autos
BusinessNews18Tesla is the Most Searched Car Brand in the World and Gained Most Popularity in the Last 10 Years
Searches for Tesla have increased by 1,262% in 10 years reflecting an incomparable interest in the brand thanks to innovation in the fields of all-electric vehicles and autonomous driving.
NewsAutocar IndiaFront passenger airbag made mandatory for passenger cars in India
The provision of a front passenger airbag has been mandated for all passenger vehicles in the country. Following the draft notification that it had sent out late last year, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has now issued a Gazette notification making dual airbags compulsory. While this has been a norm voluntarily followed by most automakers in the recent years, the new regulation will affect a few companies with entry-level models that will see a small hike in prices. While existing cars on sale have time till August 31, new models have to comply from April 1 Entry-level models from Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Mahindra, Renault and Datsun to be affected Prices of some variants of these budget cars to go up by Rs 5,000-8,000 Front passenger airbag mandatory for all new cars from April 1, 2021 While a driver airbag had become a mandatory fitment for all cars in the country beginning July 1, 2019, the need for a co-driver airbag was left out of the ambit of the regulations at that time. However, the Central government has now modified the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989 with an amendment which says, “Vehicles manufactured on and after the 1st day of April, 2021, in the case of new models, and 31st day of August, 2021, in the case of existing models, shall be fitted with airbag for the person occupying the front seat, other than the driver.” The amendment further states that the co-driver airbag will have to conform to the AIS 145 (Automotive Industry Standards) safety norms till the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specifications are notified. What are the implications of the new regulation? Firstly, any new model being launched in the market in the upcoming financial year will have to have two airbags as standard, right from the outset. Moreover, there are some passenger vehicles, like the Maruti Suzuki Eeco, Alto, S-Presso, Celerio, Wagon R, Hyundai Santro, Renault Kwid, Datsun Redigo and the Mahindra Bolero, which are still being retailed either without a passenger airbag altogether, or with one offered as a paid option, on some variants. These models will have to be updated to include the safety equipment as standard, though they have respite till August 31. This will also see the corresponding variants become dearer by Rs 5,000-8,000. However, the main takeaway is an improvement in the safety levels, as the second airbag will provide an added degree of protection to the co-driver in the event of a mishap. Following the latest regulation, then, the list of mandatory safety equipment in cars is now longer, and also includes ABS, rear parking sensors, front occupant seatbelt reminders and a high-speed alert system. Moving forward, the government is deliberating the introduction of more active safety devices, like AEB (autonomous emergency braking) and ESC (electronic stability control), that can help prevent accidents. Also see: ESC, autonomous emergency braking to become mandatory on Indian cars in 2022 Delhi performs the worst, Kolkata the best in Ford road safety survey
BusinessAutocar IndiaVolvo to go fully electric by 2030 and shift all sales online
Volvo has committed to transitioning its entire model line-up to fully electric vehicles by 2030, accelerating its plans to phase out combustion engine vehicles, including hybrids. The Swedish company will also move sales of all its models online. Volvo now features two EVs in its line-up – the XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge Brand has accelerated its commitment to go electric Volvo India expected to launch its first EV later this year Volvo’s commitment to going electric In 2019, the Geely-owned firm committed to becoming a fully electric car brand within 20 years, with company boss Hakan Samuelsson saying at the time that customer demand would set the exact timetable. That included the goal of making half of its sales EVs by 2025, with the rest being plug-in hybrids. Volvo’s target to become fully electric within nine years marks an acceleration of that target, which the company says is driven by a strong early demand for its first EV, the XC40 Recharge and the expectation that legislation and the expansion of charging infrastructure will increase customer demand for EVs. The UK, for example, has committed to banning sales of virtually all non-zero emission new cars from 2030 onwards. “To remain successful, we need profitable growth. So instead of investing in a shrinking business, we choose to invest in the future – electric and online,” said Samuelsson. “We are fully focused on becoming a leader in the fast-growing premium electric segment.” Henrik Green, Volvo’s chief technology officer, added that “there is no long-term future for cars with an internal combustion engine.” Volvo: EV-only transition so far Volvo has already taken steps towards a full electric shift, including merging its combustion engine programme with sister firm Geely’s, and divesting that into a standalone company. Volvo revealed its first electric car, the XC40 Recharge, in late 2019 – it is expected to launch in India sometime in 2021. It has also taken the wraps off its second EV, the C40 Recharge, on March 3. Volvo has released a graphic showing its 'mid-decade electric portfolio', which confirms that it is aiming to offer seven full EVs by 2025, which include the XC40 Recharge and the new C40 Recharge. The company is also working on a small model based on Geely's new SEA electric architecture that