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Honda Pledges Support for Turkey-Syria Earthquake Relief

TOKYO, Feb 15, 2023 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Honda would like to express its deepest sympathies and condolences to the victims of the February 6, 2023 earthquake which struck an area near the Turkish-Syrian border. In response to this tragedy, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. will donate 10 million yen to the Japanese Red Cross Society to support the humanitarian relief and recovery effort in the affected areas.A Honda subsidiary in Europe, namely Honda Motor Europe Ltd., and Honda Turkiye A. S. will donate more than 200 generators as well as essential products to meet the most urgent needs. Moreover, Honda subsidiaries in the U.S., namely American Honda Motor Co., Inc., and Honda Development and Manufacturing of America, LLC have already begun receiving donations from their Honda associates, and the companies are planning to augment the donation with a company matching gift. Honda sincerely hopes for the earliest possible recovery of the affected region. Copyright 2023 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Honda Motor Co-founder Takeo Fujisawa to be Inducted into Automotive Hall of Fame

Detroit, Michigan, Feb 13, 2023 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Takeo Fujisawa, co-founder of the Honda Motor Co., Ltd., will be inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame at its awards ceremony at The Fillmore Detroit on July 20. Fujisawa will join Honda founder Soichiro Honda, who was inducted in 1989 as the first Japanese automotive executive honored by the Automotive Hall of Fame, located in Dearborn, Michigan. Born on November 10, 1910, Fujisawa originally aspired to become a teacher, but instead worked as a salesman for a steel products company and then for a lumber company when he met Soichiro Honda in August 1949, about one year after the founding of Honda Motor Co., a small local venture in Hamamatsu, Japan. It was the right after the launch of the Dream D-Type, considered to be Honda's first full-fledged motorcycle product. While the two men were equipped with different personalities and skill sets, Honda and Fujisawa hit it off almost immediately and began deep discussions about their approach to business and dreams for the future. Quickly developing a trusting relationship, they established a shared vision for the future of the company with Fujisawa joining Honda Motor in October 1949. As a president of the company, Honda retained responsibility for product design and technology development and manufacturing operations, inventing many innovative vehicles including Super Cub, the world's best-selling mobility product. Fujisawa backed him up as his right hand with responsibility for the business side of the company, including sales, finance and marketing. Fujisawa's marketing savvy, strong business sense, and keen ability to chart unique paths to growth proved the perfect match to Soichiro Honda's engineering acumen and vision for mobility. The partnership lasted 25 years, until March 1973 when Messrs. Honda and Fujisawa retired together. From the beginning, Fujisawa had an enormous impact on Honda's business globally and in the U.S., where he played the key role in the approach to the American market. Fujisawa made several lasting and impactful business decisions that are still relevant today: Starting Honda Business in the U.S.In 1959, and by then the senior managing director of Honda, Fujisawa made the challenging decision to establish American Honda as Honda's first subsidiary outside Japan. At the time, the entire U.S. motorcycle industry sold no more than 60,000 units annually -- mostly larger bikes. One member of the team recommended expansion in Asia, where small motorcycles from Europe, like those made by Honda, were already in use. He suggested that America, the "land of the automobile," was too difficult a target for Honda. Fujisawa had another idea. "On second thought, let's do America," he said. "To succeed in the U.S. is to succeed worldwide. To take up the challenge of the American market may be the most difficult thing to do, but it's a critical step in expanding the export of our products." Without Fujisawa's leadership, Honda would not be the success story in the United States that it is today.Creating Independent U.S. Dealer NetworkFujisawa adopted many innovative sales and marketing strategies in Japan and the U.S. This included the decision to start motorcycle sales by establishing Honda's own dealer network. Despite suggestions that Honda should follow the approach of other Japanese companies and rely on a trading company to launch U.S. sales, Honda forged relationships with many smaller dealers, even those with no history in the motorcycle industry, and successfully expanded business from the West Coast across America. By the mid-1960s, Honda was the best-selling motorcycle brand in America.Establishing Separate R&D CompanyIn 1960, based on Fujisawa's initiative, Honda R&D Co., Ltd. was created as a separate company. Fujisawa conceived the idea with two objectives: to give Honda engineers the freedom to create new value without being constrained by the ups and downs of daily business and to protect Honda's ability to sustain this innovation in the future when they could no longer rely on the genius of Soichiro Honda. The new R&D company ushered in an era of incredible technological and product innovation, and entering new business areas including the automobile and aviation industries. Honda R&D's focus on research and creating new value in mobility continues to this day. More information about Takeo Fujisawa will be provided at the time of his formal induction into the Automotive Hall of Fame in July 2023. Copyright 2023 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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ION Mobility Closes US$18.7m in Series A funding; Brings TVS Motor Company on Board as Strategic Investor

Singapore, Feb 3, 2023 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - ION Mobility (ION) today announced new investments of US$18.7 million in its Series A funding round. Additionally, the company also brings TVS Motor Company on board as its strategic investor, through TVS Motor's Singapore subsidiary, TVS Motor (Singapore). As part of this investment agreement, TVS Motor will provide ION with the necessary ecosystem support to be successful in the electric two-wheeler markets of Singapore and Indonesia.ION's latest fundraise and partnership with TVS Motor is to support its vision to build Southeast Asia's leading electric mobility solutions company starting with Indonesia. Other investors include AC Ventures Malaysia, Michael Sampoerna and ION's Chief Manufacturing Officer Ng Ho Sen, with existing investors such as TNB Aura, Quest Ventures, Monk's Hill Ventures, Village Global, GDP Venture and Seeds Capital also participating in the round.Founder and CEO James Chan said, "I am delighted with the vote of confidence that my team and I have received from TVS Motor via our funding round and partnership. We are excited to draw upon TVS Motor's decades of global expertise in two-wheelers to accelerate our "Mobius" M1-S production readiness, as well as the design and development of other models. We look forward to leading the charge towards an electric and sustainable two-wheeler future together."This new funding round brings the total capital raised by ION to over US$25.5 million since 2020. The company will invest the capital into Indonesia to grow its local team, operations and capabilities. This includes its sales and marketing presence, local supply chain networks, production tooling and manufacturing capabilities in Indonesia, in order to achieve at least 50% local content.Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sudarshan Venu, Manging Director, TVS Motor Company said, "TVS Motor is committed to developing exciting products for consumers across global markets. We are thrilled to partner with ION Mobility, a full-stack EV company with a strong team of engineers and technical base in Singapore, to drive the premium electric two-wheeler growth in the region. We share a common vision and are eager to support them as a strategic investor."This announcement comes on the heels of ION Mobility's launch of its M1-S electric scooter in Jakarta in November 2022, which also saw the company sign a broad-ranging Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Indonesia's national grid operator PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) to expand PLN's charging network, in addition to two-wheeler fast-charging technology research and user outreach and education. The MoU was officiated by Indonesian Minister of Industry, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita at the Indonesia Motorcycle Show 2022, with Singapore Ambassador to Indonesia Mr. Kwok Fook Seng also in attendance.About ION MobilityION Mobility is a tech and automotive OEM on a mission to create and deliver aspirational and sustainable mobility and energy solutions for everyone. They are committed to creating great products and seamless user experiences for their customers. Their products combine advanced hardware and software technology with human-centred design to deliver smart electric motorbikes and energy charging and storage solutions that are for everyone to use. Their vision is to be Southeast Asia's top technology company leading their region's transition towards a low-carbon economy across Southeast Asia, starting with the ION M1-S. For more information, please visit www.ionmobility.com and ionmobility.substack.com.For more information, please contact: hello@ionmobility.comAbout TVS Motor CompanyTVS Motor Company is a reputed two and three-wheeler manufacturer globally, championing progress through Sustainable Mobility with four state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Hosur, Mysuru and Nalagarh in India and Karawang in Indonesia. Rooted in their 100-year legacy of Trust, Value, and Passion for Customers and Exactness, they take pride in making internationally aspirational products of the highest quality through innovative and sustainable processes. They are the only two-wheeler company to have received the prestigious Deming Prize. Their products lead in their respective categories in the J.D. Power IQS and APEAL surveys. They have been ranked No. 1 Company in the J.D. Power Customer Service Satisfaction Survey for consecutive four years. Their group company Norton Motorcycles, based in the United Kingdom, is one of the most emotive motorcycle brands in the world. Their subsidiaries in the personal e-mobility space, Swiss E-Mobility Group (SEMG) and EGO Movement have a leading position in the e-bike market in Switzerland. TVS Motor Company endeavours to deliver the most superior customer experience across 80 countries in which they operate. For more information, please visit www.tvsmotor.com.For more information, please contact:KS Harini – ks.harini@tvsmotor.comNikita Verma – nikita.verma@tvsmotor.com Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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TVS Motor Company’s Chairman Sir Ralf Speth conferred with University of Warwick’s Honorary Doctorate

