One of the newest members of the European Small Volume Manufacturers Alliance (ESCA), Brabus, have shared some thoughts on the year ahead and their role within ESCA.
With a distinguished reputation for innovation and craftsmanship, BRABUS GmbH exemplify the diversity of the alliance, highlighting the vital role small volume manufacturers play in shaping the future of the European automotive sector.
Member of the European Small Volume Car Manufacturer (ESCA), McLaren Automotive Ltd, have recently unveiled their new model the W1.
Building on the brand’s ethos of everyday usability combined with supercar performance, the W1 is set to be the fastest accelerating road legal vehicle to date, accelerating 0-100km/h in just 2.7 seconds, with a 350 km/h top speed. The W1’s high-performance is a result of McLaren’s commitment to innovation and pushing the boundaries of what is possible for a car.
A commitment that is widely shared by our various members across the European automotive sector and evidenced by a combined spend of over €600m on Research and Development across the financial year of 2022 to 2023.
📈 According to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), in the first nine months of 2024 new EU van sales increased by 8.5%, reaching 1,170,310 units. Driven by positive results in all four key markets of Spain, Germany, Italy and France, electrically chargeable vans account for 5.7% of the market.
🚚 Reflecting the diversity of the European Small Volume Car Manufacturers Alliance (ESCA), Goupil’s fully electric vans are designed for the utmost versatility, with models like the G5 having a 1 tonne service load capacity and a range of up to 100km.
🔋 In addition to the fully electric fleet, Goupil’s factory in the Southwest of France is fitted with solar panels. Representing ESCA’s ongoing commitment to promote more sustainable automotive practices within the European automotive sector.
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Member of the European Small Volume Car Manufacturers Alliance (ESCA), Bertone have announced the launch of a new ‘Classic Range’ starting with the remake of the iconic Autobianchi A112 Runabout- as pictured.
First shown in 1969, the original car is regarded as being highly influential in the design of later Bertone models- such as the X1/9 with a signature low, flat, profile.
Bertone’s announcement is yet another example of a larger tradition of ESCA members’ honouring their brands heritage, as seen recently in Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd‘s launch of the DB5 “Goldfinger Edition” and relaunch of the Vanquish. A tradition that demonstrates the influential and enduring brand identity of our members.
Recently, Rimac Technology announced the completed structure of a ‘Rimac Campus’ in Croatia.
The trailblazing facility is one of the largest ever undertaken in the area, accommodating Rimac Technology’s R&D and high-volume production, as well as Bugatti Rimac‘s hyper car development. It further facilitates innovative battery projects for other European carmakers, such as BMW Group.
Rimac’s facility will host 400 employees, with the capacity to accommodate 2500 upon full completion.
This is just one example of ESCA members’ importance to the European automotive industry and it’s sustainable development, with over 9000 employees in 24 R&D facilities across the continent.
In celebration of the recent European Summit on the 8th of October 2024, ESCA is proud to be a partner of the Women Automotive Network. Hosting over 1,000 attendees from over 450 companies the Summit was a resounding success, delivering on the aim of fostering a more inclusive automotive industry.
Recently, in September 2024, ESCA member McLaren Automotive Ltd hosted the company’s second annual ‘60 Scholars’ Initiative’ – aiming to inspire the next generation of female leaders in STEM. Our members are committed to promoting greater diversity within the automotive sector, empowering female leaders towards a more inclusive feature.
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On 30th September, the European Small Volume Car Manufacturers Alliance (ESCA) held its third Quarterly Meeting of 2024.
Members engaged in insightful discussions about the most recent political and legislative developments at EU level. Including discussions on the potential earlier review of the Regulation on CO2 emission standards for light-duty vehicles as well as the ongoing investigation on the import of Chinese EVs.
ESCA members reflected on the potential impacts of these issues on small-volume manufacturers and agreed on a course of action to ensure that the sectors unique characteristics are continued to be considered in the next EU mandate.
Recently, Rimac Energy, a division of Rimac Group, announced the deployment of its new Sinestack battery energy storage system at a site in Colchester, UK. From 2025, the Sinestack battery energy storage and power delivery system will deliver zero energy capacity fade during it’s first two years of operation.
The announcement is emblematic of Rimac’s recent success in combining sustainability goals with high performance. In July 2023, the Rimac Nevera, produced entirely in-house, set the record for the fastest production EV car at both the Goodwood Festival of Speed and at the Nürburgring.
Rimac’s recent achievements showcase how members of the European Small Volume Car Manufacturers Alliance (ESCA) are helping drive Europe towards a more sustainable future in the automotive sector.
In celebration of the recently passed hashtagWorldEVDay on the 9th September, we look at the many contributions of members of the European Small Volume Car Manufacturers Alliance (ESCA) to sustainable automotive practices.
1 – Electric Fleet of Vehicles 🔋
Like many other of our members, Lotus Cars Europe are progressing towards a fully electric fleet of vehicles. A move first inspired by the Lotus Evija in 2019, and most recently cemented by the success of the Lotus Eletre and Emeya, for which the British company won the prestigious Red Dot Design Award.
2 – Hydrogen Technology for Future Vehicles ⛽
Harnessing hydrogen technology is another area members of ESCA are at the forefront of. Consider, for example, McLaren Automotive Ltd‘s partnership with Mission H24 – producing a prototype capable of the highest calibre performance at Le Mans.
3: Sustainable Manufacturing Facilities 🚔
Throughout our various members, sustainable manufacturing practices are well-established. For example, Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd achieved a 23.3% reduction in CO2 emissions per car manufactured in 2023 compared with 2022, whilst Goupil have fully-fitted the roof of their factory with solar panels.
With the Paralympic Games ending on Sunday, the European Small Volume Car Manufacturers Alliance (ESCA) pauses to reflect on contributions made by three members to the unforgettable 2024 Summer of Sport:
1 – Goupil‘s Electric Vans were in action for the Tour De France, where Goupil’s unique versatility was on full display. The ultra-compact size enabled urban cleaners to transport and collect household waste bins and carry out a variety of cleaning functions- paramount to keeping the event running smoothly.
2 – Team GB were powered by Lotus Cars Europe; assisting the team to gold medal in track cycling women’s team sprint with a World Record time of 45.186. In the words of Richard Hill, Chief Aerodynamicist at Lotus: “Lotus is proud to continue working with British Cycling… in offering unrivalled engineering expertise to produce the most efficient and beautiful bike to support our national team”.
3 – In response to previous medalists claiming Olympic Medals were “losing shine”, Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd badge makers have pledged to restore any Olympic medals to their full condition.
Members of the European Small Volume Car Manufacturers Alliance (ESCA) continue to be of significant importance to the success of European and global sporting events. With 619,757,000 Euros invested in R&D across the financial year of 2022/23, the Alliance honours the legacy of sporting greatness while paving the way for tomorrow’s sporting successes.
