properties and in other private and public lands in the United States. A tweak of the design has led to 368 specially designed structures to serve wood ducks, owls, bluebirds and scaly-sided mergansers – an endangered species. 

 

“We think of waste as just a resource out of place and work hard to keep materials in use,” said Bradburn. “Just like our stalactite concept or our bat houses, we seek out creative reuse projects that touch other elements of sustainability such as community engagement and wildlife preservation.”

 

GM often works with local youth through schools, clubs and recreation centers to put the finishing touches on the nesting boxes.

 

“It’s important to get kids involved in these projects, helping them to see things not as they are, but what they can be,” said Bradburn.

 

 

In fact, GM has been actively involved in many Wildlife Habitats Programs for some time.

 

GM Wildlife Habitats Grow Across Globe

 

 

 

DETROIT – General Motors has received 15 certifications and three awards from the nonprofit Wildlife Habitat Council for establishing wildlife habitats and education programs at facilities in five countries, including the first certified program in China by any company.

 

The Wildlife Habitat Council’s Wildlife at Work and Corporate Lands for Learning programs recognize outstanding wildlife habitat management and environmental education efforts at corporate sites.

 

“GM truly understands the importance of establishing strategic corporate goals and objectives with the Wildlife Habitat Council and working to translate them into tangible and measurable on-the-ground actions,” said Margaret O’Gorman, president of the Wildlife Habitat Council.

 

GM maintains an industry-leading 43 certified programs and actively manages nearly 5,000 acres of wildlife habitat globally, representing 22 percent of the certified sites’ overall footprint. Features of some of the newly certified programs include:

 

- A 27,000-square-foot pollinator garden at the Guangde Proving Ground in China. Pollinators – rapidly declining worldwide – are critical to the reproduction of 90 percent of flowering plants and one third of human food crops worldwide.

 

- A three-acre artificial lagoon providing a natural wetland habitat for migrating and local birds at GM’s Ramos Arizpe Complex in Mexico. The lagoon is particularly important in the water-stressed region of northern Mexico.

 

- Wetlands and containment lakes used for organic wastewater treatment at the company’s facilities in Joinville and São Caetano do Sul, Brazil. Employees showed students how sustainable manufacturing practices help preserve local watersheds and the flora and fauna that rely on them.

 

- Bat nesting boxes made from scrap Chevrolet Volt battery covers at Tonawanda Engine and several other GM facilities in the U.S. and Canada. The structures are designed to help preserve bat populations under threat due to white nose syndrome.

 

Certification requires sites to apply for periodic renewal. Nine GM facilities earned recertification this year, having shown continuous growth of their habitats and environmental education programs.

 

“Enhancing biodiversity is a business priority and environmental imperative,” said Greg Martin, GM executive director for Sustainability. “These habitats also enable our employees to have a tangible, postitive impact on local conservation while strengthening relationships in the communities where they live and work.”

 

The Wildlife Habitat Council also recognized two individual plants with additional awards for programs that demonstrate exceptional commitment to conservation.

 

- Lansing Delta Township earned Corporate Habitat of the Year, which recognizes one high-quality Wildlife at Work program each year for outstanding environmental stewardship. The plant also received the Wings Over Wetlands award in recognition of protecting wetland habitat for waterfowl and other migratory birds.

 

- Arlington Assembly was named Corporate Lands for Learning Rookie of the Year, which recognizes a single, newly certified Corporate Lands for Learning program each year for outstanding environmental education, stewardship and voluntary employee efforts.

 

GM is committed to creating and securing wildlife habitat certifications or equivalent at each of its manufacturing sites where feasible by 2020.

[Carbon82]

If you visit Tesla webpage, you might have notice that there is a tab on the main page showing "Energy", along side with Model S, Model 3, Model X, Model Y and Roadster. Is that a new model Tesla is launching, soon?

 

 

Click on the "Energy" tab, and you will be led to the following page.

 

 

Now, get the full picture? Yes, Tesla is not just a automotive manufacturer, but also a provider of clean energy solution, for both residential and commercial sector.

