Leading mainland Chinese automaker BYD plans to establish battery production in Europe to match its expanding regional vehicle manufacturing, the group’s special adviser for Europe said Sept. 24, according to a Reuters report on the same date. BYD aims to produce all its electric vehicles sold in Europe locally within the next three years to avoid EU tariffs. Earlier in September, Executive Vice President Stella Li noted that plug-in hybrids are expected to drive BYD’s European sales in...

American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings (AAM) announced it has secured an agreement with Scout Motors to supply front electric drive units (EDUs) and rear e-Beam axles for the much-anticipated launch of the all-new electric Traveler sport utility vehicle and Terra pickup truck. Both the Traveler SUV and Terra pickup truck will be built on a body-on-frame chassis and be configurable with 100% battery-electric or gasoline-fueled range-extended energy systems.  “We are honored to ...

President Biden on Tuesday (Jan. 14) announced strong and decisive actions to safeguard the US connected vehicle supply chains against any potential security risks by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Russian Federation (Russia). The White House, in a fact sheet titled "Safeguarding America from National Security Risks of Connected Vehicle Technology from China and Russia", said, “The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to ensuring that our automotive supply chains are res...

Canadian resources company Rock Tech Lithium announced via press release on 13 July that it had signed a framework agreement with a German OEM for the supply of lithium hydroxide. According to the press release, the agreement involves a five-year supply of the material with a stipulation requiring the lithium refined by Rock Tech to be sourced from mining sites audited by the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurances (IRMA). The company declined to name the German OEM involved in the de...

Lucid, BYD and DeepRoute.ai to integrate NVIDIA DRIVE Hyperion autonomous vehicle platform for their next-generation fleets, according to a press release on 22 March 2022. In early 2023, BYD plans to introduce next-generation new energy vehicles (NEVs) built on the DRIVE Hyperion software-defined platform. DRIVE Orin will be used to enable intelligent driving, parking, and more for these fleets. Similarly, DeepRoute.ai plans to integrate the NVIDIA AV platform into its Level 4 autonomous driv...

According to an official press release dated 3 August, the VW ID.4 US tour recently began at Volkswagen of US headquarters in Herndon, Virginia. Infineon, a global leader in semiconductors for mobility, energy efficiency, and the Internet of Things, is supporting the new VW ID.4 with more than 50 semiconductors, enabling energy efficient electric drives and charging infrastructure. Furthermore, the tour's driving route, which will cross the United States, will include five Infineon faciliti...

Michigan-based global supplier of automotive powertrain parts, BorgWarner has signed a partnership with ZEEKR Intelligent Technology Company to supply its advanced high-voltage coolant heater (HVCH) to the carmaker’s new electric sedan, ZEEKR 001, the company said in a press release on 3 August. ZEEKR Intelligent Technology Company is a subsidiary of Geely Holding Group created to manufacture and retail premium electric vehicles under the brand name ZEEKR. According to Borgwarner, t...

According to a press release on AIthority dated 3 August, Startup Autotalks, a pioneer and leader in V2X communication solutions, has been selected to provide V2X solutions for ZF, one of the world's largest automotive suppliers. The dual-mode (DSRC/C-V2X) V2X chipsets from Autotalks will be integrated into ZF's ProConnect Connectivity Unit. Initially, ZF intends to integrate the solution in autonomous e-shuttles manufactured by 2getthere, beginning with a large project in Europe. “We ar...

According to an electronics weekly press release dated 13 July, New Yorker Electronics has announced a new franchise distribution agreement with Paktron Capacitors, a U.S. manufacturer of capacitors for over 60 years. This new agreement allows New Yorker Electronics to incorporate Paktron's full line of ultra-low ESR Multilayer Polymer Film Capacitors and Leads into its expanding lineup while also offering some of the shortest lead times available thanks to its partnership with Paktron. �...

Ohio-based globally supplier of drivetrain and propulsion systems to the automotive industry, Dana Inc will make a strategic investment in Ashok Leyland’s EV subsidiary Switch Mobility, the company said in a press announcement on 30 July. The two companies have signed a strategic agreement within which Dana has agreed to invest USD18 million to pick up 1% stake in Switch Mobility while becoming a preferred supplier of electric drivetrain components for the EV maker’s upcoming product pipe...

