Articles
April 17, 2018 by Colin Pawsey
The recent news that an Uber self-driving test car caused a fatal traffic accident in Tempe, Arizona has once again thrown a spotlight on the safety of autonomous vehicles. The vehicle was in self-driving mode, with a human at the wheel, when it struck a pedestrian as she crossed the street
April 16, 2018 by Andrey Madan
Making legacy code fully compliant with MISRA C 2012[2] coding guidelines is a rather daunting task. The original MISRA principles were created to be applied as code being developed. Even the document itself has a warning "...a project that checks for MISRA C compliance late in its cycle is likely to spend a considerable amount of time re-coding, re-reviewing and re-testing. It's therefore expected that the software development process will require the early application of MISRA C principles.".[2]
April 13, 2018 by Giles Kirkland
Apart from producing huge amounts of pollution, fossil fuels are bound to run out. That’s a fact. Scientists have been searching for renewable power sources for ages, with the most successful one up to date being electricity. Electric vehicles have become a very popular topic recently. Car manufacturers of all sorts are interested in making the best electric car, from uber expensive Lamborghinis to more affordable Nissan’s.
April 11, 2018 by Al Tuttle
Ongoing education is a necessity for commercial and industrial engineering careers. Few people in engineering remain productive without learning about the latest changes and upgrades in their fields. Much of this learning is formal education presented off-site and certified by engineering boards of varied capacities.
April 5, 2018 by Peter Rössger
The Automotive Visual and Display Technologies meeting was conducted by IQPC, a Berlin based conference producer. It was located at Ann Arbor, Michigan and conducted on March 26 and 27, 2018.
April 4, 2018 by Automotive IQ
Which content caught the attention of 50.000 Automotive IQ members? Check out the top 5 content-pieces for March 2018!
April 3, 2018 by Peter Els
How times change! In November 2017 Volvo CEO, Hakan Samuelsson, welcomed the company’s largest deal ever when it was awarded the contract to supply Uber Technologies Inc. with 24,000 vehicles for the ride-sharing giant's robotaxi fleet.
April 3, 2018 by Alistair Goodfellow
As cars become ever more connected their attack surface grows exponentially. This in itself increases the demands for Cyber Security and, when coupled with the user‘s demands for ease of use, presents new challenges.
April 3, 2018 by Helen Cartwright
The potential for combining the new science of digital technology with the old mechanisms of automobile transportation is growing so rapidly it is difficult to keep up. While most industry observers are entirely distracted by the idea of automated vehicles, the true advancements are far more likely to involve vehicles in which at least one person is a driver.
March 23, 2018 by Peter Els
As manufacturers connect more devices to the Internet of Things ‘The Big Data Bang’ is expected to explode from 2 billion objects (smart devices which communicate wirelessly) in 2006 to 200 billion by 2020, according to Intel.
March 23, 2018 by Colin Pawsey
Smartphone functions and capabilities don’t necessarily translate directly to in-car electronic systems, and the two sectors have very different demands and characteristics. Vehicle manufacturers have a number of extra factors to consider, such as safety, driver distraction, and the methods with which we interact with in-car tech.
March 20, 2018 by Colin Pawsey
Figures from IHS markit in 2017 estimate that the combined value of the centre stack display, instrument cluster display and heads-up display markets could reach more than $20.8 billion by 2022 - an increase of $9.2 billion in annual revenue in just five years.
March 20, 2018 by Colin Pawsey
Reducing weight has become one of the hottest topics in the automotive manufacturing sector, driven largely by the need to reduce emissions to suit ever-decreasing targets. Body and drivetrain have come under intense scrutiny in the endeavour to save weight and an array of innovative concepts have been developed over recent years to achieve it.
March 7, 2018 by Colin Pawsey
Earlier this year both the UK and French governments announced plans to phase out sales of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2040, providing more evidence of the shift towards electrification. Every manufacturer is busy developing the next generation of electric cars and solutions to some long-standing problems are on the verge of being realised.
March 7, 2018 by Peter Els
In 2016 road accidents, globally, accounted for 29,501,040 injuries while 1,045,180 people lost their lives. In America alone, according to the Federal Highway Association, over the same period 4.6 million road users were injured with approximately 40,000 fatalities, sustained over 3.2 trillion miles; equating to 1.25 fatalities and 144 injuries per 100 million miles driven. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration claims that 94% of these accidents were caused by human error.
