In China started deliveries of the first Huawei car

Huawei AITO M5 – power reserve up to 1240 km, acceleration to 100 km/h in 4.4 s, all-wheel drive and operating system HarmonyOS

On 6th of March 2022, an official event took place in China, during which Huawei launched the deliveries of its first AITO M5 vehicles. Simultaneously, the first buyers began to receive cars throughout the country. Despite the fact that the AITO M5 is produced at the partner company, Seres, it is Huawei that is responsible for the interior and exterior design of the car, part of the engineering work and marketing. Therefore, in China, no one has any questions about which company is behind this car.

AITO M5 is a hybrid crossover. The power plant consists of a 1.5-liter gasoline engine. There is a pair of electric motors and a traction battery with a capacity of 40 kWh. The maximum power of the power plant of the top version is 370 Kw (496 hp). The crossover accelerates to 100 km/h in 4.4′. On pure electricity, the car can travel up to 150 km, and the consumption in hybrid mode is only 3.2 liters per 100 km. The maximum power reserve, measured by the WLTC method, reaches 1242 km

The base rear-wheel drive version was offered on pre-order for $39,600. The most affordable all-wheel drive variant was priced at $44,300, while the flagship all-wheel drive version was $50,700. Huawei believes it will be able to sell about 300,000 AITO M5s this year .

With at least 1,000 stores nationwide, assuming each store sells 30 smart cars every month, we can sell at least 30,000 cars per month. In about 10 months, Huawei will be able to hit its yearly target if the momentum continues. The car maker will also earn more than 100 billion yuan (about $15.72 billion) in revenue, and Huawei will fulfill its promise to create the most profitable car manufacturer in the Chinese market.

Richard Yu, Huawei

3 reasons for entering automotive market

Richard Yu also named three reasons that prompted Huawei to enter the automotive market. The first is the US sanctions, because of which it was necessary to diversify the business. The second is the behavior of buyers that has changed as a result of the pandemic, who prefer to shop online and at the same time trust trusted brands. The third is the opportunity to accelerate the implementation of own devices and solutions of the Internet of things in related industries.


AITO M5 is the world’s first car with Huawei Drive One hybrid powertrain and the world’s first with Huawei HarmonyOS Smart Cockpit. It runs HarmonyOS, of course, and the standard cockpit kit includes a 10.4-inch screen in the dashboard, another 15.6-inch display on the center console, wireless charging for a smartphone, and much more. The car also has atmospheric lighting, Nappa leather seats, a head-up display and a high-quality 1000 W Huawei Sound sound system.

Alfa Romeo first plug-in hybrid crossover – Quick preview

Can the compact Tonale help reverse the brand’s sales decline?

Alfa Romeo revealed its next model, called the Tonale. This attractive new crossover will come to the US in a couple of different powertrain options. One of them being the brand’s first-ever plug-in hybrid. But most of the news you’ll read about the Tonale will probably focus on the vehicle’s included non-fungible token. It will apparently use the blockchain to keep track of servicing records and accident history.

The Tonale is a smaller car than the Stelvio SUV, but it’s clearly part of the same family, thanks to the characteristic Alfa “trefoil” grille. Alfa namechecks the diminutive Giulia GT Junior as an inspiration for the line that runs down the side of the car. Although I’m not sure I see it. I do get the reference to the SZ, a composite-bodied sports car that Alfa Romeo built from 1989 to 1991, in the triple headlights.

2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale Veloce European spec

The plug-in hybrid Tonale combines a gasoline engine that drives the front wheels (via a six-speed automatic transmission) with an electric motor that drives the rear wheels. The engine is a 1.3 L turbocharged MultiAir four-cylinder that generates 180 hp (134 kW). The electric motor contributing another 120 hp (90 kW) to la festa. Total power output is 272 hp (203 kW). The 15.5 kWh lithium-ion traction battery has an electric-only range of 30 miles (48 km), Alfa says.

Alternatively, another powertrain option gives you a 2.0 L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This variant drives all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission and packs 256 hp (191 kW).

Great styling

It’s hard to make out too many styling details in the company-provided interior photos. We can see that Alfa is sticking with its excellent steering wheel design for at least a while longer. The infotainment screen stands proud on the dashboard and runs the Android-based Uconnect 5, with support for wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, plus Alexa integration.

The most controversial feature of the Tonale will probably be its NFT. Alfa says the NFT will be “a confidential and non-modifiable record of the main stages in the life of an individual vehicle”. And that “with the customer’s consent, the NFT will record vehicle data, generating a certificate that can be used to assure the car has been properly maintained.” The Italian automaker is not saying which blockchain it’s using to mint these NFTs.

The Tonale will be available in three different trims—Sprint, Ti, and Veloce. Alfa isn’t ready to tell us how much the Tonale will cost. Cars will arrive in North American dealerships in the first quarter of 2023.

