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    Electrical steel production in US far from sufficient to support OEMs’ electrification goals
    According to S&P Global Mobility, hybrid and electric light vehicle production in the United States is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17% between 2023 and 2030 to 9.8 million units. This is also going to drive demand for EV motors (e-motors) in the country, which we forecast will grow at a CAGR of 20% over the same period to 14 million units. Besides its application in other industries, electrical steel is also used in the manufacturing of e-motors and charger...
    Our battery technology delivers a platform for manufacturing efficient, affordable EVs: OneD Battery Sciences
    S&P Global Mobility: How was OneD Battery Sciences established? Please tell us about the origin of ‘SINANODE’ platform. Vincent Pluvinage: I have lived in the Silicon Valley since 1987, and I have taken a couple of companies public. Since 2001–02, I have been active in Silicon Valley as an investor, mainly focusing on innovative technologies, where I can use my physics and bioengineering background, to bring to market technologies that are well patented. I am an inventor at heart...
    Interior Insight: Genesis G70
    The Genesis G70 has a plethora of infotainment and connectivity features. We take a closer look inside this luxury saloon. Genesis is a Hyundai Motor premium brand from South Korea, emerging as a challenger to established rivals like BMW, Mercedes, and Audi. The G70 is a facelifted version of a car that has been on sale in the Far East and North America since 2017. In brief The G70 interior is cloaked with soft-touch materials, stitched details and aluminum inserts. The seats come ...
    Interior Insight: Honda Civic
    Honda says its eleventh-generation Civic stays true to the original concept of “a car for all people.” We take a closer look inside this popular family hatchback. In brief The Civic's interior features a clean design with high-quality materials, giving it a premium feel. It is available in three trims: Elegance, Sport and Advance. While lower-spec models have a half-analog display, top-spec versions offer a digital driver's display. All models come with a nine-inch touchscreen, wi...
    Interior Insight: MG HS
    MG, known for sports cars, is targeting mainstream success with the MG HS midsize sport utility vehicle (SUV). We take a closer look inside. In brief The HS interior is wrapped with soft-touch materials, contrasting colors and metallic accents. It features tactile elements like piano key buttons, turbine-design air vents and soft-touch door cards. Rear-seat passengers enjoy reclining seats, twin air vents, two USB ports, and a fold-out armrest with storage space and cup holders. In 2023, t...
    New exterior illumination is redefining vehicle design
    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...
    IAA Mobility 2023: Connectivity and UI/UX review
    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...
    Mercedes-Benz partners with Mastercard to introduce native in-car payments
    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 creates first round OLED display for the new BMW Mini Cooper
    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...
    Continental supplies V-shaped display to Hyundai Kona
    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 starts connecting smart homes with MBUX Voice Assistant
    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 ...
    Tier 1 suppliers on electric and electronic architecture migration
    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...
    Application of surface-heating solutions in EV interiors to heat up
    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...
    Lynred and Saint-Gobain Sekurit develops windshield with integrated thermal camera to improve safety at nighttime
    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...
    INTERVIEW: Aptiv 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, including charging infrastructure, predictive maintenance, autonomous driving, connected vehicles, enhanced safety systems, as well as fintech and blockchain. This necessitates a comprehensive reimagining of the vehicle E/E architecture, especially the softwa...
    Shifting gears from Frankfurt to Munich and the race for electric dominance
    Previously known as the Frankfurt Motor Show, the IAA Mobility relocated to Munich in 2021, shifting the focus away from the traditional static motor show to giving practical demonstrations of new technology. While the ritualistic wall-to-wall “thumpin’-and-pumpin’” music inside the Messe Frankfurt every other September is but a distant memory, the sheer range of exciting new electric and autonomous vehicle concepts are still on display in different locations in Germany’s third-largest...
    How is in-cabin experience creating new areas of differentiation and value for vehicle manufacturers?
    As vehicle manufacturers search for ways of making electric vehicles more engaging, the in-cabin experience is becoming the new battleground. In a pair of exclusive interviews, we discuss how sound, real-time displays and haptics are being used to create new areas of value for vehicle manufacturers and how updates from the cloud could introduce new commercial opportunities through the lifetime of every vehicle. We talked with Meridian Audio Chief Executive John Buchanan and Epic Games director o...
    Porsche rolls out privacy center for customer-data control and personalization
    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 —&...
    Electrification is driving demand of fixed panoramic sunroofs in vehicles
    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...
    Global demand for 700 bar hydrogen storage tanks to gain momentum after 2028
    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...
    Talking Heads: Reimagining production - Tesla's unboxed approach
    During Tesla’s Investor Day earlier this year, the carmaker explained its intention to increase the production of its next-generation electric vehicles and stationary battery storage in order to speed up the world's transition to electric vehicles (EVs). The driving force behind this is its Unboxed Process, a combination of refined manufacturing techniques and strategic process overhauls that will contribute to a substantial production cost reduction and facilitate the profitable build of t...
