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Lithuanian company AUGA Group launched the first batch of a new hybrid tractor

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VILNIUS, Lithuania, Feb. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The Agtech company and organic food producer AUGA group today officially launched its hybrid tractor, AUGA M1, for professional use from the first batch of production. Developed and assembled in Lithuania, the tractor is powered by biomethane and electric drives and is able to operate continuously for up to 12 hours. Compared to diesel-powered analogues, one such tractor reduces carbon dioxide emissions by up to 100 tonnes a year, AUGA group data shows. 

To view the Multimedia News Release, please click: 
https://www.multivu.com/players/uk/9142151-auga-launched-hybrid-tractors/ 

 “Agriculture is responsible for 20% of global emissions, and there have been no real solutions for reducing pollution in this sector. AUGA group took the initiative several years ago to develop technologies that could enable a breakthrough in this area and let to farmers work more sustainably and to consumers choose food with no cost to nature. A year ago, we introduced a prototype of a hybrid tractor and undertook a series of technology tests which allowed us to improve that conceptual model. Today, a year later, we have the result that we promised everyone − the new version of the AUGA M1. The tractors from this first production batch will start their work on farms already in 2023,” says Kęstutis Juščius, the CEO of AUGA group. 

According to the CEO, AUGA group received proposals to manufacture the first batch of tractors not only from Lithuania, but also from foreign manufacturers. But AUGA group was keen to ensure that these technologies developed in Lithuania would be assembled in the country as well. So for this first batch AUGA group chose the Rokiškis Machine Factory, which has many years of experience in the production of agricultural machinery. 

 Differences between the factory tractor and the conceptual model 

During tests, AUGA group engineers found ways to reduce energy losses and boost the overall efficiency of the electric drive. They also managed to lighten the tractor’s construction, resulting in lower energy consumption and less pressure on the soil during operation. 

The first production batch consists of three tractors. Each includes different components. Serial production will use a combination of the technological solutions that showed the best results over this year’s production tests. The factory version of the AUGA M1 hybrid tractor incorporates components from world-renowned manufacturers, such as a Ford internal combustion engine and a CLAAS cab. 

 AUGA group also updated the design of the AUGA M1 tractors. According to Kęstutis Juščius, this version of tractor’s design will be the basis for further production. 

“In creating the prototype, we focused on developing the technology without paying much attention to the design. Now we are presenting the appearance of the future serial production model. The colour of the new tractor is anthracite brown. Anthracite is the world’s oldest coal, while brown is the colour of naturally fertile earth. With the help of all the technologies we develop, we will be storing carbon in the soil in order to reduce the amount in the atmosphere. And as we work sustainably, the land will become more fertile,” the CEO of AUGA group says. 

Unique solutions

Developed by Lithuanian engineers, the AUGA M1 hybrid tractor is unique for its solutions to problems that the world’s largest agricultural machinery manufacturers have not managed to solve – achieving long hours of operation and convenient refuelling. 

 “To date, the gas-powered tractors that have been developed around the world have only been able to work up to 4 hours at a time in the field, as the gas cylinders did not physically fit into the tractor’s structure. The design by our engineers allows the tractor to accommodate larger biomethane gas cylinders. The second obstacle to the spread of biomethane-powered tractors is the underdeveloped biomethane refuelling station infrastructure. We’ve solved this problem by offering a quick and convenient gas cartridge replacement, which is filled at the biomethane plant, not on the tractor, and delivered to each farm. This will eliminate the need for biomethane refuelling stations on farms” says Kęstutis Juščius. 

The AUGA M1 tractor uses a hybrid biomethane-electric fuel system. During the operation of the tractor, an internal combustion engine powered by biomethane generates energy and transmits it directly to electric motors that rotate the wheels. 

Under normal conditions which do not require high power, the tractor accumulates the generated energy reserve in its batteries. The system does not waste energy under low-load conditions, uses a relatively small but efficient engine, and is capable of producing enormous power when needed. 

Plans for the future 

According to the AUGA group’s CEO, the aim is for the new tractors to be used not just by Lithuanian farmers but also by farmers around the world. Moreover, it is aimed that the operating costs of the AUGA M1 tractor will be the same as those of diesel-powered tractors. 

The total investment to date to develop the conceptual model of the AUGA M1 tractor and to produce the first batch is more than €3 million. Since the launch of the prototype, the company has doubled the size of its engineering team and plans to hire even more engineering personnel. 

After the technological tests in the fields, AUGA group will aim to start mass production as soon as possible this year. 

