The fully electric Volvo EX30 named 2024 World Urban Car

VOLVO CANADA - Small and mighty indeed – we are celebrating today, because our fully electric Volvo EX30 has landed a big accolade at the prestigious World Car Awards!

Beating out a competitive field of nominees, the EX30 was awarded the title of 2024 World Urban Car in a presentation held at the New York International Auto Show. Our smallest ever SUV was also named as one of the top three cars in the world out of a list of 38 nominees.

 

“Winning this award with the EX30 is incredibly gratifying and a firm validation of our ambitious electrification strategy,” says Jim Rowan, our chief executive. “Customer response to the EX30 has exceeded our expectations, and it has proven to be a perfect car for today’s marketplace as a growing number of car buyers switch to fully electric cars. I’m convinced the EX30 will strongly contribute to our growth this year and beyond.”

 

The EX30 was revealed last summer to almost universal acclaim and has already won several major awards, including The Sun Car of the Year, the Small SUV/Crossover of the Year award from the Sunday Times, and the Eco Warrior of the Year award from Top Gear magazine.

 

As such the EX30 is a strong addition to our product portfolio, which also contains several very attractive plug-in and mild hybrid models in multiple segments. Those cars are an important bridge towards on the way to Volvo Cars’ ambition to only sell electric cars by 2030.

 

Since its reveal, the EX30 has rapidly proven to be a very popular car with customers – based on our orderbook, we expect it to be one of our best-selling models this year.

 

It is the smallest SUV we’ve ever launched and it’s built on a purpose-designed electric car platform. In addition to producing zero tailpipe emissions, it has been developed with a focus on keeping its carbon footprint to a minimum across the car’s complete lifecycle.

 

EX30 buyers have a choice of three electric powertrains: a Single Motor version with 200kW (272hp) and a 51kWh battery; a Single Motor Extended Range with battery capacity increased to 69kWh; and a Twin Motor Performance model with 315kW (428hp) and a 69kWh battery. The EX30 offers a driving range of up to 476km and its battery can be recharged from 10 to 80 per cent capacity in a little over 25 minutes.

 

·        Charging times are dependent on factors such as outdoor temperature, current battery temperature, charging equipment, battery condition and car condition.

·        Range according to the realistic WLTP driving cycle under controlled conditions for a new car. Real-world range may vary.

·        Features and services may not be available in all markets and will not be standard in all markets or for all models.

Genesis Electrified GV70 wins Best Residual Value by Canadian Black Book

GENESIS CANADA - Genesis Motors Canada proudly announces that the 2024 Electrified GV70 has been awarded Canadian Black Book’s 2024 Best Residual Value Award in the Electric SUV category, for vehicles above $60,000. This accolade underscores the Electrified GV70's exceptional value retention, as measured by the forecasted percentage of its original price after four years. Genesis took the top spot in the segment, followed by the Mercedes-Benz EQE and Volvo C40 in second and third place, respectively.

"We are incredibly honoured to have the 2024 Genesis Electrified GV70 recognized by Canadian Black Book. This award is a reflection of our commitment to excellence and our vision for the future of electrification," says Eric Marshall, director of Genesis Motors Canada. "The Electrified GV70 exemplifies our dedication to providing consumers with vehicles that offer elegant styling and dynamic performance, as well as a frictionless ownership experience."

Now in its third year, the Best Residual Value Awards have expanded to include crossovers in various categories. Reflecting the continued shift of consumer preferences towards SUVs, categories now recognize Compact, Sub-compact, Mid-size, and Full-size models in both mainstream and luxury segments.

“There are more EVs on the roads; more people researching, buying, and leasing them; and more options from automakers,” said Daniel Ross, CBB’s senior manager of industry insights and residual value strategy. “They are becoming common and, therefore, consumer education is increasing, which helps bring up residual values.”

Presented during the 2024 Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, the Best Residual Value Awards forecast the residual value of 2024 model year vehicles into 2028, highlighting the significance of long-term quality and sustainability in vehicle ownership. This recognition marks a milestone for Genesis in the EV space, reinforcing the brand's commitment to innovation and quality.

