NHTSA Shouldn’t Cut National Autonomous Vehicle Regs!

Posted on 25 June 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on NHTSA Abandoning Short-Term AV Innovation

More than auto industry jobs are at stake here.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) has announced the “intention to prematurely end a critical national automated-vehicle (AV) pilot program” according to the Alliance for Automotive Innovation – aka Auto Innovators – that continues to emphasize the program’s strategic value.

AutoInformed thinks that more than US auto industry jobs are at stake here. AV technology can reduce congestion, improve safety for passengers and pedestrians, and spur unknown innovations to help the United States lead the global automotive industry. Continue reading →

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Production Porsche 911 GT2 RS Sets Record at Nürburgring Nordschleife at 6:43.300. Equal to 6:38.835 on the Old Track

Posted on 25 June 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on Porsche 911 GT2 RS with Manthey Performance Kit

The Manthey Kit has chassis, aerodynamic and brake components developed for the 911 GT2 RS.

Porsche has set a new lap record for road-approved production cars on the 20.8-kilometer Nürburgring Nordschleife in a 911 GT2 RS fitted with a Manthey Performance Kit. The circuit-focused Porsche Tequipment components are sold via Porsche Centers.

The best time of 6:43.300 minutes was achieved on 14 June, in the presence of a notary, with Porsche development driver Lars Kern at the wheel of the 515 kW (700 PS) 911 GT2 RS. The standing record in class was 6:48.047 by a Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series, which is now 4.747 seconds off the pace. Continue reading →

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Toyota Unveils the New Land Cruiser

Posted on 24 June 2021 by Ken Zino

Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on the New Toyota Land Cruiser GA-F Platform Toyota showed its new Land Cruiser in a Middle East-centered online reveal that largely ignored the US since it is coming here only as a Lexus LX600 sometime during 2022 at a starting price North of the current $85,665.  Elsewhere Toyota is emphasizing off-road performance so the vehicle size including total length, width, and wheelbase, as well as both departure and approach angles have been kept the same as the previous model in most versions. Toyota plans to launch the new Land Cruiser globally starting this summer.

The frame was redesigned to reduce weight and increase rigidity. Various steps were taken, such as the reduction of the total weight of the vehicle (by 200 kg) including the frame and the body, a lowered center of gravity, weight distribution, and improved suspension structure. Based on these changes, as well as through changes obtained through actual driving tests by evaluation members, including in-house drivers and drivers who had participated in the Dakar Rally, Toyota aimed to create a truck “that is easy to drive and does not easily tire the driver both on-road and off-road.” Continue reading →

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EU Parliament Confirms Deal on Climate Neutrality by 2050

Posted on 24 June 2021 by Ken Zino

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Global Warming and CO2A new EU Climate Law just passed increases the EU’s 2030 emissions reductions target from 40% to at least 55%. With the contribution from new carbon sinks it could go to 57%.

Parliament endorsed the Climate Law, agreed unofficially with member states in April, with 442 votes to 203 and 51 abstentions. When approved by the Council – bet on it – the EU organization representing the member states, the regulation will become a law 20 days later.

This transforms the European Green Deal’s political commitment to EU climate neutrality by 2050 into a binding obligation. It gives European citizens and businesses the legal certainty and predictability they need to plan for this transition. After 2050, the EU will aim for negative emissions. Parliament has played a significant role in pushing for more ambitious EU climate legislation and declared a climate emergency on 28 November 2019. Phasing out gas-powered vehicles and eliminating the use of oil, coal and natural gas are among measures that a new report from the International Energy Association says will be needed to reach net-zero carbon dioxide emissions globally by 2050. Continue reading →

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Mazda “Sustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030.” We’re Not Kidding

Posted on 23 June 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on Mazda Sustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030

The rotary engine has an electric future.ts.

Mazda Motor Corporation has announced its new technology and product development policy towards 2030 based on the company’s long-term vision for technology development.

Marketing babble alert: the so-called “Sustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030” is built from Mazda’s revised Medium-Term Management Plan and its desire to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, both of which were announced in the past year. Continue reading →

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EPA Range of 270, 260 miles for Mach-E GT, GT Performance

Posted on 23 June 2021 by Ken Zino

Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on Mustang Mach-E GT and GT Performance EditionToday, Ford Motor said that the Mustang Mach-E GT and Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Edition have completed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency certification and range labeling processes.

With torque1 of 634 lb.-ft. and 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds2, the Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Edition has an EPA-estimated range of 260 miles3 while the Mustang Mach-E GT has an EPA-estimated range of 270 miles3.  Your mileage can and likely will vary. Continue reading →

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Volkswagen ID.4 – Most Affordable AWD Electric Vehicle in US?

Posted on 23 June 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on Volkswagen ID.4 Battery Electric vehicle

If VW builds it will they come?

The new Volkswagen ID.4 AWD electric SUV just revealed has a starting manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $43,6751. This – at the moment – is lower than any other AWD BEV on sale in the U.S. today2. Whether this is a distinction with a saleable difference remains to be seen in the murky marketplace of BEVs – often hyped by makers, but still shunned by buyers as booming truck sales demonstrate. Light trucks accounted for 75.8% of sales in May. EVs this year might take, oh, 2%-3% of the US market. Planned EV investments jumped 41% in the past year, to $330 billion globally by 2025, according to AlixPartners. (Voltswagen is New Name for Volkswagen After Dieselgate, Electric Vehicles – a Virus That Can’t Be Controlled?, Chattanooga to Build US VW Electric Vehicles, Battery Electric Vehicles – Future or Folly?) Continue reading →

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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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