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    Talking Heads: SAE J3016
    Among the many duties of The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE International) is to provide a forum for engineers, governments, and other stakeholders to develop technical standards and best practices for the automotive sector. The SAE today houses over 9,900 documents that are the fruits of collaboration between some 15,000 experts and engineers worldwide. Among these standards, perhaps the most referenced and influential today is standard J3016. To most, J3016 is better known as the stan...
    All those in favor of smarter cockpits say AI
    With reports that consumers are starting to push back against the vogue for sleek looking, but frustrating to use, in-vehicle interfaces AI is set to be the vehicle interior designer’s secret weapon. AI could succeed in making more drivers and passengers receptive to their minimalist interiors and could banish buttons forever.  Click the link above to download the whole article.
    Titan Silicon can completely replace graphite from battery anode: Sila Nanotechnologies
    Sila’s anode material plant in Moses Lake, Washington, will produce enough material to serve up to 200,000 electric vehicles in its first phase. With Mercedes-Benz as its first official customer, Sila is working through an early qualification process with other potential customers. Sila’s innovative silicon materials can entirely replace graphite from battery anode. Berdichevsky gives a detailed account of how Sila was formed, the advantages of breakthrough silicon anodes in EV...
    INTERVIEW: Veoneer on electric/electronic (E/E) architecture migration
    The vehicle architecture is changing from a large distribution of small ECUs with small amounts of processing, memory and control code to a centralized system with fewer, more powerful hardware blocks (domain controllers, center computers) and centralized software code. This supports the software-defined vehicle and manages the increasing traffic caused mainly by sensors for advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). To learn more and continue our series of interviews with tier-1 suppliers on t...
    Talking Heads: SAE J3016
    Among the many duties of The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE International) is to provide a forum for engineers, governments, and other stakeholders to develop technical standards and best practices for the automotive sector. The SAE today houses over 9,900 documents that are the fruits of collaboration between some 15,000 experts and engineers worldwide. Among these standards, perhaps the most referenced and influential today is standard J3016. To most, J3016 is better known as the stan...
    Interior Insight: Honda CR-V
    While the fifth-generation Honda CR-V will not set pulses racing, what makes the interior stand out in a crowded marketplace? Continuing our series of interior reviews, we explore some technologies and materials for this hybrid sport utility vehicle (SUV). What is it all about? Four trim levels are available on the latest incarnation CR-V, starting with the S (manual gearbox only), rising to the SE, SR and EX. The interior of our SR press review model incorporates touches of metallic trim ...
    INTERVIEW: Aehra on the opportunities and challenges for a battery-electric vehicle startup
    The switch to electrification means there is an opportunity for startup automakers unburdened by legacy costs and investments to change the way cars are designed and built. “We assessed the waters with a few SPACs and found the level of redemptions, mixed with the cost overburden of being public too soon was entirely counterproductive.” “We see electric mobility as an opportunity, a brand leveller. Where perceptions of certain brands and products may have lagged reality in the past, u...
    The surge of lidar-equipped vehicles at the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show points toward the accelerated adoption of automated driving features
    The Shanghai Auto Show, one of the world’s most prestigious automotive events, has always been a hub for groundbreaking advancements and cutting-edge technologies. In a remarkable turn of events, the 2023 edition witnessed a surge in the number of vehicles equipped with lidar technology. From just one solitary model in 2021, a staggering 38 lidar-equipped vehicles graced the show floor in 2023, signifying a profound shift in the automotive industry. At the 2021 Shanghai Auto Show, XPeng int...
    Safety and ease of use helping higher adoption of e-mirrors in cars
    Mirrors inside and outside the cabin are considered safety critical features for drivers, and over the years mirrors have been seeing some advancement in terms of design and the addition of new tech. However, there has been a visible shift in the once modest mirrors, with the coming of electronic mirrors or e-mirrors, which score high in advantages vis-à-vis the conventional mirrors used in today’s vehicles. There are obvious reasons for the shift to take place in favor of e-mirrors, as th...
    Liquid-cooling key to efficiency, performance of ultra-fast EV chargers
    Although the stakeholders ranging from vehicle and battery manufacturers, charging network operators and policymakers are working together to ensure large-scale EV adoption, range anxiety and long battery charging durations continue to be among the primary roadblocks, deterring the consumers to buy into the EVs globally. According to the US auto lobby Alliance for Automotive Innovation (AAI), battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) comprised only 7% of the new light-duty vehicle sales in 2022, with ...
    Are plant-based materials the future of the automotive interior?
    Industries around the globe are focusing on cutting carbon emissions and developing sustainable products using eco-friendly methods. A vehicle’s interior comprises various materials with a focus on offering a premium feel. Historically, the interior of higher trims use leather, and while it is still widely used, faux leather and plant-based materials generally made of plant waste have seen significant growth over the last few years. What does “vegan” interior mean? As consumer sentim...
    Collaborations driving in-car audio customization
    The in-car audio and acoustic experience will likely be a key differentiator in the increasingly connected, electrified and autonomous vehicles of today and the future. Sound management technologies are rapidly evolving as automakers look to add that X factor in their vehicles while enhancing the overall passenger experience. Audio systems are no longer viewed in a static, “ship-it-and-forget-it” way. They can be a continuously updated platform used to extend the relationship with the consum...
    What slowing the take-off of autonomous vehicles could mean for seat suppliers?
