For years, automakers equipped vehicles with lighting systems to perform certain functions: Headlights for illuminating the road in front of the driver and taillights for making the vehicle noticeable for other road users, as well as for helping the driver to inform others about their driving intentions, such as braking, changing lanes, or reversing the vehicle. However, today, automakers offer newer exterior illumination solutions that do not perform any specific tasks except to enhance the ext...

The International Motor Show Germany, popularly known as the IAA or Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung in German, is one of the world’s most keenly observed and influential mobility events. Held from September 5 to 10 in Munich, the 2023 version of the show played host to about 750 exhibitors from 38 countries, showcasing more than 300 world premieres and innovations. Nearly half a million visitors and 3,700 journalists from 82 different countries attended IAA Mobility 2023. Analysts from...

Taking yet another step toward greater customer convenience, German luxury-auto maker Mercedes-Benz is joining forces with Mastercard to introduce embedded in-car payments at the point of sale. With the new partnership, Mercedes-Benz customers will get to use a fingerprint sensor in their car to make convenient and secure digital payments at more than 3,600 service stations in Germany. Mercedes-Benz is the world's first automaker to integrate Mastercard Secure Card on File for Commerce Platforms...

BHTC, a major human-machine interface (HMI) firm, announced the development of an innovative, round organic light-emitting diode-based central display in collaboration with Samsung that seamlessly combines tradition and cutting-edge technology. This pioneering display technology is found in the applications of the visually impressive interior of the upcoming model family of the new fully electric BMW Mini Cooper, said a company press release dated September 21. The press release further added...

German auto component supplier Continental has supplied unique V-shaped displays to the Hyundai Kona. The display offers a two-in-one solution as it combines the two screens of the instrument cluster and center information display under one glass surface. Moreover, the new Hyundai Kona features over-the-air (OTA) software updates for new functions, design and interaction possibilities in the vehicle, which can be managed via the V-shaped display, a press release dated September 25 said. The V...

Mercedes-Benz in the US, with its Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) Voice Assistant smart-home function, has equipped all Mercedes-Benz vehicles to operate as an intelligent control center for the home — all while drivers keep their hands safely on the steering wheel and their eyes on the traffic, a company press release announced September 21. The automaker said smart-home technology is shaping the future of more intelligent homes. From temperature and lighting equipment to garage ...

The software-defined vehicle (SDV) 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, such as 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, espec...

Range is of utmost importance in battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and automakers are working continuously to improve this feature. However, the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems used for cabin-comfort features put a huge strain on the range of BEVs. Unlike internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, BEVs do not have an engine to act as a heat source that can help warm the cabin during cold climatic conditions. To do so, BEVs need to use a direct resistive-heating device, su...

In a joint development, Lynred and Saint-Gobain Sekurit on September 13 announced the world’s first windshield that incorporates both visible and thermal cameras side-by-side. The windshield, with an enhanced sensing system, aims to help carmakers improve the reliability of collision-mitigation systems by detecting pedestrians in adverse visibility conditions, particularly at night, when more than 75% of pedestrian fatalities occur. It will also reduce incidences of false positive alarms&nb...

Sports-car maker Porsche said that with its new Privacy Center in the My Porsche portal, it has created a central, clear and easily accessible place for customers to specify with just a few clicks which data they want to share for which purpose. With this latest development, the automaker is trying to apply equal standards to digital products and services, and to how customer data is handled. Porsche ensures that its customers themselves who determine which data they share for which purpose —&...

The light-vehicle sunroof market has seen robust growth over the past five to eight years. Rising consumer aspiration to have this feature in their vehicles, especially in key markets of mainland China, Europe and North America, has been the biggest growth driver. The trend is expected to continue in the current era of electromobility. However, vehicle electrification is leading to a clear shift in the demand mix of sunroofs. Automakers are preferring to equip their EVs with fixed panoramic glas...

Amid the race for reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and combating climate change, research and development (R&D) on hydrogen-powered vehicles are gaining ground, especially around its applications in large commercial trucks and buses. Hydrogen is now increasingly seen as a more practical choice than large batteries for these vehicles. According to S&P Global Mobility, global demand for fuel-cell medium and heavy commercial vehicles (MHCVs) is projected to exceed 72,000 units by 203...

