Category Archives: electronics

Honda, Astrobotic Start Study of Lunar Power

Posted on 29 September 2025 by Ken Zino

American Honda Motor Company and Astrobotic Technology today announced a joint-development agreement aimed at developing a scalable and integrated power supply for sustained lunar surface missions.

“The collaboration between Honda and Astrobotic marks a pivotal step toward creating scalable power solutions for long-term lunar surface missions. Powered by core Honda technologies, our regenerative fuel cell system is designed to provide efficient energy storage and regeneration to support sustained human life on the Moon, as well as advance zero-emission applications on Earth,” claimed Derek Adelman, chief engineer, Space Development Division, American Honda Motor Company. Continue reading →

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Failing IPs – Huge Toyota and Lexus Software Recall

Posted on 22 September 2025 by Ken Zino

In the mandatory recall filing [49 CFR § 573] made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today Toyota said, “The subject vehicles are equipped with a combination meter system where various information is displayed (telltale and indicator lights, vehicle gauges, messages, etc.) in a 12.3-inch display monitor in the instrument panel. Due to improper programming of the combination meter, unnecessary data is repeatedly written to a memory device in the combination meter when the combination meter operates, causing the memory device to deteriorate earlier than intended.”

“If this occurs, the 12.3-in monitor will not be displayed at ignition on and will remain in this state. If the vehicle is driven without a working 12.3-in monitor and certain malfunctions occur during that drive, there is a possibility that indicators, such as brake system or tire pressure warning system, for those malfunctions could be missed if the driver does not notice the redundant notification on the center multimedia screen. Depending on the malfunction, continuous driving could lead to an increased risk of a crash or an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash,” Toyota said. Continue reading →

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EV Breakthrough? Peugeot with Embedded Inverter, Charger

Posted on 19 September 2025 by Ken Zino

Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA) said today that in partnership with Saft (a TotalEnergies subsidiary) it has started prototype testing of a Peugeot E-3008 EV that eliminates the need for separate charger and inverter components. This could be a substantial breakthrough for both mobile and stationary energy applications.

“This project reflects our belief that simplification is innovation. By rethinking and simplifying the electric powertrain architecture, we are making it lighter, more efficient, and more cost-effective. These are the kinds of innovations that help us deliver better, more affordable EVs to our customers,” said Ned Curic, Chief Engineering and Technology Officer at Stellantis. Continue reading →

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Hyundai Motor Updates Growth and Profit Strategy

Posted on 18 September 2025 by Ken Zino

Hyundai Motor Company (KRX: 005380 KS) in New York today unveiled its latest growth strategy at the company’s first CEO Investor Day held outside of Korea. The event served as a stage to convey the company’s mid-to long-term strategy to investors and stakeholders, prompted in large part by Trump’s tariff wars.

“In an industry facing unprecedented transformation, Hyundai is uniquely positioned to win through our unmatched combination of compelling products, manufacturing flexibility, technology leadership, outstanding dealer partners and global scale,” said José Muñoz, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company. Continue reading →

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Bad Defrosters – Toyota Motor Recalls Lexus and Subaru SUVs

Posted on 15 September 2025 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling ~94,000 2023-2025 model-year bZ4X, Lexus RZ, and Subaru Solterra SUVs. During certain Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system problems (HVAC), such as electrical compressor failure, the defroster and defogger system may become inoperative because of a software problem in the Denso supplied ECU software. Apparently, Transport Canada originally identified the safety hazard. Continue reading →

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Ford Motor Recalls 1.5M Vehicles for Bad Rear-View Cameras

Posted on 15 September 2025 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is model-year  2015-2019 Lincoln MKC, Mustang, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, F-450 SD, 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, 2015-2018 Edge, Transit Connect, 2016-2019 F-550 SD, Transit, 2017-2019 Econoline and 2019 Ranger vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse. The latest of seemingly endless recalls were made public today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It is an expansion of a previous recall involving a Magna produced part. Continue reading →

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New Porsche 911 Turbo S Most Powerful 911 Ever

Posted on 12 September 2025 by Ken Zino

Porsche (P911.DE) showed the new 911 Turbo S series at the IAA Mobility motor show in Munich. The twin-turbo powertrain with so-called T-Hybrid technology makes the new 911 Turbo S the most powerful production 911 thus far. The sports car, available as a coupé and cabriolet, claims more intelligent aerodynamics, an optimized chassis and more exclusive equipment. Prices, inevitably high, are thus far are unknown. They will be influenced negatively by the ongoing Trump Tariff economic chaos.

“The 911 Turbo S is the most complete and versatile form of driving a Porsche 911. Whether in daily use, on long autobahn journeys or on the racetrack – we have made the new 911 Turbo S even more comfortable, more individual and significantly faster than its predecessor,” said Frank Moser, Vice President of the 911 and 718 model line. Continue reading →

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IIHS Safety Award to Use Risky Driver Behavior Tech

Posted on 9 September 2025 by Ken Zino

Vehicle technology that can detect certain types of risky driver behavior will soon be added to the requirements for a safety award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Institute’s president, David Harkey, announced today during a roundtable on impaired driving organized by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).