    The euphoria around highly autonomous vehicles has softened a bit lately. This has cast a shadow on the timelines for their commercialization. A few years ago, the rising investments on autonomous driving projects by OEMs had encouraged automotive seating suppliers to also invest in research and development (R&D) of key components and systems for such vehicles. With slowing activities around self-driving vehicles, suppliers are also having to redraw their plans. Vehicles with Level 4/5 au...
    Charging infrastructure incentives gain momentum in key EV markets
    Many industry studies, including the S&P Global Mobility consumer survey conducted in 2022, have found that “limited access to electric vehicle charging infrastructure” was one of the primary challenges toward electrification. Low numbers of EVs on the road meant low return on investment (ROI) for charging station operators, which led to inadequate deployment of charging infrastructure. This in turn dissuaded potential customers from buying EVs.  To break out of this vicious circ...
    All those in favor of smarter cockpits say AI
    With reports that consumers are starting to push back against the vogue for sleek looking, but frustrating to use, in-vehicle interfaces AI is set to be the vehicle interior designer’s secret weapon. AI could succeed in making more drivers and passengers receptive to their minimalist interiors and could banish buttons forever.  Click the link above to download the whole article.
    Graphene in motion: Advancing automotive technology with nanomaterials
    By incorporating graphene into plastics, its benefits include enhanced mechanical properties, improved thermal management and increased electrical conductivity. Graphene integration into composites strengthens materials while improving conductivity. These applications span across structural parts, coatings, tires, electronics, fluids, propulsion and energy storage. The environmental impact is positive, as graphene reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, exhibits enhanced recyclability, an...
    Titan Silicon can completely replace graphite from battery anode: Sila Nanotechnologies
    Sila’s anode material plant in Moses Lake, Washington, will produce enough material to serve up to 200,000 electric vehicles in its first phase. With Mercedes-Benz as its first official customer, Sila is working through an early qualification process with other potential customers. Sila’s innovative silicon materials can entirely replace graphite from battery anode. Berdichevsky gives a detailed account of how Sila was formed, the advantages of breakthrough silicon anodes in EV...
    INTERVIEW: Vitesco Technologies on electric/electronic (E/E) architecture migration
    The software-defined vehicle architecture is poised to bring about a transformative shift in the automotive industry by facilitating a flexible and adaptable solution for the assimilation of cutting-edge technologies, features and services like charging infrastructure, predictive maintenance, autonomous driving, connected vehicle, enhanced safety systems, as well as financial technology and blockchain. This necessitates a comprehensive reimagining of the vehicle E/E architecture, especially the ...
    Interview: Harman on audio and sound technologies
    Audio systems are no longer viewed in a static, “ship it and forget it” way. They can be a continuously updated platform and used to extend the relationship between the consumer and original equipment manufacturer. Immersive audio experiences such as seat-based or headrest-based speakers becoming mainstream applications remains a holy grail pursuit in the automotive audio space. Shared mobility is another driver for development. Providing multiple users their own unique audio experience, w...
    Interior Insight: Toyota bZ4X
    The Toyota bZ4X, similar in size to the RAV4, marks the Japanese brand’s first battery-electric vehicle (BEV) and the first of a series of bZ products launched globally. Its name references the size of the car – 4 for mid-size – and the vehicle type, in this case, X for crossover SUV. Continuing our series of interior reviews, we explore some technologies and materials for this all-electric SUV. What’s it all about? The bZ4X is available in front- and all-wheel drive versions. The ...
    Move over Google and Apple, automotive companies are creating their own app stores
    As the automobile becomes more connected and software-defined, automotive original equipment manufacturers and component suppliers alike are constantly seeking to transcend their role as manufacturers to become technology partners throughout the vehicle's life cycle. Apps designed specifically for automotive use have become increasingly popular in recent years as drivers and passengers expect a level of functionality and features that are on par with their smartphones. However, as smartphone ...
    3D printing drives innovation in the automotive industry_A look at major players
    The automotive industry is adopting additive manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing, to produce complex parts, reduce expenses, save time and weight, and provide greater design flexibility. The electronics industry is also expected to become a significant customer of 3D printing technology, especially for advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), owing to the benefits of 3D-printed circuits in reducing volume and optimizing pathways. The development of more advanced printers and process...
    Electrified vehicle segment moving to more advanced Silicon Carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) technology for DC/DC converters
    Batteries and motors are the two main components that come to mind when we think of performance and efficiency in an electrified vehicle. However, power electronics equipped in a vehicle play an equally important role in determining these two attributes of the vehicles. Power electronics components such as the inverter, DC/DC converter, onboard charger (OBC) and charging connector can help improve the efficiency of the overall system, thus increasing the range of the vehicle and reducing ch...
    Auto Shanghai 2023: A review of UI/UX solutions
    The recently concluded biennial Auto Shanghai 2023 show made a strong comeback after the pandemic and several top brand-OEMs and suppliers provided a glimpse into the future of the auto industry through their latest technologies. New-energy vehicles (NEVs) clearly drew a lot of interest and generated a buzz at the show. Besides the obvious shift in powertrain technologies, there is also a bigger technological pivot that is taking place inside the cockpit. Several innovative products, technolo...
    Interior Insight: Nissan Qashqai
    The Nissan Qashqai initiated a trend for the compact-crossover sport utility vehicle (SUV) way back in 2007. Since then, the market has been flooded with them, with 26 direct competitors in Europe alone. Continuing our series of interior reviews, we explore some technologies and materials of this third-generation model. Infotainment The 9-inch display screen provides access to satellite navigation, entertainment and vehicle settings, and is compatible with both Android Auto and Apple CarP...