will sit underneath the 40-series models, and will likely introduce a 20-series. The brand has also confirmed it will launch a full electric version of the next XC90, which is due next year, and will likely also develop an electric version of the XC60. Volvo: the shift to online-only sales for EVs Volvo will sell its new line-up of electric cars only online, as part of a series of steps that the Swedish company says will simplify its sales models. The brand has committed to investing heavily in its online sales systems, and will also switch to "transparent and set pricing models" as part of moves to "radically reduce complexity" in its product line-up. While the sales process is described as 'online-only', Volvo says that dealerships will still be heavily involved in the process. As well as offering test drives, delivery and servicing, they will also be able to show vehicles to customers and help them choose in the traditional way. If customers want to order in a showroom, the dealer will then complete the order through Volvo's website. Lex Kerssemakers, Volvo's commercial boss, said, "The future of Volvo Cars is defined by three pillars: electric, online and growth. We want to offer our customers peace of mind and a care-free way of having a Volvo, by taking away complexity while getting and driving the car. Simplification and convenience are key to everything we do." Volvo in India Volvo launched the 2021 S60 at an introductory price of Rs 45.90 lakh (ex-showroom, India) earlier this year, with deliveries to commence in mid-March. Interestingly, the launch price of this new-gen S60 was only valid for a limited number of buyers who made their purchase digitally. As for Volvo’s electrification plans in India, the brand has confirmed it will be ditching diesels and have a petrol and EV-only line-up by 2022. It has already set the wheels in motion with the petrol-only S60 and XC40, and will add to this with the all-electric XC40 Recharge later this year. Also see: 2021 Volvo S60 India video review Volvo starts introducing 180kph speed limit in its cars Volvo recalls nearly 1,900 cars in India
LifestyleNews18Renault 5, Fiat 500, Mini: The Legendary City Cars are Getting a New Lease of Life as Electric Cars
The Mini, the Fiat 500 and now the Renault 5 have all been revamped with 21st-century versions, winning over a whole new generation of fans.
StyleAutocar IndiaReview: Rynox Air GT 3 jacket review
The end of the lockdown meant we could finally get back on our motorcycles, but for me, it brought with it a little bit of dismay – little to no exercise and a rather unhealthy diet had taken a toll on the general proportions of my body and, to put it simply, my riding jacket had become a little too snug. Yes, the ideal (and healthy) solution would be to lose all that extra weight, but the quicker and much easier route was to get myself another, better fitting jacket. The one I was using was an office hand-me-down and it was in need of a replacement anyway. In comes the Rynox Air GT 3 jacket. Rynox is an Indian manufacturer that’s gotten increasingly popular over the last couple of years, and it’s not surprising to see why. The gear they have on offer is quite affordable and uses some rather good components. This Air GT, at just under Rs 7,000, is their entry-level jacket, touted as a “no-nonsense jacket for the no-nonsense motorcyclist” – exactly what I was looking for.a predominately mesh construction with large ventilation panels across the front, back and inner arms. The rest of the jacket, like the shoulders and outer arms, use a more abrasion-resistant 600D polyester. The mesh panels allow for good airflow, especially around the chest and underarms, and I’m particularly appreciative of this in slow-moving traffic around the city. There’s also a reflective strip around the chest, back and upper arms, while the collar and cuffs feature a neoprene trim. It’s a rather basic construction, but there’s little to find fault with. The protection it offers is rather impressive, too. The Air GT 3 features CE Level 2 armour in the shoulders, elbows and back from Safe-Tech, a reputable armour manufacturer in Italy. However, it misses out on any form of chest protection and there is no provision or insert for your own armour. The jacket does have a close fit (but it’s not extremely snug), so it also eliminates the option for you to slide in single-piece chest armour, like you would with a race suit. There are Velcro girth adjusters along the arms and on the waist, along with one for the neck. My only major issue with the fit is that fastening the Velcro strap around the neck makes the opening quite narrow, and this causes the front of the collar to constantly brush against my neck. CE Level 2 armour is standard; largely mesh construction. Rynox themselves claim that the Air GT 3 is ideal for use in an urban setting and the occasional highway ride. Nevertheless, it does come with two additional layers – one external rain liner and one internal thermal liner – both of which can be used in the jacket without the other. Additionally, Rynox is offering a complimentary 1-year accident insurance cover of Rs 50,000 on the purchase of this jacket. It’s a claim I hope I, or anyone else who owns this jacket, never has to make, but it’s a good initiative. Overall, the Air GT 3 is great for everyday use and provides good quality and protection. That said, if you can spend another Rs 1,500, you should consider the Rynox Tornado 3 jacket that offers just as much ventilation, Knox armour in the shoulders, CE Level 1 armour in the chest as standard, and Cordura panels in abrasion prone zones like the shoulder and forearms. Price: Rs 6,850 Where: www.rynoxgears.com
BusinessNews18Volvo Announces Plans to Shift All Car Sales Online by 2030, Here’s Why
According to the automaker, Volvo's future is defined by three pillars: electric, online and growth.