March 7, 2018 by Carlo Iacovini
Managing fleet of autonomous vehicles offers the unique opportunity to use a series of assets to increase the value of the business and develop multiple collateral business cases linked with the operations. Each asset can be owned/acquired/leased/ to run the business case and create more revenues streams
February 28, 2018 by Automotive IQ
Which content caught the attention of 50.000 Automotive IQ members? Check out the top 5 content-pieces for January 2018!
February 26, 2018 by Antonello Ceravola
Automotive IQ sat down with Antonello Ceravola, Principal Scientist at Honda Research Center Europe, and talked about data management system for ADAS and AD testing at Honda RC, ahead of the conference where Mr. Ceravola also will be presenting.
February 26, 2018 by Al Tuttle
At some future point, when vehicles reliably and instantly communicate with each other in all traffic patterns, is it possible that they will also “know” what to do in case of emergencies? One of the murkiest, most difficult but most important questions surrounding the idea of vehicles that drive themselves is: What will this machine do in a life-threatening situation?
February 19, 2018 by Vittorio Bollo
New York-based consultancy Oliver Wyman poses a very pertinent question: “You’ve innovated the car, now how about the buying experience?” Any OEM today knows one thing for sure: the selling of automobiles and automotive accessories are not what they used to be – simple, hierarchical and linear.
February 19, 2018 by Peter Els
With the imminent roll out of fully self-driving vehicles, drivers will find themselves with more time on their hands as they go about their daily commute: Time that could be put to use catching up on office work and answering emails – but even more importantly, passengers will be able to access an ever increasing array of infotainment services.
February 19, 2018 by Al Tuttle
The automotive software industry is looking at perhaps the biggest era of change since vehicles began using computer components to regulate simple systems. With the advent of fully electric vehicles and autonomous vehicular research, manufacturers and regulators are concerned with all functional aspects of vehicles, including electronic and data security.
February 14, 2018 by Automotive IQ
For the automotive interested, often it is the cars that are the main attraction. However, the manufacturing plants tend to be as, if not more, fascinating when it comes to performance and uniqueness.
February 13, 2018 by Colin Pawsey
The age of the driverless car draws ever nearer and the automotive industry is acutely aware of the need for greater connectivity in order to realise the ambitions of fully autonomous vehicles. New cars today are already utilizing connected services and electronically controlled systems are managing various driver assist functions.
February 13, 2018 by Yatin Kumar Singh
The future of cars in India is steadily moving towards the electric phase, where the conventional fuel is replaced by an electric mechanism to power the vehicle. As we all know, the continuous usage of fuel has degraded the environment with its everlasting harmful effects over the years. Moreover, it has also depleted the energy resource of fossil fuels to the finishing line.
February 12, 2018 by Steve Goreham
“Electrification” is the new buzz word touted by climate fighters and environmental groups. Where electrification once meant providing electricity to people, today it often means elimination of traditional fuels. But the only tangible result of green electrification policies will be higher energy prices.Proponents of electrification intend to...
February 6, 2018 by Siraj Ahmed Shaikh
Once hackers get into your internet-connected car, they could disable the air bags, brakes, door locks and even steal the vehicle. That’s the finding of researchers who recently uncovered a flaw in the way the different components of a connected car talk to each other.
January 30, 2018 by Automotive IQ
Which content caught the attention of 45.000 Automotive IQ members? Check out the top 5 content-pieces for January 2018!
January 23, 2018 by Scott Huntington
Autonomous cars are still making their way into the automotive marketplace, but they are becoming more and more common every year. It’s a fantastic change — experts are estimating that more autonomous cars on the road will reduce accidents by up to 90 percent, saving a potential 30,000 lives every year. What makes autonomous cars so much safer, and what are the newest safety features that have been implemented in these vehicles?
January 3, 2018 by James Carter
We didn’t do anything wrong, but somehow, we lost.” ended Nokia CEO Stephen Elop during a 2013 press conference to announce that Nokia had been taken over by Microsoft. Nokia, once the biggest, most famous mobile phone manufacturer, was swallowed up by the Apple iPhone onslaught which launched in 2007, taking the company from a dominant position to a small bit player in only a few years.
January 3, 2018 by Peter Els
It’s no secret that the Automotive industry is under pressure from regulators to cut emissions and improve real world fuel consumption: Not, as in the past, in the laboratory under ideal conditions, but in the real world, with traffic and steep hills.