Motional has selected Ottopia, the global leader in teleoperation, to support the deployment of its robo-taxi fleets, according to a press release on PRnewswire dated 28 July. When operating its fully driverless SAE Level 4 autonomous vehicles, Motional will use Ottopia's teleoperation technology to provide remote vehicle assistance (RVA). "While there are rapid advances in autonomous technology, there are always going to be certain edge cases that can benefit from remote support," said Amit ...

Cognata, a leading provider of simulation software for ADAS and autonomous vehicles, announced on July 28 that ECARX, an autonomous intelligent technology company, has chosen Cognata as its simulation partner for the testing and validation of its offerings. Cognata's industry-leading simulation platform offering has been chosen by one of China's fastest-growing intelligent driving leaders. Simulation is the only environment in which intelligent driving technology can be extensively tested and...

According to a Caixin press release dated 28 July, Shenzhen-based startup RoboSense has won a contract from Guangzhou Automobile Group's electric vehicle unit GAC Aion to supply its new lidar sensor for the latter's ADiGO autonomous driving system, marking the latest cross-industry collaboration between a carmaker and a tech firm to codevelop smart car technologies. RoboSense said in a statement 26 July that the ADiGO system, which is powered by RoboSense's second-generation solid-state lidar...

According to a press release published on Business Wire on 14 July, AEye announced that it had reached an agreement with tier-1 supplier Continental AG to supply its long-range lidar perception sensor, which will be bundled into a full-stack autonomous driving solution. The solution, which is based on AEye's lidar technology, is an important component of the sensor configuration for high-level automation systems. It augments the radar, camera, and ultrasonic technologies in Continental's...

Mainland Chinese battery maker Gotion High-Tech and Volkswagen (VW) Group have signed a strategic agreement wherein the two companies will work together to mass produce the planned battery cells at Volkswagen Group Components’ Salzgitter (Germany) facility, Gotion said in a media announcement on 13 July. As technology partner, Gotion said it will provide the required technical support across cell factory layout, machinery, and production processes, among other areas, to the German carm...

German automotive parts supplier Webasto has supplied electric vehicle (EV) batteries and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to Green-G, the subsidiary company of Italy’s Goriziane Holding S.p.A., the company said in a press release on 6 July. Green-G has developed an electric light truck, which can be deployed by the service companies and municipalities active in the urban environment, it said. The EV can be used for waste disposal services, gardening businesses...

Slovenian automotive supplier Hidria will supply critical components that would be used in the electric motors deployed in Maserati’s battery electric sports cars, the company said in an announcement on its website on 23 June. “The new all-electric super sports cars Maserati GranTurismo and GranCabrio, which are currently at the last testing stage before their presentation, will be driven by Hidria’s key parts of electric motors,” it said, adding that it would provide rotors and stato...

French supplier of value-added aluminum products to the automotive industry, Constellium announced on 29 June that the company would supply advanced aluminum solutions for Audi’s pure electric e-tron GT model, expanding its longstanding partnership with the premium carmaker. According to the company, its ‘Surfalex Auto Body Sheet’ solution would be used for the model’s rear doors and fenders as it is well suited for the vehicle’s design, allowing for bold styling while maintaining s...

German chipmaker Infineon has concluded a supply contract with the Japanese wafer manufacturer Showa Denko K.K. for an extensive range of silicon carbide material (SiC), including epitaxy. As per a press release on the company website dated 6 May, the contract between Infineon and Showa Denko K.K. has a two-year term with an extension option. "The expansion of our supplier base with Showa Denko for wafers in this growth market marks an important step in our multisourcing strategy," said Peter...

In a news release dated 5 May made on the company's website, Synopsys, Inc. announced that Nanya Technology has adopted the Synopsys Custom Design Platform to accelerate the design of advanced memories for leading applications across several high-growth markets, including mobile, automotive, consumer, and industrial. "We selected Synopsys as our EDA vendor of choice to help us accelerate our memory solutions for the mobile, automotive, consumer, and industrial markets. We migrated from o...