 

 

 

 

Tesla, Inc. (formerly Tesla Motors, Inc.) is an American automotive and energy company based in Palo Alto, California. The company specializes in electric car manufacturing and, through its SolarCity subsidiary, solar panel manufacturing. It operates multiple production and assembly plants, notably Gigafactory 1 near Reno, Nevada, and its main vehicle manufacturing facility at Tesla Factory in Fremont, California. As of March 2019, Tesla sells the Model S, Model 3, Model X, Model Y and Roadster (2020) vehicles, Powerwall and Powerpack batteries, solar panels, solar roof tiles, and some related products.

 

Tesla was founded in July 2003, by engineers Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning, under the name Tesla Motors. The company's name was derived from engineer Nikola Tesla. In early Series A funding, Tesla Motors was joined by Elon Musk, J. B. Straubel and Ian Wright, all of whom are retroactively allowed to call themselves co-founders of the company. Musk, who formerly served as chairman and is the current chief executive officer, said that he envisioned Tesla Motors as a technology company and independent automaker, aimed at eventually offering electric cars at prices affordable to the average consumer.

 

On August 1, 2016, Tesla agreed to acquire SolarCity Corp. for $2.6 billion in stock. SolarCity was then the largest installer of rooftop solar systems in the United States. More than 85% of unaffiliated Tesla and SolarCity shareholders voted to approve the acquisition, which closed on November 21, 2016.

 

After it acquired SolarCity, Tesla stopped using door to door sales tactics for solar systems; instead, it markets and sells its products at company showrooms. For a short duration, Tesla partnered with Home Depot to sell solar and energy products through in store kiosks. It also does not provide a leasing option for solar panels, and consumers must purchase them. Tesla Motors shortened its name to Tesla in February 2017.

 

BTW, they also sell apparels and other lifestyle product.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Carbon82]

I believe most will know Rolls-Royce are in automotive and aerospace business (especially with the recent news report on it Trent engine - despite on the negative side). But do you know the other businesses they are in?

 

They have a big entity dealing with Defence,

 

Another entity taking care of Power System,

 

Another for Nuclear Power,

 

And surprisingly, Data Analyse & AI.

 

Actually RR also used to have a Marine division, which was sold to Kongsberg last year.

 

Rolls-Royce signs agreement to sell Commercial Marine business to KONGSBERG

[Carbon82]

I think many in MCF would have known that BMW, beside selling cars, also has motorcycle as well as bicycle in it product line up. But from Q3 this year, they will be selling these as well:

 

 

Launch of the new BMW E-Scooter from autumn 2019

 

Munich. A new trend is coming to the world of electric mobility this year: e-scooters. This is the smart form of everyday transport – and the reason why BMW Lifestyle will be expanding its compact city scooter range for young and old from September 2019. The launch of the pioneering BMW E-Scooter sees the BMW Group building on its successful cooperation with Micro (inventor of the Micro Scooter) with another compelling demonstration of innovative technology and high-quality design at work.

 

The new BMW E-Scooter will get its rider to their destination even more quickly, thanks to its range of twelve kilometres (7.5 miles) and 20 km/h (12 mph) top speed. Two separate braking systems and embedded front and rear lights provide the requisite safety on the road. And yet this lightweight scooter (it weighs just nine kilograms) still boasts the space-saving design of a city scooter and can be folded up very easily. The 150-watt motor and lithium-ion battery slip away almost out of sight into the footplate and rear wheel, making the new E-Scooter every inch the practical everyday companion. It takes just two hours to fully charge the E-Scooter’s battery so it’s ready to go again. Micro’s matt-black colour design is the ideal match for the classical blue of the BMW propeller logo.

 

Created as part of the first collaboration between the BMW Group and Micro, the adjustable BMW City Scooter allows the rider to take it with them everywhere thanks to its triple-secured folding and locking mechanism. The low footplate with integrated kickstand and the large wheels offer excellent comfort on the commute to work. And with destination reached, the City Scooter can be parked away neatly in space-saving style.