January 3, 2018 by Peter Els
Although rudimentary experiments on self-driving cars were already being carried out in the 1920s, the first self-sufficient and truly autonomous cars only made an appearance in the 1980s; with Carnegie Mellon University's Navlab, ALVs venture and Mercedes-Benz and Bundeswehr University's Eureka Prometheus Project in 1987.
January 3, 2018 by Peter Els
Quoting the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), EETimes Europe reported in November 2016 that 137,423 vehicles with alternative powertrains were newly registered in the third quarter of 2016, representing a growth of 7.0 % over the same period last year.
January 3, 2018 by Andrew Conallen
In 2009, just as the dark clouds of the 07-08 financial crisis began to clear, the General Motors Corporation filed for bankruptcy. Huge losses had resulted from a series of missteps, alongside the crash in demand caused by the global economic crisis. Today, reborn as the General Motors Company, GM has demonstrated that Lazarus can indeed rise from the flames – with a little help from a government bailout totalling nearly $50bn.
Which content caught the attention of 45.000 Automotive IQ members? Check out the top 5 content-pieces for the year 2017!
December 15, 2017 by Jenny Hung
In the suburbs of Vancouver, Canada, a high-tech firm is quietly working on visualization and predictive modeling using virtual and augmented reality technology. Its methods and products are being integrated into Microsoft's HoloLens, which is, in turn, being used to redesign Ford trucks and passenger vehicles . Ford has started equipping its design engineers with Microsoft HoloLens. Outfitted with the holographic goggles, these Detroit denizens can stand in front of clay models of cars and see 3D vehicle elements digitally overlaid onto them, so they can quickly evaluate and alter new car designs.
December 13, 2017 by Colin Pawsey
Noise, Vibration and Harshness reduction in automotive design is nothing new, but increasingly stringent EU legislation is putting more pressure on manufacturers to develop quieter, more ‘acoustically comfortable’ vehicles.
December 4, 2017 by Automotive IQ
Which content caught the attention of 45.000 Automotive IQ members? Check out the top 5 content-pieces for November 2017!
December 4, 2017 by Graham Heeps
Improved comfort, new materials and autonomous technologies will drive innovations in automotive seating. Seating suppliers have had to face cost-down pressures and the commoditization of their product in recent years. And like suppliers in other areas of the vehicle, they’ve responded with cost-saving innovations. Faurecia, for example, which claims to be the world’s number-one supplier of seat frames and mechanisms, developed a new generation of standardized seat frames that are now used in more than 50 different models by Nissan, GM, Volkswagen, and PSA Group.
November 28, 2017 by Gary Eastwood
The internal combustion engine has served the automotive industry well for over a century, but with sales of electric and hybrid vehicles predicted to grow rapidly over the next 10 years, it could be that it has had its day. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the number of battery-powered vehicles globally passed the 1 million milestone in 2015, and grew 60% in 2016 to around 2 million. However, it estimates that by 2030, 140 million cars will either be electric or hybrid. While the proportion of global vehicle sales is small – making up just 0.2% of all passenger vehicles currently – that’s changing quickly. Unsurprisingly, China, the US and Europe account for 90% of all sales, however, some countries are leading the way.
November 21, 2017 by Peter Els
As the world moves towards Zero Emissions and full electrification, certain materials become more than mere commodities as their strategic importance increases: Studies conducted by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre concluded that several low-carbon energy technologies could be at risk because of potential bottlenecks in the supply chains of certain metals. Among these, critical rare earth metals are used in NdFeB permanent magnets and are essential for producing light, compact and high-efficiency traction motors. These ‘supermagnets’ contain neodymium (Nd), praseodymium (Pr) and dysprosium (Dy) rare earths in their composition.
November 21, 2017 by Vittorio Bollo
The automotive industry is possibly at its most exciting and revolutionary crossroads in its storied history. Autonomous driving is not only possibility but will soon be mainstream reality. The implications for car design and engineering are already immense with external lighting an integral part of that (r)evolution. That we know. Far less clear is where the law, usually slow to react in technological matters, stands on these innovations in automotive development, particularly with regard to autonomously driven vehicles. That is the perfect storm: hugely exciting technological advances in the way cars are externally lit and even driven on the one front, and on the other sluggish legislation that could complicate or even hinder progress.