Singapore, Jan 21, 2023 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Sir Ralf Speth, Chairman of TVS Motor Company, has been conferred with an Honorary Doctorate in the field of Science (Doctor of Science, honoris causa) from the University of Warwick, United Kingdom. The honorary degree was conferred by the University of Warwick Chancellor Baroness Catherine Ashton of Upholland. TVS Motor Company's Chairman Sir Ralf Speth conferred with University of Warwick's Honorary Doctorate.Sir Ralf is accompanied by the University of Warwick Chancellor Baroness Catherine Ashton of Upholland who conferred the degree.Sir Ralf is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, and a Fellow of the Royal Society. An honorary professor at Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), he has been closely associated with WMG ever since obtaining his engineering doctorate in 2008, under the pioneering leadership of former WMG Chairman, Lord Bhattacharyya. An outstanding engineer with a vast experience in the global automotive industry, Sir Ralf has held leadership roles with some of the renowned automotive and industrial giants such as Jaguar Land Rover, BMW, Ford, Tata Motors, and The Linde Group. He was appointed Honorary Knight Commander of the British Empire and an Additional Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.Commenting on the honour, Venu Srinivasan, Chairman Emeritus, TVS Motor Company, said, "My heartiest congratulations to Ralf for this well-deserved recognition. Over his distinguished career in automotive and industrials of more than four decades, he has built world class products and brands. He has been relentlessly working towards transforming the industry with his passion for technology and strive for excellence. This honour is a testament to his leadership, vision, and dedication to the industry, and we are privileged to have him lead TVS Motor Company in its transformational journey."Sudarshan Venu, MD, TVS Motor Company, said, "Sir Ralf's exemplary leadership skills, tremendous vision for the industry, and discerning approach towards technology make him unique. His energy and passion is inspiring. We are proud to have him amongst us. We wish him many more accolades recognising his immense contributions to the industry."Sir Ralf has a degree in engineering from the University of Applied Sciences Rosenheim, Germany, and a doctorate of engineering in Mechanical Engineering and Business Administration at the University of Warwick.About TVS Motor CompanyTVS Motor Company is a reputed two and three-wheeler manufacturer globally, championing progress through Sustainable Mobility with four state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Hosur, Mysuru and Nalagarh in India and Karawang in Indonesia. Rooted in our 100-year legacy of Trust, Value, and Passion for Customers and Exactness, we take pride in making internationally aspirational products of the highest quality through innovative and sustainable processes. We are the only two-wheeler company to have received the prestigious Deming Prize. Our products lead in their respective categories in the J.D. Power IQS and APEAL surveys. We have been ranked No. 1 Company in the J.D. Power Customer Service Satisfaction Survey for consecutive four years. Our group company Norton Motorcycles, based in the United Kingdom, is one of the most emotive motorcycle brands in the world. Our subsidiaries in the personal e-mobility space, Swiss E-Mobility Group (SEMG) and EGO Movement have a leading position in the e-bike market in Switzerland. TVS Motor Company endeavours to deliver the most superior customer experience across 80 countries in which we operate.For more information, please visit www.tvsmotor.com. For more information, please contact:Priyanka Kumar Priyanka.kumar@tvsmotor.com Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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LG Energy Solution and Honda Formally Establish Battery Production Joint Venture

TOKYO, Jan 16, 2023 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - LG Energy Solution (LGES; KRX: 373220) and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (Honda) today announced the formal establishment of the joint venture (JV) which will produce lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles (EV) produced by Honda.The JV will begin construction of a new battery plant early this year with the goal of completion by the end of 2024 and starting mass production of advanced lithium-ion battery cells by the end of 2025. The plant aims to have an annual production capacity of approximately 40GWh. All batteries produced by the new JV will be supplied exclusively to Honda plants in North America to power battery-electric vehicles sold in North America. The new plant will be located approximately 40 miles southwest of Columbus in Fayette County, near Jeffersonville. LGES and Honda have committed to investing $3.5 billion and creating 2,200 jobs to establish the new production facility. The companies' overall investment related to the JV is projected to reach $4.4 billion.About the new JV:Company name:L-H Battery Company, Inc. (tentative name)Location:Jeffersonville, Ohio, U.S.A.Capital:$ 210 million USD (Percentage of ownership: 51% LGES, 49% Honda)Corporate officers:Robert H. Lee, CEO (Currently Executive Vice President, North America Regional Group Leader of LGES)Rick Riggle, COO (Previously Plant Lead of Anna Engine Plant of Honda Development and Manufacturing of America)Comments by Robert H. Lee, CEO of L-H Battery Company, Inc."LG Energy Solution has all the right assets to make this joint venture a success, including the financial stability, quality, competitiveness, and production capacity with global operational expertise," said Robert H. Lee. "With two companies' expertise combined, we will provide top quality batteries to ensure the successful launch of Honda EVs in North America, and grow with the community here in Ohio by creating high value jobs."Comments by Rick Riggle, COO of L-H Battery Company, Inc."The formal establishment of this joint venture between LG Energy Solution and Honda to produce EV batteries in Ohio is another major step toward our electrified future," said Rick Riggle. "We are excited to move forward with such a strong partner in LG Energy Solution and, together, we look forward to establishing a strong relationship with the community in Fayette County, Ohio."About LG Energy SolutionLG Energy Solution (KRX: 373220), a split-off from LG Chem, is a leading global manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, mobility, IT, and energy storage systems. With 30 years of experience in revolutionary battery technology and extensive research and development (R&D), the company is the top battery-related patent holder in the world with over 25,000 patents. Its robust global network, which spans North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, includes battery manufacturing facilities established through joint ventures with major automakers such as General Motors, Stellantis N.V., Hyundai Motor Group, and Honda Motor Co. Ltd. At the forefront of green business and sustainability, LG Energy Solution aims to achieve carbon neutral operations by 2050, while embodying the value of shared growth and promoting diverse and inclusive corporate culture. To learn more about LG Energy Solution's ideas and innovations, visit www.lgensol.com.About Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (NYSE: HMC) is responsible for the development, production and sales of automobiles, motorcycles, power products and aviation products worldwide. Honda now delivers over 30 million products annually through its three product lines. Honda and its partners build products in more than 60 manufacturing plants in 27 countries, employing about 220,000 associates globally. On a global basis by 2050, Honda is striving to achieve carbon neutrality for all products and corporate activities, as well as zero traffic collision fatalities involving Honda automobiles and motorcycles. Copyright 2023 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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TVS Motor Company readies itself to rule the virtual world of racing; Introduces the TVS Apache RR 310 in Gameloft’s Asphalt 8: Airborne, for racing enthusiasts