New Dacia Spring: more appealing than ever, still as electrifying

DACIA - Dacia’s first all-electric model, Spring has made zero-emission mobility accessible to a wide customer base wherever it is sold. First launched in 2021, it was the third most sold electric car to individuals in 2022 and 2023. In total, more than 140,000 Dacia Spring have been registered worldwide since its launch.

Spring has received many awards. Its energy efficiency and carbon footprint were particularly praised in 2022 when it was given the maximum 5-star rating from the independent European organisation Green NCAP.

Dacia Spring has found its audience as a perfect solution for people looking for simple, affordable, and efficient zero-emission mobility. Data collected via the vehicle’s on-board connected systems shows that the average daily trip made by Spring users cover 37 km at a speed of 37 km/h. In 75% of cases, cars are recharged at home.

The Dacia Spring has always found its audience because it has constantly evolved since its launch, with a new brand identity in 2022, then a more powerful 65 hp engine in 2023. Yet it has always retained its fundamental strength: remaining the most affordable full-electric car on the market.

Today, the New Dacia Spring passes another milestone, taking those qualities that made it a success to the next level. Even more attractive than ever with an entirely renewed and more robust design, yet still as practical with exceptional interior storage space for its segment; more versatile than ever with a more accessible 65 hp engine, yet still as efficient thanks to a carefully managed weight, while remaining the most affordable full-electric model on the market.

Volvo EX90 makes its Canadian debut at 2024 Canadian International Auto Show Electric City

VOLVO CANADA - The 2024 Volvo EX90, Volvo Cars’ all-new, fully electric SUV, will be presented to the Canadian public for the first time at the Canadian International Auto Show (CIAS) in Toronto. The highly anticipated fully electric vehicle will be on display at the Metro Toronto Convention Center (MTCC) February 16-25, along with an electrified lineup of new and award-winning Volvo Cars, including the Volvo C40 Recharge, XC40 Recharge, XC60 Recharge and XC90 Recharge. Volvo Car Canada will be exhibiting within the Electric City space, showcasing the ecosystem that supports a new age of mobility.

 

A true seven-seat, fully electric SUV, the Volvo EX90 includes the highest level of standard safety in a Volvo car and represents the start of a new era for the brand as it moves ahead on a global ambition to be a fully electric automaker by 2030. The EX90 will be the fourth fully electric vehicle in Volvo Car Canada’s lineup, joining the C40 Recharge, XC40 Recharge and the all-new EX30, the company’s smallest ever SUV,      designed with sustainability in mind.

 

The Volvo EX90 rides on a dedicated platform that eliminates the need for luxury car buyers to decide between practicality and full electrification by offering up to 480 kilometers* of tailpipe-emission-free driving range and the ability to charge from 10-80 per cent in about 30 minutes*.

 

At CIAS, attendees will have the opportunity to test drive the C40 and XC40 Recharge around Toronto’s downtown core and on the indoor EV Test Track – a returning feature to this year’s show. Guided by experts, guests will be able to test drive the future of mobility, right inside the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

 

A new instant classic in Scandinavian design, the Volvo EX90 defines the principle of form following function: 

• Safe space technology: The level of standard safety in the Volvo EX90 is higher than any Volvo car before it. It’s designed to understand the driver and its surroundings to help keep you, your loved ones, and others in traffic safer. It is also designed to get smarter and safer over time, as it learns from new data and receives updates over-the-air.
• Tireless sensors: The sensors—one long-range lidar, five radars, eight cameras, and 16 ultrasonic sensors together create an invisible shield of safety. The Volvo EX90 driver monitoring systems can identify if the driver is distracted or suffering a medical event. The car can intervene if necessary, including coming to a complete stop.
• Intuitive display: Inside the Volvo EX90, a 14.5-inch center screen is your gateway to one of the best infotainment systems on offer, with Google built-in. Google apps and services including hands-free help from Google Assistant, Google Maps navigation and more of your favorite apps on Google Play all come built-in. The displays in the Volvo EX90 help you keep your eyes on the road by offering you the right information at the right time.
• Sound as it’s made to be heard: the Volvo EX90 features an audio system that creates an immersive, high resolution sonic experience. The Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity sound system pairs perfectly with the quietest Volvo cabin yet.
• Redefining luxury: The Volvo EX90 features materials sourced from natural, recycled and renewable sources that set a new standard for premium interior design. Materials that further enhance the experience of contemporary, sustainable luxury, including Nordico upholstery, created from textiles made from recycled material such as PET bottles, as well as bio-attributed polymer from forests in Sweden and Finland.