November 21, 2017 by Al Tuttle
The operation of HVAC systems in PEVs or any fully electric vehicle poses many of the same problems that running other systems face, but HVAC use poses some unique challenges, too. In climates where electric cars are or will be a major part of the transportation load from now on, consumers demand efficient and powerful heating and cooling in their vehicles. To help system improvements now underway in fully electric vehicles, engineers had to move away from the vehicle’s ability to use the large amount of excess heat produced by internal combustion engines. Regulating the temperature in any battery vehicle is a delicate venture since the power source degrades by calculable amounts under regular use, but by irregular amounts under the most stressful conditions.
November 13, 2017 by Al Tuttle
Quickly removing heat and mitigating the damage from excessive heat has been a primary concern for motor vehicle designers since the internal combustion engine was first used. As engines got more powerful and were enclosed in compartments, reducing heat became more critical. Of course, as vehicles became more complex and accessories were added, these loads were added to engines and battery/electrical systems needed to be heavier and more complex, too.
November 13, 2017 by Peter Els
It’s not just the increasing use of smart devices driving the development of the next generation of wireless technology; 5G is also needed to support a wide range of Machine to Machine (M2M) and Internet of Things (IoT) applications. Amongst these are services and applications that will support connected vehicles. Industry interest in V2V (vehicle to vehicle) and V2I (vehicle to infrastructure) connectivity is largely being driven by the key role it will play in enabling driverless vehicles. This increased connectivity will see the amount of data being created and subsequently sent to the cloud increasing exponentially as new devices, including cars, find innovative ways to leverage the IoT.
November 7, 2017 by Ivan Dynov
The higher the level of automation for a car, the more “intelligent” the vehicle needs to become. Evolved from the study of pattern recognition and computational learning theory in artificial intelligence, machine learning explores the study and construction of algorithms that can learn from and make predictions on data – such algorithms overcome following strictly static program instructions by making data-driven predictions or decisions, through building a model from sample inputs.
November 6, 2017 by Automotive IQ
Which content caught the attention of 45.000 Automotive IQ members? Check out the top 5 content-pieces for October 2017!
October 26, 2017 by Gary Eastwood
In September 2015, the Volkswagen ‘DieselGate’ scandal broke and rocked the automotive world and changed the landscape of engine emissions testing for good. The German auto giant was found to have developed a ‘defeat device’ that when sensing the vehicle was under test conditions, switched its performance accordingly to suppress emissions of pollutants, notably nitrogen oxide (NOx), which under real-life driving conditions were in fact signficantly above legal limits. In effect, it allowed VW to get away with NOx emissions that were up to 40 times the legal US limit.
October 25, 2017 by Colin Pawsey
The greater electrification of vehicles is a trend that continues at pace, and one that has led to a variety of innovations in recent years. Driven by ever more stringent emission targets, the move towards hybrid and electric cars has seen rapid development in electrical architecture in a number of sectors.
October 24, 2017 by Peter Els
With regions across the globe experiencing drastic and often catastrophic climate related events, the earth appears to be firmly in the grips of global warming. To save the planet world leaders from 195 countries adopted the first-ever universal, legally binding global climate pact in December 2015. The Paris Accord, which came into force on 4 November 2016, sets out a comprehensive action plan to limit global warming to below 2°C, come 2050.
October 23, 2017 by Peter Els
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Automated vehicles are rolling out faster than many in the industry ever imagined: In May 2017 Germany became the first EU country to legalize self-driving cars, allowing any form of automated driving as long as a licensed driver is behind the wheel. A mere two months later, the American House Energy and Commerce Committee approved self-driving legislation that could see manufacturers road-testing up to 25,000 vehicles per manufacturer in the first year the bill is enacted, 50,000 vehicles in year two and 100,000 vehicles each in years three and four.
October 23, 2017 by Al Tuttle
According to many experts in the field of generational wireless, the coming fifth generation (5G) major upgrade will create the actual Internet of Things, a concept of connected machinery that heretofore has been a scattered collection rather than a cohesive system. Cars (and larger vehicles) are quickly becoming stand-alone computer servers, but the next step makes them capable of becoming communication centers, entertainment complexes and full-service electronic outlets.
October 17, 2017 by Al Tuttle
It appears that European regulators’ dreams of eliminating carbon-based fuels in transportation is closer than ever, but each time this happened in the past, problems arose to stand in the way. As each step in emissions byproduct reduction has unfolded over the last 25 years, roadblocks got more difficult. Battery technology did not progress as had been hoped. Fossil fuel prices varied wildly, and car companies jumped from small car production to luxury car production when prices fell, and back to small cars again. The advance of trucking technology and large diesel engine emissions was slow, as well.