BusinessAutocar IndiaTata Safari waiting period creeping up
The Tata Safari moniker made a comeback as the brand’s flagship SUV last month. While the company officially started accepting bookings on February 4, most dealers had begun accepting orders for the new SUV right after its unveil on Republic Day. Tata Safari bookings were open from January 26, unofficially Price announcement for the Safari took place on February 19 Current waiting period stands at 45 days Adventure Persona edition sees decent traction 2021 Tata Safari: Which variants are in demand? The Safari’s customer order book is more or less a mixed bag. Quite a few customers selected higher variants like the XZA+, and some even went for the Adventure Persona special edition, which comes with a unique paint scheme and Earthy Brown leatherette upholstery, on top of the long list of features that the XZA+ already has. The XZA+ gets features like Oyster White leatherette upholstery, Xenon HID projector headlamps, Terrain Response Modes, 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a nine-speaker JBL audio system with Amplifier, six airbags, six-way electric adjust driver’s seat, electronic parking brake with auto hold, and a panoramic sunroof, to name a few. 2021 Tata Safari: Pricing and rivals While prices for the Safari start at Rs 14.69 lakh, the “more in-demand” variants, like the XZA+ and the Adventure Persona, are priced at Rs 21.25 lakh and Rs 21.45 lakh, respectively. The Safari is powered by a sole 170hp 2.0-litre diesel engine. There is no petrol engine on offer, and the new Safari misses out on four-wheel-drive gear, too. It, however, is aces on generous cabin room, with good legroom in the second and third row, along with supportive seats. Key rivals to the Safari include the MG Hector Plus and the Mahindra XUV500. Hyundai will introduce the three-row Alcazar SUV in the coming months, and the next-gen Mahindra XUV500 is due as well; both these SUVs will be aimed at the Tata Safari when they hit the showrooms in the coming months. IMAGE SOURCE Also see: 2021 Tata Safari review, test drive 2021 Tata Safari price, variants explained Tata Tiago XTA launched at Rs 5.99 lakh Tata’s Pratap Bose among finalists for 2021 World Car Person of the Year The truth behind the Tata Nexon EV range controversy
BusinessNews18India’s 1st 3-Axle 6x2 Truck Tata Signa 3118.T Launched, Gets 31-Tonne Gross Vehicle Weight
Powered by the Cummins BS6 engine, developing 186hp of power and 850Nm of torque, the Tata Signa 3118.T is mated to the G950 6 speed transmission and heavy-duty axles.
- BusinessPTI
Audi to launch electric e-tron range in India in next 2-3 months: Official
<p>New Delhi, Mar 7 (PTI) German luxury carmaker Audi will launch its fully electric SUV e-tron and crossover e-tron Sportback in India in the next two to three months to kick off its EV journey in the country, according to a senior company official.</p>
LifestyleNews18This Modified Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 is Miles Away From What the Company Had Planned for it
Designed by OK Easy Shop, a custom motorcycle garage in Thailand, the Continental GT 650 gets an all-new character that stands miles away from what the company had planned for it.
EntertainmentThe Telegraph“You can’t take yourself too seriously when you sell Skodas for a living”
The slogan ran “Surprising Skoda”. The Czech cars were a force to be reckoned with on the world’s rally stages although in the UK they are better known as the butt of bar-room jokes. Yes, we’re talking about the Skoda Estelle, the contrary, rear-engined saloon produced between 1976 and 1990 which was – for a long time – the cheapest new car in the UK. As the joke goes: “How do you double the value of a Skoda?” “Add fuel.” That budget price was thanks to Skoda’s no-frills approach to just about everything. Bodywork came in a variety of mudded muted colours, which were nicknamed things like “baby pooh brown” and “snot green”. On the Rapide 2, black paint cost an extra £50. One 1980s brochure describes the 120 LS Estelle as “hardy”, with “two door mirrors” (uni-mirrored cars do feature in the same brochure) and “soft brushed nylon seat covers”. Skoda also threw in spare fuses and toolkits as a freebie with all cars, as if to confirm the marque’s comedy image. And I know all too well about that image. I was a Skoda child of the 1980s: my parents owned a dealership in Rochdale, Greater Manchester. I can vividly remember wriggling down the car seat to avoid being seen in mum’s Estelle (snot green) as we passed anyone we might know, only for her to shout: “Sit up straight – this puts food on the table!”
