Frankfurt IAA 2011
By: AutomotiveWorld.com, Tuesday, September 13, 2011, AutomotiveWorld.com
Against a backdrop of economic uncertainty, and with emissions regulations and fuel economy at the forefront of most OEMs' sales strategies - and most customers' purchasing strategies - comes the 2011 Frankfurt IAA, which opens this week, under the theme "Future comes as standard".
Despite apparently eschewing emissions in favour of high-tech, this year's IAA is expected to see OEMs showing how vehicle connectivity plays an integral role in the future of vehicle and pedestrian safety, in-vehicle infotainment, how it can tie in with more efficient driving, and its key role in vehicle electrification.
Even though it is one of the world's most important international motor shows, the 2011 Frankfurt IAA is once again all about the German OEMs. Following BMW’s surprise indoor test track at the 2009 IAA, the 2011 show theme could almost be "test track comes as standard" for the big German brands, with Audi, Ford and Mercedes-Benz/smart also testing out the rolling display idea.
Some of the automotive industry's big talking points of the moment are sure to hang over the coverage of the show: the complicated but almost inevitable VW-Suzuki divorce, the delay in the Porsche-VW merger, the latest events in the tragic yet almost inevitable demise of Saab, and the sudden departure of Carl-Peter Forster from Tata.
However, in addition to a host of production car launches, the show features some particularly interesting concept cars, including Volkswagen's Urban Concepts (Coupe and Spyder), which were launched at a pre-show event in Frankfurt; Kia's design-led GT Concept; Ford's vision for connected vehicles, the Evos; and Subaru's BRZ, which was first seen in a very basic transparent concept at the Geneva motor show earlier this year.
As much as it is about the OEMs, however, this Frankfurt show in particular signals the return of suppliers to car shows.
Below are the key highlights of the show, with links to the main news stories.
The vehicle manufacturers
BMW GROUP
BMW
- i brand: two of the big attractions on the BMW are the i3 Concept and i8 Concept
- Other launches include: the second-generation version of the 1 Series, the new M5, and European premieres of the new BMW 6 Series Coupe and 6 Series Convertible with diesel engines and optional BMW xDrive four-wheel traction. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
MINI
- MINI Coupe: the world premiere of the Mini Coupe
BRABUS
- High-performance Four-wheel-drive Full Electric Car, Technology Project Hybrid: The German performance tuner associated with Mercedes-Benz and smart has unveiled two new luxury performance cars. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
DAIMLER
Mercedes-Benz
- B-Class: Mercedes-Benz says its new B-Class compact car is substantially more agile and efficient than its first iteration. With a new four-cylinder gasoline engine featuring direct injection and turbocharging, a new diesel engine, a new dual clutch transmission, a new manual transmission and new assistance systems, the front-wheel-drive car "rings in a new technological era" for compact cars from Mercedes-Benz. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
- Concept B-Class E-CELL PLUS: Mercedes-Benz presented its first EV with range extender at the 2011 Frankfurt International Motor Show in the shape of a Concept B-Class E-CELL PLUS. The concept vehicle presented at Frankfurt provides a foretaste of the series which Daimler confirmed at Frankfurt will go into production in 2014. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
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F 125!: Mercedes-Benz is presenting its view of future technical developments in the luxury segment with its F 125! research vehicle. According to the OEM: "The concept anticipates future trends and prepares the way for implementation of an innovative premium concept for large, luxurious automobiles." CLICK HERE FOR MORE
Smart
- forvision concept EV: Daimler and BASF have unveiled their jointly-developed concept electric vehicle, the smart forvision. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
ETERNITI
- Hemera: Eterniti Motors, a new British car company, has released the first full images of the prototype of its first model, which it describes as the world's first Super-SUV. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
FIAT
Fiat
- Panda: big news on the Fiat stand is the launch of the all-new Panda. The Italian Panda will be built at a rate of up to 280,000 upa at Pomigliano in addition to the current generation model, which will continue to be built at the Tychy plant. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
- Freemont AWD: The AWD model made its international debut before it officially arrives on the market in October. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
- Punto: The 2012 model will go on sale at the beginning of next year across Europe. Fiat claims it “intensifies the distinguished personality with an important aesthetic change”. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
Ferrari
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458 Spider: The IAA marks the 458 Spider’s international debut. The latest addition to the Ferrari range is a mid-rear-engined two-seater featuring a fully retractable aluminium hard-top, a world first for a sports car with this layout. The model is powered by Ferrari’s 570 CV 4,499cc V8 mated to a dual-clutch F1 paddle-shift transmission.
