Frank Mertens’ Post

I definitely like estate cars and I like all-electric vehicles. However, the choice in this segment is not yet so extensive. However, something is happening and Zeekr's announcement fits into the picture. I like the 001 and the 007 because they are great cars and have a very high level of quality and functionality. So a station wagon from the 007 would be a pleasure. I would certainly also like an electric estate from Volvo Cars or Polestar. The station wagons known so far or at least about to go into production have not yet convinced me, the NIO is already close: VW ID7 MG5 Opel Astra Sports Tourer Electric Peugeot E-308SW Nio ET5 Touring Audi A6 etron BMW i5 Touring #vehicle #electric #stationwagon https://lnkd.in/dieT7Fct

See my interview today with FOCUS magazin. We talk about the importance of mobility and its affordability, the development of electric cars and why tariffs on EV’s are not the right solution. @VDIK

1980 BMW ALPINA (E12) B7 TURBO €50,000 CURRENT BID 47:45:38 THURSDAY 11:20 AM This E12-generation BMW Alpina B7 Turbo is a well-preserved example of the particularly rare modern classic sports saloon, reported to remain in highly original condition.  Under the bonnet sits an Alpina-enhanced turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six, understood to deliver up to 300PS to the rear wheels via a five-speed Getrag ‘dog-leg’ manual transmission. This original German-market example was first registered in May 1980, and was exported to the US by its first owner in 1985, before being imported back to Europe by the same owner in 1999. It is believed the first owner kept the car until 2006 and the last trace of the car’s use is a 2004 Swiss highway sticker. Presumably, the car has not been used since.  It has now been with the seller for around 18 months, who undertook only a necessary service. The current owner bought the car from the keeper who claims to have acquired it from the original owner in 2006 and only stored it since. This E12-era Alpina B7 Turbo is understood to be one of only 149 examples built by Alpina between December 1978 and February 1982.   The odometer indicates 123,000 km, which correlates with last service invoices from 1994 to 1996.  The car comes with documentation and history preserved by the first owner including vehicle factory test, first German papers, US title, faxes, letters and communication regarding importing the vehicle to the US and back to the Europe as well as four service invoices from between 1994 and 1996.  CAR OVERVIEW 123,000 Km (Indicated)  Manual LHD Graphite Grey Black 3.0L Inline-Six VIN 6572538 EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES   When unveiled in 1978 the Alpina B7 Turbo was the world’s fastest four-door car, with a 0-100km/h time of 6.1 seconds, and a claimed top speed of 250km/h. At the time, the most powerful BMW 5 series (E12 M535i) reached 218hp. BMW did not ‘outpower’ the E12 B7 Turbo until two generations later, when the E34 M5 with 315hp was introduced. Yet, the power-to-weight ratio was still in favour of the Alpina E12 B7 Turbo. The turbocharged pace of this model marks a time when Alpina was frequently ‘outpowering’ BMW.  This particular example is based on a BMW 528i, and was upgraded from factory by Alpina with an uprated engine, which included a KKK turbocharger with cabin-adjustable boost pressure, as well as Bilstein suspension, larger ventilated brakes, 16-inch alloy wheels, and an E23-era 745i-derived five-speed Getrag manual gearbox.  The model also featured more supportive seats manufactured by Recaro, Alpina gauges, turbo boost level, oil pressure and oil temperature gauges, an Alpina steering wheel, and a wooden Alpina gear knob.  #classic #classics #classiccars #collectorcars #carcollectors #historic #vintage #performance #racing #rallying #driving #car #cars #automotiveindustry #auto #autos #autoindustry #auction #forsale #sold #automotive #investment #privatesale 

FAAREN – 400 Points 😁 FAAREN is Number One, one of Germany's biggest car magazines says. 30 car subscription platforms were tested by auto motor und sport. Only eight of them guarantee a problem-free subscription. FAAREN, with its wide-reaching market place, scores 400 out of 470 possible points – first place together with one competitor. 🥇 We’re proud of the hard work that we put into developing our software for vehicle mobility companies, and the love and care that our support team shows every day with the customers of the #FAAREN market place and our partners from car dealerships 🛞, trading groups, banks 🏦, insurances and other mobility providers. To see that our effort is registered from the outside is a confirmation of the path we have been successfully following for more than 6 years. 🏔️ You can read the (German) article right here: https://lnkd.in/excDJD2w #carsubscription #cardealership #allinclusive #automotive

The heaviest cars in the 2023 registration statistics and all combustion engines.   kerb weight: 3472 kg Cadillac Escalade 3027 kg Mercedes Maybach 3002 kg Ineos Grenadier   Fortunately, all of them together only came to just over 1000 new registrations. Weight should definitely become more important, especially with regard to resources. The trend towards ever heavier vehicles is not a good one.   Taxation according to real CO2 emissions and weight would be a good approach (for ICE; EV, PHEV etc. equally).   #weight #development #improvement https://lnkd.in/dAQjs8gm