    Chip-export restrictions to mainland China: impacts on automotive players
    Japan has announced export controls on 23 types of advanced semiconductor-manufacturing equipment, in response to US pressure to limit mainland China's access to the technology. Japan's export controls are seen as an attempt to limit mainland China's access to semiconductor technology. The move, which is expected to come into force in July, will affect around 10 major companies including Nikon and Tokyo Electron. These companies would need to get licenses to ship a broader-than-expected array of...
    Fuel for Thought: ICE shakeout
    The time for denial is over. There are still suppliers of parts related to internal combustion engines that are steadfast in their belief that the looming (and eventual) shift away from ICE toward any number of battery-electric propulsion formats is just a passing fad. In their view, scores of OEMs, suppliers, dealers and infrastructure partners have it completely wrong. They believe that the billions in investment earmarked in virtually every major global market to build a new ecosystem are cap...
    Zone controllers expand vehicle networking capability
    In vehicle electrical and electronic (E/E) architecture, a zone controller is a type of electronic control unit (ECU) that is responsible for managing and coordinating the various subsystems within a particular area, or "zone," of the vehicle. The zone controller acts as an intermediary between these subsystems and the main vehicle network, facilitating communication and ensuring that the subsystems are working together in a coordinated and efficient manner. This allows for greater flexibility i...
    Can OEMs provide an alternative to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay? GM thinks so.
    In early April, US automaker General Motors Co. (GM) made an announcement that took the industry by surprise. The original equipment manufacturer plans to phase out popular smartphone pairing systems — Google’s Android Auto and Apple’s CarPlay — in its future electric vehicle (EV) portfolio and replace them with its own maps, assistance and music through in-built infotainment systems. This is to offer a seamless user experience that will better integrate the connected services in its EVs...
    LFP battery making its position stronger in light EV segment
    For decades, the desire to find a middle ground between cost and performance has been driving the automotive industry toward newer, more efficient technologies. As the age of automotive electrification dawns, we see this happening more prominently, especially for batteries. Batteries account for the biggest share (around 30-40%) in the cost of an electric vehicle (EV). Any reduction in this cost will help bring cost parity between an EV and an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. Althoug...
    LED light bars becoming key trend in exterior illumination in vehicles
    LED light bars are becoming a new trend in exterior lighting in vehicles. Automakers are equipping their select new models with such light bars, either in front or rear or both. In the front, the white LED light bar often appears to connect the two day-time-running lights (DRL), giving an impression of side-to-side lighting on the front bumper. Together with the DRLs, the front light bar helps automakers create a distinct light signature for the model. Automakers started offering a light bar ...
    Interior Insight: Lexus NX
    The Lexus NX has curb appeal in spades. However, what of the interior? The second-generation model introduces new infotainment, connectivity and convenience technologies. Continuing our series of reviews, we explore some interior technologies and materials of this midsize luxury sport utility vehicle (SUV). Welcome As part of the NX’s welcome sequence, the instrument panel, door handles, puddle lights and daytime running lights illuminate as the door is opened. On closing the door, the ...
    Charging ahead: McLaren Applied on the next ‘wave’ of electrification
    UK-based McLaren Applied is a specialist in vehicle electrification, particularly inverters. It recently struck a deal with STMicroelectronics for the supply of silicon carbide power modules for its 800V inverter. Inverter technology is rapidly adopting silicon carbide semiconductors, and McLaren has turned to the Geneva-based company in the absence of a local supply chain. To learn more about the inverters market and the migration from distributed ECU E/E architecture to a centralized zona...
    INTERVIEW: Can driving simulators reflect reality?
    Driving simulators have always attempted to connect real people with imaginary vehicles. The fundamental principle is not new; however, the technology used to make this happen is a moving target. Since the 1990s, driving simulators have taken on many forms — from small-scale gaming/ entertainment systems to the large-scale systems used by vehicle manufacturers for their product research and development (R&D) activities. The variation in driving simulator designs has mos...
    Rare earth elements sourcing – a potential bottleneck for e-motors?
    Vehicle electrification is one of the crucial ways in which countries around the world are planning to meet their decarbonization targets and green goals. As of 2023, there are 11.8 million battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) in operation globally, which is projected to reach 44.8 million by 2030 and 65.66 million by 2035. In addition to batteries, e-motors play a critical role in ensuring the driving range and performance of a BEV. An e-motor with high power density and high efficiency can reduce ...
    Rethinking the automotive value chain - software's role in revolution
    With Level 2+ autonomous vehicles nearing mass-market adoption and the era of the software-defined vehicle fast approaching, a new battle for control is set to emerge. Click the link above to download the full article.
    Tesla's new direction: Cutting Silicon Carbide use in EVs
    Known for pushing the boundaries of innovation in the automobile industry, US automaker Tesla announced that it plans to slash the use of Silicon Carbide (SiC) transistors by 75% in its EVs (electric vehicles). During Tesla's Investor Day presentation in 2023, which was largely focused on efficiency and cost control, Colin Campbell, Tesla's powertrain engineering leader, discussed how the company plans to reduce the cost of their EV powertrains while maintaining high performance and energy effic...
    Semi-active dampers are finding their way into more vehicles
    The global shock absorber market has seen significant advancements in technology in the past decade. The focus has been on creating dampers with varying damping rates to suit different road conditions. However, there have also been advancements in subcomponents such as valve placement, fluid type and tube architecture to enhance driver comfort and safety on bumpy roads. Revolutionizing suspension: Advancements in shock absorber technologies drive market diversity The market for shock absor...
