General Motors' (GM) Bedford Casting Plant in Indiana, US, has been utilizing computed tomography (CT) scanning technology since 2019 to detect defects in its automotive castings. The plant employs high-pressure die casting (HPDC) for producing a range of parts, including cylinder blocks, transmission cases and EV drive unit housings for Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC and Buick vehicles. The CT scanner generates 3D images to ensure quality and consistency by identifying potential defects such as poros...

Brembo announced that it has joined the RE-BREATH — Reduction Brake Wear Emission in Transport Sector project funded by the European Commission’s LIFE Programme to address non-exhaust microparticle emissions from braking systems in local public transport. The initiative brings together leading partners from research, business and public institutions to develop innovative solutions for more environmentally friendly urban mobility. By focusing on brake wear emissions, the project ...

Bosch has inaugurated a new metal 3D printing facility at its Nuremberg plant in Germany, marking a significant advancement in its manufacturing capabilities. The company invested nearly €6 million in the center, along with the acquisition and installation of the Nikon SLM Solutions NXG XII 600 metal 3D printer. This strategic investment positions Bosch as the first tier 1 automotive supplier in Europe to operate a facility of this performance class, underlining its commitment to Germany as...

The Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd. has announced that through joint research with Bo Nils Johan Persson, a leading expert in the study of rubber friction and contact, it has successfully developed the world’s first theoretical model to predict the rubber wear rates on uneven road surfaces and the size distribution of wear particles. Persson, affiliated with the Peter Grünberg Institute in Germany and the Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics in China, owns Multiscale Consulting, a firm aiding va...

A recent study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has illuminated a concerning issue with pedestrian automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems: The very clothing designed to make pedestrians visible to human drivers might render them undetectable to these automated safety systems. “These results suggest that some automakers need to tweak their pedestrian automatic emergency braking systems,” said IIHS President David Harkey. “It’s untenable that the clothes...

Hyundai Motor Group is set to enhance the driving experience in its Hyundai, Kia and Genesis vehicles by expanding its partnership with Google. This collaboration will integrate Google Maps Platform's Places API into the vehicles, providing drivers with up-to-date information on 250 million places worldwide, including business hours, contact information, ratings and reviews. The initiative will first roll out to Kia drivers in North America before expanding globally across the group's brands. Th...

Nissan announced that it has turned to advanced AI and machine learning technologies to enhance the quality of its vehicle painting process, according to a press release dated Sept. 30. Recognizing the importance of flawless paintwork in conveying vehicle quality, Nissan utilizes nearly two gallons of paint per vehicle, applying three coats (prime, base and clear) during manufacturing. Despite operating in the most sterile environments, the opportunity for imperfections remains a challenge. ...

In a study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's AgeLab, it was found that drivers are more likely to engage in multitasking behaviors such as checking their phones or eating while using partial automation systems in vehicles, according to a press release dated Sept. 20. IIHS President David Harkey highlighted how drivers learn to meet the minimum attention requirements set by these systems, such as nud...

Japan's The Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd. has announced a significant advancement in tire design technology with the development of a new tire design support system that utilizes eXplainable AI (XAI), according to a press release dated July 24. The system is designed to augment the knowledge and experience of tire development staff, offering a valuable tool for both seasoned and less experienced members of the team. By leveraging XAI, the system enhances the tire design process, contributing to fa...

Volkswagen has announced that it will present the first vehicles where the AI-based chatbot ChatGPT is integrated into its Ida voice assistant, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024 electronics trade fair held from Jan. 9 to 12, according to a press release dated Jan. 8. In future, customers will have seamless access to the constantly growing AI database in all Volkswagen models equipped with the Ida voice assistant and have researched content read out to them while driving, the release...

The US non-profit group Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has announced that all 20 participating automakers have fulfilled a voluntary pledge to equip at least 95% of all the light vehicles they produce for the US market with automatic emergency braking (AEB), according to a press release dated Dec. 21. The 2016 commitment was brokered by the IIHS and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In it, the automakers pledged to equip at least 95% of their cars and ...

