Changing supplier business models will influence car tech and design
A squeeze on automotive suppliers, together with the adaptation of new technology, will lead some major players to play a bigger role in overall vehicle development cycles, especially in shaping customer user experiences
Electric vehicles could transform role of tier 1 suppliers in production and technology
As OEMs look to reduce production costs and manage more complexity, automotive suppliers will face challenges. But with more EV models in the pipeline, many have the opportunity to grab a larger piece of the pie both for manufacturing and supply chain management.
Explaining EU vehicle emissions targets: can OEMs avoid heavy fines?
The new average fleet targets that came into force in Europe on January 1st 2020 are having big impacts on vehicle development and technology, pushing OEMs to produce and sell more hybrids and EVs. But the rules are complex and varied by brands, volume and sales. Here we provide a summary of the key rules and terminology.
CES 2020: Is Sony’s Vision S a scary sight, or a revelation for carmakers and suppliers?
Should automotive manufacturers and the supply chain fear or embrace this surprise announcement from the consumer technology giant?
FCA–PSA fusion: first of the electric shock waves?
The merger attempt by FCA and PSA will be complicated but makes economic and operational sense, including for investing in technology and systems. Whether or not it goes ahead, more consolidation is likely as the automotive industry gears up for electrification
A divided global electric vehicle market could limit OEM economies of scale in manufacturing
Sales of hybrid and battery electric vehicles are set for significant regional divergence, which could fragment economies of scale across automotive production, R&D and technology costs, according to a new powertrain forecast by Automotive from Ultima Media
Global trade disputes could dim electric vehicle technology development in key markets
Trade uncertainties such as those between the US and China, or the UK and the EU, could put the brakes on growth in the electric vehicle and battery technology for some OEMs and countries, despite bullish forecasts for alternative powertrains
What took the air out of Dyson’s electric car project?
The iconic manufacturer of vacuum cleaners has cancelled plans to develop and build an EV. That was probably a smart decision, considering the huge costs, competition and struggling market that Dyson would have been entering. An analysis from Ultima Media’s automotive analyst, Daniel Harrison.
Stricter EU CO2 regulations will reshape vehicle platforms and car design
As OEMs try to reduce CO2 and transition to electric vehicles in the face of the high fines, we expect a profound impact on vehicle design.
Suppliers will face squeeze as OEMs push to meet EU CO2 targets
As carmakers strive to reach the more stringent CO2 emissions targets being phased in across the EU next year, we predict that many are likely to put more pressure on their supply base to help reduce emissions
Europe’s auto industry warns of “catastrophic consequences” of no-deal Brexit
With uncertainty continuing over Britain’s departure from the European Union, automakers and suppliers warned this week of “catastrophic consequences” if the country leaves the bloc without a comprehensive agreement in place.
Greater expectations: brighter days will return for the automotive industry
Although automotive OEMs will face years of stagnant vehicle sales, a stronger recovery thereafter will bring growth back up to long run averages and herald a return to stronger profits. By then, however, the industry is likely to have undergone further consolidation.
Re-tooling of manufacturing plants and supply chain for EVs pose investment risk for OEMs
Tooling and conversion of technology for automotive plants are signicant costs for OEMs as they invest in electrification, which some may struggle to afford, according to a new report by Automotive from Ultima Media.
Pricier, technology-laden new vehicles are driving consumers to buy used vehicles
OEMs’ own sales and technology strategies, combined with growing regulations, are leading more consumers to the second-hand vehicle market, a development that could reshape future automotive business models, according to a new report.
Electrification poses cost and technology risk for automotive industry
The high R&D, production and technology costs of electric vehicles could mean that OEMs will be selling most at a loss for years to come, according to a report by Automotive from Ultma Media.
Emissions regulations pose existential risk for OEMs
Escalating fines over CO2 and fuel standards, especially in Europe and China, are set to have significant impacts across OEM profits and investment plans, according to a new report by Automotive from Ultima Media.
Building Volkswagen’s Industrial Cloud
Volkswagen Group’s landmark project with Amazon Web Services will help to connect all its global factories, and eventually the supply chain as well. At the core of the project is a drive to establish a standard software stack that will transform the way production IT is developed and implemented across Volkswagen locations.
Trade wars compound risks for automotive investment
The impact on tariffs and especially of uncertainty in key trading regions including the US, China and Europe are having real impacts on automotive companies and their investments in technology, according to a new report by Automotive from Ultima Media’s new business intelligence unit.
Auto industry faces lengthy decline in sales
Global new vehicle sales could face years of falls or stagnation, hurting OEM profits and putting pressure on investment in technology, according to a forecast by Automotive from Ultima Media’s new business intelligence unit.
The outlook: Global challenges grow for automotive suppliers
Automotive suppliers are facing a tougher environment as vehicle production declines, the Chinese market weakens and growing efforts to electrify powertrains are reshaping demand structures.
Volkswagen calls for applications to software training program, ‘Faculty 73’
As part of an ongoing effort to increase software development and programing expertise, Volkswagen Group is now looking for applicants to the second round of its software development training course, Faculty 73, held at the company’s corporate headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany.
Stefan Krause takes time out as CEO of Canoo in second top executive change this summer
Krause, the founder and chief executive officer of electric vehicle startup Canoo (formerly Evelozcity), is stepping down temporarily as the company’s chief executive officer and chairman of the board for family reasons as the company prepares to unveil first model.
UK industry’s contingency spending for Brexit exceeds £330m; investment plummets
The UK automotive industry has already spent at least £330m ($401m) on contingency plans to cover the country’s departure from the EU, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Seat to expand its software development in Barcelona under new CIO
As part of a new and expanded brand IT function under Sebastian Grams, Seat is combining a number of digital initiatives in Barcelona, including new digital processes and mobility concepts.