The 2024 Volvo EX90 will be available well-equipped starting at $110,000 with Volvo Car Canada’s One Price Promise. The vehicle is now available online for Canadians to configure and place deposits. For more information on the Volvo EX90 and Volvo Car Canada’s One Price Promise, a fair and transparent shopping experience that's negotiation-free, both online and in-store for all fully electric vehicles, visit volvocars.ca.

Bold, Brilliant, and Bronze – Introducing The 2024 Electric Mustang Mach-E GT Bronze Package

FORD CANADA - The electric Mustang Mach-E model lineup continues to expand with a new Bronze Appearance Package available exclusively on the 2024 Mustang Mach-E GT. This latest offering encourages personalization synonymous with the Mustang brand.

The 2024 Mustang Mach-E GT Bronze Appearance Package features:

• Striking 20-inch Sinister Bronze painted aluminum wheels
• Eye-catching Mustang “Mach-E 4X” door badges and rear GT Badge outlined in Sinister Bronze
• Bold bronze mesh front grille that adds dynamic colouring and aggressive style to the vehicle's exterior
• Available on Shadow Black, Star White Metallic Tri-Coast and new Eruption Green body colours
• Opportunity for optional performance upgrade, delivering the quickest 0-60 time of any Mustang Mach-E ever. More details on the upgrade will be shared at a later date
• Plus, new standard features to the GT model include:
• MagneRide Damping System for optimal handling performance
• Performance-focused components including 385-millimeter front rotors with red-painted Brembo (R)-branded front brake calipers and Ford Performance seats
• 10-Way Power Driver Seat

 

Online customer orders for the 2024 Mustang Mach-E will open later this winter. The Mustang Mach-E GT AWD with Extended Range and the Bronze package will be available at a starting price of $81,990 CAD.

Success of Zero-Emission Vehicle Sales Regulation Depends on Enhanced Efforts to Address Consumer Affordability and Charging Concerns

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CADA, CVMA, GLOBAL AUTOMAKERS - Automakers are committed to electrification, investing over USD $1.2 trillion globally into the transformation. However, the regulated sales targets for zero-emissions vehicles (ZEVs) soon to be released by Environment and Climate Change Canada Minister, Steven Guilbeault, will not be achievable without more ambitious government efforts to address Canadians’ concerns with vehicle affordability and charging infrastructure.

“Canadians expect certainty that they can afford, use, and charge their EVs in a manner that suits their different lifestyles and geographical requirements before making one of the most important purchasing decisions in their lives. Further, with the current high interest rates and high inflation severely impacting consumer affordability, many consumers lack the means to purchase EVs, as evidenced by the rising inventory levels on our members’ lots. Instead of attempting to dictate what individuals have to purchase, we suggest government focus on creating the right set of circumstances to stimulate demand,” said Tim Reuss, President and CEO, Canadian Automobile Dealers Association.

“Regulating vehicle sales will make life even more unaffordable for Canadians,” said Brian Kingston, President & CEO, Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association. “Achieving 100% ZEV sales requires a comprehensive, long-term plan to support ZEV adoption that includes stronger consumer purchase incentives, a widespread public charging network, and enhancements to the electricity grid to prepare Canada for more ZEVs on the road.”