Japanese tire specialist, The Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd., announced through a press release dated September 15 that it has begun production of its ultrahigh-performance summer tire — the Advan Sport EV, designed specifically for premium battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) — and other high-performance tires, using electric power derived from a new proprietary solar-panel power generation system and procured renewable energy. Its Shinshiro-Minami, Japan, plant, where the...

BMW Group, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz Group and Stellantis NV, according to a press release dated July 26, have agreed to collaborate on expanding a high-speed charging network, powered by renewable energy, by at least 30,000 charge points in urban and highway locations across North America. A major hurdle for existing and potential battery-electric vehicle (BEV) customers is access to fast, reliable, efficient and low-cost charging for their vehicles during drivi...

The Automotive Service Association (ASA), the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) and the Alliance for Automotive Innovation have released an agreement on automotive right-to-repair in a press release July 11. The agreement highlights the crucial importance of the fight for consumer choice and a fair market in automotive repair access and demonstrates that stakeholders can and should collaborate to find a solution that is in the best interests of the motoring public and the ma...

Within Robert Bosch GmbH (Bosch), the newly structured Bosch Mobility will be responsible for its own business focusing on mobility in the software age. A five-strong leadership team headed by Markus Heyn will manage all aspects of the automotive-supply business, as per a press release dated May 4. “For some time now, Bosch has also seen itself as a mobility software company. Now, in response to customer requirements, our structure is changing to reflect this,” explained Heyn. Acc...

ZF Friedrichshafen AG (ZF) is illustrating how the Software-defined vehicle (SdV) can transform mobility with new functions through advanced software and hardware connected systems at the opening of its new West Coast Mobility Hub in Pleasanton, Calif., the company announced in a press release May 3. At the heart of its SdV demonstration is ZF Group’s High Performance ProConnect computing platform, which provides a continuous data loop in connected vehicles that allows for cloud-b...

The China arm of global automotive supplier of electric mobility and powertrain components Vitesco Technologies announced that it has put its laboratory at the Tianjin, China, location officially into use, according to a press release dated April 25. The Tianjin location now integrates research and development, testing and production functions. The newly opened laboratory is located at the production base of Vitesco Technologies Tianjin, with a total area of nearly 2,000 square meters. The la...

MOTOR Information Systems, a US-based supplier of automotive data, launches a new, cost-effective service information solution that provides dynamic, up-to-date vehicle service and repair data to customers, a press release dated 25 January read. The information solution, MOTOR TruTech, is a solution for all service information for performing efficient repairs, providing vehicle service and repair data that is up-to-date and available within days of being published by the OEMs (including ...

CarNow, digital retailing solutions for the automotive industry, has announced the general availability of next-generation desking and showroom solutions within its comprehensive real-time retail platform that create a more frictionless and responsive car buying experience for customers and seamlessly connect online and in-store shopping processes, a press release by PR Newswire dated 15 December.  CarNow's desking solution transforms the real-time communication required between a salesp...

French mobility group Mobivia has announced the unveiling of the Afteriize Data Marketplace, the first nonpersonal data marketplace for the automotive and mobility sector, according to a press release dated 24 November. The Afteriize data marketplace aims to enhance the value of information relating to the automotive sector (distribution, sales, use, wear and tear maintenance, and equipment) and more broadly to individual mobility, according to the company. This platform is said to ...

The Middle East’s automotive aftermarket industry is bracing for change over the next five years, according to the latest Automechanika Dubai Market Outlook 2022 – the fourth in the annual survey series conducted by GRS Explori, an international research and strategic advisory group, according to a press release by automotive aftermarket industry trade exhibition Automechanika’s organizer Messe Frankfurt dated 21 November. Commissioned by Messe Frankfurt Middle East, organizer of the re...