At ZF, a broad focus on a wide range of automotive technologies
ZF Friedrichshafen’s new technologies are designed to support the further automation of the mobility experience on various fronts, but the large German automotive supplier doesn’t see full autonomous driving on public roads anytime soon. In the meantime, it works to improve conventional vehicles, while at the same time developing tomorrow’s mobility.
Ford, VW join forces as costs rise, markets fall
Volkswagen and Ford agree to jointly develop autonomous vehicle technology. Also, Ford plans to build EVs on VW’s MEB platform.
Electrification to trigger massive changes in automotive supply chains
The advent of large-scale electric vehicle production could lead to a seismic shift in the way automotive supply chains operate. Relationships will change, new players will emerge and the auto industry’s procurement focus is likely to be radically altered.
Volkswagen creates in-house software unit to standardize group vehicle features
The Volkswagen Group is planning a significant increase in its in-house software development for vehicles and vehicle-related services through the creation of new software unit, “Car.Software”, led by Christian Senger (pictured).
Report: Jungwirth to leave Volkswagen Group
Former Volkswagen Group CDO Johann Jungwirth is leaving the German carmaker, according to a report in the newspaper Welt Am Sonntag.
Carmakers join forces to share safety data via cloud in Europe
BMW, Daimler, Ford and Volvo have partnered with service providers and national transport authorities to estalish a test pilot that shares information from cars and infrastructure to improve safety.
Mamatha Chamarthi is now CIO at FCA in North America and Asia
Automotive IT and digital veteran Mamatha Chamarthi took on the chief information officer role at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles in April – and she may be set to lead key elements of its digital transformation at a critical time.
Why all eyes are on Israel for AI
In the race to perfect autonomous driving, Israel has proven to be a hotspot of innovation in areas like machine learning and cyber security – driven, in part, by its military expertise and surveillance tools.
Faurecia invests in Israeli cyber security firm as part of digital and connected service push
The French-based automotive supplier has invested in GuardKnox to help secure vehicle connectivity and data processing.
News analysis: Daimler's new CEO must move fast with transformation
Ola Kaellenius, Daimler’s new CEO will have to prove that he has the right skillset to run the world’s biggest premium car maker and move at digital speed to transform the company into a mobility services provider and one that excels at developing software.
Audi the latest to expand use of virtual reality at dealerships and service bays
Audi’s use of virtual-reality and augmented-reality tools to train technicians to work on electric vehicles is pointing the way towards a wider use of the technology across dealerships, sales channels and the aftermarket.
Vehicle production: Stay connected, stay safe
Automotive production networks have become far more connected but also more exposed to problems with IT and OT network security and compatibility. Nick Boughton, digital lead at Boulting Technology, explains how manufacturers should be more aware and prepared
FCA partners with Harman, Google for connectivity
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles will use Harman and Google technology to offer owners of its cars an expanded range of connected services.
Analysis: Tougher EU safety regulations will drive vehicle connectivity
The European Parliament on Tuesday approved tougher safety regulations in a move that is likely to trigger increased demand for digital, connected in-car safety technologies.
Truck makers count on connected tech to improve productivity
Truck makers are embracing connectivity, data and digital tools to improve logistics and fleet efficiency.
Analysis: Dual role for Porsche CIO Ulbrich combines IT operations and digital strategy
Mattias Ulbrich’s dual role, and the departure of previous CDO and head of Porsche Digital, Thilo Koslowski, suggests that digital transformation at many OEMs might be most effective by those with hands-on IT roles.
Report: Government support vital if UK is to lead connected vehicle development
A report published by the SMMT and Frost & Sullivan says the UK is well positioned to lead the development of connected and autonomous vehicles – provided there is enough government support, and it avoids crashing out of the EU.
Analysis: Building trust key to using driver and vehicle data
As vehicles and their users become more digitally connected, private data will increasingly be used to generate new revenue streams, improve safety and make urban traffic flow more smoothly. But experts at the SMMT Connected conference in London asked whether data protection efforts can keep pace with the rate of ...
Analysis: Plan for supply chain attacks
The US Department for Homeland Security sees risks in the supply chain increasing, including for the aumotive industry
Analysis: Why VW chose Amazon for its industrial cloud
Volkswagen is partnering with Amazon Web Services for its manufacturing and supply chain cloud, after choosing Microsoft for mobility. Why does it need two clouds with different providers?
Nissan turns to tablets to increase sales in competitive digital market
Nissan has been introducing tablet technology to improve customer experience in its retail and aftermarket network.
VW calls for more decisive German government intervention to boost electric mobility
Volkswagen Group CEO Herbert Diess is calling on the German government to act decisively to adopt an extensive package of measures that will make electric vehicles more popular.
German auto industry debates its electric future
Electrification, driverless-car technology, environmental strategies and new business models are among the top priorities of the German auto industry, but executives, in town for a two-day meeting last week, emphasized vastly different priorities.
Tesla to close showrooms and move sales online
Tesla is closing its showrooms globally and moving to an online sales model to reduce overheads across the business. The carmaker hopes this will deliver its Model 3 at a lower price of $35,000.
Mercedes-Benz to boost visibility via blockchain
Mercedes-Benz Cars has announced a partnership with contract management software provider Icertis to improve transparency in its supply chain and procurement via the use of blockchain technology.
Analysis: Data opportunities abound in complex new-mobility environment
Participants at a conference about monetizing car data hosted here by the German business daily Handelsblatt said the world of 21st century personal mobility is characterized by growing complexity, new players, new business models and rapidly changing consumer requirements.
10 takeaways from this year’s Las Vegas tech show
CES in Las Vegas has become the key annual gathering for the global tech industry. Here are the biggest trends evident for the automotive industry.
Mapping for Mercedes
A tech start-up is helping Mercedes-Benz track cars at its Tuscaloosa plant, as well as assisting dealerships.