Maserati
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Kubang: The Kubang concept previews Maserati’s upcoming SUV, its first in the segment. The model is based on the underpinnings of Chrysler’s Jeep Grand Cherokee, thanks to an alliance between Maserati’s parent Fiat and its US partner Chrysler.
FISKER AUTOMOTIVE
Fisker has recently announced a partnership with BMW for the supply of engines and other components for future Fisker models. BMW will supply a four-cylinder turbocharged engine for the next generation of Fisker cars, code-named 'Project Nina', which are scheduled to go into production in the re-commissioned former GM plant in Wilmington, Delaware at the end of 2012 and to go on sale globally in 2013.
However, Fisker's IAA stand this year features the Surf, the second model to be built off the Karma platform. An interview with Henrik Fisker will be published on AutomotiveWorld.com shortly. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
FORD
- Ford Evos Concept: Ford's Evos Concept has made its global debut at the IAA. The four-door, four-seat fastback hybrid was developed specifically to introduce the new Ford design direction and the OEM emphasises that key design elements will appear in future Ford vehicles. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
- Ford Focus ST production model plus surprise ST Wagon for Europe
- ECOnetic Technology: Ford has unveiled two sub-90g CO2/km models, a Fiesta and a Focus. The Fiesta ECOnetic Technology has CO2 emissions of 87g/km and fuel consumption of 3.3 litres/100km, and the Focus ECOnetic Technology emits 89g CO2/km and consumes 3.4 litres/100km.
Both models are fitted with a 1.6-litre TDCi engine, and have low-rolling resistance tyres, a longer final gear, automatic stop-start and lowered suspension. The Focus comes with a NOx trap, water-cooled charge intercooler and active grille shutter.
ECOnetic Technology will be rolled out across Ford's European range by 2012, and will include the 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder EcoBoost (gasoline) engine (see below), the 1.6-litre EcoBoost (gasoline) engine and the 1.6-litre TDCi (diesel) engine. - The Ford stand also features Ford's smallest EcoBoost engine, an all-new 1.0-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost engine, which is built at Ford's engine facilities in Cologne and Craiova. Its commercial launch will be in the European Ford Focus early in 2012, and Ford claims it will offer the performance of a conventional 1.6-litre engine with less than 120g/km CO2 emissions. This smallest of EcoBooost engines features advanced turbo-charging technology, improved twin variable camshaft design and intelligent ancillaries to deliver performance that belies its small size. Other European Fords to benefit from this new three-cylinder EcoBoost engine include the C-Max in 2012, followed later by the highly acclaimed all-new Ford B-Max. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
FUJI HEAVY INDUSTRIES (SUBARU)
- BRZ concept: Subaru has confirmed the name of its new RWD sports car under development with Toyota. The name comes from Boxer engine, Rear-wheel drive, and Zenith. Toyota will offer its own version of the car. The BRZ is scheduled to enter production in spring 2012 at Subaru's Gumma plant in Japan, and will be powered by Subaru's horizontally opposed boxer engine, which celebrates its 45th anniversary this year. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
- XV crossover: FHI is showing the all-new Subaru XV (European specifications) as a world premiere at the IAA. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
GEELY
Volvo Car
- Volvo Car Corporation has unveiled a new concept car that Volvo says highlights the company's new VEA (Volvo Environmental Architecture) downsized engine range – consisting solely of four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines – and a new vehicle architecture, SPA (Scalable Platform Architecture). CLICK HERE FOR MORE
GENERAL MOTORS
Chevrolet
- Miray Concept: The IAA marks the Miray hybrid concept’s European premier. The name means ‘future’ in Korean. The speedster-style concept was made to celebrate Chevrolet's 100th birthday.