US-based car repair and maintenance startup, ServiceUp, has integrated with consumer financing company, Wisetack, to create an easier way to pay for a repair, according to a press release dated 22 November by BusinessWire.  According to ServiceUp, it is building the best customer experience in auto repair including offering easy, responsible financing for people who need critical repairs but require flexibility with payment terms. Brett Carlson, cofounder and CEO of ServiceUp s...

The Automotive Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Auto-ISAC) has announced a formal collaboration with the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) and the European Association of Automotive Suppliers (CLEPA) to create a central European hub for information sharing on motor vehicle cybersecurity, according to a press release from CLEPA dated 12 October. Launched in 2015, the Auto-ISAC’s members are said to represent more than 99% of light-duty vehicles on the road in No...

UK manufacturer of catalytic converters, DPFs, and front pipes BM Catalysts has revealed that higher interest rates and inflation are now adding further uncertainty to the prices of precious metals used in the manufacturing of catalytic converters, according to a press release dated 31 August. While some commodities are dropping – but still dramatically above pre-coronavirus pandemic levels—any reductions are offset due to increases in transport, logistics, steel, and labor, currency fluc...

US-based leading global provider of connected fleet and mobile asset management solutions, MiX Telematics, is collaborating with Hino Trucks’ Edge to become an authorized Hino data services partner, according to a press release dated 9 August. MiX Telematics develops and implements connected fleet and mobile asset management solutions for customers across the globe.  This collaboration will provide MiX customers in North America that operate Hino trucks with rich data sets, inform...

GSF Car Parts, a UK-based suppliers of car parts to the independent aftermarket, announced that it has entered into a new partnership with garage management software specialist Garage Hive, via a press release dated 3 August. AlliCat Online, the leading parts catalogue operated by GSF Car Parts, is now fully integrated with Garage Hive. That means Garage Hive customers can access GSF’s comprehensive catalog of high quality parts and guidance. Significance: AlliCat Online is designed...

French energy company TotalEnergies has announced that it has replaced the battery cooling system in a Volvo XC90 plug-in hybrid with an immersion alternative, a first for a road-going car, according to a press release dated 7 July. The move was done on a pilot basis and the company has no plans to mass-market it, in the short-term at least. The cooling of lithium batteries by immersion is regarded as the optimum solution to the challenges posed by ultra-fast charging, with the most powerful ...

With an aim to facilitate technology-enabled insurance covers, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai) has permitted general insurance companies to introduce concepts like ‘pay as you drive’ and ‘pay how you drive’ for the Motor Own Damage (OD) cover, according to a press release dated 6 July. The tech enabled cover also includes floater policies for vehicles belonging to the same individual owner of two-wheelers and private cars. All the three above mentio...

Symbio, a Faurecia and Michelin joint venture (JV) company, and Schaeffler have signed an agreement for establishing an equal JV company to produce fuel cell bipolar plates (BPP) for global mobility and energy solutions, Schaeffler announced on 7 June 2022. The new JV company, which will be located in Haguenau, France, will be established and become operational under the brand name Innoplate by the end of 2022. Meanwhile, start of production is planned for early 2024 at its Haguenau-based pro...

Bridgestone via press release on 1 June has announced the launch of Fleetcare, an integrated tire and fleet management solution for fleet owners.  Fleetcare revolutionizes the fleet market by offering both tire and fleet management solutions with integrated and connected data and reporting available under one agreement and delivered by one single partner. With combined tire and vehicle data, Fleetcare provides smarter and more predictive maintenance solutions, resulting in optimized...

Japanese tiremaker Yokohama Rubber has announced that it has developed a technology to detect the wear level of passenger car tires by analyzing the sensing waveform obtained from a sensor that can be pasted on the inner surface of a tire using its own signal processing technology, according to a press release dated 21 April. The sensor is being jointly developed with Alps Alpine Co, a Tokyo-based manufacturer of electronic components and automotive infotainment systems. Through a sensor affi...