A look at BMW's electric future, its impact on supply chain and sustainability
Stefan Juraschek, vice president development electric-powertrain, outlines the company’s strategy for EV and battery supply chain.
How to better manage relationships in the increasingly complex automotive supply chain
The on-demand economy is having a huge impact on the automotive sector, creating new challenges for manufacturers and automotive businesses looking to get a handle on their growing global supply chain.
Digital twins play a role in all digitalization projects but data consolidation slows down implementation
Digital twins are shaping up to be a key tool as automotive companies proceed with digitalization across the entire value chain. But it’s not easy to get a handle on these virtual representations.
In the battle for ERP supremacy, Oracle wants to benefit from SAP’s problems
German business software giant SAP and its US based competitor Oracle are locked in a fierce head-to-head competition. SAP has had the edge for a while. Now the pendulum could be swinging the other way.
Digital tools, including bots, mark the advent of a new era in automotive purchasing
Purchasing departments need to be re-oriented and open to digital tools. Otherwise, the competitiveness of automakers and their supplier partners will be at risk.
OEM and Tier One venture divisions invest in start-ups: BMW for machine intelligence and cybersecurity, Faurecia for cognitive science, Toyota for robotics
BMW’s i Ventures capital fund, based in Mountain View, California [HQ pictured], is investing in two-year-old machine intelligence company Graphcore, based in Bristol, UK, and with offices in London, Oslo, Palo Alto and Beijing.
Audi’s AID subsidiary to partner with Luminar on LiDAR for autonomous vehicles, aims for 2021 deployment
Audi’s AID (Autonomous Intelligent Driving) subsidiary, formed in 2017 to supply autonomous technologies to the Volkswagen Group brands, will leverage LiDAR technology from Luminar for its first on-road deployments of autonomous vehicles in 2021. It will source forward-facing high-fidelity and long-range LiDAR from Luminar, which is also participating in AID’s ...
Preview: An auto show, a tech show or both in Las Vegas?
With the Detroit Auto Show struggling, CES, even more than in recent years, is stepping up its automotive game.
Honda to show autonomous, robotics and energy management solutions
Honda is planning an extensive exhibit for next month’s CES, Las Vegas, to highlight its work in autonomous vehicles, robotics and connectivity and to attract future collaborators. Its Silicon Valley-based Honda Innovations division is to announce new tie-ups with start-ups and other partners.
The future of auto cyber security lies in a centralised platform
OSR’s Orit Shifman explains how to protect a car from attacks with AI and single digital control center
Mahindra moves toward future mobility and EV in India
Mahindra & Mahindra is to trial 100 electric vehicles including its Treo three-wheeler and e-Supro passenger vehicle in a mobility service in Thane, near Mumbai.
Ford’s big data study identifies potential traffic accident hotspots, gives insights for electromobility and city authorities
Taking part in the research were 160 Ford Transit light commercial vehicles, driven and operated in different sectors and by different businesses, from owner-operators to large fleets, plus a fleet of private Fiesta superminis. Over the course of the year – and over 15,000 days of usage between them – ...
Porsche dials up the digital tech in all-new 911, adds new range of apps and services to what may be last ICE version
The eighth-generation Porsche 911, unveiled at the Los Angeles auto show, is more powerful and performance-oriented than ever – and its onboard technology has also been boosted.
Ghosn scandal and General Motors closures should be viewed in context as world car production trends suggest future not so different from the past
The auto industry has seemingly suffered two major body blows in the last 10 days. The shock arrest of Carlos Ghosn in Japan and GM’s announcement of plant closures in North America give succour to those who believe we are witnessing the beginning of the end of the car industry.
How to create value from in-car data
Mobility offers huge opportunities for automakers, but only if they can capture and sell in-car user data.
Electric vehicles won't reach critical mass until charging infrastructure meets consumer expectations, says head of EV mobility division at Germany's Schaeffler
Jochen Schroeder, heads up the new electric mobility division at German supplier group, Schaeffler. He talked to Laurin Paschek about the slow acceptance of EVs, the range of components his company offers, and the infrastructure challenges still faced by the EV industry.
Toyoda Gosei gets into venture capital, FCA looks for insurance innovations, Volvo Financial Services launches fintech lab
Toyoda Gosei – a Toyota Group company manufacturing rubber and plastic automotive components – is setting up a corporate venture capital department, specifically to invest in start-ups and accelerate innovations. Effective from January 2019 with a three-billion yen budget through till December 2020, this is said to enable it to ...
Transforming the supply chain for the digital age
The car industry is being shaken up by data and digital processes, but those in the supply chain can gain a competitive edge by getting to grips with the possibilities presented by AI and better data governance.
J.D. Power and Reputation.com create alliance aimed at OEMs and dealers to track consumer opinion and car buying sentiment
Alliance combines J.D. Power’s consumer research, data analytics and advisory capabilities with Reputation.com’s technology for capturing customer insights from social media and review sites.
Retail trends could leave dealers squeezed between the demands of data rich car buyers and OEMs rapidly shifting business models
I want this one, but in pink. Dealers are going to have to work harder to give consumers what they desire in future, and work closely with OEMs to deliver an ongoing and adaptive automotive brand relationship. (Daimler AG)
Logistics is not like five years ago and in five years’ time it won’t be like today
With rapid advances in vehicle technology, the challenge for the automotive logistics industry is to keep up, said supply chain experts at the recent Automotive Logistics UK conference.
Audi gets into bed with Amazon and the consequences could be unpredictable, data from Alexa could assist retailer into auto market
When Audi officially launched its e-tron electric SUV in the United States last month, Audi of America President Scott Keogh told journalists that he wanted Audi to be "the number-one electric vehicle seller in America over the long term.”
