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
Today, 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
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
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
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
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
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
Toyota 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
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
“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
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
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
With 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)
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
EU Parliament Confirms Deal on Climate Neutrality by 2050
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 →