German auto-component supplier, Continental, is debuting its Space D, a new design concept for the future of vehicle interiors. Shaped by megatrends such as electric mobility and autonomous driving, the company said this is an experience that can already be enjoyed today. With the new futuristic concept, the company tried to bridge the gap between the living room and automotive interior while placing the focus firmly on comfort and wellbeing, a company press release on August 31 said. At...

British designer and manufacturer of luxury cars and sport utility vehicles (SUVs), Bentley Motors, released details of its new sound system available to customers of the Bentley Batur by Mulliner. The company said in an August 31 press release that the most exquisite in-car audio system ever created, the new Naim for Mulliner option, was the result of 10,000 hours of development work, exceptional new hardware and a complete system recalibration. The Naim for Mulliner audio system w...

Forvia Group, combining the innovation competencies of Faurecia and Hella, is set to focus on its technology portfolio in three strategic growth areas — electrification and energy management, safe and automated driving, and digital and sustainable cockpit experiences — at the Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (IAA) Mobility 2023 in Munich, Forvia announced through an August 28 press release.   With its solutions, Forvia underlines its commitment to reach net-ze...

Taking a bold step toward smart-connectivity technology, Continental has announced the launching of its first private 5G network among its European manufacturing sites at its display solutions plant in Brandýs nad Labem, Czechia. The 5G network from Czechia's T-Mobile, specifically set up to suit the company’s requirements for high-tech production, is expected to further advance the digitalization of production by speeding up communication between employees, equipment and machines, such as...

Luxury-car brand Mini offers an exclusive look at its central control unit — the Mini Interaction Unit, a round organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display — developed with Samsung Display Corp., the first of its kind in the automotive industry. The heart of the new Mini family is the iconic Mini Interaction Unit, which incorporates the most advanced next-generation display technology OLED from Samsung Display Corp. Mini and Samsung Display put...

The design arm of Japanese automaker Toyota, Toyota Research Institute (TRI), said on August 22 that designers may now integrate initial design sketches and engineering constraints into text-to-image generative AI tools at an early stage in the creative process. According to a company press release, the new tool has the potential to reduce the number of iterations needed to reconcile design and engineering considerations. It could also help Toyota design electrified vehicles more quickly and ...

In 2015, BMW presented its 7 Series sedan with Welcome Light Carpet, a new lighting innovation that illuminated the ground on both sides of the car, guiding driver (and passengers) to the doors of the car. The Welcome Light Carpet, developed by the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF in Jena, Germany used microoptics lenses in a honeycomb array to create a stripped pattern of light. The tiny projectors were mounted under the body sill below the front door. Fi...

Škoda Auto has announced the expansion of the in-car infotainment Offers app. Now available in eight markets, the free app offers over 100 discounted items. The offerings range from refreshments and meals, to travel and car care, all directly accessible from the user’s vehicle. Special deals are included from the Škoda Auto e-shop, the company said August 21. The automaker said with the rollout of version 5.1, the app’s offerings have broadened to cover a host of services. The Offers ap...

Globally, automakers are increasingly offering features that enhance comfort of occupants in vehicles. These include seats with lumbar support and massage systems, as well as heated, ventilated, and climate-controlled seats. While providing comfort is among the key focus areas, many original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are now offering solutions aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of the driver and passengers. This insight offers a preview of some of the latest innovations in this rea...

Following the Automated Valet Parking service made available to EQS Saloon and S-Class Saloon models, German luxury-car maker Mercedes-Benz is now ready to expand the feature to the new E-Class. The APCOA parking garage P6 at Stuttgart Airport in Germany is the first parking garage worldwide offering Automated Valet Parking to Mercedes-Benz customers, the company said August 15. According to the automaker, with this highly automated parking function, searching for a parking space and par...

In battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), range is of utmost importance and automakers are working continuously to improve it. However, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems used for cabin comfort features put a huge strain on range of BEVs. Unlike internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, BEVs do not have an engine to act as heat source that can help warm the cabin during winter months. To warm the cabins in BEVs during winter months/cold climatic conditions, a direct resistive h...