Singapore, Dec 16, 2022 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - TVS Motor Company, a reputed manufacturer of two-wheelers and three-wheelers globally, announced today its partnership with Gameloft for brands for Asphalt 8: Airborne featuring its flagship motorcycle, TVS Apache RR 310. It makes TVS Motor the first Indian two-wheeler manufacturer to bring a virtual racing experience of its motorcycle to Gameloft's Asphalt 8, one of the world's leading motor racing game. This integration marks TVS Apache's foray into the world of gaming, extending its commitment to deliver an unparalleled racing experience to its 4.8 million+ customers, online as well as offline. It is in line with the growing interest for gaming amidst the racing enthusiasts and target audience for TVS Apache, making this integration another medium for the company to engage with enthusiasts across the world even when they are off their motorcycles.The TVS Apache series built out of TVS Racing, is based on the "Track to Road" philosophy. This philosophy manifests itself in each of TVS Apache motorcycles through the best-in-segment performance, technology and unique stye.Commenting on the partnership, Vimal Sumbly, Head Business - Premium, TVS Motor Company, said, "TVS Motor Company is excited about its partnership with Gameloft for brands, as it brings TVS Apache RR 310 in the popular gaming franchise - Asphalt 8: Airborne. TVS Apache series has been instrumental in flourishing premium motorcycling culture and is a popular brand among motorcycle enthusiasts and the Gen-Z. We are sure that this collaboration with Gameloft will help in increasing the awareness for TVS Apache brand, targeting a new set of audience while engaging online with our customers. With initiatives like these, TVS Apache has become one of the fastest growing brands in its segment, and continues to demonstrate its focus on bringing innovative platforms to connect with the customers."Speaking on the integration, Alexandre Tan, SVP Brand Partnerships & Advertising at Gameloft for brands, said, "TVS Motor is a great partner and we are excited that they are joining us for the first time in this new competition. With this new partner, we are thrilled to bring new innovative and exclusive in the game, creating a deeper connection with the TVS Motor brand and the Asphalt franchise community."Key highlights:- As part of this association, gamers across the world can now compete against each other on TVS Motor Company's flagship motorcycle - the TVS Apache RR 310- With this new integration, the 4.8 million TVS Apache customers and owners worldwide will get an all-new platform to experience their favourite TVS Apache RR 310 virtually in an exciting setting- TVS Motor is the first Indian two-wheeler manufacturer to bring its motorcycle to the popular gaming franchise- Players will discover the new TVS Apache branded booster & billboards and the new TVS Apache World Series Season. In the process, they also stand a chance to win exciting prizes- TVS Apache customers find keen interest in online gaming, and this association is set to bolster the brand's awareness and imagery in engaging newer audiences- The TVS Apache RR 310 integration in Asphalt 8: Airborne can be experienced in Career, Player vs Player and Multiplayer modesAbout TVS Motor CompanyTVS Motor Company is a reputed two and three-wheeler manufacturer globally, championing progress through Sustainable Mobility with four state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Hosur, Mysuru and Nalagarh in India and Karawang in Indonesia. Rooted in our 100-year legacy of Trust, Value, and Passion for Customers and Exactness, we take pride in making internationally aspirational products of the highest quality through innovative and sustainable processes. We are the only two-wheeler company to have received the prestigious Deming Prize. Our products lead in their respective categories in the J.D. Power IQS and APEAL surveys. We have been ranked No. 1 Company in the J.D. Power Customer Service Satisfaction Survey for consecutive four years. Our group company Norton Motorcycles, based in the United Kingdom, is one of the most emotive motorcycle brands in the world. Our subsidiaries in the personal e-mobility space, Swiss E-Mobility Group (SEMG) and EGO Movement have a leading position in the e-bike market in Switzerland. TVS Motor Company endeavours to deliver the most superior customer experience across 80 countries in which we operate. For more information, please visit www.tvsmotor.comAbout Gameloft for brandsGameloft for brands offers leading advertising and gamification solutions to help brands better connect with their audiences. Through interactive content and immersive experiences supported by its extensive in-game media network, Gameloft for brands leverages its longstanding gaming expertise to engage people in meaningful ways with an unparalleled level of transparency and safety. Gameloft for brands has received the TAG Certification Against Fraud Seal and follows MOAT's standards. To date, Gameloft for brands has delivered more than 10,000 campaigns for prestigious brands such as Air France, Coca-Cola, Ferrero, Ford, FOX, Automobili Lamborghini, ING, Netflix, Procter & Gamble, Samsung and LEGO, in over 40 countries around the world (North America, Latin America, Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, etc.) and our work has been honoured with over 50 awards from marketing organizations.For more information, please contact:Namrata Sharma - Namrata.sharma@adfactorspr.com Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Toyota Motor Thailand Marks 60th Anniversary

TOKYO, Dec 14, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announces that Toyota Motor Thailand Co., Ltd. (TMT), its vehicle manufacturing and distribution subsidiary in Thailand, held a ceremony today in Bangkok, Thailand to celebrate its 60th anniversary. Approximately 1,500 people attended the ceremony, including Supattanapong Punmeechaow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy of the Kingdom of Thailand, and other members of the Thai government, as well as representatives from local suppliers and dealers. Attendees from Toyota included TMC President Akio Toyoda and TMT President Noriaki Yamashita. President Toyoda expressed his gratitude to Thailand and his commitment to making further contributions.For more information, visit https://global.toyota/en/newsroom/corporate/38421226.html. Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Fujitsu, Toyota Systems leverage Fujitsu’s Quantum-Inspired Digital Annealer to streamline automobile production sequence

TOKYO, Oct 21, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Fujitsu Limited and Toyota Systems Corporation (hereinafter Toyota Systems) today announced the launch of a new automobile production instruction system at Toyota Motor Corporation's (1) Tsutsumi plant leveraging Fujitsu's Quantum-Inspired Digital Annealer technology (2).The Digital Annealer offers users access to powerful combinatorial optimization problem-solving capabilities for challenges that prove difficult for conventional hardware, and Toyota Systems and Fujitsu previously used the technology in 2020 in a project to optimize supply chain and logistics network operations essential to support automobile production. The latest project represents the first use case in Japan in which Fujitsu's Digital Annealer technology has been applied to streamline automobile production operations.The new system enables efficient and high-speed solution searching by utilizing constraint processing technology to express complex business constraints in equations and inequalities, a proprietary technology available since the third generation of the Digital Annealer--the processing technology was developed by Fujitsu Research based on its long-time expertise in the manufacturing industry.The new vehicle production instruction system will enable Toyota Motor Corporation to respond quickly to production fluctuations and also reduce the workload of its employees. Moving forward, Toyota Systems and Fujitsu plan to expand the system to Toyota Motor Corporation's other plants in Japan and, in the future, to Toyota Motor Corporation's overseas plants.From October 2022, Fujitsu will commercially launch its "Fujitsu Computing as a Service (below, CaaS)" service portfolio in Japan, which delivers advanced computing technologies such as the Digital Annealer and software technologies to regular commercial users, lowering the barrier to access high performance computing resources and technologies like AI. Fujitsu plans to roll-out the service globally to markets outside of Japan from fiscal 2023.Through the new technology developed for this project, Toyota Systems aims to realize a safe, secure and comfortable mobility society by supporting Toyota Motor Corporation's IT based business transformation.Fujitsu is committed to providing optimal IT environments and solutions that meet customers' diverse needs under its portfolio of global solutions to realize a sustainable world, "Fujitsu Uvance."(1) Toyota Motor Corporation:President and Representative Director: Akio Toyoda; Head Office: Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan.(2) Quantum-inspired technology:A number of acceleration technologies inspired by quantum technology, but not quantum effects.About FujitsuFujitsu's purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers in over 100 countries, our 124,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: Computing, Networks, AI, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.6 trillion yen (US$32 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more: www.fujitsu.com.About Toyota SystemsToyota Systems is an IT solutions company established in Jan. 2019 by merging 3 different Toyota IT subsidiaries. The mission of the company is to support Toyota Motor Corporation and its group companies by developing innovative IT solutions and, by doing so, to contribute to develop the mobility society of the future. The number of the employees is approximately 3,000 and its support covers most of the Toyota's main business areas such as R&D, production, logistics, sales, administration etc... For more information, please see www.toyotasystems.com/en/. Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Hitachi: Development of an Anti-Jerk Control to Improve Ride Comfort of Electrified Vehicles and Prototype of motor torque control to improve power consumption and stability of electrified vehicles