“As part of our 30×30 vision to cut U.S. road deaths 30% by 2030, we are committed to addressing the risky – and often illegal – behavior that underlies most fatalities today,” Harkey said. “One way we plan to do that is to leverage our ratings and award programs to encourage automakers to adopt this new class of safety technology, just as we got them to improve vehicle structures, airbags and collision avoidance systems.” Continue reading →

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Numerous Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Plymouth Recalls

Posted on 8 September 2025 by Ken Zino

FCA US ( part of Stellantis now) is recalling ~93,000 vehicles for various defects, including air bags, vehicle rollaways, incorrect cross car beams, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle software errors, according mandatory safety defect recall filings made public this morning by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The largest recall by far covers model year 2022-2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles. A software error within the hybrid control processor may result in a loss of drive power. Continue reading →

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Porsche to Debut Wireless Charging on 26 Cayenne!

Posted on 4 September 2025 by Ken Zino

Porsche said today that it will offer an 11-kW charging system with a one-box base plate for wireless charging on its upcoming battery-electric vehicles. This at the moment appears to be breakthrough. If things go as planned, Porsche will be the first automaker to offer a convenient recharging system already in widespread use in cellphone apps.

“Ease of use, suitability for everyday use and charging infrastructure are still the decisive factors when it comes to the acceptance of electric mobility,” said Porsche Board Member for Development Dr. Michael Steiner. “We are proud that inductive charging will soon be available in series production at Porsche. Charging an electric car at home has never been so easy and convenient.” Continue reading →

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BMW Invests in Rive for Making Interactive Vehicle Apps

Posted on 2 September 2025 by Ken Zino

“Rive is not only improving design workflows, it’s reshaping how brands build digital experiences and products,” said Kasper Sage, Managing Partner at BMW i Ventures. The BMW Group’s design department immediately recognized the potential. “By merging design and development into a unified workflow, Rive unlocks faster time to market, higher-quality User Interfaces, and frees up valuable developer time, reducing cost. We believe this sets a new standard for the next generation of interactive design.” Continue reading →

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Genesis Adds In-App EV Charging, and Plug And Charge

Posted on 29 August 2025 by Ken Zino

Genesis today announced the availability of two new charging features for public charging. Along with the Genesis Home marketplace, these intuitive public charging features give owners increased flexibility and new options on charging. The announcement arrives in the midst of the Trump Administration’s war on EVs, imported cars and incentives for clean transportation.

“With the introduction of in-app charging and plug and charge, we are making it even easier for customers to recharge their electric vehicles while on the go,” said Tedros Mengiste, chief operating officer of Genesis Motor North America. “These new features reinforce our commitment to an elevated ownership experience for every customer.” Continue reading →

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Dedicated IndyCar Game Coming from iRacing Studios

Posted on 26 August 2025 by Ken Zino

IndyCar and iRacing.com Motorsport Simulations today announced a long-term licensing agreement for iRacing Studios to produce standalone IndyCar titles for consoles and PCs. As part of the agreement, iRacing Studios will release an IndyCar title for PlayStation, Xbox, and Steam in the second half of 2026. The new product will mark the first dedicated IndyCar game in more than two decades. Continue reading →

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Mixed Results – Automaker Use of AI-Technology

Posted on 22 August 2025 by Ken Zino

“Smart technologies appear to not only anticipate the driver’s needs but also reduce the cognitive workload and some of the difficulties that drivers face with digital systems,” said Kathleen Rizk, senior director of user experience benchmarking and technology at J.D. Power. “Ultimately, what matters most to vehicle owners – and therefore to automakers and suppliers – is how useful the technology is and whether it enhances their driving experience. While smart technologies are not without issues, they represent a meaningful step forward. Continued development will be essential to address current challenges and maximize their effectiveness.” Continue reading →

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Production of Ford GT Mk IV Track Day Cars Ending

Posted on 15 August 2025 by Ken Zino

Ford Performance (NYSE: F) said today that it is about release the third and final wave of production of the Ford GT Mk IV. After nearly a decade of hand assembling every Ford GT of this generation in the same facility, this run will mark the end of this line for the road and race cars.

“With the majority of the 67 total units produced already in the hands of customers, Ford Performance is now taking orders on the remaining cars. Created in conjunction with our GT racing partner Multimatic Motorsports, the Mk IV boasts technology that exceeds that of most GT race cars and on-track capabilities unimaginable for the street. The Ford GT Mk IV finds itself perfectly placed as a collector car that will be too thrilling to be kept in the garage,” said Mark Rushbrook global director of Ford Performance. Continue reading →

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