    Integrated thermal management systems set to witness high uptake from OEMs for EVs
    Advances in battery and charging technology, along with stricter emissions norms and regulations, are paving the way for electric vehicles (EVs). As a matter of fact, many original equipment manufacturers have announced plans to turn their product line completely or partially into electric by the end of this decade. However, EVs’ limited range, efficiency and longer charging time are major obstacles that continue to hinder their large-scale adoption. While companies continue to work to improve...
    Growth of the heads-up display — a HMI essential for your car
    Heads-up display (HUD) is a projection technology or a virtual transparent display of information that has its origins in military aviation but has been inside cars for a while now. HUDs first went into automotive production with General Motors (GM) back in 1988 as a highly niche product and remained nascent until demand began increasing in recent years. Critical driving-related information, such as speed, safe distance warnings or navigational data, is directly projected within the driver’...
    Navigating the changes: Implications of general safety regulation for automotive ecosystem
    To keep up with the technological advances and to better protect road users, EU has revised its General Safety Regulation with Regulation 2019/2144, (GSR II). It introduces a range of mandatory advanced driver assistant systems (ADAS) to improve road safety and establishes parts of the legal framework for the approval of automated and fully driverless vehicles in the EU. GSR II covers all motor vehicles (including passenger cars, light commercial vehicles (LCVs), buses, trucks and trailers), wit...
    Talking Heads: Forever chemicals
    Last January, five European countries - Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden - submitted a proposal to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) to restrict PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in the EU under the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation. The group are calling for an EU ban on PFAS as early as 2026, pointing to recent studies that have linked the chemicals’ exposure to a wide range of health problems. The proposed r...
    Interior Insight: Honda HR-V
    This Insight marks the first in a new series of car interior reviews that takes a closer look at an array of technologies and materials packaged in the cabin. Launched in Europe in late 2021, the Honda HR-V is the latest model in the carmaker’s line-up to wear the e:HEV badge, following the refreshed CR-V and Jazz.  Cockpit In Europe, three trim levels are available on the third-generation HR-V, starting with the Elegance, rising to the Advance and Advance Style. The cockpit across ...
    Webasto well positioned to meet strong demand for sunroofs in India
    In a market such as India, the sunroof is an aspirational feature that new car buyers would like to have in their new vehicles if price is not a constraint. When vehicle sales started picking up in the early 2000s, Webasto expected India to become a key market for sunroof systems. The Germany-based supplier is the global market leader in sunroof systems with nearly 40% share in 2022.   Webasto entered the Indian market in 2003, first as a joint venture with a local supplier before taking...
    Rear seat entertainment: Gimmick or a feature that’s here to stay?
    The rear seat entertainment comprises video, audio, conferences and gaming with faster-evolving digital radio and TV. What propelled this shift is the progression in technologies, such as connected cars, higher wireless connectivity like WiFi, and 5G, intensifying the universe of entertainment at the rear seat. Increasingly, passengers are consuming media and utilising various tools for work and entertainment while on the go.  Rear seat entertainment (RSE) is no longer confined to just p...
    Fewer EVs qualify through US Treasury’s guidelines on battery sourcing
    On March 31, the US Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released proposed guidance on the new clean vehicle provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which was signed into law in August 2022. Aimed at incentivizing the domestic production of electric vehicles (EV) and batteries and reducing dependency on foreign supply chains, the proposed guidance, according to the US government, intends to provide clarity and certainty to manufacturers on the IRA requiremen...
    EVangelists: Putting the electric cart before the power generation horsepower?
    One of the most recognized patterns in current well-to-wheel analysis is the differentiation of localized power generation sources and supply chain contributions to the overall carbon footprint of vehicles. Experts like Kelly Senecal rightly point out that in many cases, the power grid is dirtier than a hybrid, even when vehicles manufacturing energy sources are responsibly developed.  Click the link above to download the full article.
    The steel conundrum: Can stronger and more malleable grades hold their ground?
    Steel drives ahead: The strong and cost-effective backbone of mass-produced vehicles Ferrous metals, especially steel, have long been the primary material used in the automotive industry owing to their strength and durability. However, the rising market share of other materials like carbon fiber and aluminum has caused concerns about steel’s competitiveness. Despite this, advanced high-strength steels and improvements in production processes have enabled steel to retain its market dominance...
    Can the growing ambient lighting market drive focus on driver alerting systems?
    The growth of in-vehicle technologies has led to automakers offering customer-centric solutions, which have become key selling points. From bigger displays to swivel seats, the vehicle interior now is all about optimization for customer comfort and convenience. Ambient lighting represents an interesting aspect. With the advancement in lighting technologies, designers have been able to reimagine in-cabin lighting, going beyond the traditional set up to use different colors and customize the brigh...
    Automakers look to bolster digital revenues
    A host of global automakers have revealed how digital services are powering their revenue streams in the recent past, and as the number of such services increases, OEMs expect revenues from such services to be the next big puller of cash. OEMs, including Mercedes-Benz, General Motors (GM) and Stellantis, are putting a lot of thrust into boosting the digital offering that would allow them to expand their revenue pools from these services. As the connected car population continues to grow at a rap...
    INTERVIEW: Continental on the HUD market
    Once the domain of jet fighter aircraft, heads-up displays (HUDs) are becoming popular in cars. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is under consideration to prioritize situational and contextual content in augmented reality (AR) HUDs. Regulations could control display content thereby limiting the use cases for AR HUDs. Although HUDs first went into production back in 1988 with GM, the technology had been very slow in gaining traction in the last couple of decades. However, in the l...