- Colorado Rally Concept: This double-cab pick-up concept was shown first at the Buenos Aires International Auto Show, but is now making its European debut at the IAA. It previews the next generation of the mid-size pick-up. Sitting atop an AWD chassis, the Colorado Rally Concept “aims to deliver maximum authenticity and was designed with a rally raid category in mind.”
- Chevrolet Malibu: The new Malibu was shown in the US and China earlier this year, but celebrates its European debut at Frankfurt. The model was not previously offered in Europe, but is now scheduled to go on sale in the region next year as the brand’s new flagship. It features a redesigned, aerodynamic exterior and an all-new, roomier dual-cockpit interior. Chevrolet describes the new model as “the brand's new top-of-the-range offering, bringing proven value with a premium feel to Europe's midsize segment."
Opel/Vauxhall
- RAK e EV concept: Opel/Vauxhall says its 2-seat EV concept has 'production potential', and is aimed at younger urban drivers and those on a "very tight budget". Opel says the RAK e can travel 100km (61 miles) for €1 ($1.36), weighs a third of a modern small car and can reach a speed of 120kph (75mph) in less than 13 seconds. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
- The Opel/Vauxhall Zafira Tourer and Astra GTC have both made their global debuts at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The Zafira Tourer MPV will be sold alongside the current Zafira model, and offers a step up in terms of material quality, cabin space, etc. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
HONDA
- Civic: The new Civic, designed exclusively for Europe, is the ninth generation of the model. The company's decision to also produce the next generation CR-V at Honda of the UK Manufacturing (HUM) in Swindon, UK is viewed as a further endorsement of the high quality produced by Honda's UK factory. The new CR-V will go on sale in Europe from autumn 2012. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
- Insight hybrid – revised version: Honda has also unveiled a revised Insight hybrid with lower CO2 emissions of 96g/km, achieved through enhanced aerodynamics and powertrain efficiency. Reduced engine friction, changes to the CVT transmission and improved air conditioning all contribute to the lower fuel consumption. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
Hyundai
- i30: the next-generation i30 was designed and engineered at the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre in Rüsselsheim, and, says Hyundai, "represents the next evolution of the unique form language, 'fluidic sculpture'– the company's distinctive design DNA," first seen in the ix-onic concept vehicle shown at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. Thomas Bürkle, chief designer, Hyundai Motor Europe, said: "The car is very close to the recently unveiled i40, and we want people to recognise the Hyundai design DNA on those two models."
Kia
- Rio 3dr: the hatchback version of the all-new Rio was launched at Geneva. The three-door variant's appearance at this year's IAA is its global debut.
- GT Concept: Kia is also showing its four-door, rear-wheel drive sports sedan concept. The car is understood to be based on the Genesis coupe platform, and although it is not scheduled for production, Kia's first ever foray into such a segment is a bold statement which illustrates the confidence that Peter Schreyer has in his design team, and more importantly, the confidence that Kia's top management has not only in its design team, but in the brand's strength and future. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
- Soul: The Kia Soul gets its first refresh/facelift at Frankfurt
MAHINDRA & MAHINDRA
Ssangyong
- XIV-1 concept: SsangYong says the XIV-1 concept (previously known as XUV-1) is a showcase for SsangYong's design and engineering talents.
- SUT-1: Ssangyong has used the IAA to launch the production version of the SsangYong SUT-1, which was first seen in concept form at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2011.
