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Category Archives: engineering
McLaren and Blu Wireless to Create Racing Video Streams
The technology it’s claimed has been successfully tested over the last 12 months across multiple tests in the UK and North America, including demonstrating multiple HD video links on race cars traveling at speeds above 165 mph. Potentially this will be a new marketing tool for racing organizations to connect with fans. It also has the potential to increase the sophistication of the growing use of computerized racing strategies. Continue reading
Large Pickups Good in Side Impacts. Back Seat Safety Lacking
The Ram 1500 crew cab, Ford F-150 crew cab and Toyota Tundra crew cab, all 2023 models, earn good ratings in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s updated side crash test, while the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 crew cab is rated acceptable, IIHS said today. However, in the updated moderate overlap front crash test, which now emphasizes back seat safety, only the Tundra manages a marginal rating. The F-150, Ram 1500 and Silverado are rated poor. Continue reading
Posted in engineering, insurance, news analysis, safety
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 crew cab, crash testing, David Harkey. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Ford F-150 crew cab, iihs, Ken Zino, Ram 1500 crew cab, side impacts, Toyota Tundra crew cab
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China Vehicle Dependability Same in 2023 as 2022
“Although manufacturers regard quality above everything else, some do not pay enough attention to quality after the warranty period,” said Elvis Yang, general manager of auto product practice at J.D. Power China. “However, such problems directly affect owners’ concerns about the long-term dependability and durable quality of their vehicle. Manufacturers need to pay more attention to long-term quality and improve quality management standards.” Continue reading
Stellantis Pulls Out of Electronics Show to Cut Costs
In a terse statement this morning from Amsterdam, Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) said “as the costs of the ongoing UAW strikes against Stellantis continue to mount, the Company has decided to cancel its planned display and presentations at CES® 2024.” It was scheduled to appear there during January 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Continue reading
Automated Driving – BMW to use Amazon and Qualcomm
“In the next decade, consumer habits and expectations will drive more changes in the automotive industry than we’ve seen over the past 30 years,” said Dr. Nicolai Martin, senior vice president of Driving Experience at BMW Group. “This is just the beginning of a new era of highly automated driving, fueled by innovations in technology and engineering. By collaborating with AWS, the BMW Group, along with our partner, Qualcomm Technologies, is building our new automated driving platform.” automated driving and parking functions.” Continue reading
Unintended Acceleration Recalls on Elantra Hybrids
The motor control unit (“MCU”) software may detect a transmission/drive motor synchronization fault while driving triggering a “fail-safe” condition that temporarily results in slow, unintended acceleration after release of the brake pedal. Service brake functionality is unaffected and remains fully operational. Continue reading
GM Invests in Battery Materials Firm Mitra Chem
The companies will develop advanced iron-based cathode active materials (CAM), such as lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP), to power affordable and accessible EV batteries compatible with GM’s EV propulsion architecture, the Ultium Platform. GM’s funding will help Mitra Chem expand its current operations and to “expedite their novel battery materials formulation to market.” Continue reading
Posted in economy, electric vehicles, engineering, environment, global warming, public health
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, battery cathode designs, cam, Gil Golan, iron-based cathode active materials, Ken Zino, lithium ion, lithium manganese iron phosphate, Mitra Chem
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Former Nikola and GM Engineer Joins Volkswagen of American
“Lyndon brings incredible experience to the Volkswagen brand, which will help us achieve our goal of growing our market share across North America in this decade,” said Pablo Di Si, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. “Designing and engineering our vehicles to meet the unique needs of our markets is more critical than ever before. To achieve this, we continue to take proactive steps to strengthen our capabilities and experience within the North American market.” Continue reading
Posted in engineering, people
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, Cadillac CT6, Ken Zino, Lyndon Lie, Nikola BEV and FCEV, Pablo Di Si
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USDOT Proposes 58 MPG Fuel Economy Standard
The US Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today issued a proposal to update fuel economy standards for passenger cars and light trucks. The “preferred alternative” among several in NHTSA’s proposal includes a 2% per year improvement in fuel efficiency for passenger cars and a 4% per year improvement for light trucks beginning in model year 2027. This increases through model year 2032, potentially reaching an average fleet fuel economy of 58 miles per gallon by 2032. However, NHTSA notes that real word fuel economy is ~20-30% lower than estimated CAFE fuel economy.* Continue reading
Lotus Engineering Shows New Olympic Bike
Lotus Engineering showed today gen 2 of the Hope-Lotus bike with revised front forks and handlebars and the HBT Paris Frame, developed by Hope Technology. Lotus Engineering has collaborated with the Great Britain Cycling Team (GBCT), Hope Technology and Renishaw to modify the Tokyo 2020 track bike which contributed to the track team winning seven Olympic medals and leading the event medal table. The competitive track debut will be in August at the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships in Glasgow, Scotland. Continue reading
Porsche to Buy All of IT Consultancy MHP
The global auto industry is in the midst of a digital transformation after a century of blacksmithing metals. Internal processes, customer interactions, computer-based charging or other services are all becoming competitive requirements. Continue reading
Stellantis, Saft Show Battery Integrating Inverter and Charger
Integrating the inverter and charger functions creates a battery that is more efficient, which enhances the battery electric vehicle (BEV) range and is more reliable and less costly. It also increases space in the vehicle. Continue reading
General Motors is the Latest Formula One Powertrain Maker
GM’s development and testing of prototype technology is already underway. Engineering a F1 power unit will advance GM’s expertise in areas including electrification, hybrid technology, sustainable fuels, high efficiency internal combustion engines, advanced controls and software systems, GM said. These likely were the talking points used to sell the expensive program to the GM Board of Directors. Continue reading →