    Interior Insight – Kia Ceed
    The mid-life updated Ceed hatchback comes in four trim levels with various upholstery options, touchscreens and connectivity features. We take a closer look inside. In brief The Ceed, designed by Kia's European teams in Frankfurt, is produced in Slovakia alongside the Sportage and constitutes about a quarter of Kia's European sales. Built on the K2 platform, it is wider and lower than its predecessor, with improved rear space and cargo capacity. The interior features a modern design with a...
    IAA Mobility 2023: Continental reveals futuristic vehicle interior with its sustainable Space D design
    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...
    Bentley to unveil details of most exquisite in-car audio system
    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...
    Interior Insight: Ford Mustang Mach-E
    Once settled in the eight-way, power-adjustable, vegan leather-upholstered and heated driver seat of the all-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E, the focal point becomes a 15-inch portrait-orientated touchscreen. We take a closer look inside to see what else appeals. Inside story The minimalist dash means adjusting almost everything via the huge touchscreen. Other interior features include heated and powered driver and front passenger seats, a heated steering wheel, a heated windscreen, a wi...
    Interior Insight: Hyundai Ioniq 5
    Eco-friendly materials, such as recycled PET bottles, plant-based yarns and natural wool, are some of the stand-out interior features of the all-electric Hyundai Ioniq 5. Other notable features of the crossover utility vehicle (CUV) include a flat floor, housing the batteries, provides extra legroom and spaciousness. The long wheelbase enabled a 'Living Space' theme with the movable Universal Island center console, allowing more freedom of movement for all occupants. The front seats are po...
    IAA Mobility 2023: Forvia Group to showcase electrification and energy management, automated driving and digital-cockpit solutions
    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...
    Continental introduces first private 5G network at its Czech Republic plant
    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...
    Mini and Samsung Display showcase the Mini Interaction Unit at Gamescom 2023
    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...
    Toyota discovers new AI technique to help speed up vehicle design
    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 ...
    Microoptics demand set to pick up in automotive lighting
    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...
    Vehicles and ChatGPT — a perfect marriage?
    What is ChatGPT? ChatGPT is an AI-powered large language model (LLM) built on a sophisticated neural network developed by Microsoft-backed startup OpenAI. GPT stands for Generative Pre-trained Transformer, a family of LLMs trained to create or summarize texts, answer questions, translate languages and even write programming code. The dialog format makes it possible for ChatGPT to reply to follow-up questions, admit its mistakes, challenge incorrect premises and reject inappropriate requests. ...
    Škoda Auto expands in-car infotainment Offers app
    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...
    OEMs adopt new technologies to promote health and wellness inside cars
    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...
    Mercedes-Benz to offer automated valet parking to new models
    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...
    Electrification, emission norms to drive demand for heat pumps
    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...
    Interior Insight: Kia XCeed
    The face-lifted Kia XCeed features new LED headlamps, a revised grille and front bumper. We take a look inside to see what is new. Infotainment The XCeed is available in “2,” “3,” “GT-Line” and “GT-Line S” grades. A 10.25-inch touchscreen on the GT-Line, 3 and GT-Line S versions feature Bluetooth, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality as standard. The entry-level 2features an 8-inch touchscreen including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. A digital 12.3-inch instrum...
    INTERVIEW: ECARX 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 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...
    Batteries on the brink: Opportunities and challenges
    Sustainability vs. economics Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) in operation will reach 171 million units globally in 2032, according to S&P Global Mobility. What will happen to all those end-of-life batteries? The race is on to recycled electric vehicle (EV) batteries. But at what cost and who stands to gain? EV sales are blossoming but it is still a waiting game for battery recyclers. Where and when is the window of opportunity for high-voltage battery recycling? A new study by S&...
    Monetization potential of connected-car data
    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...
    In a big tech upgrade, Mini gets OLED display and new operating system
    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...
    Interior Insight: VW Golf
    It has been more than four decades since the Volkswagen Golf – Europe’s best-selling new car – made its debut. We take a closer look at this ever-popular model. Infotainment and connectivity The eighth-generation Golf features a central 10-inch touchscreen with web connectivity, complemented by a second driver display located on the opposite side of the steering wheel. These displays, along with a reconfigurable instrumentation cluster, effectively present key driver information...
    Why heated-seats subscription might not find many takers
    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...
    Tesla and BYD lead the market again and go beyond cool
    Regulating the temperature of an electric vehicle’s (EV’s) battery, electric motor and power electronics is a complex process. While most EV thermal management systems use a water tank, a chiller, and various electronics and actuators, the trend is toward an integrated thermal management system (ITMS) that can improve driving range and charging capability, as well as reduce module weight, size and cost. For example, by maintaining the battery pack within the ideal temperature range, the ITMS...
    The non-display HMI technology landscape for cars
    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...