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 such as 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 t...

As soon as a vehicle is connected to the internet, it turns into a hub for an entire ecosystem of connected services driven by data and content generated both inside and outside the car. Depending on how the value of the data changes and what new data become valuable during the coming decades, vehicle-related data segments will continue to hold value for various industries, including automotive. Premium infotainment, feature upgrades and enhancements, service unlocks, premium advanced driver ass...

British luxury-car brand Mini is taking a major leap into the digital age with its new model family. The brand is looking to introduce an iconic central instrument called the Mini Interaction Unit, a round organic light-emitting diode display with a refreshing user interface design. The next-generation display technology OLED with its 240 mm diameter and rich colors blends into the interior of the new Mini family and is positioned within the cabin.  The Mini Operating Syst...

Lately, automakers seem to have taken a huge liking to the concept of microtransactions. With cars becoming more software defined, smart and connected, there is a growing consensus in the automotive industry that new vehicles are designed, developed and sold with a clear focus on offering features that go behind a paywall. This is to ensure that original equipment manufacturers can create revenue streams that will continue during the entire life of a vehicle. However, can OEMs put all factory-fi...

The automotive industry is definitely in the middle of a digital transformation, and this trend is manifested nowhere more visibly than the vehicle cockpit. With the rise in connectivity and shared mobility use cases comes higher in-vehicle infotainment and entertainment aspirations for all vehicle occupants, further propagating the use of more displays and tactile screens. A lot, however, is also happening around the less visible technologies in the cockpit, i.e., those that do not feature disp...

Automotive paint films are made from paint that can be applied in layers without the need for heat; this offers environmental benefits and new aesthetic options compared with traditional automotive paint. They can be applied to various surfaces and provide sustainability benefits by reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions. To learn more, we caught up with Daniel Bencun, CEO, PPG Advanced Surface Technologies. The following is an edited transcript of the conversation: S&P Global M...

Automakers are rapidly making sustainability an integral part of doing business as they aim to become carbon neutral much before the global deadline of 2050. OEMs are striving to reduce CO2 emissions from the entire life cycle of a vehicle — from raw materials to manufacturing process to its ultimate disposal. In doing so, vehicle manufacturers are expecting their partners, including suppliers and dealers, to imbibe sustainability into their operations. Automotive suppliers are expected to ...

There has been mainstream market emergence of OTA updates in cars in recent years, primarily precipitated by recall and warranty costs and owing to the rapid development of autonomous cars. With the amount of software per car continuing to grow, the number of software-related recalls is also projected to grow significantly over the next decade, thus rendering OTA updates even more critical. To learn more about how the automotive OTA industry is placed currently and is poised to evolve going ...

With the ongoing digitalization of the vehicle cockpit, the in-car interface and experience have assumed ever-greater significance. Additionally, as advanced display technologies from consumer devices continue to enter the car cockpit, automakers are able to deliver in-car user experiences that are highly personalized and entertaining — gaming for instance. While cars have been appearing in video games since the 1970s, somewhat of a reverse trend is ongoing — games are finding their way i...

LEDs are fast replacing halogen bulbs as the most preferred source for almost all lighting and signaling devices in vehicles. The rising popularity of LED also eclipsed the growth prospects of xenon bulbs, which was once seen as a strong contender of halogen bulbs. However, unlike LED and halogen bulbs, xenon can be used in only a few lighting systems, such as headlights and fog lights. LED quickly gained the market share as it offers several advantages over halogen and xenon bulbs. It is mor...

Received wisdom for the supplier community in the recent past has focused on preparing product portfolios for the transition to battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). However, as Liam Butterworth, CEO of Dowlais Group plc, the parent company of GKN Automotive Limited, recently disclosed suppliers are not capitalizing, even if they have been early movers into the BEV component market. This insight sets out to examine the e-drive, or e-axles, market and provides clues as to why the anticipated yields f...