LifestyleLatestlyPorsche Launches $91,000 Taycan Cross Turismo EV & Two Matching Electric Bikes; Check Pictures Here
On the sidelines of the Taycan Cross Turismo EV launch, Porsche also introduced a pair of electric bikes to match with its latest offering.
NewsAutocar IndiaYamaha YZF-R15 V3.0 prices increased
The Yamaha YZF-R15 V3.0 will now set you back an additional Rs 2,700. The manufacturer has increased prices for its Thunder Grey and Dark Knight variants from Rs 1.48 lakh and Rs 1.5 lakh, respectively. The Racing Blue colour, on the other hand, has witnessed a much smaller hike of Rs 500, from its ex-showroom price of Rs 1,51,200. Yamaha R15 V3.0 prices increased by Rs 500 to Rs 2,700. Bike receives no updates or changes. Here’s the list of the colours and their prices: Price listColour schemeNew price (ex-showroom Delhi)Old price (ex-showroom, Delhi)DifferenceThunder GreyRs 1,50,600Rs 1,47,900Rs 2,700Racing BlueRs 1,51,700Rs 1,51,200Rs 500Dark KnightRs 1,52,700Rs 1,50,000Rs 2,700 The Yamaha R15 V3.0 is one of the manufacturer’s most popular motorcycles, and was one of the first to be updated to comply with BS6. This BS6-compliant iteration of the bike was launched back in December 2019 with prices starting at Rs 1.45 lakh - a hike of Rs 4,400 over the BS4 model. The increase in price, this time around, brings no changes. The entry-level supersport continues to be powered by a 155cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that produces 18.6hp and 14.1Nm. Also see: 2018 Yamaha YZF-R15 V3.0 review, test ride
BusinessAutocar IndiaAutocar India March 2021 issue on stands
Click here to subscribe to the Autocar India magazine Our March 2021 issue is headlined by two new stylish French SUVs – the Citroen C5 Aircross and the Renault Kiger. Reviews of the Maruti Swift facelift, Mercedes-Benz A-class Limousine, updated Toyota Fortuner and new Jawa Forty Two, Autocar India’s annual Track Day event, and road tests of the Tata Altroz iTurbo and Aprilia SXR 160 are also in this issue. Along with this, we have numerous reviews, features and news stories you’ll enjoy. Here’s what to expect: Citroen C5 Aircross The upcoming C5 Aircross is a fresh take on the premium SUV formula. Renault Kiger Renault’s stylish Kiger is ready to set new value for money paradigm. Mercedes-Benz A-class Limousine We drive all the powertrain options of the new entry point to the three-pointed star, the A-class Limousine. Maruti Swift facelift For 2021, the Swift gets a minor cosmetic update, a bit more kit and a more powerful but frugal engine. 2021 Toyota Fortuner, Legender Is the refreshed Fortuner, and the new stylish Legender variant, worth the premium you pay for them? BMW M340i The 3 Series now comes with BMW’s sweet straight-six engine, making it an even more compelling package. 2021 Volkswagen Polo Cup car This definitely isn’t your average Polo – in fact, the 230hp 2021 Polo Cup car is even quicker than previous iterations, as we found out. Tata Altroz iTurbo Our comprehensive road test of the Altroz turbo-petrol reveals just how much of an improvement it is over the standard petrol model. Autocar Track Day 2021 We head to the Madras Motor Race Track with Narain Karthikeyan and a selection of the most fun cars launched in recent months. 2021 Jawa Forty Two Relatively small changes have made a rather noticeable difference to the retro-bike. Yamaha FZ25 vs Suzuki Gixxer 250 We tell you which Japanese-made naked 250cc bike is right for you. Ducati Multistrada 950 S Ducati’s adventure bike gets a raft of upgrades that make it more desirable but also more expensive.