UAZ Partiot in 2021 – an overview

UAZ-3163 “Patriot” is a Russian all-wheel drive off-road vehicle produced by the Ulyanovsk Automobile Plant since 2005. During this time, the model went through three restyling. The standard version assumes an all-metal five-door body. In addition to this, a four-door pickup truck is available. Then as well as the “Profi” family, which includes two- and four-door commercial vans. 

Over the entire past year, UAZ has managed to sell almost 15,000 Patriot and Pickup vehicles in Russia. In addition to our country, this SUV is exported to the Asian market, including China. And also to the countries of the CIS, Latin America and the Middle East. 

UAZ Patriot Pickup

The appearance of the UAZ Partiot

The last model update took place in 2016. Then the exterior of the car was improved with a few touches, leaving the model as a whole recognizable. The design of the radiator grill has been changed, which now suggests a large mesh pattern. In the center is a large chrome manufacturer’s emblem. This is where the external changes end, not counting the disappearance of the gas tank hatch on the left side of the car, because now the UAZ Patriot is equipped with only one fuel tank; there used to be two. 

UAZ Patriot is a real frame SUV. It has a simple and brutal appearance. The spare wheel is located on the rear door. Roof rails are provided for the transportation of bulky cargo. 

Salon UAZ Partiot

There have been many more changes in the cabin. In general, the interior has become more comfortable and modern. The manufacturer has worked on the dashboard, highlighting the dials with pleasant light illumination, in contrast to the previous color. A new three-spoke steering wheel with control buttons immediately appeared. We fixed a defect with the air conditioning control unit – before the driver’s hand rested against it when shifting gears, now this panel is located higher and does not create inconveniences, freeing up space for storing small items. 

The Ulyanovsk plant tried to improve noise and vibration isolation, but the finishing plastic became tougher even in the top-end configuration. For a fee, you can get a leather interior. There is also a small touch screen for controlling the infotainment complex. 

Technical data of UAZ Partiot

UAZ Patriot is equipped with an uncontested 2.7-liter gasoline power plant with a return of 149 horsepower. The torque of this engine reaches 235 Nm. The unit works in harmony with a 5-speed manual transmission or with a 6-band automatic transmission. Moreover, the automatic transmission is very popular in Russia, the implementation of the Patriot with automatic transmission reaches 40% of the total sales of the model in our country. Previously, the car was also equipped with a 2.2-liter turbocharged diesel engine, but due to its high cost, it did not find popularity, therefore it was excluded from the Russian engine range. 

Basic options include ERA-GLONASS, ABS, EBD systems, fabric seat upholstery, handrails on pillars, electric drive and heated side mirrors, one airbag and a winch. For an additional fee, you can get a cooled glove compartment, an additional airbag, a stability control system, a brake force distribution system, an assistance system when starting up on the rise, climate control, cruise control, heated front and rear seats, heated windshield and rear window, front parking sensor and rear view camera.

Aurus Is Russia’s Answer To Rolls-Royce

If you were to ask someone about what came to mind when you say ‘Russian motorcar,’ we bet that 9/10 will think about a Lada, and most probably one that’d broken down. While many have laughed at the former Soviet Union’s attempts at building motorcars, the Russians are back, and their latest attempt is rather serious.

The brand is called ‘Aurus’ and they fashion themselves an ultra-luxury carmaker, a brand you can say in the same breath as Rolls-Royce and Bentley. But we didn’t have to tell you that for you to make the assumption: Look at that grille, those suspiciously-familiar headlights, and the pronounced rear haunches and you know they went on a Goodwood factory tour. 

Perhaps in laughably-Russian fashion, the press materials surrounding Aurus go to pretty decent lengths to talk about the “uncompromising levels of ballistic and explosive protection” that’s fitted to the Senat Limousine, which we’re sure its sole customer, one Mr. Vladimir Putin, appreciates very much. What he probably doesn’t appreciate is the 4.4-litre V8 engine, co-developed by Porsche, mostly because he can’t hear it from so far away. And takeoffs should be swift and silent anyway, given that the power-train is aided by an electric motor to produce a grand total of 440kW.

Not enough zoom? Then you can opt for a 6.6-litre V12 in the unarmored Senat, which will give you no less than 632kW. Happy now?

At 5630mm in length, the Senat is longer than a Bentley Mulsanne but shorter than a standard-wheelbase Phantom, though the 6630mm Senat Limousine trumps all. Beneath all Senats is a unified modular platform, which houses the all-wheel drive power-train. Regardless of the model you’ll find a cabin that’s been designed almost exclusively with rear passengers in mind, with rear seats that tilt up to 45º and set off with soft pillows. You’ll also find a fridge built-in, replete with Aurus-branded crystal flutes, and leather-trimmed fold-out tables to rest them on.