In Brazil, intermodal transport is limited, with average truck trips spanning more than 2,000 km. Combine that with a commercial truck fleet averaging 12 years of age, and a lack of affordable options to replace with new vehicles, and Brazil is facing a truck-emissions timebomb. Brazil has a truck parc of 2.2 million units, and the movements to modernize the fleet by agribusiness, e-commerce and construction have contributed to reducing the fleet average age. However, while the emission restr...

Countries and governments worldwide are passing laws and implementing legislations to phase out internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and shift to carbon-neutral zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) to mitigate climate change and decarbonize the economy. Recently, the EU passed a law which from 2035 will allow sales of new vehicles that will have zero CO2 emissions. The EU was set to ban ICE vehicles from 2035, however last moment opposition from a coalition comprising Germany, Italy, Poland and th...

As the world races toward achieving a faster transition to 100% zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), a key challenge associated with the electrification of light- and medium-duty pickups is achieving the same level of payload-carrying and towing capacity as its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts. The eBeam axles, comprising an integrated motor, inverter and gearbox on a rigid axle, can be directly fitted on an ICE pickup without the need to redesign any associated parts. eBeam axles are tou...

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...

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...

Hyundai Mobis announced May 25 the successful development of its next-generation headlamps that show road signs on the road ahead in real time. The technology is expected to become the latest innovation that significantly reduces nighttime car accidents for both drivers and pedestrians. The HD Lighting System is a technology that visualizes road signs in text or shapes and projects them onto the road surface. While there are convenient safety technologies that inform users about driving infor...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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...

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’...

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...

French automotive supplier, Valeo is displaying its range of Virtual Reality (VR) and Mixed Reality (MR) that are key to the automotive industry at the Laval Virtual event taking place in France between April 12–16. The Valeo Group is looking to showcase its innovations for accelerating the design of solutions and for in-vehicle applications, the company said on April 11. Virtual Reality (VR) and Mixed Reality (MR) are proving to be valuable tools for automotive designers and engineers...

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...

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...

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...

General Motors (GM) announced the company’s next-generation advanced driver assistance system (ADAS)—Ultra Cruise—that is designed to ultimately enable hands-free driving in 95% of all driving scenarios. The Ultra Cruise will provide a 360° view of the vehicle through a unique sensor suite and will be launched on the Cadillac Celestiq, a company press release dated 9 March said. The destination-to-destination hands-free system will use more than just ...

Scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) have developed a conductive polymer coating—called HOS-PFM—that could enable longer-lasting, more powerful lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries for electric vehicles (EVs), according to a report in Science Daily, dated 7 March. "The advance opens up a new approach to developing EV batteries that are more affordable and easy to manufacture," said Gao Liu, a senior scientist in Berkeley Lab's Energy Technologies Area. The HOS...

According to a company press release on 1 March, software company CARIAD has launched a new uniform application store in cars of the Volkswagen Group brands. Audi will be the first brand to integrate the store in selected models as of July 2023. In addition to exclusive apps from Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen, and other brands, the store will give customers in-car access to content provided by third parties. CARIAD is working with HARMAN, a Samsung company, to create an open ecosys...

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...

According to a report by Just Auto dated 28 Ferbruary, engineers at Ford's European operations have discovered by conducting tests that heating surfaces in electric vehicles (EVs), like mats and door panels—rather than using HVAC—could help extend the range and reduce energy consumption. As compared with using HVAC, heat from which is more easily lost when windows or doors are opened. The heated surfaces were tested in an electric E-Transit van on delivery routes where drivers may open an...

Connected car highlights from CES 2023 The annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2023 was held in Las Vegas, Nevada, from 5–8 January. Organized by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), the annual event has become one of the biggest electronics shows in the world since the first edition in 1967. Participants span across various industries and countries, including automakers, consumer electronics companies, and suppliers, all showcasing new and innovative products and technologies. Giv...

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...

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...

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 ...

The 2022 edition of the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) featured a redesigned layout, with the main exhibits and many events indoors at Huntington Place, and other events outdoors in nearby Hart Plaza. Participation was limited this year, with hometown automakers—Ford, General Motors (GM), and Stellantis—carrying the show. Other major exhibitors were Toyota, Subaru, Nissan, Hyundai, and Mercedes-Benz. With many other big automakers and brands keeping away from the show, the ma...