The aftermarket arm of the German automotive aftermarket parts manufacturer, MAHLE Aftermarket is collaborating with Dresden-based software developer volytica diagnostics for battery diagnostics of EVs, according to a press release dated 28 April. MAHLE Aftermarket will use the charging plug in addition to the existing OBD port for battery diagnostics of electric vehicles in the future. The software developed by volytica diagnostics will evaluate the measured data in the c...

Global supplier of automotive fluid handling components TI Fluid Systems (TIFS) has announced that it will open an e-mobility innovation center (e-MIC) in Rastatt, Germany, via a press release dated 25 April.  The centerpiece of the facility is a pioneering high-resolution LED screen for 3D simulation. Measuring 9 meters by 2.5 meters, the 9-megapixel panel enables engineers to display, analyze, and redesign 3D models of thermal systems and components within a full electri...

Motor Supply Co., an e-commerce marketplace company for independent auto shops, has announced the launch of a new technology platform for all independent and corporate owned repair and quick lube shops, according to a press release dated 5 April by PRNewswire.  The announcement comes as Motor Supply Co. continues to innovate through custom technology to connect the installer with vendors, on the backbone of Oracle's NetSuite product. With their vision to build more than a marketplace, th...

Global automotive supplier of powertrain and chassis components, Tenneco has introduced advanced OE hybrid friction material composites that simultaneously serve braking performance and comfort requirements in both internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicles (EVs), the company said on 21 April 2022. The innovative new hybrid friction material combines the advantages of low steel and non-asbestos-organic composites in one concept for brake pads, it said. Commenting on the new produc...

The aftermarket arm of German automotive supplier MAHLE, MAHLE Aftermarket, to become first supplier to provide independent workshops with the means to run battery diagnostics on electric vehicles (EVs), according to a press release dated 19 April. The international automotive supplier’s spare parts and services business has equipped its TechPRO® diagnostic tool with new software for this purpose. As part of the further expansion of the diagnostic function, MAHLE Aftermarket plans to ...

US-based paints, coatings and specialty materials manufacturer, PPG, announced that its 2021 automotive color popularity report indicated an increased demand for two-tone finishes, personalized colors and other emerging trends among car buyers, according to a press release dated 16 February. Other trends highlighted in the PPG report are rising popularity of grays, blues, greens, and violets, with vibrant new colors more likely to debut on sporty models rather than sport utility vehicles (SUV...

South Korean tire manufacturer Nexen Tire has announced that it has developed an artificial intelligence (AI)-based tire performance prediction system, according to a press release dated 15 February. The company will use a machine learning technology in the concept design stage to precisely and rapidly anticipate the primary performance indicators such as fuel efficiency, noise, handling process, etc. that are considered during the tire development process, according to the release. The abili...

India on Saturday, 15 January proposed mandating at least six airbags in all M1 category vehicles (passenger vehicles that comprise not more than eight seats inclusive of the driver) that are manufactured from 1 October, according to a Nikkei news report dated 16 January. The government wants automakers to provide two side air bags and two curtain air bags, to protect those seated in the rear seats, in addition to the already required two airbags for all vehicles. The side air bags are to "he...

The Swedish arm of the Alliance for the Freedom of Car Repair in the EU (AFCAR), along with the trade associations SBF (Association of Swedish Wholesalers of Automotive Parts and Accessories) and SFVF (Swedish Vehicle Workshop Association), recently met with the Swedish Transport Agency to discuss the importance of a law regulating access to vehicle data for the workshops, according to a press release by SBF dated 17 January. AFCAR is a lobby group that seeks to ensure the right of independen...

Australian aftermarket distributor CoolDrive announced a renewed focus in becoming a leader in the tools and equipment space for automotive workshops, via a press release dated 7 December 2021.  The new Tools and Equipment division will further support workshops to ensure that they are ready for the future of the automotive landscape, with the very latest in tools and equipment from leading brands being available. Some of the product offering include an range of air-conditioning tools an...