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SOURCE AUGA Group

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AIMA Technology Welcomes Top U.S. Dealers to Shape the Future Together

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TIANJIN, China, Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — On December 7, 2024, AIMA Technology Group warmly invited a delegation of five top-performing U.S. IBD dealers to visit its headquarters. Accompanying the group was Angela Zheng, CEO of AIMA’s U.S. subsidiary, AIMA EBIKE, along with her sales, marketing, and customer service teams. This visit not only marked a deepened connection between AIMA and the mainstream U.S. market but also provided U.S. dealers with a valuable opportunity to witness AIMA Technology’s globally leading capabilities in research, development, and manufacturing of electric mobility solutions.

The delegation first toured AIMA’s state-of-the-art factory in Tianjin. Aima Technology possesses production factories with extremely high levels of intelligent manufacturing Additionally, AIMA has integrated advanced technologies such as AI visual recognition and established a CNAS-certified R&D laboratory, maintaining its industry leadership in intelligent transformation. During the tour, the dealers were deeply impressed by AIMA’s cutting-edge technology, large-scale production capabilities, and relentless pursuit of excellence in product development and manufacturing. They expressed that this rare visit not only enhanced their understanding of AIMA but also strengthened their confidence in promoting AIMA products as a symbol of outstanding performance and exceptional quality to their customers.

Furthermore, AIMA Technology’s R&D team engaged in in-depth discussions with the dealers regarding the new models AIMA EBIKE plans to launch in 2025. The dealers test-rode prototypes of the latest models and shared their innovative insights. They expressed high praise for AIMA’s product innovation capabilities and market acumen, recognizing these as key factors that distinguish AIMA in the industry.

Later, the dealers joined AIMA Technology‘s team to witness the rollout of the 10,000th AIMA E-Bike. This milestone moment showcased AIMA’s exceptional manufacturing strength and market influence. The dealers were inspired and expressed strong confidence in the promising future of their partnership with AIMA.

This visit from the top-tier U.S. dealer delegation not only deepened mutual trust and friendship but also injected new momentum into AIMA’s ambition to become a leader in the U.S. E-Bike industry by focusing on the IBD channel. Looking ahead, AIMA Technology will continue to strive to provide market-leading performance and quality, enhancing its product development and manufacturing capabilities while working hand-in-hand with global dealers to create an even brighter future.

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SOURCE AIMA Technology

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AIMA Technology Group to Unveil Seven New Electric Mobility Products at CES 2025 and Partner with Italian Brand to Set New Industry Standards

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LAS VEGAS, Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — AIMA Technology Group will debut seven new electric mobility products at CES 2025, catering to diverse consumer needs, from urban commuters to adventure seekers. Each product will showcase AIMA Technology Group’s signature blend of futuristic design, smart technology, and eco-conscious engineering, further advancing sustainable electric mobility.

AIMA Technology Group will also unveil its strategic partnership with a top-tier Italian brand at CES 2025, merging luxurious aesthetics with superior performance to set a new standard in the electric mobility industry. This collaboration will redefine luxury and practicality in electric mobility, establishing a new benchmark for the industry.

AIMA Technology Group’s global expansion is accelerating, having already covered over 50 countries, with a cumulative sales volume exceeding 80 million units by 2023. The showcase at CES 2025 will further strengthen AIMA Technology Group’s leadership in the global electric mobility market.

During CES 2025, AIMA Technology Group will hold a media reception on Tuesday, January 7th at 10:30 AM (Pacific Time) to showcase its new product lineup. On January 8th at 11:00 AM, AIMA will unveil the mysterious limited-edition concept new product at the CES booth, redefining the future of mobility. We invite you to join us in discovering this groundbreaking innovation. Booth location: Las Vegas Convention Center, North Hall, Booth #10947, showcasing our latest innovative achievements.

AIMA Technology booth: Las Vegas Convention Center, North Hall, Booth #10947.

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SOURCE AIMA Technology

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HKBN Signs HK$5.25bn Sustainability-Linked Loan

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HONG KONG, Dec. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — HKBN Ltd. (“HKBN” or the “Company”; SEHK stock code: 1310) is delighted to announce the signing of its inaugural HK$5.25 billion syndicated Sustainability-Linked Loan (the “SLL Facility”) under the HKBN Ltd. Sustainability-Linked Financing Framework (“Framework”), with 11 leading international, regional and local banks. The facility includes enhanced terms and a greenshoe mechanism that allows HKBN to upsize the loan in the future. Proceeds from the SLL Facility will be used to refinance the Company’s outstanding loans.