“The automotive industry is fully committed to decarbonizing its products - there is no turning back,” said David Adams, President & CEO, Global Automakers of Canada. “With the ambitious ZEV targets we are anticipating in the final regulation, we will need a comprehensive and meaningful dialogue between government, the automakers, and utilities to ensure that we have the necessary ecosystem to support mass consumer adoption of ZEVs across all segments over short time horizons, along with data-driven progress monitoring on these necessary conditions.”

For more information on what is needed to achieve 100% ZEV sales by 2035 see the ZEV Timeline.  

Scenic E-Tech electric, finalist for Car of the Year 2024

RENAULT - Renault is proud to reach the final of the European Car of the Year 2024 award. After Austral in 2022 and Megane E-Tech electric in 2021, it is now the turn of Scenic E-Tech electric to be one of the seven finalists. The jury consists of 59 journalists from 22 countries who have carefully assessed 28 models to create a final shortlist of just seven. The winner will be revealed on Monday, February 26th at the Geneva Motor show.

Renault has been writing the Scenic story for 27 years. It was born in 1996 and revolutionised the market by becoming the first compact MPV in European automotive history. The first generation of Scenic won the prestigious Car of the Year award in 1997.

Today it features an all-electric powertrain and is redefining C-segment cars for families, beckoning them to travel while keeping its pioneering and family-friendly DNA. Scenic was designed to be the household’s main car, suitable for long journeys, weekends, as well as holidays. With this fifth generation, Scenic has reinvented itself while retaining its innovative genes, positioning itself as the full electric family vehicle that meets all the needs of a family. Both compact (4.47m) for city driving and roomy for longer journeys, it offers a range of 625 kilometres (WLTP).

Renault has been committed to democratizing and making electric mobility accessible to all for over ten years. Scenic E-Tech blends seamlessly into the brand strategic plan: it is a sustainably designed electric car, brimming with useful and intuitive technology. Building on the success of ZOE, Renault is extending its offer on the C-segment with Megane E-Tech electric and Scenic. They are two key models which could accelerate the uptake of full electric models and continue to establish Renault as a leader in the new era of sustainable mobility.

Greater Plant Capacity, Improving Efficiencies Support Lower F-150 Lightning Prices for Customers

FORD CANADA - Ford is taking advantage of increased plant capacity, continued work on scaling production and cost, and improving battery raw material costs to help lower the MSRP of F-150 Lightning^® for all customers.

The Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Michigan is temporarily closed to complete final plant upgrades to triple the plant’s annual run rate to a targeted 150,000 F-150 Lightning trucks beginning this fall.

 

The upgrades at the plant, combined with improving battery raw material costs and continued work on scaling production and cost, help make it possible to lower pricing across the F-150 Lightning line. Customers will now have greater availability of their built-to-order truck as early as October at an MSRP closer to initial Lightning pricing, with many dealerships also having stock and demo units.

 

“Shortly after launching the F-150 Lightning, rapidly rising material costs, supply constraints and other factors drove up the cost of the EV truck for Ford and our customers,” said Marin Gjaja, chief customer officer, Ford Model e. “We’ve continued to work in the background to improve accessibility and affordability to help to lower prices for our customers and shorten the wait times for their new F-150 Lightning.”

 

With ordering now open and more inventory available at dealerships, Canadian customers can contact their preferred Ford dealer to discuss purchase financing and lease options for the 2023 F-150 Lightning. Customers can take advantage of the BlueOval Charge Network – the largest public charging network in North America – which will add access to more than 12,000 Tesla Superchargers starting early next year. Commercial customers can also access Ford Pro Charging solutions to keep their F-150 Lightning powered up whether they need to charge at home or onsite at work.

 

The 2023 MotorTrend Truck of the Year, North American Truck of the Year, and Guide de l’Auto Truck of the Year, some F-150 Lightning models may become eligible for federal and provincial incentives in Canada under the newly reduced pricing. Customers can check applicable government websites to verify which electric vehicle models are eligible for rebates.

To learn more, customers can Build and Price the F-150 Lightning on ford.ca and can place an order through their preferred dealer in-store.

