Dear Reader: Welcome to WardsAuto Intelligence, a bi-monthly compilation of WardsAuto content that highlights important trends in inventory and supply, fuel economy powertrain technology and autonomy. Note: Some content requires subscription rights or free registration (login or use the REGISTER link at the top). We trust you'll find WardsAuto Intelligence to be a valuable resource. Contact us with questions or comments any time. Regards, Denis Ulicny Senior Industry Analyst WardsAuto
A lack of inventory relief is increasing the likelihood that over the spring or summer the industry will undertake some kind of fire sale aimed at lopping off unwanted stock from dealer lots. However, it does not appear the industry is panicking. Most of the excess inventory comprises domestically produced vehicles, yet North American automakers are planning Q2 production at 1.5% above the year-ago period. That’s after U.S. sales of domestically made light vehicles declined 3.0% ...
Deal aimed at accelerating production of "robo-taxis" * Bosch and Mercedes to develop software and algorithms * Car and tech firms racing to secure slice of market * Pact acts as counterweight to new players like Uber (Adds details that Mercedes will have two years exclusivity before products can be sold to other companies, that Mercedes will still make conventional vehicles, that Mercedes has a team of 500 engineers on the project in Stuttgart and Silicon Valley)
The WardsAuto Fuel Economy Index indicates the average fuel economy of light vehicles sold in the U.S. in March was 25.5 mpg (9.2 L/100 km), up 0.3% from same-month 2016.
Why and where can 48-volt technology be applied? When will it gain traction? What is the total automotive market for 48-V systems? WardsAuto’s 48-V: Market Outlook offers an in-depth analysis of the exploding global market for 48-volt mild hybrid systems. The new special intelligence report provides a close look at the 48-V strategies of key OEMs and suppliers working on the technology, exclusive results from our survey of the automotive community on the future of 48-V, and a comprehensive regional forecast of 48-volt adoption in 2025.
