Category Archives: electronics

New Semi-Autonomous E-Class Premiers at NAIAS

Posted on 11 January 2016 by Ken Zino

What E-Class does to the art of driving and distinctive vehicle character is subject to debate. Will driving fun still exist? Continue reading →

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Chevrolet Bolt Debuts into a Moribund EV Market

Posted on 6 January 2016 by Ken Zino

The Bolt EV is said to have more than 200 miles of range on a full charge at a price below $30,000 after Federal tax credits. Continue reading →

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BMW to Show ‘Vision Car’ at Consumer Electronics Show

Posted on 29 December 2015 by Ken Zino

The AirTouch menu – it’s claimed – reduces the number of steps needed to make a selection. This might cut down on the deadly drive distraction epidemic. More likely this is a precursor to offer additional control options when the vehicle is traveling in highly automated mode. Continue reading →

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Ford Touts Patent Application Numbers

Posted on 22 December 2015 by Ken Zino

Patent applications do not necessarily mean that innovation is coming, though. And even innovations can fail in the marketplace, say the My Ford Touch disaster or Th!nk (sic). Competitive actions and first movers – er, ‘think’ Toyota hybrid and fuel cell technologies – can mean that new ideas mean only the same market share and profitability. Moreover, innovation is expensive, sapping profitability at already low-margin automakers. Continue reading →

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New IBM Cloud Service for Automakers Debuts at IAA

Posted on 16 September 2015 by Ken Zino

By 2020, it is estimated that 90% of new cars will be equipped with extensive connectivity services. Automakers are increasingly using so-called IoT solutions (Internet of Things – more industry gibberish) that help to, allegedly, to deliver data generated from cars directly to the cloud for near real-time analysis. Continue reading →

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Ten Carmakers to fit AEB – Auto Emergency Braking – on New Vehicles as Standard Equipment

Posted on 11 September 2015 by Ken Zino

FCA, aka, Chrysler, which has more than its share of problems with DOT over safety matters, is notably for its absence. FCA as well as other automakers will face increasing pressure to add AEB as more systems are added at competitors. Continue reading →

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Social Media Overkill? Honda HR-V to add Ten Selfie Cameras

Posted on 31 March 2015 by Ken Zino

Honda claims this is an important segment to address because one-third of all photos taken by people aged 18–24 are selfies, with more than one million selfies taken each day. Continue reading →

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Volt Camouflage Designed to hide Freshened Sheet Metal

Posted on 29 September 2014 by Ken Zino

The camouflage package on the next-generation Volt was started six months in advance of early development. The tricks are constantly updated to keep spy photographers – Jim Dunne, who graciously contributes to AutoInformed – and the curious guessing. Continue reading →

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Honda Fuel Cell Concept Debuts at Los Angeles Auto Show

Posted on 21 November 2013 by Ken Zino

Honda’s next generation fuel cell-electric vehicle has what is for the moment the world’s first fuel-cell powertrain packaged completely in the engine room of the vehicle. This not only allows more interior space, but it gives the Japanese automaker some flexibility in the use of fuel cell technology in different vehicle types. Continue reading →

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Panasonic Exec Indicted in Toyota Price Fixing Scam

Posted on 24 September 2013 by Ken Zino

A federal grand jury in Detroit has indicted a Panasonic Automotive Systems executive for his role in an international conspiracy to fix prices of switches and steering angle sensors sold to Toyota. Continue reading →

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