Toyota Starts Free Autonomous Shuttle in Indianapolis

Posted on 22 June 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Toyota Mobility Foundation Autonomous Shuttle Service in Indiana

The free service, a part of TMF’s Together in Motion Indiana, began June 1.

The Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF), Energy Systems Network (ESN) and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) with May Mobility autonomous vehicle (AV) technology and shuttle operations, have launched a free autonomous shuttle service in Central Indiana. 

To ensure riders’ health and safety, masks are currently required for all passengers and fleet attendants. Shuttles will carry only one household per ride, and all shuttles are equipped with partitions and UVC disinfectant lights that will clean the shuttle interior between rides. Continue reading →

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Hyundai Motor Group Buys Boston Dynamics from SoftBank

Posted on 22 June 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Hyundai Motor Group Buys Boston Dynamics from SoftBank

Boston Dynamics develops and deploys highly mobile robots with advanced mobility, dexterity and intelligence, enabling automation in unstructured or hard-to-traverse spaces, from industrial plants and construction sites, to distribution centers and warehouses.

Hyundai Motor Group, Boston Dynamics, Inc. and SoftBank Group Corp. (TOKYO: 9984) announced today the completion of the Group’s acquisition of a controlling interest in Boston Dynamics from SoftBank, following regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. The deal valued the mobile robot firm at $1.1 billion. Additional financial details were not disclosed. Now, the Group holds an 80% stake in Boston Dynamics. SoftBank, through one of its affiliates, retains the remaining 20% share.

“By acquiring Boston Dynamics and securing a leading presence in the field of robotics, the Group takes another major step toward its strategic transformation into a Smart Mobility Solution Provider. To propel this transformation, the Group has invested substantially in the development of future technologies, including autonomous driving, artificial intelligence (AI), Urban Air Mobility (UAM), smart factories and robots,” said Hyundai Motor Group in a release. Continue reading →

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Ram HD Cab Chassis Vehicles with Cummins Diesels Recalled

Posted on 22 June 2021 by Ken Zino

Chrysler is recalling 32,000 model year 2019-2020 Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles equipped with the Cummins 6.7-liter High Output engine. The Cummins engine calibration software may not warn about low oil volume. This safety defect can result in engine compartment fires caused by oil leaks started by connecting rod failures. Continue reading →

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Woodward Dream Cruise Returns with Ford Sponsorship

Posted on 21 June 2021 by Ken Zino

The 26th annual Woodward Dream Cruise with Ford sponsorship is back on for this summer starting 21 August 2021, the Dearborn-based automaker said late today. Not surprisingly the original 1966 Ford Bronco is the featured heritage* vehicle, this year’s celebration of automotive culture and driving fun is set to kick off Aug. 21.

Ford Motor Company and Detroit’s main artery share a history. At his Ford Piquette Avenue Plant, Henry Ford developed and produced the first Model T’s a few hundred feet from Woodward Avenue, which made became the first paved road in America. (Ford Bronco Production Underway at Michigan Assembly Plant, Ford Bronco Sequel Appears with First-Ever Four-Door, Truck Wars – 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 470hp V8) Continue reading →

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Toyota Research Inst. Claims Advances in Home Use Robotics

Posted on 21 June 2021 by Ken Zino

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Toyota Research Institute’s new robotics abilities aimed at solving complex tasks in home environmentsToyota Research Institute, aka TRI*, today showed new robotics capabilities aimed at solving complex tasks in home environments. Roboticists were able to train robots to understand and operate in complicated situations that confuse most other robots, including recognizing and responding to transparent and reflective surfaces in a variety of circumstances, TRI claimed. The advancement potentially has broad application to autonomous vehicles as well.

As TRI shows in a new video, this system allows robots to make generalizations in a range of scenarios, including in different homes. The somewhat humorous video (comments welcomed here by the non-androids of AutoInformed), released on National Selfie Day, shows these new capabilities on film, as the un-named robot is seen recording itself as it performs these new skills around a house. It is less cranky, humoours and personable than R2-D2, a tough act to follow for anyone competing in the Artoo-Detoo defined field. After all, it was developed by engineers, not Hollywood – Where is George Lucas when you need him? Continue reading →

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Porsche Customcells JV adds Cellforce on Manufacturing Lithium Ion Batteries as the P3 Group Leaves

Posted on 21 June 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Porsche JV with Customcells adds Cellforce manufacturing

However, use on a race track does not necessarily require the battery to function in sub-zero temperatures, nor remain stable for years over many charging cycles – goals which have yet to be achieved with this new version of lithium-ion battery cell technology.

In the unending endurance race among electrification contenders, Porsche said this morning that it is investing millions in a new company – Cellforce Group GmbH – as Porsche and joint venture partner Customcells today announced the launch of production of high-performance lithium-ion battery cells at the Weissach Development Center.