BusinessLatestlyLondon-Based French Entrepreneur Generates Millions in Sales in Just a Few Month
But it was later on that Vianney Merian would achieve success by managing to generate an 8-figure turnover when he was just over 20 years old. Aware that today's world is centered around the Internet, through his past experiences, Vianney Merian has made his fortune as an e-merchant and has made himself known as a successful entrepreneur.
NewsNews18Airbags For New Cars Mandatory: Know Everything About The Safety Measure
Airbag is designed to protect the person's head from hitting the roof, door frame and windows during a sideways collision and is deployed from the roof
NewsLatestlyYeo Shi Yuan A Former Police Officer Who Overcame The Odds To Become A Leading Corporate Legal Counsel
The life story of Yeo Shi Yuan, a former police officer turned corporate legal counsel, is a tale of improbable success. Shi Yuan’s father left him when he was barely 1 year old, and he grew up as an extremely defiant and rebellious child. Fast forward to today, Shi Yuan has done reasonably well in his careers in Singapore, thanks to his never-say-die attitude, and the support given by his late mother.
BusinessLatestlyI-Wize Group – Helping You Streamline Your Income
Do you want a portfolio that can generate and streamline your income? Are you worried about your expenses and don’t want to rely on a single income source? If yes, you should straight away get associated with the investment advisor who can help you attain your financial goals. It’s because investing your money is an overwhelming undertaking. It requires a nice chunk of change, and a lot of experiences and knowledge about how to invest your money the right way.
BusinessLatestly'Covid Really Made My Business Take Off'
Covid hit many of us like a tonne of bricks. However, this wasn’t the case for young entrepreneur Ela Duys.
BusinessLatestlyCompanies Such as Datatrades are Filling a Real Whole in the Trading Industry
The trading industry got a lot of attention recently, and it is quite understandable as the financial markets are available for anyone with a phone and the access to internet. Therefore, many beginners are trying to get their hands on some additional income. These people generally tend to contact companies/individuals that already have experience in the domain.
LifestyleNews18New Mini Countryman Cooper S Launched in India at Rs 39.50 Lakh; Also Gets JCW Inspired Variant
Locally produced at BMW Group Plant Chennai, the new MINI Countryman Cooper S is priced at Rs 39,50,000 while the MINI Countryman Cooper S JCW Inspired is priced at Rs 43,40,000 (ex-showroom prices).
EntertainmentLatestlyClaudia Da Silva, the Miss Brazil USA is Creating Storms as She Enters her Acting Career
Claudia Da Silva, the Miss Brazil Nevada 2015, a model by passion has always been comfortable posing in front of the camera since her early days. It was when she was only 6 years old, when she first acted as a model in an advertisement.
NewsNews18Gujarat Government Announces Exemption of Stamp Duty for Aircraft Leasing at GIFT City
In addtion to this, Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman also announced an allocation of Rs 100 crore for capital investment at GIFT.
BusinessAutocar India2021 Mini Countryman launched at Rs 39.50 lakh
The 2021 Mini Countryman facelift has been launched in India with prices starting at Rs 39.50 lakh (ex-showroom, India). The updated Countryman is available only in the petrol Cooper S spec in a choice of two variants – the standard Cooper S and the Cooper S John Cooper Works (JCW) Inspired – and is being locally assembled at BMW’s plant in Chennai. Available in Cooper S and Cooper S John Cooper Works Inspired trims Locally assembled at BMW’s plant in Chennai ‘Absolute Value’ pack offers EMI-based ownership for up to 4 years with cover for service and repair costs 2021 Mini Countryman: Changes to the exterior Compared to the previous version on sale in the India, the new Countryman gets some cosmetic updates to the exterior along with a revised equipment list. Up front the Mini SUV gets a revised nose with a new bumper along with a tweaked grille and LED headlamps. Round the back too, the bumper is new while the tail-lamps get the company’s trademark Union Jack LED motif. The JCW Inspired variant additionally gets a sportier look to the regular Countryman including sportier bumpers, a rear spoiler and larger 18-inch wheels compared to the standard car’s 17-inchers. Mini offers a choice of five exterior colours – Sage Green, White Silver, Midnight Black, Chilli Red and Island Blue – the last shade exclusive to the JCW Inspired variant. 2021 Mini Countryman: Interior and features The cabin too gets a few cosmetic tweaks along with a revised equipment list. The standard Countryman Cooper S packs in kit such as LED headlamps, fog lamps, panoramic sunroof, powered tailgate, rear view camera, powered front seats with memory function for the driver, dual-zone climate control, infotainment system with a 6.5-inch display and Bluetooth connectivity and safety systems such as airbags, stability control and traction control to name a few. The JCW Inspired – priced at Rs 43.40 lakh – packs in additional kit including a Harman Kardon audio system, 8.8-inch touchscreen with built-in navigation, a head-up display, a 5.5-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple Carplay, keyless entry, paddle shifters, adjustable rear seats and a wireless phone charger. The variant also packs in additional JCW cosmetic bits such as the steering, stainless steel pedal covers and door sill plates. Another point of difference is the upholstery with the JCW Inspired trim’s cabin finished in either brown or grey leather while the standard Countryman gets black leatherette upholstery. 