Category Archives: engineering

GM Revamps Information Technology for Growth

GM said it’s to allow software-enabled services revenue to increase to $20-25 billion annually by 2030. Continue reading

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First Aston Martin Valkyrie Hypercar Completed

Before each Valkyrie is delivered, it is track-tested at the Aston Martin high performance facility at Silverstone where much of the development of the hypercar has taken place. The hybrid V12 powertrain provides a maximum power of 1,155PS, it’s claimed. the electric boost from the hybrid is 160 horsepower and 207 lb. ft. of torque. Continue reading

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Stellantis on SAE Level 3 Public Road Autonomous Driving

At SAE Level 3, the driver does not need to monitor the driving circumstances constantly but must take back control when the system requests. L3Pilot, the flagship research and innovation project in Europe, is arguably one of the most important for the future of automated driving since it is focused on testing and evaluating the technology as a safe and efficient means of transportation in real traffic conditions. It also assessed technical aspects, driving behavior, user acceptance and impact on traffic and safety. Continue reading

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GM’s Dual Platform Strategy – Doubling Revenues by 2030?

However, the success of the prediction will depend on GM smoothly transitioning from internal combustion engines, traditional blacksmithing manufacturing, while keeping dealers and training them for what is the most significant transformation the auto industry has ever seen. This is how science fiction becomes science fact with GM selling more than one million EVs by 2025; 30 million connected vehicles in North America on the road by 2030. Along the way the United States and ultimately the world will turn into an environmental culture that uses technology to make things cleaner and safer. Continue reading

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GM to Invest in New Battery Building to Lower EV Costs

The latest GM announcement comes just one day after it said it reached a deal with Wolfspeed (to develop and provide silicon carbide power devices for GM’s future electric vehicle programs. Wolfspeed’s silicon carbide devices will allow GM to “install more efficient EV propulsion systems that will extend the range” of its growing EV portfolio. The silicon carbide involved will be used in the integrated power electronics contained within GM’s Ultium Drive units in its next-generation EVs. Continue reading

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Nissan R&D Has New Safety Advancement Lab in North America

The 116,000-sq.-ft. facility – like standard automotive industry practices –  is equipped high-speed photography systems, data acquisition equipment and a precise vehicle tow system. The site also includes a test dummy calibration lab, space for preparing vehicles and a pedestrian safety lab. Continue reading

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Connected Cars – GM Debuts Ultifi for Saleable APPs, Services

This latest move is part of an ongoing transition in the auto industry toward more cloud-based services, faster software development and new opportunities to increase revenue and, maybe, customer loyalty. Ultifi is enabled by hardware built into select next-generation products starting in 2023, encompassing internal combustion and electric vehicles. Continue reading

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Rolls-Royce Announces First Full Electric Car

“The use of electric motors is not a new concept for Rolls-Royce. Sir Henry Royce was fascinated by all things electrified, and his first venture, named F. H. Royce and Company, created dynamos, electric crane motors and patented the bayonet-style light bulb fitting,” said Chief Executive Officer, Torsten Müller-Ötvös. Continue reading

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Lithium-Sulfur – Better than Lithium-Ion Battery?

Whether this is a genuine breakthrough or just another silly-CON (Do you know the ways of San Jose? Privately held until the IPO?) remains to be validated by vehicle use on the road and ultimately adoption by major automakers. Lyten expects full production and market availability for ‘25-‘26 model year vehicles. Continue reading

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Honda, Google Team on In-Vehicle Connected Services

“It is our great pleasure to be able to offer new value for mobility and people’s daily lives all around the world by combining Honda’s strengths in advanced technologies in automobile development and Google’s strengths in innovative information technologies,” claimed Satoshi Takami. Continue reading

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Semiconductors – Auto Industry to Lose $210B in Revenue

Exec Summary: There are no more cushions left in the industry when it comes to production or obtaining material. Any shortage or production interruption in any part of the world affects companies around the globe. Worse, the impacts are now amplified due to all the other shortages. Continue reading

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No Surprises in J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Initial Quality Study

“Owners are caught in the middle when vehicle and phone technologies don’t properly connect,” said Dave Sargent, vice president of automotive quality at J.D. Power. “This year there are many examples of smartphone technology not working as intended in new vehicles. With more vehicles being fitted with the wireless technology owners want, the study reveals an increase in connectivity problems between smartphones and vehicles, leaving many owners unhappy.” Continue reading

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GM Canada Picks TELUS 5G Network

The move is key step in GM’s stated goal of adding new driver-assistance technologies, with zero crashes and zero congestion. It’s also part of the ongoing push toward autonomous vehicles. This and related moves by other automakers also raise antitrust and privacy issues that are thus far unaddressed. Continue reading

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Santiago Chamorro now President GM South America

Chamorro will relocate from Michigan, where he held his most recent position as GM vice president, Global Connected Services – to São Paulo. Jeff Massimilla, GM executive director, Connected Customer and Mobility Services, replaces Chamorro. Continue reading

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Porsche Expanding R&D in China

“Having a permanent home for this work in China will bring obvious benefits, particularly when it comes to reflecting and predicting our customer’s needs in China, a nation that has truly welcomed Porsche and has taken our cars to heart to the extent that it’s been our biggest sales market,” said Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board at Porsche. Continue reading

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