 

The size-shifting BMW Kids Scooter makes an ideal set of wheels for even very small children. Little ones from three years old can use it for balancing practice, and the seat surface opens to reveal space for a selection of favourite toys. For youngsters aged up to twelve, the seat can be simply taken off and the height of the handlebars adjusted as the rider gets taller. The BMW Kids Scooter is available in Black / Orange and White / Raspberry Red.

 

All BMW scooters are available for purchase at selected BMW dealers. The BMW E-Scooter will be available starting from September 2019.

 

 

Actually it is not the 1st time BMW has ventured into the e-scooter market. It X2City (under the Motorrad arm) was introduced in Europe about a year ago.

 

[BanCoe]

More road nuisance , hope got famous BMW no need  2 signal 1 

 

@angcheek sure buy 1  

 

 

I think many in MCF would have known that BMW, beside selling cars, also has motorcycle as well as bicycle in it product line up. But from Q3 this year, they will be selling these as well:

 

 

Launch of the new BMW E-Scooter from autumn 2019

 

 

[Fitvip]

Why put on the floor?

 

Put in the boot lah.

 

So can charge while the car is moving.

 

 

Honda powered BMW

 

 

 

charge+bmw+i3+with+honda+generator.png

The emission would kill the occupants!

[RH1667]

 

I think many in MCF would have known that BMW, beside selling cars, also has motorcycle as well as bicycle in it product line up. But from Q3 this year, they will be selling these as well:

 

 

Launch of the new BMW E-Scooter from autumn 2019

 

Munich. A new trend is coming to the world of electric mobility this year: e-scooters. This is the smart form of everyday transport â and the reason why BMW Lifestyle will be expanding its compact city scooter range for young and old from September 2019. The launch of the pioneering BMW E-Scooter sees the BMW Group building on its successful cooperation with Micro (inventor of the Micro Scooter) with another compelling demonstration of innovative technology and high-quality design at work.

 

The new BMW E-Scooter will get its rider to their destination even more quickly, thanks to its range of twelve kilometres (7.5 miles) and 20 km/h (12 mph) top speed. Two separate braking systems and embedded front and rear lights provide the requisite safety on the road. And yet this lightweight scooter (it weighs just nine kilograms) still boasts the space-saving design of a city scooter and can be folded up very easily. The 150-watt motor and lithium-ion battery slip away almost out of sight into the footplate and rear wheel, making the new E-Scooter every inch the practical everyday companion. It takes just two hours to fully charge the E-Scooterâs battery so itâs ready to go again. Microâs matt-black colour design is the ideal match for the classical blue of the BMW propeller logo.

 

Created as part of the first collaboration between the BMW Group and Micro, the adjustable BMW City Scooter allows the rider to take it with them everywhere thanks to its triple-secured folding and locking mechanism. The low footplate with integrated kickstand and the large wheels offer excellent comfort on the commute to work. And with destination reached, the City Scooter can be parked away neatly in space-saving style.

 

The size-shifting BMW Kids Scooter makes an ideal set of wheels for even very small children. Little ones from three years old can use it for balancing practice, and the seat surface opens to reveal space for a selection of favourite toys. For youngsters aged up to twelve, the seat can be simply taken off and the height of the handlebars adjusted as the rider gets taller. The BMW Kids Scooter is available in Black / Orange and White / Raspberry Red.

 

All BMW scooters are available for purchase at selected BMW dealers. The BMW E-Scooter will be available starting from September 2019.

 

 

Actually it is not the 1st time BMW has ventured into the e-scooter market. It X2City (under the Motorrad arm) was introduced in Europe about a year ago.

 

Finally ! Peasant me can afford a BMW !

[inlinesix]

BMW also make a lot of stuff to sell

 

But quality no good all MIC one 

 

What did you bought?

 

[inlinesix]

Alpina produces car and wine.

[Carbon82]

Alpina produces car and wine.

