MAY 6, 2019

GM’s Carbon-Fiber Pickup Bed Just a Start, Automaker Says

Mark Voss, engineering group manager for Sierra, says of the cargo bed’s durability: “When the end of the world comes, all that’s left will be cockroaches and CarbonPro beds.”

Bosch Broadens Fuel-Cell Expertise, Eyes 2022 Commercialization

For Wards Intelligence Subscribers
Bosch considers the commercial-vehicle market most appealing to broad deployment of fuel cells because European Union fleets must reduce carbon-dioxide emissions 15% on average by 2025 and 30% by 2030.

Study Brings Flying-Car Hype Down to Earth

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The study concludes flying cars, formally known as electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, could be useful in congested cities or other geographically congested areas as part of a ride-share taxi service.

RDE Testing in Europe May Cause Shift Away from Diesels

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Diesel engines have helped European OEMs comply with CO2 regulations, but high levels of pollutants have made some vehicles non-certifiable for sale according to Euro 6 limits.

American Axle’s Electrified Growth

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A second automaker will add American Axle’s electrified axle next year while a fifth customer will join OEMs offering the Detroit-based supplier’s disconnecting AWD.

Germany to Nurture Homegrown Li-ion Batteries

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The German government has committed more than €600 million ($672 million) to battery research since the beginning of the decade, covering everything from materials and advanced cell chemistries to manufacturing.

Land Rover Launches Second 48V Mild Hybrid

Like its Range Rover Evoque sibling, the Range Rover Sport mild hybrid employs a belt-integrated starter generator, DC-DC converter and 48V Li-ion battery, resulting in a 12 g/km reduction in carbon-dioxide emissions.

No Sticker Shock: EPA Says Label Provides Close MPG Estimate

For Wards Intelligence Subscribers
EPA fuel-economy ratings are valuable tools for the car-buying public, providing reasonably close estimates of real-world consumption.

Auto Tech Check – ʼ19 Kia Forte EX

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For its ’19-model redesign, Kia refreshed the sheet metal and enlarged the cabin and cargo room but kept aspects that made the Forte a formidable competitor to rivals, including a useful and intuitive center console display and the straightforward UVO infotainment system.

CVTs Still Jatco’s Bread and Butter

While bullish about the CVT market going forward – he sees at least 20 more years before full electrification adversely impacts Jatco’s main business – the electrification trend will continue, Jatco President and CEO Teruaki Nakatsuka says.

Toyota and Partners Expand Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle Project at L.A. Ports

For Wards Intelligence Subscribers
Funded in part by a $41 million grant, 10 hydrogen-fuel-cell heavy-duty trucks will be used to haul cargo from the Port of LA and Long Beach to distribution centers in Southern California and beyond.

As Hype Peaks, Fears of AI Winter Emerge

For Wards Intelligence Subscribers
Much of the hype can be traced to bold, public promises from automakers such as Tesla and General Motors to field self-driving cars under aggressive timelines.

Qualcomm Bets on AI and 5G to Boost Automotive Business

For Wards Intelligence Subscribers
The company’s new AI computing platform is designed to work in combination with high-speed 5G cellular networks to enable advanced vehicle communication and safety features.

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