The overwhelming response from the market is a vote of confidence in HKBN’s business plan. This landmark SLL Facility reaffirms HKBN’s long-term commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices while driving business growth. It also includes an interest rate adjustment mechanism that is linked to predetermined sustainability performance targets (SPTs). This will allow HKBN to benefit from savings in borrowing costs upon the successful attainment of the specified key performance indicators (KPIs).

The specified KPIs and SPTs are tailored to address climate change mitigation and cybersecurity within HKBN. The first KPI focuses on Scopes 1 and 2 emissions. The second KPI involves the average failure rate of phishing assessments for HKBN’s Talents. The third and final KPI comprises Scope 3 emissions. Emissions reduction targets were set in line with HKBN’s near-term GHG emissions reduction targets recently validated by the Science-Based Targets initiative (“SBTi”); while those for KPI 2 were set based on the performance results from impromptu simulated email assessments, which the company will conduct to evaluate its Talents’ susceptibility to phishing attacks – a vital and necessary exercise for measuring cybersecurity risk.

HKBN has appointed Sustainable Fitch to provide a Second Party Opinion (“SPO”) on the Framework with an overall rating of “Good”. The SPO affirms that the Framework aligns with the Sustainability-Linked Loan Principles set forth by the Loan Market Association, the Loan Syndications and Trading Association, and the Asia Pacific Loan Market Association.

The SLL Facility is led by Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited, BNP Paribas, Cathay United Bank Company, Limited, Hong Kong Branch, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, Hong Kong Branch, DBS Bank Ltd., ING Bank N.V., Hong Kong Branch and The Bank of East Asia, Limited as the Mandated Lead Arrangers, Bookrunners and Underwriters and participated by Fubon Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, Natixis, Hong Kong Branch, Shanghai Pudong Development Bank Co., Ltd., Hong Kong Branch and Taipei Fubon Commercial Bank Co., Ltd. as the Mandated Lead Arrangers and Bookrunners. Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, Hong Kong Branch and ING Bank N.V., Hong Kong Branch are the Joint Sustainability Coordinators. Rothschild & Co is the financial adviser for HKBN.

Derek Yue, HKBN Co-Owner & Chief Financial Officer said, “Through this refinancing deal, HKBN is not just reshaping our financial well-being with better loan terms, but setting a new standard for corporate accountability and sustainability. Our focus on achieving key performance indicators in climate change mitigation and cybersecurity reflects our dedication to a more sustainable future and a secure digital environment. We believe that by aligning our financing initiatives with these crucial objectives, we are not only strengthening our business but also contributing to a better world for all.”

Nancy Cheng, Managing Director, Head of Tech Coverage APAC, at Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, commented, “Being a long-standing banking partner of HKBN, we are delighted to play a key part in HKBN’s inaugural SLL transaction, which is the very first in Hong Kong for the telecommunications market. It establishes a new benchmark for the sector, akin to how HKBN has continually set and raised the bar for broadband speeds in Hong Kong. We are dedicated to continuing our role in supporting HKBN’s financing and sustainability journey in the future.”

Shalini Sujanani, Managing Director, TMT & Healthcare for ING in Asia Pacific, commented, “We are pleased to support HKBN’s sustainability journey as Joint Sustainability Coordinator for this landmark facility. By embedding ambitious KPIs into their financing, HKBN demonstrates that sustainability and business performance can go hand in hand. This SLL Facility reflects the growing importance of aligning financial strategies with environmental and social objectives, and we are excited to help HKBN drive meaningful impact through this partnership.”

About HKBN Ltd.

HKBN Ltd. (SEHK Stock Code: 1310, together with its subsidiaries, “HKBN” or the “Group”) is an investment holding company.  Headquartered in Hong Kong with operations spanning across Hong Kong, Macau and mainland China, the Group is a leading integrated telecommunications and technology services provider. The Group provides a full range of one-stop, high-quality information and communication technology (ICT) solutions and an unlimited services portfolio. HKBN’s extensive tri-carrier fibre infrastructure covers around 2.6 million residential homes and 8,200 commercial buildings and facilities across Hong Kong. Committed to creating a lasting positive impact to wherever it operates, HKBN embraces a core purpose to “Make our Home a Better Place to Live” and has received a highest possible rating of AAA in MSCI’s 2024 ESG Ratings assessment in environment, society and governance. The Group is managed by hundreds of Co-Owners (supervisory and management level Talents in the Group) who invested their savings to buy shares of HKBN Ltd.. For more information about HKBN, please visit https://www.hkbn.net/group/en.

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SOURCE HKBN Ltd.

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