 

You are absolutely right! But it doesn't make the wine itself. Instead it sources from existing vintners across Europe and as far away as the US and South America.

 

For over a third of a century, Alpina has been importing and distributing prized bottles of aged grape juice and selling them to restaurants and wine shops in Germany and around the world. Prices start at just €4.20 (about S$6.47) for a half-size bottle of eight-year-old Tuscan chianti and range as high as €1,600 (almost S$2,464) for a six-liter (1.6-gallon) Methuselah from Chile.

 

Of course, an Alpina B3 will cost you considerably more (starting ~S$300k+), and you could probably fit a few cases of the broker's wine in the trunk. But then, even with a few friends along for the ride, you won't finish off one of those 400-horsepower sedans in one sitting...

 

Alpina Wein

 

 

 

 

 

For over 35 years, and with the same fervor with which we produce our automobiles, we’ve been investing in famous, carefully-chosen wines, procured directly from selected vintners. We base our selections on our experience – thereby fulfilling the highest expectations.

 

Our range of wine is unique in many respects, composed of rare vintages and excellent wines, representing exceptional value in relation to inherent quality.

 

Not only top-flight gastronomes are able to enjoy our exquisite wines, private parties have access, as well, and across all national borders.

 

Click here to check out their 2019 Wein Katalogue.

 

 

[Carbon82]

Bentley's New Restaurant Keeps Your Nose Higher Than Everyone Else's

 

 

There's just one problem: the mountaintop eatery is already closed.

 

Most automakers dip toes into all kinds of side projects. Bicycles are fairly common items, and of course there’s a plethora of various apparel options and bits of furniture for your home. Food is often part of the equation, too, and now Bentley is in the mix with a restaurant the automaker says is the “highest fine-dining experience in Arabia.”

 

Or at least, it was. The restaurant was only open for 7 days, and even then it wasn’t actually open. It’s okay if you’re confused right now; we will explain everything.

 

According to Bentley, the restaurant was built at the summit of Jebel Jais –  the tallest mountain in the UAE – to celebrate the Middle East launch of the automaker’s latest Continental GT. If you’re upset that you didn’t hear about this new high-class dining experience, you’ll feel better knowing that Bentley only invited “hand-picked VIP diners” to mountaintop location. Once there, patrons were treated to a bespoke five-course meal of British origins with a Middle Eastern flair. Actually, have you ever not had a bespoke dinner? Okay, frozen Lean Cuisine isn't necessarily made-to-order, but still, you get the idea.

 

So yeah, Bentley built a restaurant on top of a mountain that was never open to the public, and only served meals for seven days to people we’ll assume have a grand connection to Bentley. The food was prepared by Colin Clague, a renowned chef who presumably is a pretty darned good cook. We wouldn’t know, because we never had a chance to get to Bentley’s not-open-to-the-public restaurant while it was in operation for all of seven days. Do we sound a bit jealous? Nah, not really.

 

We’ll give credit to Bentley for this one. We’ve seen all kinds of interesting vehicle-launch events and crazy PR stunts from automakers over the years. In our collective minds, this could be the first instance of a company hosting what amounts to an ultra-exclusive dinner party nobody knew about until after it was over, to inaugurate a car that actually debuted months ago.

 

 

 

 

[SGMCF328]

On 5/29/2019 at 11:28 AM, Carbon82 said:

I think many in MCF would have known that BMW, beside selling cars, also has motorcycle as well as bicycle in it product line up. But from Q3 this year, they will be selling these as well:

 

 

Launch of the new BMW E-Scooter from autumn 2019

 

Munich. A new trend is coming to the world of electric mobility this year: e-scooters. This is the smart form of everyday transport – and the reason why BMW Lifestyle will be expanding its compact city scooter range for young and old from September 2019. The launch of the pioneering BMW E-Scooter sees the BMW Group building on its successful cooperation with Micro (inventor of the Micro Scooter) with another compelling demonstration of innovative technology and high-quality design at work.