On 29 April, Velodyne Lidar announced on the company's website that it had been selected by Faraday Future (FF) as the exclusive supplier of lidar for Faraday’s flagship FF 91 all-electric vehicle. “Velodyne and Faraday Future are both committed to redefining the mobility experience through greater vehicle autonomy and safety,” said Anand Gopalan, CEO, Velodyne Lidar. “Velodyne and Faraday Future tech teams have maintained great synergy for many years. Our close relationship led ...

The new Honda Legend, which has Level 3 autonomous capability, will use Hitachi's Autonomous Driving Electronic Control Unit and over-the-air (OTA) software update solutions as per company website dated 26 April. According to the release, the new model Legend is equipped with a traffic jam pilot function that has achieved Automated Driving Level 3 on highways, and the AD ECU and OTA Unit from Hitachi Astemo supports the updating of functions among other things. In addition, wireless (OTA) upd...

Intel Corp.’s Mobileye division announced plans to launch driverless delivery trucks by 2023 in partnership with autonomous vehicle delivery company Udelv Inc. Under the partnership, Mobileye’s self-driving system, known as Mobileye Drive, will provide the autonomous driving technology for Udelv’s next-generation electric self-driving delivery vehicle known as the “Transporter.” The self-driving system features a full-sensor suite of 13 cameras, 3 long-range LiDARs, 6 short-range...

Sealing technologies and rubber components supplier, Anhui Zhongding Sealing Parts, will be supplying the heat management systems for the new energy vehicle (NEV) powertrains of Mainland Chinese carmaker, Geely. According to a report filed by Mainland China-based new agency Yicai Global on 7 July, Anhui Zhongding Sealing Parts will supply these components in batches as part of a project worth CNY1.9 billion (approximately USD271 million). Significance: The implementation of the project wil...

Technology disruptions have led to the evolution of vehicle access systems from traditional lock-and-key systems to keyless entry technology. Keyless vehicle access control systems are fully automated systems featuring an electronic locking feature that secures access to the vehicle electronically, substituting the conventional mechanical key. Keyless vehicle entry systems gained a lot of traction in the market thanks to two major factors: increase in demand for application-based technologies an...

Right at the onset of 2018, Mercedes-Benz unveiled its next-generation infotainment system called the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX), at the CES 2018 in Las Vegas, United States. The MBUX soon found its launching pad in the form of the new 2019 A-Class, which made its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2018. The highlight of the new MBUX infotainment system is the presence of two large touchscreens – one serving as the instrument cluster and the other as the main infotainm...

News The key news and events shaping the automotive supply base in the last month E-Mobility How are tranmission manufacturers and the wider automotive industry preparing and positioning for impending rise in hybrid demand? Thermal Modest projected adoption by global OEMs is expected to limit the use of CO2 (R744) refrigerants toniche variants or options in the near term. Who-Supplies-Whom Details of suppliers to the new Buick Enclave. Includes a look at the C1XX platform an...

Shenzhen Goke Semiconductor Co. (SGKS) has selected VeriSilicon’s Vivante GC7000UL-VX vision processor IP for the SGKS 6802X advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) chip, according to a VeriSilicon press release this month. SGKS’s 6802X is an advanced vehicle-quality system on chip (SOC) with heterogeneous computing units including a programmable Vision GPU Processor and hardware-implemented functions for ADAS applications. According to the company, the 6802X is a highly cost-effective,...

Tenneco is supplying full clean air systems for the new Land Rover Discovery, the supplier announced in a press release on 18 May. The seven-seat Land Rover Discovery is the latest generation of one of Jaguar Land Rover's most popular models. The model will feature Tenneco’s latest selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technologies, diesel particulate filter (DPF) and muffler system. Significance: Tenneco develops clean air products and systems that are aimed at reducing the emission of poten...

The PSA Group has entered into a strategic collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies to integrate the latter’s Snapdragon 820 Automotive (820A) processor in its next-generation vehicles, the automaker announced in a press release on 22 February. Starting in 2020, the Snapdragon 820A processor will begin appearing in select PSA vehicles, enabling infotainment systems deliver music and video streaming and 3-D navigation, supporting multiple high-resolutions displays, and enabling superior GPU per...