Nvidia CEO sees “gigantic opportunities" for auto industry
MUNICH – Jensen Huang isn’t bothered by the differences between the five levels of autonomy that the US-based Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has defined for driverless cars. “As long as it works,” the Nvidia CEO told reporters here Thursday.
Automotive logistics industry looks to technology to help tackle looming disruption from Brexit, and create value from supply chain
Speakers at the Automotive Logistics UK summit at Silverstone focused on how to change existing supply chain business models to make the best use of emerging digital technology as a means to tackle the disruption ahead and remain competitive.
Reimagining its own data lakes and embracing analytics may save the car industry from extinction
In the IT world, it’s hard to avoid the cliché that “data is the new oil”, yet in the auto industry it might actually be true. As it moves from a very 20th Century data-light, vertical model of building cars to a horizontal digital future of mobility solutions and services, ...
Blockchain is about more than Bitcoin, it could revolutionise the automotive supply chain and reduce the impact of product recalls
Blockchain has built its reputation as a distributed ledger platform, which provides a framework for securely using and trading cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin. However, its potential extends far beyond financial services.
New BMW 3 Series takes the Munich company firmly into the era of digital services and breaks new ground for connectivity and driver assistance
PARIS – BMW’s new 3 Series, unveiled here this week, will be the first big test of the carmaker’s strategic move away from being a maker of premium performance vehicles to becoming a hardware and software company.
“Get ready for the data age”
Next January’s CES will underscore the growing importance of data for the automotive industry and other business sectors, executives of the US Consumer Technology Association (CTA) say.
Why Volkswagen’s cloud deal with Microsoft is good for both partners
In the IT world the battle for the cloud will decide who rules enterprise computing for the foreseeable future. It’s a battle that has already been disrupted by the entry of Amazon, a company that was never analysed or structured as a traditional IT player.
Remember Nokia!
To build mobility of the future, manufacturers will have to create the right data, IT infrastructure and security preconditions.
Daimler, partners launch 3D printing pilot
Daimler and two specialist partners have put into operation a pilot plant that uses 3D printing technology to make components for the automotive and aerospace industries.
At Audi, training now focuses on EVs, digitalization
Training programs at Audi increasingly focus on electric-vehicle technology and digitalization, marking a shift away from traditional automotive skills toward new areas.
Powertrain development gets help from AI
In a newly formed research lab,artificial intelligence is training neural networks. The researchers see major benefits in the development of electric powertrains.Powertrain developers see challenging times ahead. Even today, they are not just designing a gasoline or diesel engine to deliver the best possible performance and efficiency. They are also ...
Study: AI can boost car-sales profitability by at least 15 percent
A new study says the use of artificial intelligence can improve car-sales planning and boost per-vehicle profitability by between 15 and 20 pc.
Without data, there is no AI in the auto industry
The auto industry is currently undergoing a massive technology upheaval. Artificial intelligence (AI) provides an opportunity for automotive players to rethink everything. Some believe that AI is the key differentiator in the auto industry. But this is inaccurate. It’s not the AI, it’s the data that is the source of ...
nextLAP presents AI data hub for production and logistics at AL Global Conference
nextLAP Inc. of Mountain View, California, is to present its AI Production-Process-Platform IP/1 at next month’s Automotive Logistics Global Conference in Detroit. This is a cloud-based data hub featuring real-time analysis and artificial intelligence to optimize material flow in production and logistics processes.
Sensoris platform releases vehicle-to-cloud data standard
A standardized, globalized interface specification for vehicle-to-cloud data has been announced by the Sensoris innovation platform, coordinated by the Ertico-ITS Europe partnership. This data specification is said to be a crucial piece of digital infrastructure for connected and automated driving as it “closes the loop” between a vehicle’s sensors, map ...
PSA Group steps up digital transformation
An analysis of PSA’s digital strategy and progress so far under chief digital officer, Christophe Rauturier.
BMW Group deploys computer tomography for prototype development
BMW Group has introduced computer tomography at its pilot plant in the Research & Innovation Center (FIZ), Munich: this involves robotized X-ray scanning of prototypes to enable faster analysis development and production. It has particular application for quality control, where it allows vehicles to be checked without any physical dismantling.
Elektrobit announces modular solution for OTA [UPDATED]
Elektrobit, a subsidiary of Continental, has announced a modular solution for safe and secure updating of connected and automated vehicle fleets. EB cadian Sync establishes a secure end-to-end communication channel for over-the-air (OTA) updates to a vehicle’s ECUs as well as to head units and infotainment systems.
Legacy systems, a Herculean task for automotive CIOs
Digital transformation is supposed to ensure the survival of companies in the auto industry. But the growing complexity of IT systems is proving to be an obstacle. Some companies are taking the right steps but dealing with legacy systems is a tough challenge for CIOs.
Eberspaecher buys stake in PACE Telematics, gets cloud-connected
Automotive system developer and supplier Eberspaecher has acquired a stake of more than 20 pc in Karlsruhe-based start-up PACE Telematics GmbH, reflecting its aim to expand its business into cloud-based mobility services and connectivity solutions. Eberspaecher is known as a supplier of thermal management, exhaust and electronic systems, but “we ...
Continental and DFKI to partner on AI research
The German Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI) is to partner with Continental and establish a joint research lab at the DFKI facility in Kaiserslautern. Here, Continental employees will look at specific issues such as AI-supported methods of data analysis and software development. A statement describes this as research “in the ...
The $100 million question
Ex-Google autonomous driving expert, Sebastian Thrun, sees big opportunities in autonomous driving, and a narrowing gap between tech disruptors and established OEMs.
Continental exhibits computer vision platform with AI
Continental has shown and outlined a computer vision platform for automated vehicles at CES Asia. This uses artificial intelligence, neural networks and machine learning to improve the ‘scene understanding’ and analysis of data from sensors and cameras.