 

The new BMW E-Scooter will get its rider to their destination even more quickly, thanks to its range of twelve kilometres (7.5 miles) and 20 km/h (12 mph) top speed. Two separate braking systems and embedded front and rear lights provide the requisite safety on the road. And yet this lightweight scooter (it weighs just nine kilograms) still boasts the space-saving design of a city scooter and can be folded up very easily. The 150-watt motor and lithium-ion battery slip away almost out of sight into the footplate and rear wheel, making the new E-Scooter every inch the practical everyday companion. It takes just two hours to fully charge the E-Scooter’s battery so it’s ready to go again. Micro’s matt-black colour design is the ideal match for the classical blue of the BMW propeller logo.

 

Created as part of the first collaboration between the BMW Group and Micro, the adjustable BMW City Scooter allows the rider to take it with them everywhere thanks to its triple-secured folding and locking mechanism. The low footplate with integrated kickstand and the large wheels offer excellent comfort on the commute to work. And with destination reached, the City Scooter can be parked away neatly in space-saving style.

 

The size-shifting BMW Kids Scooter makes an ideal set of wheels for even very small children. Little ones from three years old can use it for balancing practice, and the seat surface opens to reveal space for a selection of favourite toys. For youngsters aged up to twelve, the seat can be simply taken off and the height of the handlebars adjusted as the rider gets taller. The BMW Kids Scooter is available in Black / Orange and White / Raspberry Red.

 

All BMW scooters are available for purchase at selected BMW dealers. The BMW E-Scooter will be available starting from September 2019.

 

 

Actually it is not the 1st time BMW has ventured into the e-scooter market. It X2City (under the Motorrad arm) was introduced in Europe about a year ago.

 

First of all, I would like to shout out to @Carbon82 for starting this very informative thread. Really an eye opener for me. I didn't know that car manufacturers can have so many different kind of sideline businesses. 😳

I just read that Hyundai is about to sell e scooter soon. Hope this news got into this thread.

Hyundai Makes Micro-Mobility Easier With Folding Electric Scooter

https://www.google.com/amp/s/hypebeast.com/2019/8/hyundai-foldable-electric-scooter-prototype-preview-information%3famp=1

 

Weighing at about 17 pounds, the scooter sees a compact tri-fold design that can be transformed into a briefcase-like size, making it highly portable. Some of its features include a digital display showing battery life and a screen that lets you know how fast you’re going. Thanks to its 10.5 Ah battery, the electric vehicle can travel up to 12 mph and also includes articulated LED lights at the front and rear for nighttime riding. As a final note, the scooter mounts to any Hyundai or Kia vehicle, where it gets charged from the electricity generated from driving.

[Benarsenal]

VW also got pasta. 🤣

Actually a lot of these companies are massive conglomerates, with hands in many businesses. Cars are only one part of their business.

Like the Koreans, Hyundai has many many more sidelines other than cars.

[Carbon82]

On 9/3/2019 at 4:20 PM, SGMCF328 said:

First of all, I would like to shout out to @Carbon82 for starting this very informative thread. Really an eye opener for me. I didn't know that car manufacturers can have so many different kind of sideline businesses. 😳

I just read that Hyundai is about to sell e scooter soon. Hope this news got into this thread.

Hyundai Makes Micro-Mobility Easier With Folding Electric Scooter

https://www.google.com/amp/s/hypebeast.com/2019/8/hyundai-foldable-electric-scooter-prototype-preview-information%3famp=1

 

Weighing at about 17 pounds, the scooter sees a compact tri-fold design that can be transformed into a briefcase-like size, making it highly portable. Some of its features include a digital display showing battery life and a screen that lets you know how fast you’re going. Thanks to its 10.5 Ah battery, the electric vehicle can travel up to 12 mph and also includes articulated LED lights at the front and rear for nighttime riding. As a final note, the scooter mounts to any Hyundai or Kia vehicle, where it gets charged from the electricity generated from driving.

Thanks for sharing. Seems like many auto manufacturers are going into e scooter.