Ford has signed a deal to work directly with BlackBerry, enabling it to expand its use of the BlackBerry QNX secure operating system (OS), according to a Reuters report. The accord is BlackBerry's first direct deal with any automaker, the report notes. Panasonic uses QNX software in Ford's Sync 3 infotainment system. In an interview with Reuters, the head of BlackBerry's QNX system, John Wall, is quoted as saying, "We can form the basis of the entire vehicle all the way from auton...

Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. has begun supplying FALKEN ZIEX ZE001 A/S SUV tires for the new 2016 Nissan Rogue, which is now available in North America, the tire maker announced in a press release on 28 April. The tires feature an asymmetrical tire tread pattern and the size provided for the vehicle will be 225/60R18 100H. “The Falken ZIEX ZE001 A/S, sized 225/60R18, features a unique tread design that aids in keeping noise at a minimum, as well as efficiently moves water from under t...

Magneti Marelli is showcasing products for hybrid-electric propulsion at Auto China 2016, says a company press release. The company is exhibiting its 48 Volt PERF.E.T. (PERForming and Efficient Transmission) hybrid system, energy storage systems such as 60 and 120 kW KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System), 50 kW HERS (Heat Energy Recovery System) and solutions adopted in Formula E (6-phase 300 kW motor generators and 3-phase 150 kW inverters). Magneti Marelli is also presenting high and low volta...

KSPG has won a EUR118 million (USD134 million) contract for car engine steel pistons, piston pins and rings, states a press release. The order has been placed with the Czech plant in Ústí nad Labem and series production will start in early 2018. The piston assemblies are meant for the four- and six-cylinder diesel engines of a premium-segment OEM. Significance: KSPG, part of Rheinmetall, manufactures components, modules and assemblies for the drive systems of vehicles. The company’s 2015...

TI Automotive has opened a new manufacturing facility in Monterrey, Mexico, the company announced in a press release on 13 April. The 53,000-square foot facility is located near Hyundai-Kia’s manufacturing facility and will produce fluid carrying systems. Production is expected to commence in May 2016 with 100 employees. Significance: The new facility is part of the TI Automotive’s global strategy – “going where our customers need us”. According to Bill Kozyra, chairman, CEO and pr...

BASF has obtained a licence related to the CAMX suite of CAM-7 cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries under the intellectual property of CAMX Power LLC, states a press release by BASF.  “We believe that BASF, as the world's largest chemical company, with CAM-7 added to its cathode portfolio, and with its extensive battery material production facilities globally as well as its deep manufacturing and process technology expertise, is in an ideal position to rapidly scale up production t...

Toyota has selected Yokohama as the tire supplier for the new Prius model, states a press release by Yokohama. In Japan, Oceania and Europe, Toyota will equip Prius with Yokohama’s BluEarth E70 tires, and in North America, the car will get Yokohama’s ASPEC A349 tire. In other countries, the “ASPEC A349” tire will be used. The tire sizes for “BluEarth E70”, “BluEarth S34” and “ASPEC A349” are 215/45R17 87W, P215/45R17 87V and 195/65R15 91H respectively. Significance: Toyot...

UQM has received a new order from Proterra for PowerPhase HD electric drive systems, to be completed and shipped before the end of 2016, according to a press release on 10 March. Joe Mitchell, president and CEO of UQM Technologies commented on the development, “We have worked closely over the years with Proterra to create what we believe is the most technologically advanced heavy-duty electric drivetrain in the marketplace. That achievement, combined with Proterra’s over two million proven m...

General Motors (GM) will be able to deploy the Full Display Mirror (FDM) built Gentex in its upcoming Bolt electric vehicle (EV) following an approval by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), reports Autoblog. NHTSA has now approved this type of mirror and screen hybrid technology for use in vehicles, provided these vehicles are equipped with the standard side mirrors. Before Bolt EV, GM will use the technology in its MY2016 Cadillac CT6 plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV)...

UQM Technologies and New Eagle have collaborated to provide integrated electric drivetrain solutions to electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids in the light- and medium-duty vehicle segments, according to a press release. As a part of the collaboration, UQM will provide its PowerPhase Pro® electric propulsion systems and New Eagle will offer its vehicle supervisory control software template and full system integration experience. “Working with UQM brings a higher ease of integration to the en...

