Category Archives: electronics

Honda, Daido Steel Neodymium Magnet Has No Rare Earth Materials

Posted on 1 August 2016 by Ken Zino

The problem with the currently used version of the neodymium magnet is that China is by far the largest producer of rare earth elements, universally used in electric motors in EVs and hybrids. However, China is thought to be a politically unstable, unreliable supplier. This is certainly with regards to Japan, which has ongoing disputes with the Communist nation that is now also part of the U.S. presidential debate. Continue reading →

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Osram Buys Novità Technologies for its Auto LED Modules

Posted on 25 July 2016 by Ken Zino

Osram will acquire Novità Technologies, a U.S. manufacturer of automotive LED modules which are used in tail lights, fog lights and daytime running lights. Continue reading →

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HAL Comes to Honda R&D through Softbank

Posted on 22 July 2016 by Ken Zino

This will, allegedly, allow Honda and SoftBank to “enable mobility products to use conversations with the driver,” together with other information obtained from sensors and cameras to “perceive the emotions of the driver and to engage in dialogue with the driver based on the vehicle’s own emotions.” Continue reading →

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Google to Use Chrysler Pacifica Hybrids for Autonomous Driving Tests

Posted on 4 May 2016 by Ken Zino

This is the first time that Google has worked directly with an automaker to integrate its autonomous driving system, including its sensors and software, into a passenger vehicle. Continue reading →

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Autonomous Drive Cars – Makers Targeting Wrong Groups?

Posted on 28 April 2016 by Ken Zino

Young consumers are much more trusting in automotive technology, paving the way for autonomous drive vehicles, according to the J.D. Power 2016 U.S. Tech Choice Study released today at the Automotive Press Association in Detroit. Continue reading →

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BMW Laptimer to Add More GoPro Camera Functions

Posted on 26 April 2016 by Ken Zino

“This allows us to provide BMW drivers the ability to safely capture and share their track experience,” said Christian Schmid, senior development engineer at the BMW Group Technology Office USA. Continue reading →

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DOJ: Cybersecurity, Hacking Urgent Issues for Automakers

Posted on 12 April 2016 by Ken Zino

Electronic innovations that revolutionize new vehicles create hacking vulnerabilities if not carefully deployed. Continue reading →

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Does Less CO2 = 3-Cylinder Engines?

Posted on 12 April 2016 by Ken Zino

As the quest to lower CO2 emissions continues two engineering approaches are emerging – down size engines and run them at lower speeds. This typically results in higher stress in the engine/powertrain. Engineers are looking closely at fundamental changes in combustion and parasitic losses, while monitoring material and component stress. Continue reading →

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OnStar Commercial Link – Vehicle Tracking and Management

Posted on 31 March 2016 by Ken Zino

Commercial Link can be customized around the needs of each user, allowing for personalization of account dashboards and the ability to set up text or email alerts around sensitive items, such as if a driver is low on fuel or requires vehicle maintenance. Continue reading →

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Toyota Expands Autonomous Vehicle Program with Jaybridge Robotics Software People for Crash-Free Driving

Posted on 14 March 2016 by Ken Zino

First announced in November 2015, TRI is a research and development enterprise designed eliminate the chasm between fundamental research and product development, particularly to address the 1.25 million traffic fatalities each year, worldwide. Continue reading →

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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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