MAZDA
- CX-5: Mazda has premiered its all-new Mazda CX-5 compact crossover SUV. The CX-5 is the first of a new generation of Mazda models that will adopt the company's SKYACTIV direct injection technology and the brand's new design theme, 'KODO – Soul of Motion'. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
NISSAN
Although the Nissan brand is visibly absent from this year's IAA, the company is making a big push with its Infiniti brand. Infiniti has announced a three-year multimedia campaign, and has now unveiled the product of its partnership with Sebastian Vettel, the Infiniti FX Sebastian Vettel version.
PSA PEUGEOT CITROEN
PSA has recently confirmed details of its new plant in India, which will see vehicle production begin in 2014. In terms of brand launches:
Citroen
- DS5 European premiere: The third model in the DS line, Citroen's DS5 has made its European premiere at the Frankfurt IAA motor show before its commercial launch next year. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
Peugeot
- 508 RXH: Due for launch in spring 2012, a year after the launch of the 508, the 508 RXH H is the second Peugeot model to receive the company's HYbrid4 diesel-electric hybrid powertrain. With a combined output of 200bhp from its 2.0 HDi FAP diesel engine and electric motor on the rear axle, the 508 RXH powertrain provides four HYbrid4 modes (Automatic, Zero Emissions Vehicle [electric-only], Sport or 4WD) and 70.6mpg in the EU Combined Drive Cycle, and CO2 of 109g/km. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
- HX1 concept: this six-seat concept plug-in diesel hybrid MPV can change its aerodynamic profile to suit its environment, driving conditions and the requirements of its occupants, with 'mobile' aerodynamic components and a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.28. Four reverse-opening doors provide access to the interior with a '4+2' seat configuration and adaptable driving position. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
PORSCHE
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911 Carrera: Compared with the earlier generation, the new 911 Carrera has a wheelbase that is longer by 100mm, giving it greater stability and more interior space. The front and rear overhangs are shorter as well. The car's roofline is lower now, and it has a wider front track. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
RENAULT
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FRENDZY: The FRENDZY is the fourth concept car to illustrate Renault's new strategy after the DeZir, Captur, and R-Space. The model is described as a multi-purpose commercial/business EV which doubles up as a comfortable car. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
TATA MOTORS
Friday saw the sudden departure of Carl-Peter Forster, Tata Motors' chief executive and managing director, due to "unavoidable personal circumstances". The company is understood to have no plans to replace him, with Prakash Telang, MD of India operations, and Ralf Speth, chief executive of Jaguar Land Rover, instead reporting directly to the board. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
Nonetheless, the company is looking to capitalise on coverage of two models in particular at Frankfurt - the Jaguar C-X16 concept and the Land Rover DC100 concept:
- Jaguar C-X16 concept: the C-X16 concept, a "bold statement of Jaguar's future design and technological intent", is a compact, rear-wheel drive, two-seat hybrid with aluminium architecture and 50:50 weight distribution, powered by a supercharged 3.0-litre V6 gasoline engine producing 380PS and 450Nm of torque. Its Formula 1-inspired hybrid boost system is controlled by a steering wheel-mounted 'Push to Pass' button which boosts power output by 70kW and torque by 235Nm. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
- Land Rover DC100 concept and DC100 Sport: the DC100 concept is described as "a modern interpretation of the iconic Land Rover Defender". It is being shown alongside the DC100 Sport: CLICK HERE FOR MORE
TOYOTA
Lexus
- Lexus GS 450h: this full hybrid makes its world debut at Frankfurt, featuring has an all-new interior and exterior. The GS 450h uniquely uses a V6 Atkinson cycle petrol engine, with a two-motor hybrid system in a front-engine/rear-wheel drive configuration.
- CT 200h F-Sport (European debut): Frankfurt sees the European debut of the new F-Sport version of the CT 200h.