TM4 has entered a supply deal to provide electric motors and invertors for Ballard’s seventh-generation FCvelocity-HD7 power module, states a press release. Ballard chose the TM4 MOTIVE series of high rpm motors which will be vital for air supply to the fuel cell.   Significane: Canada-based TM4 provides electric and hybrid powertrain systems. TM4’s Motive brand high rpm motors were selected by Ballard for their proven reliability, quality and high power density, says the press ...

The Volvo XC90, which was recently named "Truck of the Year" at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), features seat covers and paddings supplied by Johnson Controls, the supplier said in a press release on 3 February. The company said, “The demand of the Swedish premium car manufacturer was that these seats, made with top-quality materials, should offer excellent comfort to all its customers. The focus is not only on the driver and front passenger but the seats of the second and ...

The last couple of years has seen the trend of tier-one suppliers making large-scale acquisitions of fellow tier-one suppliers in the automotive industry. After a relatively quiet period, these so-called ‘megasuppliers’ are now about to start taking advantage of the synergies these mergers have created. ZF TRW developed a new airbag that can help automakers improve side impact protection in vehicles. The new airbag, called centre airbag, is integrated into the inner side of the seatback and ...

Chinese automaker Chery Automobile Company aims to sell a 30% stake in its electric vehicle (EV) subsidiary, Chery New Energy Vehicles Technology Company, to raise CNY920 million (USD144 million), reports Automotive News China. Meanwhile, the South Korean company LG Chem has announced that it will supply Chery with batteries for its next-generation EV, volume production of which is scheduled to begin by the end of this year. Significance: Chery aims to strengthen its EV business by raising f...

3M has entered a strategic supply agreement with Plug Power to provide membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) for use in Plug Power designed proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel-cell stacks, states a release by Plug Power on 13 November. The company will manufacture the fuel cell stacks at the Latham, New York and Spokane, Washington facilities in United States to support the USD20 billion material handling market. The technology will also be used to expand Plug Power’s presence in the fuel-cell ...

Karma Automotive, the company that has risen from the bankrupt Fisker Automotive, has announced that BMW has agreed to supply the start-up with electric powertrain technology. In a statement, Karma said, “BMW will supply Karma Automotive with its latest powertrain components, including high-voltage battery- charging systems and a wide range of hybrid and EV systems.” Karma said that it will integrate BMW components into the plug-in flagship being relaunched in 2016, but that it is ...

Tesla Motors has confirmed a contract with LG Chem to supply batteries for upgrades to the company’s first car, the Roadster, reports The Wall Street Journal. The new replacement pack cells have a 31% higher energy density than the Panasonic cells in the original roadster, delivering a capacity of 70 kWh. Significance: In December 2014, Tesla announced that it would offer a USD29,000 battery upgrade to customers of the Roadster car, increasing the vehicle's range from 245 miles to 400 mile...

Japan-based Denso has developed a power control unit, a motor stator, a millimeter-wave radar sensor, vision sensor, an ITS Connect-supported in-vehicle device and a new automotive air conditioning system, for the upcoming Toyota Prius hybrid, the company announced in a press release on 29 October. The power control unit is 33% smaller than its counterpart in the current-generation Prius. The motor stator, jointly developed by Toyota and Denso, is 20% lighter than its previous counterpart.&n...

Italy-based OMB Saleri, a component manufacturer for residential gas and water applications, will develop certain components such as a hydrogen on-tank valve, a check-valve, a filling receptacle, and a thermal-pressure relief device (TPRD) End Plug device, for Daimler's next-generation fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), reports Hydrogen Fuel News.  There is, however, no comment as to when the components will be ready for supply. Significance: The components that OMB Saleri will develo...

US-based UQM Technologies has signed a 10-year agreement to supply electric propulsion systems to ITL Efficiency Corporation, a subsidiary of Eastlake New Energy, in China. The agreement includes an initial purchase order of 3,000 electric propulsion systems to be shipped to the client in 2017. UQM will manufacture the propulsion systems in Colorado, United States, until 2017, and the plan is to produce the products in China from 2018 onwards. "We are excited to partner with ITL and become a dom...