Tenneco, Schaeffler plan to make "dumb" components smart
Executives from automotive tier suppliers at the automotiveIT International conference in Atlanta explain how, with the help of sensor technology, traditional mechanical car components can be equipped with new digital functionality.
Toyota invests in ALBERT Inc. for big data analysis alliance
Toyota Motor plans to invest around 400million yen in ALBERT Inc., a data solutions business. The resulting alliance for big data analysis will focus on development of automated driving technologies.
T-Mobile US and Sprint to merge; focus firmly on 5G
T-Mobile US and Sprint announced over the weekend that they plan to merge the two wireless companies, creating a new and bigger competitor to established players in the US wireless market.
Toyota launches Toyota Connected Europe (TCEU) in London
Toyota is launching a London-based business unit to support the development and adoption of new shared mobility and fleet management solutions in Europe. Toyota Connected Europe (TCEU) is to partner with Toyota Motor Europe, Toyota retailers and distributors on services and products for consumers, businesses, governments and other stakeholders. These ...
BMW Group opens autonomous driving campus near Munich
BMW Group has officially inaugurated its autonomous driving campus and development facility at Unterschleissheim, near Munich. This ‘centre of excellence’ is close to BMW’s existing Research and Innovation Centre, and it enables the bringing-together of all its work on vehicle connectivity and automation at a single location.
China's market opening seen as opportunity for automotive players
The Automotive Logistics China conference in Chengu revealed new opportunity or automotive and technology players in China.
Volvo Trucks launches all-electric truck
Volvo Trucks is getting ready to launch its first all-electric truck for commercial use. The Volvo FL Electric will go on sale in Europe in 2019.
Schaeffler shows urban vehicle concept
Schaeffler has unveiled the “Schaeffler Mover,” an urban vehicle concept that offers a technology platform that lends itself to various scenarios.
At big industry show, motto is "Connect & Collaborate"
Traditional boundaries between industries are breaking down, productivity is rising and new business models are popping up like mushrooms. This month, Hannover Messe will lend its weight to this trend and examine the next levels of Industry 4.0.
Audi CDO wants to reduce complexity
BERLIN — Audi wants to reduce the complexity of operating its vehicles as it aims to become a “premium digital car company,” the carmaker’s CDO, Roland Villinger, said Thursday.
Byton executive: Tomorrow's cars will combine consumer electronics and automotive
BERLIN — Consumer electronics will play a key role in the new generation of passenger cars coming to marketing in coming years, a senior Byton executive said Thursday.
VW CIO cites big potential of artificial intelligence for car industry
BERLIN --The auto industry, with its growing complexity, offers "nearly perfect conditions for applied artificial intelligence," VW Group CIO Martin Hofmann said Thursday.
In digitalization drive, Porsche wants to be an early adopter
Porsche is not content to just continue its success as a profitable maker of premium sports cars. It wants to be an early adopter when it comes to new technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence and virtual and augmented reality.
Capgemini study: Big data in demand for new business models
Big data technologies are increasingly in demand when companies develop digital business models, according to a new poll by consultants Capgemini.
For Toyota, a new goal: 5.5 million EVs a year by 2030
Toyota Motor announced a commitment Monday to start selling a much broader range of full electric and other electrified vehicles in coming years, moving away from a heavy reliance on its pioneering hybrid-electric technology.
Ford, Alibaba to cooperate in China
Ford Motor and China’s Alibaba Group will jointly look for areas of cooperation, specifically in fields such as connectivity, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, mobility services and digital marketing.
ERP systems slow to embrace AI
A look at how major enterprise-resource-planning system providers are adapting their technology for artificial intelligence.
Apps in manufacturing on the rise
Apps and micro-services have considerable potential for automotive manufacturing, but are not always the first area of interest for software developers.
Software and computer speed will power Aptiv
Aptiv, the new name for Delphi Automotive, has emerged after spinning off its powertrain division this month with a focus on enhanced computing power for driving features and connected-vehicle architectures.
Electric vehicles: slow progress or a revolution?
Judging by the enthusiasm of the 304 exhibitors at this year’s eMove360 trade fair in Munich this year, electric vehicles have arrived.
Germany's Schaeffler buys machine data specialist
Schaeffler has acquired autinity systems, a specialist company in digital machine data recording and evaluation, in a move designed to give the German automotive supplier added expertise in digital manufacturing technologies.
carIT Congress: Audi electronics chief sees more work ahead in new mobility
FRANKFURT — Audi’s new flagship A8 model is filled with state-of-the-art connected technology, but the premium brand’s head of electrical and electronics development said Wednesday that a “quantum leap” in several key technologies is still needed to realize the industry’s autonomous-driving goals.
Siemens reorganizes group IT
Siemens is reorganizing its IT operations as part of a series of measures aimed at boosting the group's efficiency.
Will fuel cells replace batteries in tomorrow's EVs?
The problem with electric vehicles is well-known: They cost too much, don’t have enough range and are impractical because of a dearth of charging stations. Automakers, together with other new-mobility stakeholders, are working on this. But so far, EV sales growth has been slow and the long awaited sales breakthrough ...
Cyber security is money well spent
Cyber security costs money but it's worth it. That's the lesson learned from last week's massive ransomware attack, which caused major problems for authorities, hospitals. companies and private citizens across the globe.
Volvo Cars: Traffic data should be shared
Governments and carmakers should share traffic data to improve global traffic safety, Volvo Cars CEO Hakan Samuelsson said Monday.
At Volkswagen, change still comes slowly
There is some irony here: The Volkswagen Group battled for years under an autocratic leadership to become the world’s biggest automaker and did not shy away from disreputable practices on the way. Its widespread cheating on diesel emissions, which came to light in 2015, is a case in point. Now ...