October 16, 2017 by Peter Els
Once considered the planet’s savior from greenhouse gas emissions, diesel was delivered a body blow by the American Environmental Protection Agency on the 25th September 2015 when VW was issued with a notice of violation of the Clean Air Act: Not only did this set in motion a series of events that would cost the manufacturer an estimated USD30 Billion, but more importantly, turned the diesel engine into an international villain.
October 9, 2017 by James Gordon
The Plug-in Hybrid Toyota Prius toiling in the downtown Los Angeles traffic looks like any other. Essentially it is no different to the other cars and trucks caught up in the latest gargantuan jam on Interstate 5, one of Los Angeles’s busiest sections of road.
October 6, 2017 by Scott Huntington
Computer hacking has been in the news a lot lately — the WannaCry hack that disabled medical computers earlier this year, the Ransomware programs that keep making the rounds and locking up personal and professional computers and others could almost make you too afraid to get online.
October 2, 2017 by Automotive IQ
Which content caught the attention of 45.000 Automotive IQ members? Check out the top 5 content-pieces for September 2017!
September 14, 2017 by Giles Kirkland
As cars and other vehicles join the Internet of Things (IoT) and edge closer towards full connectivity, it’s worth standing back and taking a good look at what that will actually mean and, ultimately, how it could bring the things we love grinding to a halt.
September 14, 2017 by Colin Pawsey
The Auto industry is in general agreement that autonomous driving is set to become a reality in the near future, but the pathways to such a revolutionary change are less than certain. The implementation of technology, the legislative framework surrounding cars which drive themselves, and the effect on infrastructure and transport industries remain open to question.
September 12, 2017 by Automotive IQ
Autonomous vehicle technology continues to develop at pace, and it has the potential to bring sweeping changes to our transportations systems. Much of the focus is on the impact this technology will have on passenger vehicles, but the trucking industry will also experience significant change over the coming decades
September 11, 2017 by Automotive IQ
There is no doubt that one-day autonomous vehicles will eliminate road accidents, reduce congestion, and make the planet a greener place to live. But before they are allowed on the thoroughfares for consumer and commercial use, the technology needs to be proven safer than the flawed human experience.
September 6, 2017 by Scott Huntington
Car Cloud Computing: cloud is increasingly becoming part of our daily lives. It started with the virtual cloud where we store our photos and music, which can be easily accessed from any smart device. The “Internet of Things” trend allows us to connect a range of devices using the cloud, from smart appliances to phones, and now, cars.
September 6, 2017 by Al Tuttle
Safety concerns for automotive systems took a giant leap forward with the advent of the airbag and anti-lock brakes, and continued through the electronic revolution with better security systems and warning lights signaling internal problems. Now, computer software and hardware have taken over nearly all safety/security/operating functions, making semiconductors the most varied pieces of equipment in a car today.
September 1, 2017 by Automotive IQ
Which content caught the attention of 40.000 Automotive IQ members? Check out the top 5 content-pieces for August 2017!
August 22, 2017 by Peter Els
Although ADAS applications are still in their early days, original-equipment-manufacturers and their suppliers realize that automation will eventually become the main feature differentiating automotive brands, as well as one of their most important revenue sources. Moreover, many of the technologies that enable today’s ADAS offerings will filter through to fully autonomous vehicles, which are now a major source of research and development, both within OEMs and non-traditional high-tech players that have recently entered the automotive sector.
August 21, 2017 by Peter Els
Engineers have been installing the building blocks for modern autonomous vehicles since the 1980s, starting with antilock brakes, traction control, electric power steering, drive-by-wire, adaptive cruise control, cameras, etc. Now, as engineers tie these components together, along with lidar, radar and high-definition mapping, the car is basically becoming a thinking machine that is aware of its place in the world. But, as NXP Automotive CTO Lars Reger, told delegates at NXP’s ‘FTF Connects’ conference in San Jose in June 2017, “An autonomous car can only be as good as its environmental sensing.” In voicing his opinion he was expressing the sentiment of the entire industry: Capturing in this single sentence both the challenge and future of automated vehicles.
August 17, 2017 by Ivan Dynov
Car manufacturers and suppliers worldwide have worked over the years on improvements in the area of mechanics, quality requirements and logistics. However, the main differentiation factor between brands turned out to be the electronics area. Whereas areas such as power train and body had small product development cost increases over the years, the costs for the development of electronic systems has been tripled.