Audi combines e-scooter with skateboard

With a new e-scooter concept, Audi is responding to the urban trend towards multi-modal mobility. The Audi e-tron Scooter, combining the advantages of the electric scooter and the skateboard, is designed for sporty riders. To be transported by car, bus or train, the twelve-kilogram (26-pound) e-scooter can be folded up and conveniently stored in the back of the car, or if preferred pulled like a trolley. Above all, the Audi e-tron Scooter stands out thanks to its handling, which is like surfing waves. The rider has one hand free, and so is able to look around and give hand signals. Production and sales are planned for late 2020.

“With the Audi e-tron Scooter, we appeal to customers who are on the move in cities, sustainably and multi-modally – and for whom style and functionality are important,” says Thorsten Schrader, project manager for micro-mobility at Audi. Although riders keep one hand on the handlebar, they control the scooter like a skateboard with their feet by shifting their weight. The movable axles with four wheels allow unusually tight curves. “Of course the e-tron Scooter also moves straight ahead. But the feeling of flow only comes when you start carving on asphalt – and that is surprisingly easy with our new concept.”

The steering handle gives stability, holds the battery and the electronics, and carries a display showing the battery status. Riders accelerate and brake by means of a twist grip. The range of 20 kilometers (12.5 miles) is achieved through recuperation when the e-scooter brakes, i.e. it recovers kinetic energy. The hydraulic foot brake provides additional safety.

At the end of 2020, private customers will be able to buy the Audi e-tron Scooter for about 2,000 euros. Its use in fleets for specific user groups, for example residents of modern urban quarters, is also a possibility. A further option would be to offer the e-scooter as an extra to customers who buy Audi e-tron models. The e-scooter could be charged in the car trunk through a dedicated socket. Users can conveniently cover the last yards, for example from a parking space or charging point to their destination, at a speed of up to 20 kmh (12.5 mph).

The Audi e-tron Scooter is fitted with the legally required LED lights: a headlight, daytime running light, rear light and brake light. A Bluetooth interface permits individual adjustments to the ride characteristics and provides protection against theft. Furthermore, the designers work on decks either in wood or carbon and designs in gray and black.

[Carbon82]

14 hours ago, Benarsenal said:

VW also got pasta. 🤣

Actually a lot of these companies are massive conglomerates, with hands in many businesses. Cars are only one part of their business.

Like the Koreans, Hyundai has many many more sidelines other than cars.

Wah, pasta is new to me!😃

Agree that some corporation like Hyundai, Samsung, Mitsubishi and such, automotive are just one part of their business. But for others, such as VAG (VW, Audi, Bentley), BMW, Lexus just to name a few, their core business is still with cars, and having to branch out to take up all these "sideline business" is kind of out of the norm. And that is the interesting part for me (maybe I am an odd ball here)...😁

[Carbon82]

Make a guess: This £1m powerboat by which auto manufacturer?

 

 

 

...

 

 

Aston Martin AM37 Powerboat

The 37-foot Aston Martin AM37 powerboat made its world debut at the 2016 Monaco Yacht Show, marking Aston Martin's entry into the nautical world. The new day-cruiser is offered in two versions with the AM37S expected to reach speeds of 50 knots.

The AM37 is the result of two years of research and development, challenging the status quo of the nautical world and combining the best in innovative technology and bespoke craftsmanship. The AM37 was a true team effort, bringing in the most experienced Aston Martin designers to style and create a truly unique product. Aston Martin’s master craftsmen who worked on cars such as One-77, Aston Martin Vulcan and the new DB11, provided their automotive experience, which was reinterpreted onto the boat with outstanding results.

Aston Martin’s EVP & Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman and his design team collaborated closely with naval architect Mulder Design to ensure every element of the project was carefully considered. Sharing creative expertise and specialist skills, Quintessence Yachts engineered the Aston Martin design into an innovative powerboat for the yachting world.