Clarios, a US-based supplier of energy storage solutions to the OEM and aftermarket, announced a new safety critical battery for electric vehicles (EVs)  and autonomous vehicles via a press release dated 10 January. The low-voltage, fully connected battery for EVs will debut in next two to three years. The battery, Clarios Smart absorbent glass mat (AGM), will monitor its performance in real-time, deliver continuous low-voltage power to optimize performance of the low-voltage power ...

Mapping and location service provider HERE Technologies, has demonstrated its cross-industry collaboration to accelerate road safety and the steps toward a fully connected, electric and automated vehicle experience at the CES 2022, according to a press release dated 3 January. HERE said it recently received regulatory approval of Mercedes-Benz’s DRIVE PILOT system with the HERE HD Live Map onboard for use on public roads in Germany. The cloud-based HERE HD Live Map enables an automated vehi...

Global automotive part suppliers, Marelli, will showcase the company's latest innovations at CES 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada, on 5–8 January 2022, at the Wynn Hotel, according to a press release dated 21 December.  The featured technologies are made possible by leveraging the Marelli’s in-house expertise and strong partner ecosystem, the company said. The company will feature :  Sensors to support advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving Integrat...

Clarios, a US-based supplier of energy storage solutions to the OEM and aftermarket, announced via a press release on 21 December that it will showcase new smart energy storage technology at CES 2022 in Las Vegas next month. Clarios Smart AGM (absorbent glass mat) battery technology will monitor performance in real-time, issue low-voltage power to optimize vehicle performance, anticipate the need for battery maintenance, and provide safety critical operations. "As a world leader in batte...

German semiconductor manufacturer Infineon Technologies has developed a security solution for automotive wireless charging called OPTIGA Trust Charge automotive, it said in a company press release dated 13 December. The solution complies with version 1.3 of the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) Qi standard. The OPTIGA Trust Charge automotive features high security details in addition to the solution being AEC-Q100 Grade 2 qualified, it offers an in-field update function as well as support for u...

German aftermarket electronics firm and lighting specialist HELLA has outlined its Digital FlatLight technology for the rear lighting that enables customizable light signatures and communication, according to a press release dated 13 December. The company says that this technology takes signal lighting to a new level. By integrating a SmartGlass display, its FlatLight tech now becomes digital. Appropriately equipped rear combination lamps can be controlled with fine granularity, which allows ...

Bosch has announced that under the umbrella of its subsidiary ETAS, it will develop and sell basic vehicle software, middleware, cloud services, and development tools, a company press release dated 7 December read. Around 2,300 experts from different development areas of Bosch and ETAS will join forces by mid-2022. Bosch believes the centralization will allow quicker and more efficient development of automotive software with its partners. “Software development is a longstanding core compete...

US carmaker Ford is using German connectivity platform, TeamViewer's Frontline solution to add augmented reality (AR) assistance to provide enhanced support to automotive technicians across its global network of Ford dealers, according to a press release by TeamViewer dated 23 November. The new service is offered by Ford's Technical Assistance Center (TAC), a centralized diagnostic troubleshooting team that provides support to all Ford and Lincoln dealerships' technicians who diagnose and rep...

According to an official press release dated 23 November, Valeo presented its third-generation scanning lidar, which is set to hit the market in 2024. This new technology, which significantly improves performance, makes autonomous mobility a reality while also providing previously unseen levels of road safety. Geoffrey Bouquot, Valeo’s SVP, R&D and Strategy said: “Valeo’s third-generation lidar is a major technological advance toward the autonomous vehicle. This upgrade strengthens ...

Uni-Select Inc., a Canada-based automotive parts distributor, rebranded its business unit in the United Kingdom and Ireland, The Parts Alliance, to GSF Car Parts, introducing one trading name across its 170 sites, according to a press release dated 9 November.  Following the rebrand, The Parts Alliance will revert back to its role as a trading group that continues to allow GSF Car Parts, Dingbro, and Qualvecom to service customers and utilize the strength of its three members. ...