TOKYO, Oct 20, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Hitachi Astemo, Ltd. has developed a prototype of an anti-jerk control that improves ride comfort by reducing the back-and-forth jerk* that occurs when the vehicle stops, and a motor torque control (motor ABS (anti-lock braking system)) that improves electricity consumption, driving stability and a sense of security by maintaining appropriate wheel slippage during regenerative braking on slippery surfaces.Change of motor torque and vehicle velocity with anti-jerk during accelerator release* Rate of change of acceleration. When a vehicle is brought to a stop, a vigorous acceleration with vibration and shaking tends to occur, which is called jerkIn automobile operation, during deceleration when bringing a vehicle to a stop, braking force must be controlled by loosening or strengthening the brakes appropriately according to the speed, or else jerks will occur, resulting in shaking that impairs ride comfort. To solve this issue, Hitachi Astemo developed a prototype that leverages the features of electrified vehicles.Unlike the torque of an internal combustion engine, which is powered by fuel combustion, the torque of an electric motor is highly responsive to the driver's operation and can be increased quickly when accelerating or decelerating. Electric vehicles are also equipped with a mechanism called regenerative braking, which converts the torque into electric energy when the accelerator pedal is released. It quickly reduces the motor's rotation with torque and it generates electricity while uses torque for the braking force.Hitachi Astemo has developed an anti-jerk control system that takes advantage of the motor's torque characteristics and the braking power of regenerative braking. The system will suppress jerks by appropriately controlling the amount of torque to optimize the motor's braking power when the accelerator pedal is released. With this control, even ordinary drivers can easily achieve smooth stops with little jolting achieving the same results as those of a skilled driver.When driving on icy and slippery road surfaces, the regenerative braking alone could cause the tires to slip, which in turn reduces steering and driving stability. One way to avoid this issue is to stop the regenerative brake operation, which can suppress tire slippage, but this will reduce the amount of regenerated electric energy, which will worsen electricity consumption.Hitachi Astemo has developed a motor torque control technology that does not stop the regenerative brake itself, but controls the torque of the drive motor according to the driving conditions of the vehicle. The technology enables the vehicle to continue regenerating electricity even during deceleration when the accelerator pedal is turned off, while controlling tire slip and stabilizing the driving condition. This enables both regeneration of electricity and a sense of security due to improved driving stability during deceleration.The two newly developed technologies will contribute to OEM's electric vehicle development combining high driving performance with environmental performance, and thereby contribute to the popularization of electrified vehicles.Hitachi Astemo is committed to strengthening its business and delivering technological innovation through a strategic business portfolio, which consists of the Powertrain & Safety Systems business, Chassis business, Motorcycle business, Software business and Aftermarket business. Aiming for a better environment globally and growth around the pillars of "green," "digital," and "innovation," we will deliver highly efficient internal combustion engine systems; electric systems that reduce emissions; autonomous driving for improved safety and comfort; advanced driver assistance systems; and advanced chassis systems. Through such advanced mobility solutions, we will contribute to realizing a sustainable society and provide enhanced corporate value for our customers. For more information, please visit the Hitachi Astemo website: www.hitachiastemo.com/en/. Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Leadrive Technology Completes Series C Financing, Legend Capital Re-upped

HONG KONG, Sep 25, 2022 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Leadrive Technology, a leading supplier of power semiconductor and motor control solutions for new energy vehicles, recently announced its completion of the series C financing. As the existing shareholder, Legend Capital continued to support this round of financing.This round of financing will be mainly used for the construction of the IGBT/SiC power module packaging production line, the operation of the rapid production of motor control products, and the R&D of the latest generation of silicon carbide power modules and motor control products.Founded in 2017, Leadrive Technology has been committed to the forward development and production of power semiconductor modules and high-performance motor control units, bringing high-quality electric power to global automotive enterprise customers and consumers. After five years of rapid development, Leadrive Technology is equipped with mature technology and product solutions in the power modules and motor control units. A variety of high-performance IGBT power modules and main-drive dual-motor controller products developed by Leadrive have been installed in several hybrid models of many OEMs, achieving mass shipments and fully entering the passenger car market. With many test indicators at the industry-leading level in vehicle testing, the silicon carbide motor controller independently developed by Leadrive has also been designated and recognized by many downstream customers in the global market. In the future, Leadrive will center on the two core electrification foundations of power semiconductor modules and motor control units, and continue to invest in advanced technology development, product platform iteration, capacity expansion, and other fields. By leveraging its technological advantages, Leadrive works with industry chain partners to empower the electrification trend of the automotive industry and make outstanding contributions to promoting the technological progress of the industry.Dr. Jie Shen, the CEO of Leadrive, said: "Currently, the company is in a critical stage of rapidly developing large-scale delivery. This round of financing will mainly be used for the construction and implementation of the company's power module packaging production line and the replenishment of working capital for multiple mass production projects. For the smooth delivery of this round of financing, I would like to thank all the new and existing shareholders for their trust and strong support. With pursuing excellence in our mind, we take it as our duty to promote the technological progress of the industry as well as to make a continuous innovative contribution to the development of the new energy vehicle industry in China." About Legend CapitalFounded in 2001, Legend Capital is a leading VC&PE investor focusing on the early-stage and growth-stage opportunities in China, with offices across Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and Seoul, Korea. It currently manages USD and RMB funds of over US$10 billion in commitments, and has invested in around 600 companies, covering technology, healthcare, consumer, enterprise service and intelligent manufacturing sectors. Rooted in China, Legend Capital participated in the rise of many world-leading companies by solid investment coverage and systematic post-investment value-add. Over the years, Legend Capital has also become a widely recognized name in bridging key resources in China and overseas through cross-border activities, and a valuable partner to Chinese and overseas investors. Legend Capital values long-term sustainable investment and incorporates ESG into its long-term development strategy. As a UNPRI signatory since November 2019, Legend Capital is among the first group of top VC/PE firms in China to join the initiative. For more information, please visit www.legendcapital.com.cn/index_en.aspx and follow us on LinkedIn @Legend Capital (https://www.linkedin.com/company/legend-capital). Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Hitachi Power Semiconductor Device Develops High-Voltage Motor Driver IC Products