August 15, 2017 by Colin Pawsey
The reality of fully autonomous vehicles is drawing ever closer, and increasingly sophisticated driver assistance technologies are permeating the industry. Today’s ‘semi-autonomous’ cars feature a range of support functions such as lane assist and automatic braking, and the sector has become a hotbed of innovation as OEMs scramble to be the first to market with new technology.
August 9, 2017 by Peter Els
Smartphone functions and capabilities don’t necessarily translate directly to in-car electronic systems, and the two sectors have very different demands and characteristics. Vehicle manufacturers have a number of extra factors to consider, such as safety, driver distraction, and the methods with which we interact with in-car tech. These are challenges for the industry to grapple with, but from a consumer point of view these issues are perhaps of less concern. How can this be addressed?
August 7, 2017 by Automotive IQ
Automotive IQ has gathered the latest innovations within the industry of Autonomous Trucks. Check out the top 10 innovative directions that shape the future of commercial vehicles!
August 2, 2017 by Automotive IQ
Which content caught the attention of 40.000 Automotive IQ members? Check out the top 5 content-pieces for July 2017!
August 1, 2017 by Peter Els
The $1.2 billion fine handed out to Toyota over the unintended acceleration saga remains a record within the automotive industry, but other manufacturers have all been experiencing problems of varying scale.
July 26, 2017 by Peter Els
Software-related recalls had grown from 5% in 2011 to 15% of all recalls in 2015. This is stark evidence that while the growth in E/E systems in our vehicles can improve safety, comfort and convenience, it has also resulted in an increase in related safety issues.
July 18, 2017 by Peter Els
The motor industry is driven by data collection: Data is collected about component quality from suppliers, system faults are recorded by the On Board Diagnostics (OBD) and stored for later evaluation, not to mention the information collected about customers’ servicing history and preferences stored at the dealer level.
July 10, 2017 by Automotive IQ
Which content caught the attention of 40.000 Automotive IQ members? Check out the top 5 content-pieces for June 2017!
July 10, 2017 by Automotive IQ
While active suspension systems have been around for decades, they never gained much traction outside of racing and high-end cars. They usually were too expensive to use more commonly. Also, the required array of sensors and servomechanisms for the hydraulic systems added weight and needed a lot of power.
July 5, 2017 by Peter Els
Complex ADAS and hybridized powertrains requiring millions of lines of software code to keep them on the road.
June 26, 2017 by Ekkehard Helmig
Detailed overview of where liability lies for the future scenery of self-driving cars, and the safety expectations.
June 21, 2017 by Gary Eastwood
Last week Volvo Group unveiled a self-driving refuse truck that learns where to pick up bins in a neighbourhood after just one session of been ‘trained’ by a manual driver.
June 20, 2017 by Colin Pawsey
The race towards autonomous vehicles has been heating up for some time, but we’re nearing the climax as OEM’s are rushing to announce details of their plans for the next five years. A bold new sector has seen rapid innovation in a short space of time, and the landscape has changed significantly during these last few years.
June 19, 2017 by Peter Els
With truck driving being one of the most common occupations in the US, how will autonomous driving impact the job market affecting 1.3 - 1.7 millions?
June 13, 2017 by Automotive IQ
As the automotive industry drives towards enhanced technology for full automation, recent M&A’s has gone from the traditional acquisitions to expansion into new technologies, new services and new business models.
June 12, 2017 by Peter Els
The first series production cars to incorporate 48V technology in one form or another have hit the road in recent times, and further integration of 48V architecture is expected in the very near future.
June 6, 2017 by Automotive IQ
Which content caught the attention of 40.000 Automotive IQ members? Check out the top 5 content-pieces for May 2017!
Lightweighting of vehicles has become one of the key trends in the automotive industry, as OEMs endeavor to meet future emission targets. Lighter cars enable the downsizing of engines, better performance and better fuel efficiency, and every sector within manufacturing is under scrutiny for weight reduction.
June 2, 2017 by Samantha Hathway
Transport specialists agree that the first vehicles commonly seen on our highways and motorways will be carrying freight, rather than human beings.
May 31, 2017 by Ibrahim O Kareem
Here, we look at the 48-volt electrical systems, and the ways in which we’re seeing manufacturers improve the performance and specification of their cars.
May 22, 2017 by Peter Els
Even before the tragic May 2016 accident involving a Tesla Model S and a Semi Trailer, the use of Lidar had generated heated debate within the industry:
May 12, 2017 by Peter Els
In China, autonomous connected cars are on their way to make intelligent transportation a dream come true for Shanghai residents, but before they make their appearance on the roads of this bustling city they will have to undergo rigorous testing.