Toyota
Toyota is presenting several new models at Frankfurt, with world premieres for the new Avensis sedan and the new Prius range of full hybrid models. A restyled 2012 Hilux pick-up has also made its European debut along with the three-door version of the recently launched new Yaris compact hatchback. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
- Prius Plug-in PHEV: Toyota has debuted the production version of the Prius Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), which features a new, more compact lithium-ion battery, enabling the Prius PHEV to achieve 128.4mpg and to lower CO2 emissions to 49g/km, almost half the emissions of the standard Prius hybrid. These are target figures based on the European homologation cycle. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
VOLKSWAGEN GROUP
Audi
- A2 Concept EV: Audi has uinveiled a four-seat A2 'premium-standard space concept' with an electric-only powertrain. CLICK HERE FOR MORE AND CLICK HERE FOR MORE
- 'Cylinder on Demand': Audi's name for the more generic cylinder shut-off or cylinder deactivation, "Cylinder on Demand" has been launched in the new S8, which bears the new Gyor-built new 4.0-litre TFSI V8 petrol engine CLICK HERE FOR MORE
- Q3, and Audi S range: S8, S6, saloon, S6 Avant, S7
- Urban Concept: the Coupe and Spyder variants of the Audi Urban Concept were unveiled at a pre-show event in Frankfurt on Sunday night.
Bentley
- Continental GTC: In its new form, the four-seater luxury convertible has a more contemporary design and introduces a more powerful 6.0-litre engine. Deliveries are scheduled to commence late in 2011. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
SEAT
- Seat IBL Concept: Seat claims that the IBL concept shapes the future of the sports saloon. According to James Muir, President of SEAT, "The IBL shows that sports saloons within the SEAT brand portfolio will play an important role in future. However, this concept car does not pre-empt a specific model, but rather shows the design philosophy we are applying to bring the unmistakable SEAT identity to a saloon car, too." CLICK HERE FOR MORE
Skoda
- MissionL Concept: Skoda's almost production-ready design concept was unveiled at the Volkswagen pre-show event in Frankfurt. The company says it is "a nod towards the brand's upcoming models", and offers a glimpse to the Czech carmaker's new compact model which will be launched in Europe, Russia and China in 2012. Deliveries to customers in India will commence late 2011. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
Volkswagen
The show will see a considerable VW presence. In addition to the up! small car, the Golf Cabriolet and the Tiguan, the company has launched NILS:
- NILS: World premier of VW' NILS single-seat electric concept vehicle. NILS features an aluminium space frame, wing doors and 'ree-standing’'wheels, and is said to have the dynamic performance of a sports car. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
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up!: Volkswagen is showing a near-production version of its up! EV, along with the buggy up!, up! azzurra, cross up!, and eco up! The OEM has confirmed that a production version of the e-up! will launch in 2013. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
SUPPLIERS
DELPHI
Delphi has unveiled a portfolio of active safety technologies, including:
- RACam: an integrated radar and camera system
- Rear and Side Detection System (RSDS): this system helps alert drivers of approaching vehicles that may be difficult to detect in side-view mirrors.
- Battery Electrical Center (BEC): this offers integrated monitoring and circuit protection along with accurate rating of the systems' health system, a pyrotechnic disconnect device for collision protection and several high current protection devices for auxiliary loads. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
- Delphi R-1234yf air con system: Delphi's new environmentally-friendly air conditioning system will see its market launch this autumn. The system is one of the first to use the new air conditioning refrigerant R-1234yf, which has a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of just four, compared to the current R-134a refrigerant’s GWP of 1,430. Delphi's electronically (or externally) controlled variable compressor can adjust displacement or capacity to meet the varying needs of the powertrain and passenger compartment comfort. To allow for compatibility with R-1234yf, Delphi is using a new compressor lubricant that improves performance and system durability. The new lubricant can also be used with R-134a. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
FEDERAL MOGUL
- Federal-Mogul has developed a new 'CarboGlide' piston ring coating claimed to reduce ring friction by up to 20% compared to nitride or other commonly used coatings. CarboGlide's high wear resistance is also claimed to withstand an engine's full operational life, even in the latest generation of high-output petrol engines with turbocharging or direct injection. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
- ACIS is Federal-Mogul's Advanced Corona Ignition System, a new approach to ignition which the company says is more reliable than conventional spark plug technology.