TOKYO, Jun 7, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Hitachi Power Semiconductor Device, Ltd. (HPSD) has developed two High-Voltage Motor Driver ICs primarily for room air-conditioners. The single-chip IC products 'ECN30216' & 'ECN30624' are able to tolerate large variation of supply voltage. Both products possess the function of shutting down all the output devices when overvoltage is detected in the motor drive state and thereby achieves the withstanding voltage of 1,000V. "ECN30216" is mainly for the fan-motors used for in-room units of air-conditioners, and "ECN30624" is principally for those of exterior units. The products are to be shipped out as of Jun. 2022. Through providing these products, HPSD will globally support the energy- efficiency/energy-saving of home appliances including room air-conditioners in order to contribute to realizing Carbon-Free Society.Motor Driver IC 'ECN30216(Left)' & 'ECN30624(Right)'A High-Voltage Motor Driver IC is one of those components mounted on an inverter control board which keeps proper operation of motors installed in home appliances such as room air- conditioners or air-cleaners, and is indispensable power semiconductor device for highly efficient, energy-saving home appliances. On the other hand, in some areas where rapid increase of demand for inverter air-conditioners is expected, it is required to develop the power semiconductor devices which bear sizable fluctuation of power supply voltage.This time, HPSD has developed the High-Voltage Motor Driver IC having the withstanding voltage of 1000V which is realized by implementing the function to disable all the output devices which supply the driving power to the motor upon detecting excessive power supply voltage in the motor drive state. In addition, unique design of new upper arm(1) drive circuit has made it possible to include the capacitor inside the driver IC, eliminating two external capacitors required for conventional such products, and thereby saving space to improve customer's freedom of designing motor or inverter control board for home appliances.HPSD has supplied its power electronics products for Mobility application such as Traction, and EV so far, but is accelerating its development activities of the products having high environmental values for the realization of Carbon-Free Society. The company will continue to contribute to actualizing Carbon-Free Society through developing and providing the power semiconductor devices that help cut down the power consumption, and CO2 emission.(1) High side power semiconductor device of an inverter circuit.About Hitachi Power Semiconductor Device, Ltd.HPSD with its long history/achievement of power semiconductor product development combined with its innovative device technology keeps contributing to the growing business of social innovation. It has three main product categories that are "IGBT/SiC", "High Voltage IC" and "Diodes". It is our commitment to develop high environmental value products utilizing our high-voltage, and low-loss technology. For more details, please visit our website at www.hitachi-power-semiconductor-device.co.jp/en/index.html.About Hitachi, Ltd.Hitachi drives Social Innovation Business, creating a sustainable society with data and technology. We will solve customers' and society's challenges with Lumada solutions leveraging IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products, under the business structure of Digital Systems & Services, Green Energy & Mobility, Connective Industries and Automotive Systems. Driven by green, digital, and innovation, we aim for growth through collaboration with our customers. The company's consolidated revenues for fiscal year 2021 (ended March 31, 2022) totaled 10,264.6 billion yen ($84,136 million USD), with 853 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 370,000 employees worldwide. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at www.hitachi.com.Business Contact：Hitachi Power Semiconductor Device, Ltd.Inquiry Form: www8.hitachi.co.jp/inquiry/hpsd/en/general/form.jsp Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Sudarshan Venu Elevated as Managing Director of TVS Motor Company

Singapore, May 6, 2022 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - TVS Motor Company, a reputed manufacturer of two-wheelers and three-wheelers globally, announced at its board meeting today the elevation of Sudarshan Venu as Managing Director of the Company, effective today. Sudarshan Venu, Managing DirectorSudarshan has been charting the future of one of India's leading two-wheeler manufacturer and has made it the most awarded two-wheeler company. He has played a pivotal role in the company's growth in India and key international markets, including Asia, Africa, and more recently in Europe.Prof. Sir Ralf Dieter Speth, Chairman, TVS Motor Company said, "Sudarshan has got a clear vision and brings with him both a tremendous passion for advanced technologies and sustainable growth, deep-seated in values. He thinks future-oriented, staying ahead of the emerging trends. Personal, smart mobility, including electrification, are two of his big areas of focus. He has also spearheaded the international growth of TVS Motor. He has the ability to lead high performing teams internationally with empathy. He takes care of people and society. I am sure that with his leadership, the company will grow stronger and further pivot to the future."Mr. Venu Srinivasan, Chairman Emeritus, TVS Motor Company said, "Sudarshan's extraordinary efforts have witnessed key decisions to develop aspirational products and grow fast in India and overseas. He has also led some key acquisitions and the expansion of group companies. We are confident that under his leadership, TVS Motor will transform into a leading mobility player globally."Mr. Sudarshan Venu, Managing Director, TVS Motor Company said, "I am very thankful for this special opportunity and very excited for the future. With the continued guidance of my father and Sir Ralf and the support of the Board and team, I look forward to further embracing the future of mobility. This is an interesting time for the industry globally, and I am passionate about being at the forefront of this."About TVS Motor CompanyTVS Motor Company is a reputed two and three-wheeler manufacturer globally, championing progress through Mobility with a focus on sustainability. Rooted in our 100-year legacy of Trust, Value, and Passion for Customers and Exactness, we take pride in making internationally aspirational products of the highest quality through innovative and sustainable processes. We are the only two-wheeler company to have received the prestigious Deming Prize. Our products lead in their respective categories in the J.D. Power IQS and APEAL surveys for five years. We have been ranked No. 1 Company in the J.D. Power Customer Service Satisfaction Survey for consecutive four years. Our group company, Norton Motorcycles, based in the United Kingdom, is one of the most emotive motorcycle brands in the world. Our subsidiaries in the personal e-mobility space, Swiss E-Mobility Group (SEMG) and EGO Movement have a leading position in the e-bike market in Switzerland. TVS Motor Company endeavours to deliver the most superior customer experience across 80 countries in which we operate. For more information, please visit www.tvsmotor.com.For more information, please contact:Varghese M Thomas: vm.thomas@tvsmotor.com Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Toyota Supports Humanitarian Efforts to Help Ukraine Emergency Situation

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM, Mar 9, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Like everyone around the world, Toyota is watching the ongoing developments in Ukraine with great concern for the safety of people of Ukraine and hopes for a safe return to peace as soon as possible.Toyota has started to provide humanitarian assistance to those who are suffering. This includes direct assistance to Toyota�s Ukrainian employees and their families and to Ukrainian refugees, as well as corporate donations up to approximately 2.5 million euros.1. Support for Ukrainian employees and their families- More than 1700 Ukrainian employees work in Toyota�s European entities, mainly in countries neighbouring Ukraine, such as the production plants in the Czech Republic (TMMCZ) and Poland (TMMP). Since the early days of the conflict, Toyota employees at TMMCZ and TMMP, with company support, set up transportation, shelter, and access to medical services, as well as administrative support to families of Ukrainian employees forced to flee Ukraine.- A Toyota Humanitarian Aid Fund was established to provide relocation support, including accommodation and meals, to Ukrainian employees and their families. Employees of Toyota throughout Europe can make donations to this fund, which will be matched by the company.2. Support for the affected populations in Ukraine and countries in the regiona) Donations to the Red Cross and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency- Toyota Motor Corporation (Japan) will donate 500,000 euros to UNHCR.- In addition to the Toyota Humanitarian Aid Fund, employees of Toyota�s European entities (national distributors, manufacturing plants, and other support companies) are encouraged to donate through a pan-European fundraising campaign to either the Red Cross or UNHCR.- For donations by employees to either the corporate fund or the Red Cross and UNHCR, every euro donated through the campaign will be quadrupled through a corporate donation of maximum two million euros by a group of Toyota�s European entities: Toyota Motor Europe, Toyota Financial Services, Toyota Insurance Management, Toyota Connected Europe, and KINTO Europe.b) In-kind donations and employee pro-bono activities- Toyota employees are also volunteering their support for the provision of temporary housing in Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, and other countries, and to provide language interpretation for refugees.- To further enable the above, Toyota Motor Europe (TME) is allowing up to 40 paid hours per member to participate in these activities via its pro-bono volunteering program- Several employees of Toyota in Europe are also working full-time to help organise a scheme matching refugees with hosts and on logistics.Toyota Motor Europe is responsible for all Western, Central and Eastern European countries including Turkey and Russia as well as Israel and a number of Central Asian markets (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Kazakhstan). Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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TVS Motor Company acquires Switzerland’s largest e-bike player – Swiss E-Mobility Group AG (SEMG)