    Chassis controllers in the age of electric and autonomous vehicles
    Demand is increasing for high-performance controllers for chassis systems in the transition to centralized electrical/electronic architecture (EEA) The demand for dedicated high-performance controllers for chassis systems is increasing because of the rising computational and data handling requirements at high levels of driving autonomy, and the need to maximize vehicle stability during emergency maneuvers at higher speeds. The driver of this demand is the auto sector's transition to centraliz...
    INTERVIEW: Role of leather in sustainable interior design
    Given that passenger wellbeing is high on the agenda, consumers are prioritizing in-vehicle relaxation and seeking comforting tactile and visual cues that can enhance that feeling. Customization is another big trend. OEMs are expanding their luxury offerings to enable customers to express their personalities and lifestyles more visibly. Interior design is also trending toward more digitalized surface qualities, e.g., integrated touch controls, design effects and lighting. The desire to embra...
    Demand for EVs with high-voltage architecture and bi-directional charging to increase
    A recurring point of view of most industry watchers on the electric vehicle (EV) charging industry is that the speed of charging and easy access to charging networks will be among the most important factors that will help accelerate adoption of EVs globally. According to the S&P Global 2022 E-Mobility Consumer Survey on EV ownership and intention, nearly 43% and around 40% of the respondents, respectively, indicated the lack of charging station availability and time required for charging to ...
    Development of EV fast charging calls for more efficient battery thermal management systems
    Increased focus on sustainability coupled with several regulations and legislations related to stricter (zero) emission norms is paving the way for electric vehicles (EVs). Additionally, advances in battery and charging technology, along with various incentives are further bolstering the adoption of EVs worldwide. With the slow but steady demise of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, and many OEMs announcing plans to go completely electric by 2030–35, EVs will become mainstream in marke...
    INTERVIEW: Sustainable alternatives for in-cabin materials
    Automotive interior design study initially focuses on the use of sustainable materials for “A” surface applications and discovers that there is wider-reaching potential.  Design and engineering consultancy Callum’s recipe for a sustainable car interior includes coffee, lentils, eggshells, rice, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles and walnut shells that have the potential to meet car interior production feasibility by 2030.  Like the design of electric vehicles (EVs), con...
    How connected services are becoming integral to the success of EVs
    Connectivity is increasingly driving adoption and proliferation of electric vehicles (EVs), thanks to their higher software content and electronic architecture. Vehicle connectivity and electrification are inherently discrete concepts, yet they complement and reinforce each other. While connectivity is indispensable for all new vehicles today, EVs simply cannot operate efficiently without it. Automakers are leveraging connectivity to constantly update EVs’ software and add new features and fun...
    Global demand for light FCEVs expected to grow at 25% CAGR during 2021–34
    Currently, although battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) are the frontrunners in the race of alternative propulsion methods, they also come with their own set of challenges ranging from issues related to range anxiety and longer battery-recharging time, to raw materials needed for batteries. Hydrogen as a fuel holds immense promise with its clean burning, high-energy density (gravimetric energy density of hydrogen when stored under high pressure or liquid form is about 120 MJ/kg, which is approximat...
    Europe moves closer to implementing battery passports for EV batteries
    The European Parliament and the Council of the European Union reached a provisional agreement on a proposal to strengthen the sustainability rules for batteries in December 2022. The Parliament and the Council said they are also open to further discussions on the new technological developments and future challenges pertaining to the batteries and battery materials. The negotiating representatives on both sides agreed that a carbon footprint declaration and label must be made mandatory for batter...
    The bigger the better – why the industry prefers panoramic sunroofs
    Demand for sunroofs have shot up over the last couple of years and is expected to grow even further this decade. Sunroofs offer the flexibility of natural lighting in the cabin. The trend is now focused on lightweighting and coating technologies that enable convenient yet safe solutions to thermal needs as well as blocking harmful rays. Demand According to S&P Global’s Component Forecast Analytics (CFA) data, the global demand for sunroof systems (including fixed and power sunroof sy...
    Power politics over ICE ban – Will OEMs get their way?
    In October 2022, EU lawmakers agreed on a new carbon dioxide (CO2) fleet regulation for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, adopting the target of zero CO2 emissions by 2035. As CO2 emissions are measured exclusively at the tailpipe, this decision is effectively a ban on vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICEs). Although a final rubber-stamp vote by EU member states was scheduled for earlier this March, a coalition of EU countries (led by Germany) is now looking to oppose th...
    Interview with Harman: Tomorrow’s Driver Monitoring Systems
    OEM interest in driver monitoring systems (DMS) is regulatory driven, currently based on drowsiness distraction and Child Presence Detection (CPD). Consumers want safety and wellbeing experiences in their car, seeking for it to become part of their digital-health ecosystem. Supporting subscriptions is part of Harman’s envisaged business model. The idea of a car watching the driver is not new. Systems that scrutinize the driver’s gaze for signs of drowsiness have been around for year...
    Suppliers to the new Ford Transit Custom
    The Ford Transit Custom is produced at its plant in Kocaeli, Turkey. S&P Global Mobility forecasts that the highest year of production for this vehicle will be 2024, when more than 175390 units will be produced.
    Suppliers to the new Mercedes Benz AMG GT
     The Mercedes-Benz AMG GT production takes place at Mercedes' plant in Bremen, Germany. The vehicle is expected to peak at more than 6648 in 2024, according to S&P Global Mobility forecast.
    Talking Heads: Software defined vehicles
    Software-defined vehicles (SDVs) have been everywhere these past few months, with the noise reaching a crescendo after the recent CES in Las Vegas. Trouble is, it’s not exactly new. It’s just that the auto industry loves a mega trend or a concept that helps explain everything. And to be fair, SDV does knit together a whole gamut of developments in the industry rather neatly.  Click the link above to download the whole article.