- Federal-Mogul has also jointly developed with Mercedes-Benz a piston technology for Daimler's latest V6 diesel engine. The supplier says the design, which helps to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, gives Mercedes-Benz a piston that "fully exploits the advances in thermal and mechanical durability made possible by its DuraBowl manufacturing process." Federal-Mogul’s DuraBowl piston technology will be among the company’s latest technologies to be exhibited at the 2011 IAA. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
GETRAG
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2eDCT600: Getrag is showing a new two-speed power shift transmission for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. A new actuator concept allows the transfer of power by the overlapping shifting through the disc clutches from one speed to the other without using synchromesh or a dog clutch. Getrag also showed a 6HDT451 dual-clutch transmission with integrated electric machine for high-torque mild-hybrid drivetrains. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
GKN DRIVELINE
GKN Driveline says it has nearly 40 electric and hybrid-electric vehicle projects currently underway for major OEMs around the world, signalling a major push within the industry to speed development of electric cars and light trucks. The company will be present on numerous vehicle launches at the 2011 IAA. GKN Driveline has developed transmissions for three electric car programmes scheduled for production in Asia and North America, and expects to add another US OEM programme before the year-end. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
HARMAN
Harman has launched its next generation scalable platform for automotive multimedia systems in Europe at the 2011 IAA. In cooperation with Toyota, Harman has developed the Toyota Touch & Go and Toyota Touch & Go Plus multimedia systems. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
HONEYWELL
In an exclusive interview with AutomotiveWorld.com, Honeywell's vice president of Engineering, Craig Balis, provided details of the company's new turbocharger products for gasoline engines. Details of DualBoost and Roto-Pass will be published on AutomotiveWorld.com shortly.
IXETIC
- Thermal management system: German firm ixetic GmbH will exhibit a production-ready thermal management system that it says significantly increases the range of electric vehicles. In recent tests, the system enabled a retrofitted Mitsubishi i-MiEV and a smart fortwo electric drive vehicle to cover “significantly more miles” per battery charge. The system takes care of an EV’s entire thermal management, including the cooling of electric motors and batteries, and air conditioning. The exchange of heat between the individual units of the module is claimed to be virtually loss-free. The heart of the system is a small heating/cooling module with carbon dioxide (R744) refrigerant. With a standard water interface, ixetic says the module can be connected to any vehicle’s heater or radiator. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
JOHNSON CONTROLS (JCI)
- ie:3 demonstrator: JCI's ie:3 demonstrator EV is intended to exemplify the company's expertise in seating, electronics, interiors and batteries. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
KOLBENSCHMIDT
- Range extender: Kolbenschmidt Pierburg and FEV Motorentechnik have announced they have jointly developed a concept for a compact, 30-kilowatt range extender and that a demonstration model will be presented at the 2011 IAA in Frankfurt. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
TRW AUTOMOTIVE
- To coincide with the 2011 IAA, TRW Automotive has announced a number of global investments that support its plans for future growth. The company will open or expand 11 plants in 2011 and 2012 and will invest in a number of new product areas in several key markets. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
WEBASTO
- CO2-free driving heater and solar power roof module: Webasto is presenting an electric vehicle featuring a CO2-neutral driving heater and a solar power-generating lightweight roof module. To overcome the fact that electrically heating EVs can consume up to half of the battery’s capacity, Webasto’s Thermo Top Evolt heater is operated with bioethanol. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
Published on Tuesday, September 13, 2011
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