Singapore, Jan 27, 2022 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - TVS Motor Company today announced the successful acquisition of a 75% stake in the Swiss E-Mobility Group (SEMG). The acquisition reaffirms TVS Motor Company's commitment to expansion in Europe through a portfolio of premium and technology leading brands, including Norton Motorcycles and EGO Movement, which were recently acquired.At the signing in ceremony Left to right: Sharad Mohan Mishra, President, Group Strategy, TVS Motor Company, Sudarshan Venu, Joint Managing Director, TVS Motor Company, Sir Ralf Speth, Chairman designate, TVS Motor Company, Rainer Fröhlich, Founder & Managing Partner, CONSTELLATION CAPITAL, & Reto Waeffler - CEO SEMGSEMG is a market-leading provider of e-mobility solutions within the DACH region, operating the largest pure-play e-bike retail chain M-way in Switzerland with close to USD 100M in revenue. The company has a prestigious Swiss mobility brands portfolio, including Cilo, Simpel, Allegro, and Zenith – Bikes. By combining its extensive physical network and e-commerce platform with two online platforms and 31 physical stores, SEMG is able to deliver a seamless and world-class customer experience.Announcing the acquisition, Mr. Venu Srinivasan, Chairman, TVS Motor Company, said, "TVS Motor has always been committed to sustainability and has been investing in electric vehicles for over 10 years. The increasing global focus on the environment and personal well-being is rapidly accelerating demand for newer mobility solutions, and TVS Motor is investing to drive this change."Speaking on the occasion, Sir Ralf Speth, Chairman designate, TVS Motor Company, said, "TVS Motor is committed to being at the forefront of e-personal mobility globally. SEMG complements our acquisitions of Norton Motorcycles and EGO Movement and strengthens our commitment to environmental sustainability. We offer our customers a compelling portfolio of technologically advanced and environment friendly products." Adding on, Mr. Sudarshan Venu, Joint Managing Director, TVS Motor Company, said, "This acquisition furthers TVS Motor's commitment towards e-personal mobility products. We are strengthening our presence in the rapidly growing e-bikes segment. SEMG has strong omnichannel distribution and aspirational brands, including Cilo, Simpel, and Zenith - Bikes. I'm excited to enhance the product range further and scale the company in the DACH region and beyond. I'd like to convey my thanks to CONSTELLATION CAPITAL and Rainer Fröhlich for this foundation which we will build on." E-bikes are establishing themselves as the de-facto form of personal mobility in Europe due to the increased ease of usage, regulatory support, and overall perception as a sustainable form of transport. With a current penetration of approximately 15% of the total bicycle population in Europe and growing at a CAGR of ~18%, the market for the e-bicycle holds significant growth potential. Rainer Fröhlich, Founder and Managing Partner, CONSTELLATION CAPITAL, emphasises: "In TVS Motor, we have found the ideal and an exceptionally dynamic partner for SEMG to reinforce and expand the Group's position as a market leader. The strategy of having a global leader like TVS as a majority shareholder not only offers untapped potential in quality assurance and procurement in the global supply chain but also lays the foundation for future expansion of the group beyond national borders." The acquisition has been made in an all-cash deal through TVS Motor's Singapore Subsidiary, TVS Motor (Singapore) Pte Ltd. About TVS Motor CompanyTVS Motor Company is a reputed two and three-wheeler manufacturer and is the flagship company of the USD 8.5 billion TVS Group. We believe in Championing Progress through Mobility. Rooted in our 100-year legacy of Trust, Value, and Passion for Customers and Exactness, we take pride in making internationally aspirational products of the highest quality through innovative and sustainable processes. We endeavour to deliver the most superior customer experience at all our touch points across 70 countries. We are the only two-wheeler company to have received the prestigious Deming Prize. Our products lead in their respective categories in the J.D. Power IQS and APEAL surveys for five years. We have been ranked No. 1 Company in the J.D. Power Customer Service Satisfaction Survey for consecutive four years. For more information, please visit www.tvsmotor.com.About Swiss E-Mobility Group AG (SEMG)The Swiss E-Mobility Group AG was incepted as a part of the CONSTELLATION V fund in 2018, and advised by CONSTELLATION CAPITAL AG, one of Switzerland's leading investment firms. Since then, SEMG has been pursuing a growth strategy combining organic and inorganic opportunities through the acquisition of various companies in the e-mobility industry. SEMG represents a Switzerland based institution in the fast-growing e-mobility market, offering traditional Swiss and other attractive bicycle complementary services via a customer-centric multi-channel strategy in the DACH region. Their portfolio of four own e-bike brands (Simpel, Cilo, Allegro, Zenith) are relevant across all major e-bike segments from E-city, E-mountain bikes to niche segment in Speed Pedelec. SEMG's role as a key distributor of major e-bike brands (Cube, Haibike, Canondale, Kalkhoff, Focus, Stromer, Moustache, KTM, etc.) also provides customers with a holistic range of e-bike products to choose from. For more information, please visit https://www.semg.ch/.For more information, please contact:Varghese M Thomas: vm.thomas@tvsmotor.comK S Harini: ks.harini@tvsmotor.com Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. 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TVS Motor Company and BMW Motorrad Announce the Expansion of their Cooperation Agreement for Future Technologies and Electric Vehicles

Singapore, Dec 15, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - TVS Motor Company and BMW Motorrad today announced that they are extending and expanding their long-term partnership with the joint development of new platforms and future technologies, including Electric Vehicles. Based on this decision, TVS Motor Company's scope will include the design and development of future BMW Motorrad products and delivering world-class quality, supply chain management, and industrialisation. Under this enhanced cooperation, both companies have identified a range of products and technologies to deliver significant business benefits. BMW Motorrad and TVS Motor Company will develop common platforms by mutually tapping the emerging technologies in the future mobility space, keeping in mind the global requirements of customer segments in various markets. Exclusive products for both companies will be developed on these common platforms, and the companies will retail their products globally. TVS Motor Company will continue to bring on board engineering prowess in design, manufacturing and supply chain capabilities and provide best-in-class quality and economic advantage. The first product through this cooperation will be showcased in the next 24 months. Mr. Sudarshan Venu, Joint Managing Director, TVS Motor Company, said, "In the nine years of our long-term strategic partnership, we have always cherished the common core values we share with BMW Motorrad: focus on quality, engineering prowess, innovation and customer satisfaction. These factors and our commitment to deliver superior quality products with a strong value proposition has been key to the success of all three products launched from the platform. The new world of future mobility encompasses a strong play through alternate solutions, including electric mobility. Expanding this successful partnership to EVs and other newer platforms will create opportunities to deliver advanced technology and aspirational products to global markets and bring valuable synergies to both companies."Dr. Markus Schramm, Head of BMW Motorrad, said, "In light of our fruitful association with TVS Motor Company, we are delighted to extend and expand our cooperation agreement to include long-term partnership and joint development of new platforms and technologies, including electric vehicles. Our strong synergies have led to the development of impressive offerings in the sub-500cc segment. Since the launch, BMW G 310 R and BMW G 310 GS single-cylinder models continue to enjoy unrivalled popularity with over 100,000 global customers. We look forward to the future of this cooperation."In April 2013, TVS Motor Company and BMW Motorrad signed a long-term strategic partnership to manufacture sub-500cc motorcycles for the globe. This collaboration has resulted in three products on the 310cc platform: BMW G 310 R, BMW 310 GS, and TVS Motor Company's TVS Apache RR 310. With over 100,000 customers, the products have been well accepted in all the leading markets like the EU, USA, Japan, China and India. The success of this cooperation has been the steppingstone of extending and expanding the partnership. About The BMW GroupWith its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world's leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises 31 production and assembly facilities in 15 countries; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries. In 2020, the BMW Group sold over 2.3 million passenger vehicles and more than 169,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2019 was EUR 7.118 billion on revenues amounting to EUR 104.210 billion. As of 31 December 2019, the BMW Group had a workforce of 126,016 employees. The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy. About TVS Motor CompanyTVS Motor Company is a reputed two and three-wheeler manufacturer and is the flagship company of the USD 8.5 billion TVS Group. We believe in Championing Progress through Mobility. Rooted in our 100-year legacy of Trust, Value, and Passion for Customers and Exactness, we take pride in making internationally aspirational products of the highest quality through innovative and sustainable processes. We endeavour to deliver the most superior customer experience at all our touch points across 70 countries. We are the only powered two-wheeler company to have received the prestigious Deming Prize. Our products lead in their respective categories in the J.D. Power IQS and APEAL surveys for five years. We have been ranked No. 1 Company in the J.D. Power Customer Service Satisfaction Survey for consecutive four years. For more information, please visit www.tvsmotor.com.For further information, please contact:Varghese Thomasvm.thomas@tvsmotor.com Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Toyota Selects North Carolina for New U.S. Automotive Battery Plant