    Assessing Tesla's in-house chips plan: it's complicated
    One of the key highlights of Tesla’s recent Investor Day was their commitment to move to 100% in-house designed microcontroller units (MCUs). This would take the percentage inhouse from 20% in the Model S to 85% in the Cybertruck with 100% achieved for the next generation vehicle. From an implementation standpoint their target is not impractical, and their history suggests the goal is in line with their accomplishments to date. However, whether it’s a target they ought to be aiming at...
    How does a ban on US AI chip exports to mainland China affect automotive industry players?
    The US government has unveiled a new artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductor export limits strategy for mainland China in October 2022. The limitations prevent major US AI computer chip designers, like NVIDIA and AMD, from exporting their high-end AI and supercomputing processors to mainland China. NVIDIA revealed in a regulatory filing that it needs permission from Washington to continue selling some high-end chips to mainland China. These AI accelerators are installed in large datace...
    Talking Heads: Tesla Investor Day
    On March 1, Tesla hosted its Investor Day, where it presented ‘Master Plan 3’, the sequel to Master Plan outings in 2006 and 2016. While earlier plans were greeted enthusiastically by investors, the third met with a muted response from the markets with the stock falling by 6%.  Click the link above to download the full article.
    Tesla Investor Day 2023: Tesla focuses on the ‘big picture’
    Tesla's co-founder and CEO Elon Musk believes that the desire for people to own a Tesla car is very high. The limiting factor is the (un)affordability of these cars. Remedying that seems to be the next goal for Musk as he wants to reduce the cost of producing the next-generation Tesla models by almost half, making them more affordable. On 1 March, Tesla hosted its Investor’s Day at its Texas gigafactory, where it presented its ‘Master Plan 3’, which succeeds the previous two Master...
    Automotive OEMs emphasize pragmatic progress over big leaps in autonomy
    OEMs adopt various strategies around product development, technology selection, and collaboration with other OEMs, tier-1 suppliers, and technology players. In order to gain a competitive advantage, OEMs brand and package optional and standard advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) features that enhance the attractiveness of their products. Recently, several OEMs tried to launch automated driving features in their flagship models, whereas others tried to perfect their ADAS features and incr...
    LEDs and beyond: How light source is revolutionizing automotive lighting
    Light-emitting diode (LED) was first used as a light source in vehicles nearly four decades ago for center high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) function in the 1984 GM Corvette sports car. At that time only red LED light was available, therefore it could be only used for certain rear lighting functions such as taillight and stop light. In the 1990s, lighting companies developed a green LED and a blue LED, which eventually made it possible to create full-color light displays. However, a major breakt...
    Greater China to drive digital instrument cluster demand
    Digitization of the vehicle cabin has led to many customer-centric innovations, which focus on reducing driver distraction and offer smooth interface and user experience. Companies are constantly making advances in displays, such as the center stack display (CSD), due to growing in-vehicle connected applications. This trend has also set the instrument cluster (IC) market toward digitalization. Global demand for ICs will likely rise to more than 88 million by 2028 from around 77 million in 202...
    INTERVIEW: Improving brake feel in the electric era
    One of the fundamental differences with EVs, compared with ICE vehicles, is the complex hybrid braking system. The integration of the traditional mechanical brake and the electric regenerative system is incredibly challenging. Ensuring the brake system feels consistent to what consumers have already become accustomed to could become a key purchasing decision. Traditionally, ‘brake feel’ has only been evaluated using subjective opinions but AB Dynamics has developed a means to add crucial obj...
    INTERVIEW: "We are very optimistic about the future," says Glyn Jones, country manager and president of Gestamp India
    Gestamp has been present in the Indian market for over 15 years, operating three manufacturing facilities and a technical center. The Spain-based company showcased several innovative solutions at the Auto Expo 2023. In a conversation with S&P Global’s Om Sharma on the sidelines of the auto show Glyn Jones, country manager and president of Gestamp India, shared his views on the demand scenario for its solutions in the India automotive market. Edited excerpts: Gestamp presence in India ...
    Suppliers to the 2023 Volvo EX90
    The Volvo EX90 is built at Volvo's Charleston, South Carolina plant. The full-sized SUV is expected to peak at more than 46585 in 2024, according to S&P Global Mobility forecast.
    CES 2023: Industry players committed to software-defined-vehicles with chipset consolidation
    The first Consumer Electronic Show kicked off in 1967, with 250 exhibitors and 17,500 attendees in New York City. Since then, CES has grown by more than 10-fold and now encompasses traditional and non-traditional tech industries. Following limited participation in the last few editions owing to the impact of COVID-19, the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas was back in full swing this year. Automotive companies showcased new concepts and products with a huge chunk dedicated to UI/UX. C...
    Update on Android Automotive OS: Which automakers have bought in?
    While Android Automotive is gaining traction in the automotive operating system (OS) market, the key point to look out for will be how many carmakers will subscribe to Google Automotive Services (GAS). The GAS suite provides options for automakers to embed a series of services from Google including Maps, Play Store, and Assistant. GAS is offered through a licensing model to automakers and is built on top of the Android Automotive OS. This updated article looks at the automakers who have already ...
    CES 2023: An overview of UI/UX solutions
    Following limited participation in the last few editions due to the impact of COVID-19, the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas was back in full swing this year. Automotive companies showcased new concepts and products with a huge chunk dedicated to UI/UX. Displays New and innovative displays were showcased by many big suppliers. Continental displayed its curved ultrawide display, which has a width of 1.29 m, curving from one A-pillar to the other. The 47.5-inch Thin Film Tr...