May 11, 2017 by Colin Pawsey
Innovation in the automotive seating market is moving at pace, with new concepts coming to the fore to meet new challenges. Safety and comfort remain priorities for auto manufacturers, but advances in ergonomics and biomechanics have offered designers new possibilities for seat function - aided and abetted by advanced electronics and computing power.
May 9, 2017 by Peter Els
Everything from supercharging to power steering have been electrified to not only reduce emissions, but at the same time improve safety, reduce complexity and offer a better driving experience.
May 3, 2017 by Automotive IQ
Which content caught the attention of 40.000 Automotive IQ members? Check out the top 5 content-pieces of April 2017!
May 3, 2017 by Peter Els
Electric Power Steering (EPS) has come a long way from the early days when manufacturers fitted the system, primarily to overcome the parasitic losses associated with hydraulic power assistance. With the proliferation of Advanced Driver Assist Systems, OEMs are now able to add features which not only enhance performance but also significantly improve driver comfort.
April 24, 2017 by Peter Els
After surpassing Ford Motor Co. a week earlier, Tesla’s shares climbed 3.3 percent, lifting its market capitalization to $50.9 billion.
April 19, 2017 by Peter Els
The motoring world was shocked back in 2015 when Charlie Miller and Chris Valasek remotely took control of a Jeep; up until then the industry believed the greatest security threat was direct access to the OBD port in the vehicle. The thought of someone remotely taking control or injecting malware into the complex network upped the game to a whole new level.
April 13, 2017 by Keysight Technologies
A DC-DC converter is an electronic control unit (ECU) that converts a source voltage from one level to another. To ensure the DC-DC ECU operates seamlessly, manufacturers first have to put the ECU through rigorous functional tests while it is still in the manufacturing facility.
On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) technologies are being deployed that enable workshop staff to rapidly and accurately perform fault diagnosis and repairs on even the most complicated systems. Sometimes this can even be done Over The Air (OTA).
April 7, 2017 by Siraj Ahmed Shaikh
Not a week goes by without a story on a successful cyber attack compromising a critical system, hacking into a car , or some personal data breach. Script kiddies, online fraudsters, state-sponsored hackers are all abound. Recent repeated attacks on TalkTalk and Sony show that we do not learn from the past. It appears things are broken and they remain so. Where are we headed?
April 5, 2017 by James Gordon
With electric and hybrid vehicles very much at the heart of a future low emissions landscape, in striving for a low carbon economies cities, both London and Aberdeen, have embraced an alternative zero emission technology. They have become trailblazers for hydrogen fuel cells vehicles.
April 4, 2017 by Peter Els
The rapid deployment of ADAS and fully autonomous connected technologies, together with the associated cybersecurity threat has seen growing inadequacies in the original iteration of ISO 26262. As a result, many manufacturers have raised concerns that ISO 26262:2011 no longer adequately addresses the functional safety of modern and emerging E/E architectures
April 3, 2017 by Automotive IQ
Which content caught the attention of 40.000 Automotive IQ members? Check out the top 5 content-pieces for March 2017!
March 27, 2017 by Automotive IQ
Consumer Electronics Show (CES) has proven once again that car display systems in the future will not be limited to showing us information on the dashboard, but will rather focus on keeping our view on the road ahead with the help of HUDs and full-windshield augmented reality (AR) systems.
March 27, 2017 by Peter Els
The costs of corrosion protection are not only in terms of rework or scrap costs, but with stringent quality management systems in place, several thousand parts per million could impact on the prospects of being awarded future business.
March 23, 2017 by Peter Els
The data shows that, based on the NEDC, the average emissions levels of new cars sold in the EU in 2015 was 119.5 grams of carbon dioxide (CO2) per kilometre, significantly below the 2015 target of 130 g.
March 22, 2017 by James Gordon
Nissan with the next-generation Vehicle-to-Grid technology being developed recently boldly declared “the tipping point for mass EV take-up is upon us” sees mass EV penetration as a staging post for something far bigger.
March 21, 2017 by Colin Pawsey
The automotive industry is in a transformational stage in terms of lighting, with several new technologies coming to the fore which offer improved performance, safety and aesthetics.
March 15, 2017 by Graham Heeps
Driver distraction is a factor in up to 30 % of road accidents in the EU, according to a 2015 report by the European Commission.