China-Autos jetzt so gut wie BMW & Co. https://lnkd.in/dn9Ujq5H ADAC's findings reveal that Chinese cars now stand "on par" with their European counterparts. The comprehensive test, spanning 13 Chinese models from the last three years, demonstrated their technical capabilities to match European standards. Remarkably, all but two of the tested cars earned a full five-star rating in the crash test. Additionally, the Asian vehicles exhibited commendable performance in the avoidance test and stability program (ESP). Surprisingly, several vehicles from European manufacturers fared worse, leading to ADAC's conclusion. #electriccar #cars #electricvehicle #china #europe

"Vehicle on Demand" - interesting new business model by #Volkswagen could make car purchase unnecessary throughout the vehicle's entire lifecycle? #automotive #businessmodel #ondemand #productasaservice

1992 BMW (E34) M5 - 31,953 KM €15,555 CURRENT BID 6 days 05/03/2024 11:40 AM This E34-generation BMW M5 is an iconic modern classic performance saloon, which has reportedly been preserved in an unmodified condition.  It is powered by a naturally aspirated 3.8-litre straight-six, delivering 340PS and 400Nm of torque to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission.  This M5 has covered just 31,953 kilometres at the hands of its four owners from new.  CAR OVERVIEW 31,953 Km Manual LHD Sterling Silver Metallic Black 3.8L Inline-Six VIN WBSHC91070GD62438 EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES   The car is finished in Sterling Silver metallic over a black leather-trimmed cabin.  It rides on a set of 17-inch ‘Throwing Star’ alloy wheels, fitted with Hankook tyres.  Equipment includes an electric sunroof, heated and electrically adjustable front seats with three-position driver’s memory, an electrically adjustable steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, a trip computer, a BMW Bavaria CD stereo, and an electric sunblind.  Accompanying the sale is the owner’s book pack, various maintenance invoices, historic vehicle registration documents, spare wheel, toolkit, warning triangle, and two keys.   SUMMARY   The E34-generation BMW M5 is an accomplished and desirable performance saloon, combining its handsome styling with a motorsport-inspired straight-six complete with individual throttle bodies, and was the last hand-built M-car. Many examples have now accrued impressive mileage owing to its legendary built quality, though this four-owner example shows a remarkably modest 31,953 kilometres on the odometer. It is sure to appeal to even the most discerning of collectors, whether acquired to complement a line-up of BMW’s finest M-cars or as an involving and exciting weekend toy.   #classic #classics #classiccars #collectorcars #carcollectors #historic #vintage #performance #racing #rallying #driving #car #cars #automotiveindustry #auto #autos #autoindustry #auction #forsale #sold #automotive #investment #privatesale 

🔳 XPeng is expanding its market presence to Germany.🔳 March 29, 2024 Source: Elektroauto-News ; ARI_lg 🔳XPeng, a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, is expanding its market presence to Germany. At the official press presentation for its market entry in Dreieich near Frankfurt, the company announced plans to establish up to 20 dealers nationwide with approximately 40 locations offering its P7 and G9 models. 🔳Unlike some competitors, XPeng is opting for traditional franchise dealership models. By 2026, the company aims to have 60 dealers, creating a network where nearly everyone can access an XPeng dealership within 50 kilometers or a maximum driving time of 50 to 60 minutes. The company aims to provide attractive conditions for its dealers. "We don't want to negotiate aggressively; it should be a good deal for both sides," stated Markus Schrick, Germany's Chief. He mentioned targeting "good double-digit margins." The goal is to foster enthusiasm and identification with the brand among dealers. Initially, XPeng will introduce two models to the German market: the P7 sedan, available in China for several years, and the advanced 800-volt G9 SUV. The smaller G6 SUV will follow in the fall, with a compact electric crossover slated for arrival in 2026. XPeng has set ambitious targets for itself. "In every segment we enter, we aim to achieve three percent market share," explained Schrick. The company has already been present in Europe for some time, with vehicles available in Norway and the Netherlands. March 29, 2024 Source: Elektroauto-News ; ARI_lg #XPeng #ElectricVehicles #Germany #MarketEntry #EVs #FranchiseDealership #P7 #G9 #G6 #ElectricCars #AutomotiveIndustry #MarketShare #Competition #SustainableMobility #ElectricMobility #FutureOfDriving #AutomotiveInnovation https://lnkd.in/g8YWDfDH

"On the one hand, Porsche wants to sell engines to bicycle manufacturers. On the other hand, Porsche also plans to offer complete e-bikes under its own name." Porsche eBike Performance FAZUA #cycling #ebike #ebikes #ev #electricvehicles #transport #futuremobility #automobileindustry #automotiveindustry #cyclingindustry #globalbusiness #globaltrade #manufacturing #distributors #retailers #partnerships #customerexperience #brandpartnerships