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
Tearing profits apart: how tier 1 automotive suppliers can mitigate shrinking margins
The latest report by Automotive from Ultima Media examines the profits and outlook for the top 20 automotive parts suppliers and explores the strategies and solutions they should consider to avoid significant disruption in the 2020s, including the key role they will play in automotive design and R&D
BMW orders more batteries to support ambitious rollout plan for electric vehicles
BMW has sharply increased the amount of batteries it plans to buy from China’s CATL, underlining its expectations of strong growth in electric vehicle (EV) sales in the next decade.
Mercedes-Benz Formula E team to deploy SAP software
The Mercedes-Benz Formula E racing team will use the SAP Hana platform and other SAP software as it prepares for the first all-electric race of the season November 22 in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, the German business software group said.
ZF forms electric-motor JV with China’s Wolong Electric
ZF is planning a joint venture for the production of electric motors and components with China’s Wolong Electric.
BearingPoint survey: Skepticism about new mobility remains high
Many people would welcome a future of shared mobility, electric and autonomous vehicles and deliveries by drone, but most don’t believe they will see it anytime soon.
EV design: must form follow function or could design electrify consumers?
With growth in electrified powertrains set to soar, OEMs have more opportunities to showcase EVs’ unique design possibilities, and use them to win over hearts and minds on the road to electrification
ZF Friedrichshafen joins European MaaS alliance
ZF Friedrichshafen has joined the Mobility as a Service (MaaS) Alliance, a European platform that is working to foster a new ecosystem of public and private transport services.
Continental sees key role for its in-car application server in VW’s new range of electric vehicles
Volkswagen’s ID. models, which will form the heart of the carmaker’s electrification strategy, will feature Continental’s ICAS1 in-car application server to provide the computing power for the cars’ functional domains.
BMW takes lead in consortium for smart-grid vehicle charging
BMW will lead a consortium that is developing bidirectional charge management (BCM), a means to intelligently integrate electric vehicles into the energy system.
Faurecia partners with Aptoide for automotive apps
Faurecia has entered into a joint venture with Aptoide to develop and offer apps for automotive applications.
Hyundai invests in hydrogen technology
Hyundai Motor, citing heightened interest in fuel-cell powered vehicles, is investing in three companies that specialize in hydrogen technology.
Skoda deploys supercomputer for simulation and development
Skoda has deployed a new supercomputer that will allow it to conduct more powerful aerodynamics simulations and develop new safety features and engines.
Volkswagen launches quantum-computing pilot for Lisbon traffic optimization
Volkswagen Group has launched a pilot project in Lisbon that uses quantum computing to optimize traffic in Portugal’s capital city.
ZF collaborates with Israeli tech companies to boost AI competence
ZF Friedrichshafen is strengthening its artificial intelligence (AI) competence by cooperating with two Israeli tech companies, Cognata and OptimalPlus.
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
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
VW Group bundles development of full autonomy in one unit
Volkswagen Group is bringing together in one division all the full autonomous-driving developments taking place across its 12 automotive brands.
FCA will construct a battery assembly facility to support electrification
FCA plans to construct a battery assembly facility at its plant in Mirafiori, Italy. Preparations will begin in early 2020, with an initial investment of €50m (US$55.52m).
Hyundai Mobis invests in Velodyne Lidar
Hyundai Mobis will invest $50 million in Velodyne Lidar to speed up the mass production of lidar systems for level 3 automated driving.
