ABB, a leader in power and automation technologies, has signed a frame agreement with BMW Group to support the carmaker’s operations in Germany, the U.K. and the U.S.
Under the arrangement, ABB will supply 2,100 industrial robots over five years, beginning 2010 and commission a variety of robot models for BMW, including the IRB 6640, 6620, 7600 and the new mid range robot IRB 4600; a compact, light-weight industrial robot with the longest vertical reach in its class.
Ingolstadt, Germany - Audi has added another variant to the A4 model range with the Allroad Quattro which will be available in European showrooms from May with prices starting in Germany at 37,100 euros (49,930 dollars). Compared to the A4 Avant, the all road Quattro version is larger and measures 4.72 metres in length and 1.84 metres in width. At a height of 1.50 metres, it is also taller than its A4 Avant sibling.
Seoul - Hyundai is showcasing its Blue-Will hybrid concept study with plug-in technology and a panoramic roof with integrated solar cells for additional power to the battery at the Seoul Motor Show. The Blue-Will has a 1.6-litre petrol engine and an additional 100 kW electric engine with a continuously variable transmission sending power to the wheels.
Kuala Lumpur - The Dutch firm, Detroit Electric, is planning to mass-produce the first of 40,000 electric cars in Malaysia next year, the company has announced. "We are planning to build a practical, affordable electric car", says Detroit Electric CEO Albert Lam who has teamed up with the Malaysian manufacturer Proton.
Munich - The Chinese Brilliance BS4, like its big brother the BS6, has been poorly rated in terms of safety in a crash test conducted by the German automobile association ADAC. The BS4 medium-sized sedan is a big improvement on the BS6, "But is still a long way from achieving a good result (in safety)," ADAC said. The BS6 car was slated for it poor crash test results in an earlier crash test.
Frankfurt -Big, high-powered sports cars have an image problem as the debate on climate change heats up and the global recession bites fiercely. So now, car makers plan to launch a number of smaller, compact sports cars in the coming months. And with a little goodwill, these vehicles could pass as a family saloon and still keep up with a Porsche in terms of performance.