The chemistry of the new high-performance cells uses silicon as the anode material. With this material, it seems possible to significantly boost the power density compared to current batteries. The battery can offer the same energy content with a smaller size. The new chemistry reduces the battery’s internal resistance. This allows it to absorb more energy during energy recuperation and at the same time it offers improved performance for fast charging. Another special feature of the Cellforce battery cell is that it can withstand high temperatures. These are all qualities which are highly valued in motorsport. Continue reading →

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Ford Buys Electriphi to Provide Ford Pro Commercial Customers with Charging and Energy Management

Posted on 17 June 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Ford Pro Charging and Energy Management

“Bringing Electriphi on board is the last component to complete Ford Pro’s strategy to establish a commanding leadership position in the software…

Ford today announced it is acquiring Electriphi, a California-based provider of charging management and fleet monitoring software for electric vehicles. Electriphi’s people and services will be integrated into Ford Pro – a new global business within Ford for  commercial customers.

“While more commercial vehicle customers are considering all-electric vehicles, charging management remains a hurdle to mass adoption. Ford Pro plans on leveraging its leadership position in the commercial vehicle market, its vehicle offerings and Electriphi’s technology to help customers with this transition,” Ford said in a release. (See AutoInformed on Ford Introduces All-Electric F-150 Lightning Pro – Bring Money) Continue reading →

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Toyota’s Woven Capital Invests in Ridecell for Mobility Services

Posted on 17 June 2021 by Ken Zino

Woven Capital* today announced that it has made an investment in Ridecell Inc., a platform powering digital transformations and Internet of Things automation for fleet-driven businesses. It is the investment arm of the Woven Planet Group, a Toyota subsidiary, which is aims to building the “safest mobility in the world.” Ridecell and the Woven Planet Group** will explore collaborative opportunities in mobility service operations.

“Ridecell is accelerating the digital transformation of a key part of the mobility industry―creating a comprehensive platform that connects fleets and automates workflow at scale,” claimed Michiko Kato, Principal, Woven Capital. Continue reading →

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Ford Follows GM: Q2 2021 Earnings to Exceed Its Expectations

Posted on 17 June 2021 by Ken Zino
AutoInformed.com on Jim Farley, Ford president

Jim Farley during the reveal of the all-new 2020 Ford Explorer, Jan 2019.

In an attempt to protect its stock from the capital markets, CEO Jim Farley will tell Deutsche Bank auto conference today that Ford anticipates adjusted EBIT to be significantly better than in second-quarter of 2020. However, net income for Q2 of 2021 is expected to be substantially lower than a year ago, when results included a $3.5 billion gain on Ford’s investment in Argo AI. Ford plans to announce second-quarter results and provide its outlook for the second half of the year on July 28.

This “follow the leader” move is the result of unfortunate timing and lingering suspicions that the future of the automotive business with automated vehicles, fuel cells and other connected car technologies will consume enormous amounts of capital that will hurt shareholders, which in the case of Ford contains numerous family members. Yesterday, GM said it will increase its EV and AV investments from 2020 through 2025 to $35 billion. This is a, gulp, 75% increase from its initial pledge announced prior to the ongoing pandemic. Continue reading →

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Ford Bronco Production Underway at Michigan Assembly Plant

Posted on 16 June 2021 by Ken Zino

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Gen 6 2021 Ford Bronco Starts ProductionWith more than 125,000 Broncos orders placed, and 190,000 reservations in the U.S. and Canada, Ford Motor is now shipping its Gen 6 2021 Bronco from the revamped Michigan Assembly Plant. The sequel two-door and first-ever four-door models are finally on their way to Ford dealerships.

If you want to ride the beast, just bring money, not bitcoins: MSRP for the base two-door Bronco is $29,995, including $1,495 destination and delivery. In 1965, the Michigan Truck Plant — now the Michigan Assembly Plant — began production of an off-road SUV: the original Ford Bronco. Bronco continued through five generations and ended production on June 12, 1996. In that 31-year span, Ford produced more than 1.1 million Broncos. (See also Mexican-Built 2022 Ford Maverick Hybrid Shrinks Size, Price; Truck Wars – 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 470hp V8)

Prospective Bronco owners can choose from an extensive lineup of more than 200 factory-backed accessories for personalization, enabling dealers to provide “outfitting-on-demand” for individual needs – just like MOPAR does for Jeep – from a 1.7 million square foot Modification Center (the old, closed Wayne Assembly Plant), adjacent to Michigan Assembly. It offers Bronco two- and four-door model customization including safari bar, roof racks, exterior graphic packages and additional accessories as more are added to the catalog. (AutoInformed – Ford Bronco Sequel Appears with First-Ever Four-Door)

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GM Ups Bet by $35B in Autonomous, Electric Vehicle Games

Posted on 16 June 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on GM Converting to all EVs and becoming Carbon Neutral

Cadillac Lyric EV is just one step in making GM a force against Global Warming and fossil fuel use.

The seemingly bottomless pit of capital being consumed in the race to survive the connected, green and autonomous vehicle wars has grown deeper with General Motors saying today it will increase its EV and AV investments from 2020 through 2025 to $35 billion. This is a – gulp – 75% increase from its initial pledge announced prior to the ongoing pandemic.

