Latest news with #Mk2
Scottish Sun
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Inside major car brand's new ‘iconic' hatchback EV to be built at huge UK factory – as firm raises £5bn to stay afloat
The new model has undergone a significant redesign ROAD AHEAD Inside major car brand's new 'iconic' hatchback EV to be built at huge UK factory – as firm raises £5bn to stay afloat Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A STRUGGLING car brand has released details of its new electric crossover ahead of a full reveal later this month. Built at a huge factory in Sunderland, the Nissan Leaf is set to join the market later this year. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 The third-generation Nissan Leaf is set to launch later this year Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk 5 Its sleek, higher-riding design emphasises aerodynamics and range Credit: Nissan 5 The car features an electrochromic dimming panoramic roof Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk 5 The Nissan Leaf has sold 700,000 models since its 2010 debut Credit: Getty Now in its third-generation, the electric crossover is scheduled to begin production over the next few months. The launch comes amid the company's financial struggles after they announced £4 billion in losses. As other manufacturers are slowing production on EVs, Nissan's Sunderland factory is focusing more on these eco-friendly alternatives. The company has reduced its production from 17 to 10 factories, with an announcement that 20,000 jobs will be lost. Its newest model has been announced as part of this focus on EVs. Global product strategy boss Richard Candler told Autocar that the latest model was informed by customer feedback since the car's 2010 debut. He said: "Leaf is an icon for us. It's one of our core 'heartbeat' models." First launched in 2010, the Leaf was one of the first mass-market electric cars. Nissan has sold 700,000 Leafs since 2010, covering over 28 billion kilometres. Richard added: "We have really substantial, real-world insight about the customer - understanding how their needs have evolved from the early days of Leaf until now." The company has substantially changed this version's shape and positioning, learning from their Mk1 and Mk2 models. This results in more aerodynamic efficiency, helping to achieve a longer range. While not being officially announced until the debut later this month, its estimated maximum range is 372 miles. The new design reflects a wider market shift away from traditional hatchbacks towards higher-riding cars. Japanese giant unveils its new bargain EV with quirky 'bug eye' headlights It means that the Nissan Leaf could rival cars like the Skoda Elroq. While few details have been announced so far, European product boss François Bailly said they were emphasising "real-world range." This means they have prioritised range and aerodynamics with the design to ensure motorists get the most out of their EV. Global design boss Alfonso Albaisa added: "It's very modern, simple and nice. "We wanted something tailored, handsome, well-proportioned, with a super-tech interior that feels open and cool." It will include features like an electrochromic dimming panoramic roof with heat shielding, creating more headspace by removing the need for physical blinds. Its in-car systems are equipped with their updated Car and Connected Service platform, using a Google-based infotainment system and advanced driver assistance systems to "make your life easier." The new model is launching amidst the company's financial problems. Over the last few weeks, Nissan has announced plans to cut 20,000 jobs, and reported £4billion in losses leading to an £1 billion government bailout. To save on costs, they plan on closing down seven of their factories, with its only UK based factory focusing more on electric cars. During this turbulent period, production on some models has stalled. The company may need to sell its £500 million Yokohama-based global headquarters to combat its extensive losses.
Mint
04-06-2025
- Business
- Mint
‘Factually incorrect': HAL dismisses reports of stalled GE414 engine deal, confirms ‘negotiations on track'
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) on Wednesday, June 4, has denied certain media reports claiming that its negotiations with General Electric (GE) over the local production of GE414 engines have stalled. The state-run aerospace and defence company called the report factually incorrect and misleading. Certain reports suggested that talks between HAL and GE had faltered and that HAL was exploring engine alternatives with other manufacturers for its light combat aircraft (LCA) Mk2 programme. The defence PSU dismissed this as false. HAL, in a statement, made it clear that the report was factually incorrect and misleading. "An online article has inaccurately reported that negotiations between HAL and GE for the local production of GE414 engines have stalled, suggesting that HAL is now in talks with another engine manufacturer," said the HAL statement. HAL reiterates that negotiations with GE are on track and progressing well, and that HAL is not in talks with any other company regarding engines for LCA MK2. "Any information suggesting otherwise is incorrect," it added. According to earlier reports, HAL formed a Contract Negotiation Committee to oversee discussions with GE. Talks reportedly began on December 3, 2024, and while no final agreement has been reached, HAL has asked GE for specific technical documents to assess the proposed transfer of technology. In June 2023, HAL and GE Aerospace signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to produce fighter jet engines for the Indian Air Force. The agreement was signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official visit to the United States, and it was a key element in strengthening defence cooperation between the two countries. The agreement included the potential joint production of GE Aerospace's F414 engines in India. The MoU was part of the Indian Air Force's Light Combat Aircraft Mk2 program. The GE414 engine is a key component for the Tejas Mark 2, an upgraded version of India's indigenous fighter jet. The ongoing deal with GE is expected to involve technology and pave the way for local production, furthering India's long-term goal of strategic autonomy in aerospace.
