What are vehicle manufacturers doing to reduce their carbon footprints? Follow our Sustainably series to keep you up to date with the latest innovations and developments.
AUDI: NZ’s first e-transporter delivers e-trons
In late February, the first fully electric car transporter – the FUSO eCanter – delivered a fully electric RS e-tron GT to an Audi dealership. The eCanter is designed to transport a single EV vehicle, and with zero emissions it will help reduce the carbon footprint of the distribution chain.
The e-truck was created by local Auckland business Carr & Halsam, and the company plans to expand its range of EV commercial vehicles.
The eCanter helps Audi work towards its goals of net zero carbon emissions by 2050, particularly as there will soon be many more Audi EVs to transport – Audi is aiming to offer 20 fully electric models by 2025.
HYUNDAI: A roadmap to 7% of the global EV market
New Hyundai BEV models will include three sedans, six SUVs, one light commercial vehicle as well as one new type model. This year sales will begin on the IONIQ 6, followed by IONIQ 7 in 2024.
Hyundai’s new corporate roadmap sets the brand a target of selling 1.87 million battery electric vehicles each year, comprising 7% of the global EV market, by 2030.
The roadmap also sets out Hyundai’s other goals:
- 11 new Hyundai battery electric vehicle models by 2030
- Improved efficiency of its lithium-ion batteries
- Technology for next-generation batteries
- Investing KRW₩95.5 trillion (~NZ$113bn) in the future of the EV side of the business, including KRW₩12tn on software capability and KRW₩19.4tn on electrification.
“Hyundai is successfully accelerating its transition to electrification and becoming a global leader in EVs,” says CEO Jaehoon Chang.
KIA: Aiming to sell 1.2m BEVs by 2030
People, planet and profit – those are the three pillars of Kia’s latest corporate sustainable roadmap.
Kia is aiming to have eco-friendly vehicles make up 52% of its sales by 2030, selling 1.2 million EVs annually by 2030. The brand plans to establish a line of 14 battery electric vehicle models by 2027, with the ultimate aim of fully autonomous battery electric vehicles for every market.
Part of Kia’s new brand strategy is a focus on ‘purpose-built vehicles’ or PBVs, which are cars with a focus on the passenger experience. Built on a modular ‘skateboard’ EV platform, each model will have a different shell and fit-out to suit various types of use. The first PBVs are expected to be deployed as taxis and by car-sharing services.
By 2025, all Kia vehicles will be connected cars, and by 2026 they’ll have ‘AutoMode’ autonomous driving technology applied. Also by 2026, Kia intends to be making 52% of its profits from eco-friendly models, helping it reach its goal of a market capitalisation of KRW₩100 trillion (~NZD$118bn).
MAZDA: The CX-60 Crossover makes its European debut
Mazda has introduced a brand-new electric SUV, the CX-60 Crossover. Making its debut in Europe in March, this is the first of four new SUV models that will be released by the end of 2023.
The CX-60 Crossover is a two-row, mid-sized SUV that puts the focus on ‘driving entertainment’ and is equipped with Mazda’s first plug-in hybrid system – a 2.5 litre petrol engine and an electric motor. Production has already begun and we can expect to see the CX-60 gradually introduced around the globe, including here in New Zealand.
BMW: Vegan interior
From 2023, BMW and MINI models will feature completely vegan interiors. This is being made possible primarily through the development of innovative materials with leather-like properties. It will also be possible to use these materials for steering wheel surfaces, which must fulfil demanding criteria when it comes to feel, premium appearance and wear resistance. By doing this, BMW will be able to reduce their CO2 emissions by 85%.