    Acquisition of Veoneer’s active safety business provides Magna new growth opportunity
    The automotive technology company Veoneer has announced that it has entered into an agreement with Magna International to acquire Veoneer's Active Safety business from SSW Partners, a New York–based investment partnership for USD1.525 billion in cash, subject to working capital and other customary purchase price adjustments. Veoneer's expertise in active safety and product portfolio, combined with Magna's Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) business, will enhance the combined company ...
    NOVELIC: “ADAS is expected to have high growth rates even in times of crises”
    NOVELIC is a leading self-sustaining provider of mm Wave radar sensors, perception solutions, and full stack embedded systems. It has a large portfolio of mm Wave radar sensors and IPs and develops custom products for automotive, autonomous driving, robotics, Industry 4.0, and Internet of Things (IoT) systems. At the Auto Expo, S&P Global’s Sr Analyst Rohan Hazarika spoke with Jure Galic, Business Development and Marketing Executive at NOVELIC, about the partnership with Sona Comstar. Edit...
    Unable to find investors, Britishvolt files for insolvency
    Battery startup Britishvolt filed a notice to appoint an administrator in the insolvency courts in the UK on January 17, 2023, after failing to raise funds from new and existing investors to keep the business afloat. While a majority of 300 existing employees have lost their jobs as an immediate consequence of Britishvolt’s liquidation, the development is also being seen as a blow to the UK government’s efforts of establishing a flourishing ecosystem for electric vehicle (EV) and battery man...
    Talking Heads: CES – the wrap
    In 2023, some 300 exhibitors showcased their vehicle technology. Its increasing importance – usurping the traditional auto shows like NAIAS, Paris, IAA and Geneva along the way – is demonstrated if we wind back the clock to 2014. Then, there were just nine OEMs present and some 125 automotive technology exhibitors. With this growth has also come maturity. The 2023 CES was less about fanciful concepts and more about tangible. Click the link above to download the full article.
    Suppliers to the new Jeep Avenger
    Jeep first electric vehicle (EV) named Avenger is produced in Stellantis plant in Tychy, Poland. S&P Global Mobility forecasts that the highest year of production for C4 X will be 2024, when more than 72726 units will be produced.  
    Visual interaction is moving to the forefront of HMI design
    Automotive display HMI is growing in demand owning to convenience features and enhancing customer experience. Moreover, in the coming years development of multi-display will not only provide greater freedom of information usage and control between driver and passenger, but it will also reduce product development complexities and costs for automakers. Although, in real-terms automakers will invest more during the initial years to gain longer-term benefits. Automakers are also engaged in the devel...
    Breaking down UI/UX consumer survey 2022
    The annual consumer survey conducted by S&P Global in 2022 yielded some interesting results on consumer sentiment related to in-vehicle displays, speech, touch, and other human-machine interface (HMI) products and technologies, such as wireless charging. Let us first look at the methodology used. The 20-minute survey was shared with more than 8,000 respondents, aged 18 and older and with access to internet. It was evenly split across eight countries, namely the United States, Japan, South...
    Automotive semiconductor revenue outlook 2022
    The automotive semiconductor companies’ have declared their third-quarter financial results for the year, as the companies continued to execute their strategy. Some of the companies have performed better-than-expected quarterly results. However, the year 2022 is still very volatile, making it difficult to predict the semiconductor company’s short-term automotive revenues.   S&P Global Mobility has considered the pulse of top chip suppliers from third-quarter earnings to estimate ...
    BorgWarner spins off fuel systems, aftermarket businesses to sharpen EV focus
    In an attempt to sharpen its focus on electric vehicle (EV) technologies while accelerating growth under the “Charging Forward” strategy, the Michigan-based automotive component supplier BorgWarner Inc. said on December 6, 2022, that it plans to spin off its fuel systems and aftermarket businesses into a separate, publicly traded company (NewCo). The announcement comes amid the ongoing global shift to EVs as both automakers and component suppliers transition supply chains and their respec...
    Automotive lighting in 2022: a year of consolidation and innovations
    The automotive lighting supply industry further consolidated in 2022 leading to the emergence of a new player. In the first quarter, Plastic Omnium, a major supplier of automotive exterior systems, agreed to acquire the Automotive Lighting Systems (AMLS) business from AMS Osram. The French supplier claimed the acquisition offers significant synergies and value addition to its exterior body system business.  Plastic Omnium further strengthened its presence in automotive lighting when it e...
    Autonomous roadmap: Euro NCAP's stance
    The mobility industry is swiftly moving toward a future where vehicles can assist the driving task to a high degree and even automate the driving. The safety benefits of assisted and automated technologies are becoming apparent as time passes, making them increasingly important to driving safety. The current safety rating methodologies will not be sufficient to assess these vehicles. As cars become more crash avoidance–oriented, a new approach to rating them will be needed. European New Car...
    Talking Heads: Key themes for 2023
    The current year has again been dominated by the chip crisis. Overlaid on this has been the worsening macroeconomic position due to the fallout from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has had knock-on effects for the industry in terms of demand surety. In turn this has brought an end to the era of cheap capital, which has served to slow the burgeoning mobility startup ecosystem. In the broader sense the sector looks set to be heading to a phase where demand-side considerations replace the curren...