Toyota City, Japan, Dec 7, 2021 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Toyota Motor North America announced today that North Carolina Greensboro-Randolph Megasite has been chosen as the location for Toyota's new $1.29 billion automotive battery manufacturing plant, to be named, Toyota Battery Manufacturing, North Carolina (TBMNC).When it comes online in 2025, TBMNC will have four production lines, each capable of delivering enough lithium-ion batteries for 200,000 vehicles--with the intention to expand to at least six production lines for a combined total of up to 1.2 million vehicles per year.The $1.29 billion investment, including funds to develop land and facilities, made by Toyota and Toyota Tsusho will be partially funded from a total investment of approximately $3.4 billion previously announced on October 18, which did not include funds for developing land and facilities, and is expected to create 1,750 new American jobs."The future of mobility is electrification and the Greensboro-Randolph Megasite is the ideal location to make that future a reality," said Ted Ogawa, CEO of Toyota Motor North America. "North Carolina offers the right conditions for this investment, including the infrastructure, high-quality education system, access to a diverse and skilled workforce, and a welcoming environment for doing business. Today marks the beginning of a mutually beneficial partnership with the Tar Heel state as we embark on our journey to achieve carbon neutrality and provide mobility for all."In addition, as the company continues its efforts to reach carbon neutrality for its vehicles and operations by 2050, Toyota is committed to using 100% renewable energy at this new facility to produce the batteries. Copyright 2021 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Mazda2 Hybrid to be Introduced in Europe

HIROSHIMA, Japan, Dec 6, 2021 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Mazda Motor Corporation today announced that it will introduce the Mazda2 Hybrid in Europe from the spring of 2022. The Mazda2 Hybrid will be an OEM model supplied by Toyota Motor Europe, a wholly owned subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation, and will be added to the Mazda2 lineup in Europe and sold as Mazda's own brand vehicle.The Mazda2 Hybrid offers the nimble handling of a compact car, high quality ride, a comfortable cabin and the latest safety technology. Furthermore, the model is powered by a hybrid system with an in-line three cylinder 1.5-liter engine and boasts low fuel consumption and a powerful, seamless driving experience.Establishing a basic agreement for a business alliance in 2015, Toyota and Mazda have since been collaborating in various fields, including advanced technologies, a joint venture plant, and sales finance. The Toyota Hybrid System based model being just one of many results of the alliance. In line with our Sustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030 vision, Mazda will respond to environmental regulations and market needs via our Multi-solution approach and deliver optimal products to our customers.Mazda aims to become a brand that creates special bonds with customers by offering the joy of driving and committing ourselves to preserve our beautiful earth, enrich people's lives and make a bountiful society that lifts everybody's spirits. Copyright 2021 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Toyota Charges into Electrified Future in the U.S. with 10-year, $3.4 billion Investment

Toyota City, Japan, Oct 18, 2021 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Toyota announced today that it will invest approximately $3.4 billion (380 billion yen) in automotive batteries in the United States through 2030. Specifically, the investment is for developing and localizing automotive battery production, including those for battery electric vehicles, and is part of the global total of approx. $13.5 billion (1.5 trillion yen) set aside for investment in battery development and production announced last month by Toyota Motor Corporation.To drive battery production localization, Toyota Motor North America also announced today that it will establish a new company and build an automotive battery plant together with Toyota Tsusho in the U.S. Aiming to start production in 2025, the project includes an investment of approximately $1.29 billion until 2031, which includes funds that will be used to develop land and build facilities, resulting in the creation of 1,750 new American jobs."Toyota's commitment to electrification is about achieving long-term sustainability for the environment, American jobs and consumers," said Ted Ogawa, Chief Executive Officer, Toyota Motor North America. "This investment will help usher in more affordable electrified vehicles for U.S. consumers, significantly reduce carbon emissions, and importantly, create even more American jobs tied to the future of mobility."Part of the new company's activities will include helping Toyota to further develop and expand its local supply chain and production knowledge related to Lithium-ion automotive batteries. The venture will first focus on producing batteries for hybrid electric vehicles. Additionally, the move is expected to help further the company's goals to create a net positive impact on the planet and society, including advancing its efforts towards carbon neutrality in a sustainable and practical way. Further details of the project, including details on a site, production capacity, business structure, etc. will be shared at a future time.Quick facts about Toyota's electrification efforts- Cumulatively, Toyota has sold more than 18.7 million electrified vehicles, including over 4.5 million in the U.S.- While electrified vehicles already account for nearly 25 percent of Toyota's U.S. sales volume, that number is expected to rise to nearly 70 percent by 2030.- To meet the growing demand, Toyota continues to steadily expand its lineup of electrified vehicles, including hybrid (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), fuel cell (FCEV) and battery electric vehicles (BEV), from 55 models today to about 70 models by 2025.- Of the 70 models, 15 will be BEVs, including seven Toyota bZ (Beyond Zero) models.- By 2030, Toyota expects to sell two million zero emission vehicles (BEVs and FCEVs) globally, and in the U.S., the company expects to sell between 1.5 million to 1.8 million electrified vehicles, including ZEV models. Copyright 2021 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Hitachi: Compact, Lightweight Direct-Drive System to Make In-Wheel Electric Vehicles Closer to a Production Reality