Polestar 2 gets increased range, efficiency and performance alongside a lower carbon footprint

POLESTAR - Polestar has improved the range, efficiency and performance of Polestar 2 while simultaneously reducing its carbon footprint as part of significant updates for the 2024 model year.

Polestar 2 can now travel up to 20% further, consume up to 9% less energy, and charge up to 34% faster, thanks to hardware upgrades including larger batteries and new motors.

 

“We absolutely love Polestar 2 – such a stylish, fun car to drive. Our engineers have worked hard to integrate important upgrades that really enhance the overall package, and they’ve made it even better. We are proud to see we can do this without increasing its carbon footprint, but rather reducing it,” says Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO.

 

The Long range Single motor is now certified for up to 320 miles EPA, and maximum DC charging speed is now up to 205 kW for the single-motor version with a new 82 kWh battery. New motors are more efficient, and a change to rear-wheel drive for the single-motor version and a rear-bias for the dual motor version also means Polestar 2 is even more fun to drive, with power delivery benefitting from weight shifting over the driven wheels.

 

Since Polestar 2 deliveries began in 2020, its cradle-to-gate carbon footprint has been continuously reduced. Low carbon aluminium in wheels and the battery tray, a switch to renewable electricity in the factory, and for the latest MY24, improved battery chemistry, are some of the contributing factors.

 

The strive to constantly improve performance through each model year is an important strategy for Polestar that, combined with the relentless, simultaneous turning of every stone to save CO₂e, is one of Polestar’s differentiating factors.

 

*Long range Dual motor

 

Variants	Carbon footprint	Range (EPA)	Energy consumption	Charging speed (DC)
Long range Dual motor	24.2 tCO2e	Up to 276 miles	32-33 kWh/ 100 miles	Up to 155 kW
Long range Single motor	22.4 tCO2e	Up to 320 miles	29-32 kWh/ 100 miles	Up to 205 kW

Fisker Delivers First Ocean Vehicles to U.S. Customers in LA - Longest Range of Any New Electric SUV In Its Class

2024 Fisker Ocean One

FISKER INC. - Fisker Inc. (NYSE: FSR) (“Fisker”), driven by a mission to create the world’s most emotional and sustainable electric vehicles, will today begin making its first deliveries of the Fisker Ocean SUV to customers in the US.

 

“We have been waiting for this moment ever since we started the development of the Fisker Ocean in October 2020,” Chairman and CEO Henrik Fisker said. “As a California-based company, we are thrilled that our first US customers are finally getting behind the wheel of the Fisker Ocean and will experience its innovative features, class-leading 360-mile range, and highest levels of sustainability. We’re grateful our customers have been patient with us as we dealt with a longer-than-expected certification period earlier this year, and we’re happy their patience is now starting to be rewarded.”

 

Fisker will commence deliveries of 22 vehicles at 11:30 a.m. Pacific Time, at a company facility in the Los Angeles area where product specialists can familiarize customers with their Fisker Ocean One launch edition SUVs. This initial group of vehicles was shipped to the US from Austria on an expedited basis. Additional deliveries will continue through the summer.

 

The company has already delivered vehicles in Europe, following a unique dual-market certification strategy as it launched simultaneously in Europe and the US.

 

The Fisker Ocean One is a launch edition model of the $68,999[2] Fisker Ocean Extreme, with a 113 kWh battery pack (106 kWh usable) and an EPA range of 360 miles[3] on standard 20” wheels and tires, which is the longest range of any new electric SUV in its class[4]. In Europe, the Fisker Ocean Extreme has a WLTP range of 707km/440 UK miles[5] on standard 20” wheels and tires, which is the longest range of any electric SUV sold in Europe today. The all-electric SUV starts at $37,499² for the Fisker Ocean Sport trim level in the US.

[2] Estimated pricing shown applies to the continental US and excludes delivery, finance, tax, title, registration, and other government fees. Maintenance is not included. Pricing is subject to change and will be based on your final vehicle configuration.  Pricing does not include government incentives you may be entitled to. 