    Tracking supplier investments and sustainability initiatives in the green EV tire market
    Demands for tires with sustainable material compositions and a high compatibility with the unique requirements associated with electric drivetrain systems has led to the creation of a new green electric vehicle (EV) tire market with leading tier-1 suppliers ramping up development and commercial availability of the specific tires across vehicle segments (conventional and high-performance), tire segments (season-specific as well as original/aftermarket), and geographical markets. While high pro...
    Breaking down the tech behind green EV tires
    While tire development programs have historically primarily been focused toward addressing requirements associated with a specific vehicle model’s driving dynamics (e.g., wheel load, spring rates, damping, suspension kinematics and elasticities, engine performance, and velocity), expansion of the global electric vehicle (EV) sector over the last few years, along with a progressive rise in regulatory focus on corporate sustainability and carbon neutrality has driven OEM demand for a fundamental...
    Market outlook for V2X technologies
    The scope of vehicle-to-everything (V2X) as a technology is ever increasing. The shift to autonomous mobility has led to a need for safe and secure technologies across the entire mobility spectrum. OEMs, suppliers, research institutes, and government bodies have been conducting tests to figure out the potential of the technology. According to S&P Component Forecast Analysis, demand for V2X is expected to grow from over 600,000 units in 2022 to nearly 14 million by 2027. The growth will be...
    Suppliers to the new Maserati GranTurismo
    The new Maserati  GranTurismo is produced at Stellantis' Mirafiori plant in Turin. S&P Global Mobility forecasts that the highest year of production for this vehicle will be 2024, when more than 3744 units will be produced.
    How challenging will the proposed Euro 7 norms be for the industry to comply with?
    On 9 November 2022, the European Commission presented a proposal to implement Euro 7 emission norms in Europe for new light duty vehicles (cars and vans) from 1 July 2025 and for heavy-duty vehicles (lorries and buses) from 1 July 2027. Succeeding Euro 6 norms, which was implemented in 2014, the Euro 7 mandate is going to be the final set of regulations for the internal combustion engines (ICEs), before new gas-powered cars and vans are phased out from production and sales by 2035 in Europe. ...
    Update on the semiconductor shortage and outlook for 2023 and beyond
    From the first rumblings out of China in December 2020 the semiconductor has gone on to dominate discussions around the automotive sector. The issues are still ongoing – just last week Jaguar Land Rover announced it was slowing production of certain models due to a continuing supply squeeze – and a few voices in the industry are being heard speculating that the crunch will last until 2026. To get a perspective on the current situation and future developments we talked with Jeremie Bouchaud, ...
    Market scope for automotive branded audio
    Similar with most interior features in a vehicle, audio systems have been significantly upgraded in the last decade. A high-quality sound system has always been a key criterion while purchasing a vehicle and with advancement of infotainment systems, and the growth of voice assistant solutions, demand has only strengthened. In the premium segment, the automotive speaker market is spearheaded by well-known consumer electronic companies, such as Bose and HARMAN, which brand includes JBL. Meanwhile,...
    Vehicle lighting projection to gain traction with increasing emphasis on exterior, interior lighting safety
    In recent years, the automotive sector has undergone a technological revolution. Many of the vehicle's traditional sectors have become more technically advanced. The automobile user no longer regards it as a sole demand that the car be merely a mode of transportation, but also a comfortable environment in which to enjoy the ride. Work is being done to produce more inventive lighting systems for vehicles to satisfy the requirements of adapting to modern mobility. Image projection systems are one ...
    Talking Heads: CASE on the road to nowhere?
    The CASE megatrends – connected, autonomous, shared and electric – in case you’ve not been paying attention, have been the hot topics of the automotive industry in the past decade. They’ve even given rise to talk of the industry in the whole as the mobility industry rather than the more prosaic automotive industry. But is the CASE narrative running into trouble? Hot on the heels of the news that Ford and VW were exiting their Argo AI autonomous driving technology venture came news out...
    What does Argo AI’s departure mean for autonomous industry players?
    The Volkswagen- and Ford-backed autonomous technology joint venture Argo AI is shutting down. Both automakers are shifting their strategies to autonomous cars. “In coordination with our shareholders, the decision has been made that Argo AI will not continue on its mission as a company,” Argo AI said in a statement. “Many of the employees will receive an opportunity to continue work on automated driving technology with either Ford or Volkswagen, while employment for others will unfortunatel...
    Highlights from the 2022 Paris Motor Show
    The biennial Paris Motor Show (Mondial de l'Automobile in French) alternates with the Frankfurt Motor Show. The 2022 edition, which took place from 17–23 October 2022 at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, returned in four years after the last one planned in March 2020 was canceled due to the pandemic. The 2022 edition of the show also indicated that automotive shows are becoming a diminishing affair. The list of no-shows included Stellantis’s Fiat, Maserati and Alfa-Romeo brands; VW and ...
    Key takeaways from Qualcomm analyst day
    Qualcomm conducted its first automotive investor day on 22 September 2022. In the past, the automotive industry was considered a minor part of the multiple sectors Qualcomm covers. As a result of ongoing trends in the automotive industry, such as connected mobility and autonomous driving, Qualcomm's technologies are in high demand, and their adoption is accelerating. The automotive sector generates predictable long-term earnings growth and diversification for Qualcomm and is growing into an impo...
    Geothermal brines: The key to low-emission localized lithium supply chains?
    The progressive rise in vehicle electrification has driven a massive increase in demand for lithium products applicable in electric vehicle (EV) batteries. While capacity expansions of the base chemical have largely stayed ahead of demand, geographical concentration of the chemical’s upstream extraction and midstream processing sectors in Latin America and mainland China respectively combined with logistical freight issues caused by the pandemic have driven an exponential hike in spot prices (...
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