In order to appease or stimulate the capital markets, GM also noted that strong underlying business operations, including record EBIT-adjusted during the last three quarters translates to increases first-half 2021 guidance. GM now predicts its first-half EBIT-adjusted will be between $8.5 and $9.5 billion (from $5.5 B) because of continued strong demand, better-than-expected results at GM Financial, and improved near-term production from the pull forward of semiconductors from the third quarter. (AutoInformed – GM Posts Formidable First-Quarter 2021 Results; GM to Up Deliveries by Dropping Stop-Start on Pickups, SUVs) Continue reading →

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Park It! Wheels Falling Off Ford 2021 Super Duty Pickups

Posted on 14 June 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Wheels Falling Off Ford 2021 Super Duty Vehicles

Simple solution for a deadly problem.

Ford Motor Company is issuing a safety recall on  ~20,000 2021 F-Series Super Duty vehicles with dual rear wheels. Affected vehicles are equipped with front-wheel hub extenders that were not properly tightened by an unidentified supplier. This may result in the tire and wheel assembly detaching from the front axle, increasing the risk of a crash. A detachment while driving is clearly a safety defect.

Owner notifications begin this week. Customers will be instructed not to drive their vehicle until it can be verified that the front-wheel hub extender nuts are tightened to specification by contacting their dealer to have the service completed at their location or towed to a dealership. The Ford reference number for this recall is 21S26. Continue reading →

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Toyota Agile Space – Motorized Store or Mobility Company?

Posted on 14 June 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Toyota Agile Space

While retail self-admittedly isn’t Toyota’s core business, it does have some expertise in mobility and space optimization.

Toyota is claiming that in a “transformational shift to a mobility company,” it is exploring future ways to expand its services by pioneering and testing Toyota Agile Space (TAS), which will pilot a moving a retail application beginning this June.

Toyota Motor North America R&D has selected digital brand Cuyana as its first tenant. About the only thing AutoInformed sees in common with its vehicle business is that leasing could be involved for customers.

Cuyana will test the TAS concept as a portable retail showroom in southern California and promote its brand and products in different venues without the need of long-term commercial lease contracts. The traveling showroom will operate in five locations across Los Angeles and Orange counties from June to December 2021. A schedule is available at https://www.cuyana.com/. Continue reading →

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Battery Powered – Mercedes-Benz Trucks to Unveil eActros

Posted on 14 June 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on battery powered eActros Mercedes-Benz truck

In two test phases, fewer than 20 test customers used an eActros instead of a conventional truck in their fleets.

In the race to fight climate change with battery-powered trucks for heavy-duty distribution instead the filthy diesels that predominate, Mercedes-Benz Trucks in the eActros finally has a credible entry. After a 500,000 kilometers of testing, eActros will go into production at the Wörth am Rhein plant during the second half of the year.

It’s been a long time coming, allowing Japanese maker Toyota through Hino to seize the apparent lead. Daimler first showed a concept for a heavy-duty electric truck back in 2016. It took two years to get ten prototypes into testing during 2018. The key – of course – will be customer adaptation and government incentives to fight climate change that spur purchases and above all retirements of diesels. (Toyota, 7-Eleven Japan to Study Fuel Cell Trucks; Toyota Gen 2 Prototype Fuel-Cell Trucks to Start Drayage Runs at the Ports of L.A. and Long Beach; Carbon Free Hauling;Japan Inc: Toyota and Hino to Pioneer Light-Duty Fuel Cell Electric Trucks with Seven-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson; Isuzu, Honda to Research Fuel-Cell HD Trucks and Vehicles; Hyundai Motor Teases “Enhanced” XCIENT Fuel Cell Truck)
 Continue reading →

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Mexican-Built 2022 Ford Maverick Hybrid Shrinks Size, Price

Posted on 12 June 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on the 2022 Ford Maverick pickup

Downsizing and name-tweaking in this case reclaims some of the advantages Ford gave away.

In a defensive move to protect the sale of hugely popular gas-guzzling bigger trucks, Ford says an all-new Ford Maverick will come as a standard five-passenger, four-door pickup, with a hybrid powertrain and a projected EPA-estimated rating of 40 mpg city fuel economy* and 500 miles** of range with a starting MSRP of $19,995. (Ford to Upgrade, Expand South African Plant for 2022 Ranger)

To AutoInformed, it looks like a clever updating and use of the former Mazda-derived Ranger pickup. Ford Motor, of course, once dominated the compact pickup truck market in the U.S. until years of product neglect combined with an assault by Toyota and Nissan pushed it to a footnote in the segment. This first forced the closing of Ford’s Edison, New Jersey plant. The remaining plant in Minnesota did not survive the Ford UAW contract a decade ago. It was and remains a stunning amount of business to cede to the competition. (Mazda BT 50, Ford Ranger Pickup Capacity Upped in Thailand, Ford to Bring Back Ranger Pickup to North America) Continue reading →

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