 

[3] EPA estimated range.  Actual results may vary for many reasons, including driving conditions, wheel size, state of battery charge, and how the vehicle is driven and maintained.

 

[4] Mid-size SUVs with an MSRP under $200,000 

 

[5] This WLTP range number applies to Fisker’s European markets. WLTP measurements conducted on Fisker Ocean Extreme with standard 20” and optional 22” wheels. Actual range will vary with conditions such as external environment, vehicle configuration, wheel size and vehicle use.

 

Renault Kangoo, best-seller electric vehicle for its segment since 2011

RENAULT GROUP - Renault Kangoo has played an important and sometimes little-known role in aiding Renault develop expertise in electric vehicles.

While Renault began exploring the idea of electric vans back in 1985 with an EV version of the Renault Express running on nickel-zinc batteries, this ambition became a reality in the early 2000s with the Renault Kangoo.

Renault Kangoo served as a testing ground for future electric vehicles and was available in electric (Kangoo Electri’cité) and hybrid (Kangoo Elect’road) versions as early as 2002.

These small-scale runs helped the brand build up real expertise in EV design, industrialization, and especially maintenance. At the time, a team of flying doctors would travel out to each customer to analyse, maintain, and improve those models already in circulation.

In 2011, when it was marketed to the general public, Renault Kangoo Z.E became the first full-electric vehicle to earn the title of ‘International Van of The Year’, thereby creating a segment for electric vans.

Renault now leverages its years of experience and intensive use by professionals to design a new, high-performance Kangoo E-Tech electric market-leading range.

Since then, this model has become the best-selling electric vehicle in history, with over 90,000 units produced at the Maubeuge factory in France. If we add the electric vehicles produced for partners, the figure rises to 100,000 units!

Kangoo is available in an E-Tech electric version for both business and private customers, in 2 lengths, with a floor cab, van or passenger car, and can be customised ad infinitum thanks to more than 350 Renault Pro+ certified converters.

TIBCO, OWNER OF THE 90,000TH ELECTRIC RENAULT KANGOO

Well before electric vehicles became the focal point of regulatory and economic concerns as is the case today, certain loyal customers had already chosen to shift their fleets to something more environmentally friendly and innovative.

One good is example is TIBCO, a company specialised in eco-friendly digital services.

The company is currently renewing its fleet of 960 vehicles with 50% electric models, including 198 Renault ZOE, 29 Kangoo E-Tech electric, and 28 Megane E-Tech electric.

Strong EV-centred partnerships with companies like TIBCO are very important because they help Renault to develop further expertise in electric vehicles.

Providing fleets designed for long-term, regular, and intensive use, while receiving transparent and consistent feedback is a significant advantage that has helped and continues to help the brand focus on the quality of its vehicles and thus maintain its position as segment leader.

MAUBEUGE, EXCELLENCE HUB AT THE HEART OF THE ELECTRICITY

Since 1997, Renault’s Maubeuge factory located in Hauts-de-France (Northern France), has been making Kangoo for the entire world.

Along with the sites in Douai and Ruitz, the factory forms the new ElectriCity hub – Europe’s largest and most competitive electric vehicle production hub, through which Renault plans to produce 480,000 electric vehicles per year by 2025.

As part of its efforts to industrialize the latest passenger and utility versions of the All-new Kangoo, as well as vehicles by partners Mercedes and Nissan, while guaranteeing top-quality production, Renault has invested €450 million in the plant and installed a new battery assembly workshop.

The electric motor and chargers on the All-new Electric Kangoo E-TECH are all made at Renault's Cléon plant in Normandy (north-west of Paris).

To support the success of the Renault Kangoo in its various versions and the industrialisation of the future electric Renault 4, the Maubeuge plant has confirmed a first wave of recruitment of 200 permanent employees in 2023. These recruitments are part of the social agreement "for the future of Renault sites in the Hauts de France" signed by all the trade unions on 08th of June 2021, at the time of the creation of the ElectriCity industrial cluster. A total of 350 direct jobs have been announced for the site between now and 2024.

The Maubeuge factory employs 2,500 employees.