Honda has introduced its next generation of advanced suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies called Honda Sensing 360, which it plans to integrate in all new Honda and Acura models in the US by 2030. In a press release dated 13 October, Honda said that the US application is part of a global strategy that will begin in mainland China in 2022. The Acura version of Honda Sensing 360 will utilize the AcuraWatch system in North America. Honda Sensing 360 will feature an expanded sensory ...

Japanese vehicle manufacturer Honda Motor Company unveiled its vehicle electrification strategy for the China market in a virtual press conference on 13 October. As part of its electrification strategy for the world’s largest car market, all new models to be launched in China after 2030 will be hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs). As part of this plan, the company said it plans to introduce the first 10 Honda-brand EVs in China over the next five years. The com...

According to an official press release dated 6 September, Yokohama Rubber has begun practical testing of a tire sensor attached to the inner surface of the tire. Testing is being carried out on a national scale in collaboration with Zenrin, using test vehicles outfitted with sensor-attached tires. The tests are being carried out with the assistance of Zenrin and a tire sensor developed by Yokohama Rubber, as well as an in-vehicle device developed by Alps Alpine Co., Ltd. and attached to the t...

German automotive component supplier and service provider Bosch and German automaker BMW have announced that they have presented a technical solution which allows independent workshops to access connected vehicle data, according to a press release from Bosch dated 30 September. The first actual use case is the transmission of BMW vehicle data in the event of a first notification of service need (FNOS). The aim of Bosch and BMW’s FNOS project was to demonstrate the technical feasibility of a...

Japan's Sumitomo Metal Mining Co Ltd (SMM) has verified that nickel and cobalt from secondary batteries such as the used lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries can be reused as a raw material for cathode material of these batteries through recovery and purification process, the company said in a press release on 16 August. The company said in a statement on Monday that it has developed an innovative recycling process which enables recovery of valuable metals such as nickel, cobalt, lithium, and coppe...

LKQ Corporation, US-based provider of alternative and specialty parts and services for automobiles and other vehicles, announced in a press release on 22 June that under the Elite Electronics and VeTech Automotive Electronics brands, LKQ’s diagnostic services business, now branded Elitek Vehicle Services (“Elitek”), has grown to become the largest independent provider of mobile, on-site vehicle services to automotive collision repairers, mechanical repairers, and national fleets in the Uni...

Electric vehicle (EV) battery technology firm Enevate said on 16 June that the company has developed XFC-Energy technology, which can cut down carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from manufacturing batteries by up to 27%. The company said that its trade-marked XFC-Energy technology fetch said results when compared with the current conventional lithium-ion EV batteries across lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxides (NCA) and nickel, manganese, and cobalt (NMC) compositions. “These accomplishment...

Michigan-based automotive supplier BorgWarner Inc. aims to become carbon neutral on scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2035, the company said in its 2021 Sustainability Report released on June 15. Redrawing its targets to become carbon neutral by 2035, BorgWarner has extended its goal to reduce carbon emissions relative to sales from 2015 to 2030 by 50 percent and energy use relative to sales by 37%. It managed to achieve 17% reduction in its scope 1 and scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions intensity ...

UK-based Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) said in a statement dated 4 June that it has added its voice to a large coalition representing the automotive aftermarket in Europe, including FIGIEFA. The latter is calling on the European Union to take on board a proposal for a Secure On-board Telematics Platform (S-OTP)—allowing access for independent service providers—when legislating on access to in-vehicle data. Following the UK’s withdrawal of the EU, the IAAF is worki...

Japanese carmaker Toyota has launched a new vehicle warranty programme that it says will provide new and used vehicle customers with free cover for up to 10 years, it announced in a press release dated 1 June. Its new ‘Relax’ warranty gives Toyota and Lexus owners 12 months or 10,000 miles cover for their vehicle each time it is serviced at an official Toyota dealership. The renewable cover is available for any vehicle that is up to 10-years-old or has covered up to 100,000 miles. Acco...