TOKYO, Sep 30, 2021 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501) and Hitachi Astemo, Ltd. today jointly announced the development a compact, lightweight direct-drive(1) system for the increasingly popular EV segment,(2) which combines the motor, inverter, and brake into a single unit (Fig. 1). This enables the installation of the entire system into the wheel, thus moving the world one step closer to a zero-emissions society. The new motor transmits the high drive force necessary to run an EV directly to the wheels, and its lightweight design and world-class 2.5 kW/kg power density(3) significantly limit the weight increase traditionally associated with in-wheel units. Moreover, adopting an in-wheel unit does not require a substantial change to the existing configuration of the suspension and other components. Driveshafts and other indirect mechanisms have been eliminated, allowing motor power to be applied directly to EV operation. This reduces energy loss by 30 percent and increases the range on a single charge compared to existing EVs.Hitachi and Hitachi Astemo will continue research into practical implementation of the technology, which enables more expansive interior and battery installation spaces. In addition to the vehicle control technology it has been developing, Hitachi Astemo will apply the new direct-drive system to its already-extensive, global EV product lineup.Background and additional informationThere is growing investment activity and technological development towards realizing a decarbonized society. In the motor vehicle sector, there is an especially strong legislative push for transitioning from gasoline-driven vehicles to EVs. In conventional EVs, the drive system is placed on the chassis, which limits interior and/or battery space. Fitting the motor inside a wheel has been identified as a solution, but this increases the weight in the wheel and requires sweeping changes to the existing brake and suspension components.To address this, Hitachi and Hitachi Astemo's lightweight direct-drive system-drawing on Hitachi Group's broad technology and product development in the mobility space that includes railways and elevators-combines motor, inverter, and brake into a single in-wheel unit for EVs. The features of the technology are as follows:1. Halbach array magnets and innovative flat coils produce world-class power densityIncreasing the number of magnetic poles is effective in improving a motor's drive force, but has shortcomings-namely, that it reduces the proportion of magnetic flux that can be effectively used, and necessitates more coil weld points and welding space. By placing the magnets in a Halbach array,(4) Hitachi and Hitachi Astemo have succeeded in improving drive force by increasing the effective magnetic flux of each magnetic pole, and made the motor lighter by using beam welding(5) to create a high-density array of flat coils, thus achieving world-class 2.5 kW/kg power density. This limits the in-wheel weight increase of the EV, and avoids the increased energy consumption that's characteristic of conventional, heavier in-wheel systems.2. Direct-drive system incorporating a single motor, inverter, and brake unitPrior EV motors have low power density and monopolize space inside the wheel to provide sufficient drive force, which make it difficult to use existing brakes and suspension components. Space is also needed for a dedicated and electrically insulated coolant channel, which prevents electrical faults from occurring when power semiconductors in the inverter come in contact with coolant. The newly developed system uses direct-cooling technology, in which high-insulating cooling oil directly cools the power semiconductors and is cycled to the motor to directly cool the coils. This combined with the single-unit drive system-which integrates a motor, brake and inverter-significantly reduces the space taken up by cooling pipes, and enables in-wheel installation without having to significantly alter the existing configuration of suspension and other components.The technology will be exhibited in part at the 30th Aachen Colloquium, from October 4 to 6 in Aachen, Germany.(1) Direct-drive: A drive system in which the drive force of a motor is directly transmitted to the wheels.(2) EV: electric vehicle.(3) Motor power density: Ratio of motor output to weight. Weight includes the motor housing and the driveshafts. (4) Halbach array: A magnetic array in which the orientation of the N pole of each magnet is rotated 90 degrees to create high-density magnetic flux at each of the magnetic poles of a motor.(5) Beam welding: A welding method in which the beam is concentrated on specific areas of metal to spot-weld.About Hitachi, Ltd.Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is focused on its Social Innovation Business that combines information technology (IT), operational technology (OT) and products. The company's consolidated revenues for fiscal year 2020 (ended March 31, 2021) totaled 8,729.1 billion yen ($78.6 billion), with 871 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 350,000 employees worldwide. Hitachi is working to increase social, environmental and economic value for its customers across six domains; IT, Energy, Industry, Mobility, Smart Life and Automotive Systems through Lumada, Hitachi's advanced digital solutions, services, and technologies for turning data into insights to drive digital innovation.Hitachi is a Principal Partner of COP26, playing a leading role in the efforts to achieve a decarbonized society and become a climate change innovator. Hitachi strives to achieve carbon neutrality at all its business sites by 2030 and to achieve an 80 percent reduction in CO2 emissions across the company's value chain by 2050.For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at https://www.hitachi.com.About Hitachi Astemo, Ltd.Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Hitachi Astemo is a joint venture between Hitachi, Ltd. and Honda Motor Co. Hitachi Astemo is a technology company that develops, manufactures, sells and services automotive and transportation components, as well as industrial machinery and systems. For more information, visit the company's website at https://www.hitachiastemo.com/en/. Copyright 2021 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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TVS Motor Company Forays Into the Personal E-Mobility Business With a Majority Stake in European E-Bike Brand EGO Movement

- Taps into sustainable personal mobility solutions with e-bikes- Eyes European market with customer-centric bike designs, products and unique omnichannel network- Second major acquisition in Europe after Norton Motorcycles SINGAPORE, Sept 17, 2021 - (ACN Newswire) - TVS Motor Company, a reputed two-wheeler and three-wheeler manufacturer globally, today announced a partnership with EGO Movement as a majority shareholder, in an all-cash deal through its Singapore Subsidiary TVS Motor (Singapore) Pte Ltd. The partnership is in line with TVS Motor Company's commitment to building an aspirational product portfolio while nurturing sustainable and scalable brands. It also reiterates the company's strategy to expand its global presence in developed markets, commencing with Europe, which serves as the heart of the e-bike mobility landscape. From Left to Right - Sir Ralf Speth, Board of Director, TVS Motor Company; Mr. Sudarshan Venu, Joint Managing Director, TVS Motor Company; Mr. Daniel Meyer and Ms. Marie So (Co-Founders, EGO Movement) Led by the co-founders Daniel Meyer and Marie So, EGO Movement is a Swiss technology company providing innovative mobility solutions through a portfolio of e-bikes, e-cargo bikes, and e-scooters. The company combines unique designs with innovative software and hardware to deliver a differentiated customer experience. It has an omnichannel network across Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Germany with plans to expand across Europe, combining the best of strategically located stores with a seamless online experience.Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sudarshan Venu, Joint Managing Director, TVS Motor Company, said, "The partnership with EGO Movement reaffirms TVS Motor Company's commitment towards electrification and the broader sustainability agenda. We are building a strategic personal e-mobility ecosystem by scaling unique brands which share our vision of delivering compelling customer experience benchmarks through cutting-edge, aspirational products. EGO Movement has a strong presence in Europe with customer-centric products, a unique omnichannel network and a visionary team at its helm. Together, we will address global urbanisation by delivering unique e-mobility solutions with e-bicycles and mobility across a diversity of forms."Mr. Venu further added, "It is also an important milestone in our journey to grow our presence in Europe, with the Norton Motorcycles acquisition last year and now the launch of the personal e-mobility platform."Over the past decade, the personal mobility landscape has evolved significantly with the global sustainability agenda, increasing urbanisation and advancement in battery technology. The global pandemic also became a key catalyst in accelerating the adaption to personal mobility. The e-bike market has been at the forefront of personal mobility innovation, with new business models and technologies advancing rapidly with global trends. Various sub-segments have also emerged to cater to customers' evolving needs - ranging from city bikes for daily commute to mountain bikes for adventures or cargo bikes for carrying loads or people.Co-founder and CEO of EGO Movement, Daniel Meyer, commented "As a Swiss based strongly mission-driven company, we are excited to be teaming up such a highly respected global partner and industry leader. Our team is fully committed to taking the company to the next phase. We are confident that together with TVS Motor Company, we will be able to create more value for all partners and customers of EGO Movement focusing on further growth by following our mission of a greener way of e-mobility."EGO Movement's product portfolio focuses on delivering sustainable products with the latest technology and stylish designs.. A powerful battery is blended harmoniously into the frame, whose ergonomic design allows for a comfortable upright sitting position. In addition, with technical refinements such as a powerful mid-motor including a torque sensor, a USB port on the removable lithium-ion battery and an LED light that automatically switches on at dusk. The unique and innovative design philosophy has earned the company multiple awards, including the prestigious Red Dot Award.About TVS Motor CompanyTVS Motor Company is a reputed two and three-wheeler manufacturer and is the flagship company of the USD 8.5 billion TVS Group. We believe in Championing Progress through Mobility. Rooted in our 100-year legacy of Trust, Value, and Passion for Customers and Exactness, we take pride in making internationally aspirational products of the highest quality through innovative and sustainable processes. We endeavour to deliver the most superior customer experience at all our touch points across 70 countries. We are the only two-wheeler company to have received the prestigious Deming Prize. Our products lead in their respective categories in the J.D. Power IQS and APEAL surveys for five years. We have been ranked No. 1 Company in the J.D. Power Customer Service Satisfaction Survey for consecutive four years. For more information, please visit www.tvsmotor.com.About EGO MovementInnovative technology, excellent designs, ten own stores in Switzerland and Germany, as well as extensive service: EGO Movement's mission is the e-volution of mobility. Whether e-bikes, e-cargo bikes, e-scooters or smart networking with its own software platform - as a Swiss technology company and manufacturer of technically mature products for high-quality mobility solutions, EGO Movement ensures more individual freedom and makes a contribution to more Sustainability as well as environmental protection and above all offers a great driving experience. https://egomovement.com/de/de/Media contacts:Namrata Sharma - namrata.sharma@adfactorspr.com

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