2021 Mini Countryman Engine and gearbox The 2021 Countryman is available in the petrol Cooper S spec. Power comes from a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine developing 192hp and 280Nm of torque. Power is sent to the wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox – DCT ‘Sport’ gearbox in the JCW Inspired. Mini claims a 0-100kph time of 7.5 seconds for the Countryman. Mini Absolute Value pack Mini is also offering an Absolute Value pack with the new Countryman till the end of June 2021. Under the pack customers can own the Countryman for a period of between 3 to 4 years against EMI payments and avail of a comprehensive aftersales package including service inclusive plus that covers the costs of replacement of select wear and tear parts, repair inclusive, assured buyback, and 20 percent discounts on accessories. Mini Countryman rivals The updated Countryman goes up against small luxury SUVs like the BMW X1 and Volvo XC40 that are currently on sale in India. Other rivals will include the yet to launch second-gen Mercedes GLA and the second-gen Audi Q3. Mini also looks to be lining up the launch of the facelifted Mini hatchback with a thinly camouflaged test mule of the Mini 3-Door having recently been spotted on Indian roads.
TechnologyAutocar IndiaHow coconut shells can make a premium car ride better
Ingenious ideas come in many shapes and sizes, but when they do, it’s often the result of applying some lateral thinking to something that’s hiding in plain sight. So it was with Carbon Air, the British materials company, which saw an opportunity to improve the ride quality of air suspension using a material made from coconuts that can be used to enhance the performance of audio system loudspeakers. The material is activated carbon and, apart from coconut shells, it can be produced from other organic sources such as nutshells and wood. Air springs work, as the name suggests, by using compressed air in a cylinder as a spring. The advantage is that they provide a smoother ride than steel coil springs, with added benefits such as being able to vary the ride height to improve aerodynamics, cover rough terrain and make access to the vehicle easier. Air springs are extremely effective in premium cars but are still limited by the laws of physics. As the suspension deflects and the air in the spring becomes more compressed, the spring rate rises and the air spring becomes stiffer. A thumb over the end of a bicycle pump demonstrates how this works. Push the plunger in and it’s easy at first, but near the end of the throw, more force is needed. Release some of the pressure with your thumb and the feeling of springiness comes back as the volume of air is reduced. With an air spring, the greater the suspension movement, the stiffer the spring and the harder the ride. Letting air out of the spring isn’t an option but there is a way of producing a similar effect and that’s what Carbon Air’s technology does. Activated carbon inside the air spring can adsorb (as opposed to absorb) air molecules as the pressure is increased, reducing the volume of air inside the spring. Because of that, the compliance of the spring is reduced as the suspension is compressed, giving a much smoother ride through the whole of the suspension travel. Adsorbing means a layer of air molecules temporarily adheres to the surface of the activated carbon, rather than becoming soaked up by the material (absorbed). Under a microscope, activated carbon is a massive labyrinth of pores with a huge surface area for the gas molecules to be adsorbed on to. When this happens, the adsorbed air is effectively taken out of the equation as if it has been bled off from the air spring. Except it hasn’t. Carbon Air has patented the idea and licensed it non-exclusively to a major suspension manufacturer that supplies air suspension to Audi. Air suspension-equipped Audi A6s and A7s have it but the technology is also available for licence to any company that wants it. Carbon Air technology is also being used in mountain bikes and motocross bikes. Talks are ongoing with audio manufacturers for shrinking large bass speakers and woofers without affecting the quality of the sound. 3D PRINTING FOR PRODUCTION BMW is one of a number of manufacturers moving from rapid prototyping of parts using 3D printing to manufacturing actual production components. Lighter 3D-printed metal and polymer parts that would be too complex to make using traditional machining methods have been made for Rolls-Royce cars since the middle of 2020. Also see: Now you hear it, now you don't: The tech your ears will love Fun Flax: An eco-friendly alternative to carbon-fibre