Mahle has announced that it is supporting Future Workshop 4.0 in Esslingen, near Germany, as an innovation partner. As part of the collaboration, Mahle Aftermarket will provide workshop equipment worth around EUR 30,000 (USD 35,594) —such as its TechPRO® diagnostic tool, Digital ADAS calibration solution for driver assistance systems, EmissionPRO 180 exhaust gas particle counter, and OzonePRO device, according to a company release dated 28 May. Professional training and state-of-the-art...

Israeli startup StoreDot has announced that it has been approved, together with the Israeli Electric Company (IEC), by NASA to conduct the first space-based research and development program into new battery materials. According to a press release issued by StoreDot on 5 May, the company stated that its extreme fast charging (XFC) technology will undergo two weeks of rigorous testing in zero gravity conditions in February 2022. In a specially devised experiment, coin cells of StoreDot’s sili...

Today in France, Renault CEO Luca de Meo and the Renault brand shared a few images of the Mégane E-TECH electric hatchback, including an Android-focused center stack, at its “Renault Talk” event, according to a company press release on 6 May. The company also released the picture of the logo as it will appear on the back of the Mégane E-TECH Electric. Significance: The Electric Mégane E-TECH Electric was revealed as a gorgeous “evision” prototype in October 2020 as a show car, and ...

According to Reuters dated 29 April, China published draft rules to ensure the security of data generated by connected vehicles as the proliferation of smart cars such as Tesla's fuels concerns about privacy and national security. Last month, US electric carmaker Tesla Inc. came under scrutiny in China when the military banned its cars from entering its complexes, citing security concerns over vehicle cameras, sources told Reuters at the time. Significance: The rules released on the N...

The Mobility House (TMH) has a new add-on module called “grid-friendly charging” for its ChargePilot energy management system as per the press release on company’s website dated 4 May. TMH says the feature enables grid operators to intelligently control multiple charging stations and help charge point operators save money. Additionally, operators of the charging infrastructure would benefit from reduced grid usage fees from EUR60 to 120 per year and per charging point As part of the ...

Volkswagen of America, Inc. has come out with the results of a survey it conducted of 1,000 sport utility vehicle (SUV) owners and 500 SUV shoppers. The company announced the results in a press release on 22 April, according to which, while most of them had not driven an electric vehicle (EV), they are more interested than they were a year ago. Six in ten shoppers in the market for an SUV said they would consider an EV, while four in five say more EVs on the roads can help the environmen...

Magna enters a new era in its sustainability journey with its announcement to achieve carbon neutrality in its operations by 2025 in Europe and by 2030 globally. “While sustainability has long been ingrained in Magna’s culture, this decade will be our most decisive yet as we accelerate our efforts to protect the planet for future generations,” said Magna CEO Swamy Kotagiri. “We believe achieving carbon neutrality is both a social responsibility and a business imperative in the fight a...

MARELLI will be present for the first time at Auto Shanghai 2021 since its integration of Calsonic Kansei and Magneti Marelli in 2019, according to 21 April. The company will exhibit e-Axle from its Electric Powertrain business unit, which integrates the e-Motor, inverter, and gearbox into one component. “Stators, rotors, e-Motors, inverters, and battery management systems with distributed architecture are also on display at the booth.” In addition to the electrification products, MA...

High-tech company Optodot Corporation, Boston, MA, United States, has added a cutting-edge US patent to its portfolio of more than 90 pending and issued battery patents worldwide. This new patent titled “Methods of Producing Batteries Using Anode Metal Depositions Directly on Nanoporous Separators," was issued on 16 March, as U.S. Patent No. 10,950,837. This new IP is directed to Optodot’s NanoPore Electrode Coated Separator (ECS) technology, defining an advanced design and manufacturin...

Volkswagen (VW) expects 50% of its vehicles sold in Mainland China to be electric by 2030, according to a report by China Daily. This is part of VW's ACCELARATE strategy. The brand will be unveiling at least one EV per year to reach its new electrification goal. Significance: Volkswagen launched ACCELARATE strategy on 5 March to increase digitalization, new business models, and autonomous driving. Apart from e-mobility, ACCELARATE also highlights software integration and digital experience as...