    Interior Insight: Honda Jazz Crosstar
    Honda has refreshed its fourth-generation Jazz and Jazz Crosstar model range, adding some exterior and interior refinements on all grades. Continuing our series of interior reviews, we explore some technologies and materials for this popular supermini. What’s new? Interior upgrades include new surface materials and seat options. In Elegance and Advance grades, the black interior trim has been lightly revised and updated for 2023 through the application of new seat fabric with a fresh des...
    From spray to films: The art of automotive finishing
    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...
    INTERVIEW: Marelli on electric/electronic (E/E) architecture migration
    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...
    OEMs push for increased use of sustainable materials in seats
    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 ...
    Interior Insight: Lexus RX
    The fifth-generation Lexus RX has a plethora of infotainment and connectivity features. We take a closer look inside this luxury sport utility vehicle (SUV). Infotainment The RX’s minimalist dashboard sweeps across the cockpit in a clean, continuous form. By implementing an e-latch electronic door-release system, the door handles have been repositioned lower, allowing for an extended instrument panel. Lexus has strategically placed the 14-inch touchscreen and physical buttons for...
    INTERVIEW: Over-the-air (OTA) updates and the automotive industry
    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 ...
    The exciting world of in-car gaming — developments and outlook
    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...
    Interior Insight: Lexus UX
    The Lexus UX is the carmaker’s most compact crossover model yet. We look inside this Urban Explorer. Cockpit The UX is available in three equipment grades: UX, F Sport and Takumi. The seats feature a flat cushion and raised side sections that provide support to the hips and maintain body stability. The front seats can be manually adjusted in six ways, while the F Sport and Takumi models offer eight-way power-adjustable front seats. The Takumi model also includes adjustable lumbar supp...
    Building a strong LED supply chain will be critical for lighting suppliers
    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...
    Interior Insight: Kia Sportage
    Launched in 2022, the fifth-generation Kia Sportage was designed and developed for the European market. Continuing our series of interior reviews, we take a closer look inside. What is the difference between the European Sportage and the version sold in other markets around the world? A spokesperson for the Korean carmaker said: “When deciding the scope of the design for the Sportage, it was decided that Europe, and indeed the UK, deserved an SUV honed for buyers’ specific tastes. This al...
    INTERVIEW: Charging trends and the 30-minute retail economy
    The current electric vehicle charging infrastructure offering is diverse in terms of product quality, user experience and payment systems. Sometimes chargers are out of service. Sometimes the payment system is down. Given that the EV charging network is still in its infancy, there is plenty of room for improvement. To learn more about tomorrow’s charging infrastructure, trends in the public transport charging space and the 30-minute retail economy, we spoke to Bill Loewenthal, chief product of...
    The battle for e-drive supremacy: Make vs. Buy
    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...
    INTERVIEW: Spotlight on Manganese
    The role of manganese in the battery-material conversation is frequently disregarded, given that it is used in smaller amounts compared with other metals in lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. Its primary function is as a stabilizer in the cathode. However, there is growing OEM and investor interest in manganese. Tesla and Volkswagen have expressed interest in shifting their Li-ion battery designs away from cobalt and nickel and toward manganese. Mainland China dominates the manganese market, accoun...
    Can Brazil’s commercial truck fleet turn electric?
    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...
    Interior Insight: VW Arteon R
    Since Volkswagen launched its Arteon in 2017, a shooting brake body style and plug-in hybrid and performance R variants have appeared. Continuing our series of interior reviews, we explore some technologies and materials for this crisp-looking model to see how it measures up in the executive pool. Both sports and touring vehicles share the same 2.0-litre turbocharged engine (EA888 evo4) introduced in the Golf R. Like the Golf R, the Arteon R features an all-wheel-drive sys...
    INTERVIEW: Continental on electric/electronic (E/E) architecture migration
    Original equipment manufacturers are expected to shift to a centralized architecture in an evolutionary manner and in most cases, follow similar steps with only a few variations. According to recent research by S&P Global Mobility, the proportion of vehicles equipped with zonal architecture is anticipated to increase from 2% in 2022 to 38% in 2034, indicating a significant growth in market share over this period. Continuing our series of interviews with tier 1 suppliers about this hot topic,...
    Impact of new norms on demand for crucial emission-reducing components
    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...
    Is eBeam axle the future for electric pickups?
    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...
    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...
    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...
    Hyundai Mobis develops new headlamp tech that prevents accidents at night
    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...
    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.
    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 ...
    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...
    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...
    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 ...
    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 ...
    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’...
    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...
    Valeo displays its immersive technologies at Laval Virtual in France
    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...
    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...
    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...
    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.
    General Motors unveils new details of Ultra Cruise ADAS
    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 ...
    New polymer coating likely to enhance EV battery performance
    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...
    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.
    CARIAD launches application store for the Volkswagen Group
    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...
    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...
    Ford tests panel heating in electric vans
    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...
    Highlights from CES 2023
    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...
    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.
    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...
    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...
    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...
    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 ...
    Highlights from the 2022 North American International Auto Show
    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...
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