Reichman commented: "AM37 is a pure translation of the Aston Martin DNA into an entirely new maritime concept. The powerboat reflects our values in terms of power, beauty and soul. The most important attribute for Aston Martin is the design language and proportion, we have transferred this DNA into AM37. It was important to us when considering this project to make sure that the boat design was as beautiful and timeless as our cars, the AM37 is a striking boat with fantastic proportion and elegance."

The AM37 is a day cruiser that can be transformed into an overnight berth by transforming the table into a comfortable bed. The cabin is well appointed with mood lighting and air-conditioning. With a refrigerator, microwave oven and coffee machine - and a lavatory on board, absolute comfort is guaranteed. Crafted from the finest leathers, elegantly laid out rear seating is available for up to eight people.

The exterior of AM37 features dynamic proportions in a design that is simple, yet immaculately executed. The boat is set apart by the attention to detail in every element of its design. The wraparound windscreen has been created from a single piece of sculpted glass fluidly draped over the AM37’s foredeck. With extreme double curvature it sets a new industry standard. Sliding deck technology allows owners to cover the cockpit of the boat completely at the touch of a button. The three lightweight carbon panels, operated by the AM37 key, fold under the aft deck when the cockpit is uncovered. An electro-hydraulic carbon fibre bimini top is stowed under the engine hatch when not in use and, extending from the aft deck, a swim platform allows for easy access to the water.

At the helm, the AM37’s carbon fibre dashboard echoes styling elements from Aston Martin’s most advanced sports cars. It includes fine leather with functional features, such as the steering wheel, throttle handles and joystick in polished metals.  The boat’s navigation, control monitor and entertainment systems are all integrated, with advanced multimedia functions.

CEO for Quintessence Yachts, Mariella Mengozzi said: "It’s been an exciting journey and we have relished partnering with Aston Martin on such a special project that blends craftsmanship with futuristic technology – the perfect mix for this unique powerboat. We took on the challenge to create a true revolution on the water and an extraordinary powerboat, and I’m delighted to present the AM37, a new way of experiencing life at sea".

The 37-foot model is available in two versions - the AM37 with an estimated top speed of 45 knots and a choice of two 370 hp Mercury diesel or two 430 hp Mercury petrol engines.  And the AM37S version with an estimated 50 knots derived from its twin 520 hp Mercury petrol engines.

Katia Bassi, VP of AML & Managing Director of AM Brands commented, “We are so proud to present the AM37, an exclusive powerboat for the yachting world. With this project Aston Martin, the icon of style and technological innovation, confirms its place as a top luxury brand. The Aston Martin Art of Living is a way of life that captures the very essence of the Aston Martin brand, and AM37 is a fine example of this philosophy."

 

[Carbon82]

Although this is kind of an impromptu attempt to meet market demand (some may even say it is a community service), still it is a sideline nevertheless...

Chinese EV-Maker BYD Will Make Face Masks and Hand Sanitizers To Combat Pandemic

BYD, a Chinese EV-maker based in Shenzhen and backed by U.S. investor Warren Buffett, is looking to combat the current coronavirus pandemic that has killed nearly 3,200 people in China.

Their solution comes in the form of building a new mask production line, on which they started working in late January. BYD also produces around 300,000 bottles of hand sanitizers per day, said the carmaker in statement, as reported by Reuters.

BYD, who also builds EV batteries, said that it will give masks to its workers in order to ensure regular production, but will also supply other people in the Hubei province (as well as hospitals and public transport), the epicenter of the viral outbreak.

Globally, there have been more than 134,500 reported cases of coronavirus infections, with more than 4,900 fatalities, as per government announcements. The total number of cases in mainland China remains a staggering 80,813.

Right now, factories in China are slowly but surely resuming production, with a number of manufacturers refitting production lines to make masks and medical clothing in order to meet the growing demand. For example, SGMW, a Guangxi-based joint venture between GM, SAIC Motor and a local partner, is making around 2 million masks per day.

The general consensus around the globe is that in most countries, the outbreak is just in its initial stages, which means further industry disruptions can be expected.