Schaeffler CDO sees culture change as key to digitization
HANOVER -- Networking the manufacturing industry involves a high degree of cultural change at industrial companies, Schaeffler's chief digital officer, Gerhard Baum, said Thursday.
"There is no added value in gesturing with your fingers”
Digitization is changing vehicles’ interiors along with their other aspects. Georges Massing, director, user interaction at Mercedes-Benz, spoke with automotiveIT about the effects of the trend, the use of artificial intelligence and new assistance systems.
Study: German CIOs prioritize networking, data analysis
CIOs in German-speaking countries put a high priority on improving data networking and the development of data analysis.
Production logistics next in line for digital overhaul
Manufacturing automation has in recent years reached a high degree of maturity, but production logistics has not kept pace. As a result, improvements in manufacturing efficiency haven’t been as high as they could be. “It’s becoming clear that there’s pent-up demand for the automation of production logistics,” said Thomas Stoeckel, ...
What to expect in 2017
Is 2017 going to be the year of electric mobility? Will this be the year that autonomous vehicles take a decisive step toward roadworthiness? And will this be the year that automakers convince skeptics that they - rather than the tech industry are driving the transformation in personal mobility?
US wants mandatory car-to-car communication
(Bloomberg) --US automobile regulators want passenger cars and light trucks to wirelessly stream data about their movements and monitor other vehicles so they don’t crash into each other.
Automakers will cooperate more on new mobility
Competition for market share is fierce in the global auto industry, but that doesn’t mean there’s no room to cooperate. Especially in the past two years, as the pace of change has picked up, there’s been a marked increase in the number of strategic jont ventures the world’s carmakers have ...
"Automakers have to make adjustments or they will fail"
The German auto industry is at a crossroads, Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer says. In an interview, the German automotive expert warns that industry and the political world have to get future issues such as electric mobility, autonomous vehicles and digital sales channels on track ”“ or Germany’s importance as an automotive nation ...
On the road with DriveNow
For a long weekend away we decided to leave the car at home and use DriveNow to get to and from the airport. It was the first time I used BMW’s DriveNow carsharing service for more than just a short distance in the city. Here’s a brief report on the ...
Poll: Auto industry needs to do more with big data
Automotive companies see the relevance of big data and analytics, but few have effectively introduced the new technologies, according to a new study.
A new brand: Connected but not really global yet
GOTHENBURG -- Western carmakers occasionally launch new global brands. In 2015, Hyundai did so with its Genesis luxury marque and PSA/Peugeot-Citroen turned its DS into a separate near-premium brand.
Point of view: Apple and the car
By Arjen Bongard
“My aspiration is to actively help shape new business models”
Jan Brecht wants to move away from managing and administration to a focus on software and system architectures. The new Daimler CIO, who joined the premium car group from sporting-goods maker Adidas in November 2015, has made speed his top priority. In an interview with automotiveIT, Brecht spoke about his ...
Audi to step up cooperation with Chinese internet firms
Audi will work more closely with Alibaba, Baidu and Tencent to develop new connected-car features for the Chinese market.
Uber sells Chinese business to Didi Chuxing
Uber is selling its Chinese operations to Didi Chuxing, boosting the local company's already dominant transportation-services presence in the home market.
McKinsey study: Europe's slow digitization leaves money on the table
European consumers are heavily invested in digital technologies, but the continent is far removed from realizing the full potential of digitization.
Reply to start European data-scientist training program
MUNICH -- Reply SpA has signed an agreement with The Data Incubator to bring more data-analysis expertise to European companies.
Study: German managers confident of digital skills
Senior German managers are highly confident that they have the digital skills to adapt their companies to a new era of digitized business processes. But many of their staff have a different opinion.
Point of view: Germany's futile attempt to get EV sales going
The German government is sticking to its goal to have 1 million electric vehicles on the road by 2020. But a study by Brunswick University in northern Germany finds that a recently announced 5,000 euro subsidy for private car buyers won't do enough to bring the target in reach. And ...
Toyota and VW join ride-sharing trend
Toyota Motor and Volkswagen Group both announced ride-sharing moves, joining an auto-industry trend away from pure car-making toward broader mobility concepts.
"We are experiencing an upheaval in manufacturing"
Against a backdrop of steadily rising numbers of vehicle models and derivatives, extremely volatile markets and growing volumes, automotive manufacturing is facing major challenges. And digitization is adding more complexity to the mix. Daimler, like many other car companies, is organizing its production in global, architecture-based production networks.The result: Hierarchies ...
Hanover - automotiveIT Congress
The automotiveIT Congress, held annually during the CeBIT high-tech fair in Hanover, is set to take place March 17.
Badly secured: The car industry under (cyber)attack
IT attacks on companies are piling up and experts say the automotive industry, a prime target for hackers, isn”˜t properly prepared. The damage cyber attacks can do is often substantial and the methods of the attackers are becoming more and more perfidious. Stuxnet was just the beginning.
Study: Big data slow to take hold in transportation industry
Transportation and logistics companies are slow to implement big data and business intelligence tools, according to a study by consultants PricewaterhouseCoopers. Only 19 pc of companies surveyed are using the technologies as part of their business processes.
Study: German CIOs and CTOs see IT as decisive for competitiveness, growth
CIOs and CTOs in Germany see IT as key for their companies' growth plans, according to a new study.
Worries grow over security of cloud data transfers
Enthusiasm was high at the outset, but now a survey shows that companies are beginning to have second thoughts about relying on cloud-based architectures. Many experts, for example, are increasingly questioning whether cloud computing centers in fact can control production facilities or manage logistics centers without difficulties, as the providers ...