The US-based electric vehicle (EV) startup Fisker Inc has decided to abandon its plans of developing solid-state batteries for its cars, The Verge reported on 26 February citing the founder of Fisler Inc, Henrik Fisker. “It’s the kind of technology where, when you feel like you’re 90% there, you’re almost there, until you realize the last 10% is much more difficult than the first 90. So we have completely dropped solid-state batteries at this point in time because we just don’t see it ...

Faradion has partnered with Phillips 66 to develop advanced anode materials for sodium-ion batteries, the company announced in a press release on 25 February. The new anode material is claimed to be lower in cost and offer higher performance. “This agreement brings together Phillips 66’s strengths in hard-carbon anode material and Faradion’s sodium-ion technology for a high-performance, sustainable next-generation energy storage technology. Our aim is to further accelerate large-scale indu...

Bentley has launched a new three-year research study for developing recyclable electric motors, the company announced in a press release on 18 February. The study, titled Rare-earth Recycling for E-machines (RaRE), intends to build on work completed at the University of Birmingham in devising a method of extracting magnets from waste electronics. Furthermore, the project will scale up this process and repurpose the extracted magnetic material into new recyclable magnets for use within bespoke an...

Switzerland-based auto parts maker Garrett Motion has launched a new aftermarket app to enhance the ability of garage mechanics to carry out turbo diagnostics and provide turbo replacement support, according to a company press release dated 2 February. Dubbed Garrett Connect, the app provides technicians with mobile access to rapid step-by-step fault resolution, easy turbo identification by vehicle, and direct communication with distributors for fast replacements, the company said, adding tha...

Georgia Institute of Technology has developed a new artificial intelligence (AI) solution to help spread the electric vehicle (EV) charging network evenly, news website Green Car Congress reported on 25 January, citing an open-access paper on the work published in the journal Patterns. The AI can analyze user reviews of EV charging stations and accurately identify locations where there are insufficient or out-of-service stations. “We’re spending billions of both public and private do...

Pennsylvania State University researchers have developed a new lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery for electric vehicles (EV) which is fast-charging and inexpensive, the university announced on its website on 18 January. The new battery will have a range of 250 miles (402 km) and can be fully charged in 10 minutes. "We developed a pretty clever battery for mass-market electric vehicles with cost parity with combustion engine vehicles. There is no more range anxiety and this battery is afford...

The United States Department of Energy (DOE) has granted USD27 million to three battery companies as part of the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy’s (ARPA-E) Seeding Critical Advances for Leading Energy technologies with Untapped Potential (SCALEUP) program. Around USD9 million has been granted to 24M Technologies, and USD10 million to Sila Nanotechnologies and USD8 million to Ionic Materials. Significance: The grant is part of the total USD47 million funding for the SCALEUP pro...

Majority of customers in key automotive markets are still doubtful about electric vehicles (EVs), according to the key findings of the Continental Mobility Study 2020. About 59% of respondents in Germany, 57% in France and 50% in the US cannot imagine buying an EV in near future. The percentage was slightly lower 46% in Japan. Compared to these markets, a large of respondents (about 85%) in mainland China were positive about buying an EV in near future. The lack of EV charging stations was ci...

According to the United States Department of Energy (DOE), the median Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimated range of all 2020 model year electric vehicles (EVs) in the US exceeded 250 miles (402.3 km). The model year 2020 also marked first year an EV achieved an EPA estimated range of more than 400 miles. Significance: According to the DOE, significant improvement in battery technologies as well as in overall EV efficiency have led to remarkable improvement in driving range of EVs i...

French automotive supplier Valeo has revealed its latest range for the replacement parts and repair segment at the 25th Automechanika trade show in Germany, from 11 to 15 September 2018. In a press release dated 11 September, Valeo said it is debuting its most comprehensive range yet of transmission system repair technologies. The Automechanika line-up showcases the Group’s clutch expertise, particularly in dual mass flywheel technology as well as its active actuator technology used in auto...