Mint
04-06-2025
- Business
- Mint
‘Factually incorrect': HAL dismisses report of stalled GE414 engine deal, confirms ‘negotiations on track'
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) on Wednesday, June 4, has refuted a media report claiming that its negotiations with General Electric (GE) over the local production of GE414 engines have stalled. The state-run aerospace and defence company called the report factually incorrect and misleading. An article published on a website suggested that talks between HAL and GE had faltered and that HAL was exploring engine alternatives with other manufacturers for its light combat aircraft (LCA) Mk2 programme. HAL dismissed this as false. 'HAL reiterates that negotiations with GE are on track and progressing well, and that HAL is not in talks with any other company regarding engines for LCA MK2. Any information suggesting otherwise is incorrect,' the company said in a stock exchange filing. According to earlier reports, HAL formed a Contract Negotiation Committee to oversee discussions with GE. Talks reportedly began on Dec. 3, 2024, and while no final agreement has been reached, HAL has asked GE for specific technical documents to assess the proposed transfer of technology. HAL had signed a deal with GE in 2023 to co-produce GE414 jet engines in India. The GE414 engine is a key component for the Tejas Mark 2, an upgraded version of India's indigenous fighter jet. The ongoing deal with GE is expected to involve technology transfer and pave the way for local production, furthering India's long-term goal of strategic autonomy in aerospace.
NZ Autocar
04-06-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
New pictures of 2025 Nissan Leaf before imminent debut
The new third-generation Nissan Leaf is about to have its global reveal, ahead of a formal launch later in the year. It's around 4.5m long and will have a maximum range of almost 600km. Nissan says it will build the new crossover in Sunderland alongside the electric Juke. Not much more is known at this point. However, Nissan has released a video outlining its major attributes. Despite the new Leaf's markedly different shape and positioning from its predecessor, its development was heavily influenced by experience from the earlier generation cars. Read our review of an earlier Leaf. Nissan's global product strategy boss, Richard Candler, stated: 'Leaf is an icon for us. It's one of our core 'heartbeat' models. 'We've sold around 700,000 Leafs since 2010, with over 28 billion kilometres covered by our customers, so we have really substantial, real-world insight about the customer…' One obvious improvement is in claimed aerodynamic efficiency, with the new coupe-styled Leaf touting a drag coefficient of 0.25. That's down from the Mk2's Cd of 0.28. That low figure will be instrumental in the Leaf achieving a claimed maximum range of almost 600km. The size of the battery pack is unknown. An interesting option is an electrochromic dimming panoramic roof with heat shielding. Nissan says no physical blind is needed beneath, meaning no issue with rear seat headroom. The new Leaf crossover utilises the Alliance's CMF-EV platform, which is currently used by Ariya EV and also upcoming electric Juke. Nissan's global design boss, Alfonso Albaisa, said the new Leaf is 'about democratising technology'. He added: 'It's very modern, simple and nice. We wanted something tailored, handsome, well-proportioned, with a super-tech interior that feels open and cool.' While no more detail was forthcoming, Leaf will get Nissan's latest in-car systems, enabled by its updated Car and Connected Service (CCS) platform. This features a Google-based infotainment system and advanced driver assistance systems. European product boss, François Bailly, said that Leaf has 'all the things that make your life easier. 'We are confident we have something that is unique, and we're really happy with this car.'
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Hermeus notches first flight of Quarterhorse high-speed aircraft
Hermeus, a venture capital-backed firm building high-speed aircraft, flew its Quarterhorse vehicle for the first time last week at Edwards Air Force Base in California, the company said. The aircraft, dubbed Mk 1, is the second iteration of the Quarterhorse high-speed test platform and the first to take flight. Its May 21 flight test brings Hermeus a step closer to its goal of flying the autonomous, reusable vehicle at near-Mach 5 speeds by 2026. 'We've proven the viability of our iterative development approach,' Hermeus CEO AJ Piplica said in a statement Tuesday. 'But this is just the start. We have much more to do as the bar rises for the next iteration.' Hermeus had planned to fly Quarterhorse in 2023 and then pushed that date to last summer before eventually hitting the milestone this month. Still, the company touted its ability to go from a clean-sheet design to a flight-ready system in just over a year. The first flight test focused on validating Quarterhorse's ability to take off and land, which is a particular challenge for high-speed systems. Hermeus is feeding data from the first flight into its second test vehicle, Mk 2, which is currently being built at the firm's headquarters in Atlanta. That aircraft is slated to fly by the end of the year and reach supersonic speeds. It will also enable 'novel operational defense capabilities,' the company said. This early work will push Hermeus toward its larger goal of supplying high-speed platforms to both defense and commercial customers. The company plans to build one aircraft per year — an approach it hopes will position it to address the challenges that come with operationalizing a hypersonic aircraft. 'The company's approach emphasizes 'hardware richness' — building multiple prototypes in quick succession, allowing the team to take well-managed technical risk,' Hermeus said. 'While driving technical progress towards high-speed flight, this approach simultaneously enables Hermeus to rapidly develop its team and talent.' Hypersonic aircraft fly and maneuver at speeds of Mach 5 or higher. The Defense Department has several major programs to develop and field hypersonic weapons and vehicles — including the Air Force's Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile and the Army's Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon — and is interested in potentially using Quarterhorse to help test hypersonic technology. Along with funding from private investors, Hermeus received early backing from the Air Force Research Laboratory, which awarded the company a $1.5 million contract in 2020, followed by another $60 million deal the following year. The Defense Innovation Unit also chose the firm for its Hypersonic and High-Cadence Airborne Testing Capabilities program, which aims to increase flight test support for Pentagon programs. Piplica previously told Defense News he expects Quarterhorse to start supporting DOD test events in 2026, around when its Mk 3 vehicle rolls off the line.