South Korean electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturers Samsung SDI and LG Chem have each reportedly gained battery contracts from European automakers, reports local agency Yonhap News. Samsung SDI will reportedly supply plug-in electric hybrid vehicle (PHEV) batteries to Bentley, for use in the automaker's Bentayga PHEV. Samsung SDI declined to comment on the news, states Yonhap. Meanwhile, LG Chem will reportedly supply EV batteries for Nissan's LEAF. Significance: The Bentayga will be th...

US-based 3M has entered into a patent licence agreement with South Korea-based LG Chem to expand the use of nickel, manganese, cobalt (NMC) as cathodes in lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, according to a 3M press release yesterday (4 August). Under the agreement, 3M grants LG Chem a license to US Patents 6,660,432; 6,964,828; 7,078,128; 8,685,565; and 8,241,791, along with their all global equivalents, including in Korea, Taiwan, Japan, China and Europe. “This licence will accelerate the ado...

US-based Kettering University's Advanced Power Electronics Lab (APEL) has joined hands with German automotive parts supplier Hella for the development of next generation chargers for electric vehicles (EVs), according to a press release by Hella on 13 July. The objective is to develop Level 2 EV chargers that would offer 97% efficiency compared to their present counterparts, which usually exhibit 94% efficiency. "By using gallium-nitride devices, the charger switching frequency is also signi...

Renault has announced plans to build its R240 electric motor for the upcoming ZOE electric vehicle (EV) at the Cléon plant in France, according to a press release. The site has been chosen due to its well-equipped production base and skillful engineering and operational teams. The Cléon plant has an initial capacity to produce 50,000 units of the R240 electric motor annually and expects to double the number in the long term. Significance: Renault has developed the required infrastructure a...

Researchers at Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology (SAIT) have taken a new approach that can improve performance of silicon as lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery anode, according to a paper published in the Nature Communications journal. The SAIT team has reported direct graphene growth over silicon nanoparticles by avoiding silicon carbide formation. The graphene layers on the silicon surface allow for the volume expansion of silicon through a sliding process between adjacent graphene layers...

South Korea-based LG Chem has signed deals with two Chinese automakers, Nanjing Golden Dragon Bus and Dongfeng Commercial Vehicle, to supply lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, reports The Korea Times, citing LG Chem statement. The batteries will be deployed in the automakers’ forthcoming small and large-sized electric city buses. "The latest agreement will significantly help us expand our portfolio to buses from sedans and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) in China, the world's biggest EV market,...

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AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING Front drive unit Rear drive unit BENECKE-KALIKO Benova© for instrument panel & door panel TEPEO© for door panel main Yorn© for instrument panel BORGWARNER Chain Timing System Friction Plates for 8-speed AT TransferCase Turbocharger for gasoline engines Variable Cam Timing (VCT) BROSE Closure systems HVAC-blowers Power operated tailgates Seat adjusters Window regulators BWI GROUP ...

Samsung SDI will reportedly be supplying electric vehicle (EV) batteries to Audi's Q7 diesel PHEV, according to the Korea Economic Daily. Ulrich Hackenberg, Audi's chief technology officer, said, "We decided to employ Samsung SDI's batteries for our first diesel PHEV, the Q7 e-Tron Quattro", without giving further details. Audi revealed the second-generation Q7 along with a diesel hybrid option at this year's NAIAS. The model is expected to sell in the United States early next year. The Q7 PHEV ...

US-based automotive chassis, engines, and safety and electronics systems supplier TRW Automotive is expanding its 'Electronics' business, the company said in a press release yesterday (6 January). As part of the expansion, TRW has appointed Brian Loh as the new vice-president of its active safety product portfolio. Loh is responsible for all driver assist system (DAS) sensors, central safety domain electronic control units (ECUs), and the company’s automated vehicle strategy and execution. TRW...

January – Future demand for manual transmissions IHS Automotive took an in depth look at the manual transmission market and where it is heading. Though the technology is at a high state of development, there are still new elements being added. Six is expected to be the ideal number of speeds for manual transmission going forward. February – Continental retunes its powertrain strategy Continental splits its Strategy and Technology department two separate entities, in a bid to foc...