Nokia HERE: Accenture consultant sees more acquisitions
Following news that Audi, BMW and Daimler are set to jointly acquire Nokia HERE, automotiveIT asked Accenture automotive expert Axel Schmidt three questions about the implications of the transaction.
Salesforce raises ambitions in Europe
MUNICH - With 7,100 guests registered to attend the German part of its World Tour, Salesforce.com is sending a clear signal that it aims to grow its presence in Europe.
Point of view: A need for connected logistics!
The manufacturing industry, including the world's automakers and suppliers, has been putting in a lot of effort to improve production processes through the introduction of new, connected, technologies. "Industry 4.0," which involves the networking of machinery and processes, is on track in many companies.
Opinion: How to attract female engineers
One of the bigger challenges IT and other technology-driven industries have faced for decades is how to attract more female engineers.
Analysis: VW struggle reflects wider auto-industry dilemmas
The resignation of Ferdinand Piech late Saturday as chairman of the Volkswagen Group's supervisory board doesn't just mark the end of a tumultuous and expansionist chapter in the history of Europe's largest carmaker. It also highlights some of the mega-issues VW and the entire auto industry face as they prepare ...
Point of View: Germany needs Industry 4.0
Industry 4.0 is the new buzzword and rightly so. The term attempts to capture the comprehensive change that is sweeping the global industrial landscape. It's therefore no exaggeration to use "4.0" to define the fourth industrial revolution that is upon us.
automotiveIT publishes book about car industry's future
MUNICH ”“ Germany's Media-Manufaktur has published a book that provides an in-depth look at how the world's biggest car companies are preparing for an era of new mobility.
Point of View: The Uber case
(This Point of View was originally published in the October edition of the automotiveIT international Executive Report)
BMW on track with efforts to reduce energy consumption in plants
BMW is on track with efforts to lower the amount of energy it needs to build cars, with energy consumption per vehicle dropping 31 percent between 2006 and 2013. By 2020, the Munich-based premium carmaker wants energy expended per vehicle to be down 45 percent from 2006 levels.
Marcy Klevorn to become CIO at Ford Motor Jan 1, 2015
Marcy Klevorn (Photo: Ford Motor)Marcy Klevorn will take over as CIO at Ford Motor Jan 1, 2015, overseeing all information technology services globally at the US automaker. Klevorn succeeds Nick Smither, who is retiring.The announcement of Klevorn's new role coincided with news that Ford of Europe CEO Stephen Odell ...
Salesforce expands offering, provides more integration with Microsoft
SAN FRANCISCO -- Salesforce.com opened its annual mega-convention here with a series of announcements that underscored the business software group's determination to continue to grow its business sharply.
carIT Congress: Daimler CIO's personal agenda
HANOVER -- Daimler CIO Michael Gorriz provided some insight into his personal agenda Tuesday, when he told the annual carIT Congress here what the priorities for his department are.
Uber gets green light to continue in Germany - for now
Uber uses private chauffeurs for its ride-sharing operations (Photo: Uber)A Frankfurt court has overturned an earlier verdict banning Uber from conducting business in Germany. The California-based ride-sharing services is free to continue operations in Germany for the time being.The verdict was largely based on a procedural flaw. Originally, a ...
Porsche acquires 10 pc of Inrix
Porsche Holding has acquired a 10 pc stake in Inrix, underscoring the importance of connected information for the Volkswagen Group.
Point of view: Germany slow to move into digital traffic age
Germany is moving too slowly when it comes to adapting its economy to the digital age.
Audi, JLR, Qoros, Genivi executives to speak at automotiveIT International Congress
With the speaker lineup almost complete, the automotiveIT International Congress is set to cover topics ranging from connected retail and the role of big data analysis to open-source infotainment and other key trends in 21st century mobility.
Big-data market expected to soar in Germany
The German market for big-data analysis is set to jump 59 pc to 6.1 billion euros this year, according to a study by  Crisp Research. The consultants see the market growing to 13.6 billion euros by 2016.
Social media command center opened in Munich
Arlanis Reply has opened the first social media command center in continental Europe, offering companies an opportunity to listen in on relevant global online discussions of their brands.
Point of view: Whose data?
As connected cars start generating more and more data, one important and central question is: Who owns these data? It's a legitimate question and. so far, no one has come up with a truly satisfactory answer.
BMW 535i: Driving our HMI test winner
BMW did best in our premium-segment HMI test, so I was keen to try out a BMW 535i on a recent 1,800km roundtrip between Munich and Amsterdam. I set out to get a subjective impression of the ease of use of BMW's connected infotainment and driver assistance systems. No attempt ...
Point of view: HMI still has way to go
carIT magazine recently commissioned a test to see how the infotainment operating systems of the three German premium car manufacturers stack up.
Survey: German BI market set to grow strongly
MUNICH - The German market for business intelligence software is set to grow sharply this year, as small and mid-sized companies continue to invest in products that can help make them more efficient.
German companies unprepared for new privacy laws
Most German companies are unprepared for new privacy legislation that is being prepared by the government.
T-Systems, Cloudera to offer cloud-based analytics-as-a-service
T-Systems has entered into a cooperation with US-based Cloudera to boost its offering of big data analytics.
Report: Mobile app downloads soaring
Mobile app downloads more than doubled in 2012 and will continue to grow rapidly through 2017, a new research report says.
At IBM, a new focus on big-data security
IBM has developed a new method to deal with security threats embedded in big data.
Point of view: Moving out of the digital Stone Age
Automakers and their suppliers are putting a lot of knowhow into the development of state-of-the-art products, but technological change at the companies themselves is slow to arrive.
For automakers, a Cisco analysis provides a high-tech industry template
Embattled automakers should take inspiration from the high-tech industry and embark on a massive transformation of their business model, according to a new analysis by two Cisco consultants.