The Aurus lineup may currently consist of the Senat saloon & limousine, but the family is set to grow. An Arsenal minivan (no relation to the football team) and a Komendant SUV will be introduced later, with names inspired by the towers of the Kremlin. Aurus will officially go to market in Q1 2019, while the firm also harbours plans to breach international markets. With a planned initial production run of just 150-cars/year for 2019 and 2020, the company will open a brand-new production facility in 2021 that’ll increase capacity to 5,000-cars annually, with the option to expand further to accommodate as many as 10,000-cars a year.

Source: https://www.carshowroom.com.au/news/aurus-is-russia-s-answer-to-rolls-royce/

Car Review -UAZ Patriot 2017

People outside Russia probably have some ingrained misconceptions about Russian-made offroad-capable vehicles, imagining rickety 40-year-old jeeps that pay no mind to driver or passenger comfort. Make no mistake about it – those exist too, but the UAZ Patriot, a mid-size SUV produced by Ulyanovsk Automobile Plant, is definitely not one of them.

The Patriot, whose production first began in 2005, was nothing short of a revolution for the Russian automotive industry when it first rolled off the assembly line. Unlike the rest of the industry, UAZ’s design was unique, sleek, and instantly recognizable.

The Patriot featured a large carrying capacity, good off-road capability, cheap parts, and was priced affordably for use by villagers and urban SUV enthusiasts alike. The vehicle was leagues ahead of its predecessors – Soviet-designed military jeeps recognized worldwide among military enthusiasts. Since its creation, the Patriot itself has also been modified for military use, most recently for operations in Syria.

The mid-size SUV received a substantive facelift in 2014, including new head and tail lamps, grille, bumpers, 18-inch wheels, frameless wiper blades, a new pneumatic hood lift system and chassis improvements. Inside, the Patriot got two-tone seating, an improved audio system, and an optional multimedia system with built-in navigation and parktronic.

Last week, UAZ offered a sneak peak of its new Patriot for the 2017 model year, and according to the gearheads over at Avtovesti, the new model disappoint. In fact, having already climbed its way into the top five sport utility vehicles sold in Russia last year, the Patriot is now looking to compete with foreign SUV manufacturers in terms of quality and market share, while remaining affordable (with prices expected to range from $13,000-$16,500 US on the domestic market). In fact, UAZ’s marketing for the vehicle touts it as an “SUV at the price of a sedan.”

For starters, the new UAZ is expected to get two new 2 and 2.5 liter ZMZ engines, matching or exceeding the power and torque of the existing 2.7 134 horsepower gas engine. Moreover, the company has plans to introduce an automatic transmission, something city drivers have long called for, but which UAZ has put off in favor of reliability and preserving the vehicle’s off-road characteristics.
The exterior includes a few cosmetic changes, including a new grille with a larger logo, and larger sensors on the front bumper for the optional parktronic system. The dual fuel-tank design of previous models has been replaced with a contemporary 70 liter polymer, foil and/or steel-insulated tank, designed for operation in temperatures ranging between —45 and +45 degrees Celsius. The Patriot’s frame has been reinforced, and fuel lines relocated so that they do not overlap with exhaust.

But it’s with interior features and comfort improvements where the company expects to fill the seats with new buyers, both in Russia and abroad. For safety, the Patriot has been equipped with two front airbags from Japanese firm Takata, along with new front seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters. Serious modifications have been made to the bodywork, frame, and steering column to improve crash dynamics in the event of an accident; improved body-frame supports are also said to have helped to reduce vibration.

As far as internal electronics go, the new Patriot will be equipped with Bosch electronic stability control, traction control, hydraulic brake assist, all-terrain mode ABS, and hill-start assist. The stabilization system can be turned on and off at speeds under 70 km/h, with the vehicle’s electronics mimicking cross-axle lock for assistance on icy road surfaces.
The interior features an updated instrument panel, a new cooled glove box, new transmission and parking brake levers with leather trim, and dual-stitching perforated and leatherette seat design for upper trims. All trim levels now feature tilt and telescopic steering. Higher levels include a new heated steering wheel by Takata with radio and cruise-control at the driver’s fingertips. The vehicle also has new light controls and paddles with user ease of use in mind. New duct systems designed to speed up defrosting and reduce fogging have been introduced. The rear-view camera for the optional parktronic system now also includes dynamic marking.
Other standard and optional bells and whistles include heated mirrors and LED running lights, heated front and rear seats, alloy wheels, fog lights, a multimedia system with touch-screen navigation, roof rails, rear armrest, a heated windscreen, and driver lumbar adjustment.

The company has ambitious plans not just for Russia and the former Soviet Union, but markets around the world as well. According to UAZ head Vadim Shevtsov, is looking to gain a foothold in Latin America, Vietnam, Africa, the Middle East, and China. Of the 100,000 UAZ Patriots expected to be produced, two thirds are expected to find foreign buyers.

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