Could new suppliers shake up the seating systems market? Interview: Andreas Maashoff, Johnson Controls Automotive Seating Suppliers to the VW Passat and Renault Twingo cutaway Mexico’s resurgence continues           Click the link above to download this month's issue  

ARaymond has launched a new range of Quick Connectors that would help automakers develop a new generation of fuel systems, according to a company press release. The new quick connector incorporates valves that prevent fuel spills after disconnection, shut-off actuators, pressure regulators along with some sensors that monitor pressure, temperature and fuel flows. The company also claims that the new connectors bear fewer components to reduce weight and avoid complexities and safety issues re...

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South Korean tire-maker Hankook Tire is supplying its all-new, ultra high performance (UHP) Ventus S1 evo tires, in size 225/50 R 17 W, for German-based premium carmaker BMW’s 4-Series Coupé. According to a Hankook press release, the wide-base Ventus S1 evo tire is equipped with sophisticated DTM technology, offering performance, durability and energy efficiency. Hankook manufactures the tires at its Hanover plant in Germany; the plant produces passenger car tires for the European market. ...

Toyota plans to be less aggressive with parts suppliers during price negotiations for the first half of fiscal year (FY) 2014/15, mainly to help companies that stood by it in difficult times, reports financial daily The Nikkei. The automaker aims to use the gentler price reduction to strengthen the health of not only its top tier of suppliers, but also smaller companies. Toyota will reportedly ask for a price cut of less than 1% for the first half of next FY against a typical reduction of 1.0-1....

This last month has seen the latest announcement from a joint-alliance of OEMs that they are looking to make further cost savings. Renault-Nissan formally confirmed that that is aiming to achieve at least EUR4.3-billion (USD5.85 billion)-worth of annualised synergies between the two automakers by the end of 2016. The methods which they plan to use to make those savings will be all too familiar to suppliers. The alliance will study how to allocate research on next-generation technologies to s...

If you would like your company included in this feature, or the car cutaways published in Automotive News or Automotive News Europe, please email james.clark@ihs.com. With help from Faurecia, the second generation C4 Picasso is the first Citroën model that meets Euro 6 emission standards for diesel passenger cars. The minivan’s BlueHDi engine has a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) module from Faurecia that the automaker says reduces nitrogen oxides, or NOx, by 90% when compared t...

Webasto has designed soft top convertible roof systems for the new Jaguar F-Type models launched in May this year, says the company’s press release. The convertible roof system was developed by the company’s convertible business unit Webasto-Edscha at its headquarters in Hengersberg (Germany), and the soft tops were assembled at a plant in Coventry (UK). The soft top can be opened fully automatically within 12 seconds at a speed of up to 50km/h. The roof kinematic system is equipped with an ...

JATCO has officially opened a new automotive transmission manufacturing plant in Amata Nakorn, Thailand, with an investment of around JPY20bn (USD200m), says a company press release. The plant will initially produce 500,000 units of the company’s low-cost continuously variable transmission (CVTs) – the JATCO CVT7 – for Nissan’s compact cars such as March (also known as Micra) and Sylphy, which is produced in Thailand. The plant will initially employ around 740 workers, which is scheduled...

ABC GROUP Windshield Washer Bottle System   APAG ELEKTRONIK          LED Based Door Handle Illumination                   AUTONEUM Brackets Heatshields                   BEHR F15/F15 Engine Cooling Module PTC heater Thrid Row PTC blower ...

ABC GROUP Air Induction System HVAC System Interior Trim Windshield Washer Bottle System   AISIN Sunroof   AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING Driveshafts Front And Rear Axles   ANGELL-DEMMEL Sillplates   AUTOMATIC SPRING PRODUCTS Door Handle Springs Drivetrain Components   BAY FABRICATION Exhaust Sound Pack   BORGWARNER Friction Plates HY-VO® Chain On Transfer Case Fo...

 

International Automotive Component (IAC) has announced investment of GBP3.5m (USD5.46m) at its Solihull and Scunthorpe facility in the UK to cater to new contracts from Jaguar Land Rover, reports Plastic & Rubber Weekly. The company is said to have purchased five additional moulding machines. Also, IAC informed that both facilities have "full order book untill the early 2020s" which is the result of launch of new Evoque and the ongoing production of the Range Rover. The company also expects ...