Ford's big data chief helps with "heavy lifting"
John Ginder, who runs the big-data operations of Ford Motor, sees his role as allowing the carmaker”˜s operating units to solve their problems with the help of IT. "We look for opportunities where organizations don't have the bandwidth to tackle problems and need some heavy lifting or some novel IT ...
Automakers should hurry with connected-car aftermarket plans - study
Automakers should move quickly to benefit from the sales and service opportunities provided by connected cars.
Siemens PLM unveils latest version of NX software
Siemens PLM has released the latest version of its NX CAD/CAM software package, claiming the product will provide more flexibility and reduce time to market for the products it will help design and engineer.
Autonomous driving "sooner than you think" - study
Self-driving cars may be a feature on the world's roads "sooner than you think," according to a report prepared by consultants KPMG in cooperation with CAR, the Center for Automotive Research.
Big Data analysis provides big opportunities - survey
Making better use of big data provides huge potential for productivity improvement, according to a global survey of senior corporate executives.
Hackenberg explains VW's new infotainment architecture
Volkswagen Group is rolling out a new modular infotainment system (MIB). The German carmaker hopes MIB will give it the tools to provide its customers state of the art infotainment systems that can be tailored to each of its brands and updated quickly and easily.
Booz study: IT services, system integration losing in importance
Software providers and internet companies are the best performers in the global information and communication technology sector, according to a new study.
McLaren signs new contract with SAP
McLaren will use SAP software tobetter handle data flows, optimize its infrastructure and improve group operations.
Google gets Nevada OK to test self-driving cars on public roads
Nevada became the first US state to give the green light for Google to test its driver-less car on public roads.
Munich Management Colloquium: Winterkorn, Bohr see different resource opportunities
MUNICH -- Top industry executives speaking at this year's Muenchner Management Kolloquium provided various interpretations of the conference topic: Growth through resource efficiency.
HMI solutions to grow strongly in cars, Frost & Sullivan says
Further improvements are needed in the way drivers control the growing array of infotainment and safety features in the car, Frost & Sullivan said in a recent analysis.
BMW's Draeger predicts big EV battery improvements
MUNICH -- It wasn't so long ago that a typical discussion with BMW's r&d chief would focus on new combustion-engine technology, the aerodynamic qualities of the latest car designs or the relative driving characteristics of Germany's three premium carmakers.
TELEMATICS UPDATE: No role for smartphones in Europe's eCall
MUNICH --Smartphone integration may be one of the hottest issues in automotive infotainment, but the ubiquitous end-user device will not play a role in Europe's eCall initiative.
ZF has 1st customer for Openmatics
ZF's Openmatics system will be installed on 35 Air Pullman shuttlebuses that transport people between Milan's Malpensa airport and the city center.
HP keeps PC division
Hewlett Packard, reversing a decision made by its previous CEO, Leo Apotheker,said it will keep its personal computer division.
Point of view: Get IT experts more involved in car development
Last month's carIT Congress in Frankfurt made clear once again the IT tasks ahead for the auto industry.
At Nissan, researchers hope to develop a mind-reading car
It's the thought that counts in a new Nissan Europe research project.
carIT Congress: The search for a connected business model
FRANKFURT ”“ One thing was clear at last week’s first carIT Congress: Despite an abundance of new technologies coming to market, the auto industry is still hard at work to define business models for electric vehicles and the connected car.
IAA 2011: Delphi showcases integrated radar-camera unit
Delphi will give a preview at the Frankfurt auto show (IAA) of an integrated radar and camera system designed to boost active safety in cars.
IAA 2011: IBM to showcase automotive solutions in Frankfurt
IBM will be present at the Frankfurt auto show next month as it tries to grow its automotive business worldwide.
Tesis, Magna promise better thermal management simulation
Automotive supplier Magna and simulation specialist Tesis Dynaware are combining their simulation products to provide a complete analysis of a car's energy and thermal management.
Factory 2.0 challenges Toyota manufacturing concepts
New IT systems are beginning to compete with the Toyota manufacturing system, which has been a template for efficient production in the auto industry for many years.
Brussels endorses Better Place-led transport project
The European Commission has endorsed an E-mobility project that aims to establish a Europe-wide infrastructure for electric vehicles.
Opinion: Companies need to act to ward off cybercrime
By Hilmar Dunker
Opinion: EV prospects dim as Japan nuclear disaster unfolds
Automakers worldwide are making contingency plans to replace components lost by Japan's earthquake and tsunami disaster.
News analysis: BMW entry moves car-sharing to the next level
With BMW’s announcement this week that it is starting a car-sharing venture with Sixt, the industry is getting serious about finding alternatives to traditional car-ownership models.
Opinion: IT’s role grows in defining car brands
By Hilmar Dunker
Poll: Americans favor ban on mobile-phone use while driving
American voters support a federal ban on cell phone use while driving, even while using a “hands-free” device, according to a Quinnipiac University national poll released this week.
Interview: BMW’s Draeger: High hopes for car-to-car communication
Klaus Draeger began his career as a scientific staff member at the university before earning his PhD. In 1985, he joined BMW as a trainee in the manufacturing area. He passed through various posts at the German premium carmaker, including manager of purchasing for special models. In the second half ...
VW's Hackenberg says autonomous driving feasible by 2028
VW development chief Ulrich Hackenberg joined the Audi premium-car division in 1985. He subsequently held a variety of management roles within the VW group. Hackenberg has been a member of the management board of the VW brand since February 2007. He spoke recently with automotiveIT about mobility trends and the ...
Mann and Hummel’s Ihringer: “We turn business into technology”
Stefan Ihringer is IT manager at German automotive supplier Mann and Hummel. He studied mathematics and controlling before beginning his professional career as a software developer and database administrator in technical sales at a telecommunications company. After several positions at supplier Robert Bosch and Germany’s Telekom, he joined Mann and ...