March 14, 2017 by Peter Els
Suppliers such as Germany’s Robert Bosch and Japan’s Denso have been developing EPS systems that are set to revolutionize the safety of future EPS.
March 14, 2017 by Peter Els
EU regulations demand that new cars sold after 2015 in the European Union emit no more that 130 g CO2/km - equivalent to approximately 5.6 l/100 km of petrol or 4.9 l/100 km of diesel. By 2021 this limit will be reduced to 95 grams of CO2 per kilometer, with a phase in period from 2020.
March 8, 2017 by James Gordon
The solution to install a network of long distance super-grids – has proved to be effective, it comes at great cost.
March 7, 2017 by Peter Els
Active safety systems need to perform their role in a user-friendly manner and continue to function smoothly despite a panicking driver‘s instinctive reactions to unfolding events during an emergency maneuver.
March 7, 2017 by Peter Els
For the ISO 26262 standard to remain relevant in an industry undergoing a radical revolution in electrical and electronic systems it is in need of a makeover.
February 28, 2017 by Automotive IQ
Which content caught the attention of 35.000 Automotive IQ members? Check out the top 5 content-pieces for January 2017!
February 28, 2017 by James Gordon
The Plug-in Hybrid Toyota Prius toiling in the downtown Los Angeles traffic looks like any other. Essentially it is no different to the other cars and trucks caught up in the latest gargantuan jam on Interstate 5, one of Los Angeles’s busiest sections of road.
February 22, 2017 by Peter Els
About 1.25 million people die each year as a result of road traffic accidents. Even more disturbing is the finding that road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death among young people, aged 15–29 years – people in the prime of their life.
February 22, 2017 by Peter Els
Current Lithium-ion batteries rely on the flow of ions through a liquid electrolyte between two electrodes; however, cells incorporating a liquid electrolyte are prone to problems, including low charge retention, reduced efficiency when operating at high and low temperature and susceptibility to thermal runaway.
February 15, 2017 by James Gordon
The big challenge for the industry is to ensure that the software that runs on self-driving cars, the code that allows vehicles to communicate with each other, pedestrians, cyclists and roadside infrastructure, does what it is supposed to do. Automakers, legislators and, society as a whole, are demanding that these systems deliver high integrity.
February 14, 2017 by Árpád Takács
This new AI sophistication has led to a natural cohesiveness between AI and autonomous driving. For years the prevailing wisdom was that Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) would gradually evolve into self-driving capabilities, but the industry has found that innovation at this level is limited. In order to proceed to a truly self-driving world, vehicles must do more than operate independently - they must be able to think and reason much like the human mind can do.
February 8, 2017 by Peter Els
Earlier this year NACE International released the International Measures of Prevention, Application and Economics of Corrosion Technology (IMPACT) study. It estimates that the global cost of corrosion is $ 2.5 trillion, roughly 3.4 % of global GDP.
February 8, 2017 by Peter Els
For more than a century, motor vehicle suspension systems have been associated with ride and handling, but the rapid deployment of electric and hybrid cars has added a whole new dimension: To overcome EV customers’ range anxiety, engineers are turning to “regeneration” of energy.
February 1, 2017 by James Gordon
Artificial Intelligence. AI supercomputers with deep learning software will have a transformative effect on the global automotive landscape. NVIDIA
February 1, 2017 by Automotive IQ
Which content caught the attention of 35.000 Automotive IQ members? Check out the top 5 content-pieces for January 2017!
January 24, 2017 by Automotive IQ
Automotive IQ reviews the greatest CEO's of Automotive OEM's through history!
January 18, 2017 by James Gordon
Oslo’s fashionable Tøyen’s district is as much a symbol of Norway’s proud cultural past as it is the country’s pioneering future. Located in the center of the capital city, Tøyen, which means ‘fertilized meadow’ it has always been a hotbed of creativity and learning. It is home to the botanical gardens, the paleontological, geological and zoological museums. Tøyen, however, is best known for the Munch Musett, a world-famous art gallery showcasing all of the late Edvard Munch’s 1,100 paintings, including his most famous composition ‘The Scream.’
January 10, 2017 by Peter Els
For the layperson whose knowledge of turbocharged engines comes primarily from their experience behind the wheel of a car it may come as quite a shock to learn that the car engine is a bit of a latecomer when it comes to enjoying the benefits of turbocharging: Unlike mainstream passenger car engines that have only recently turned to forced induction, heavy commercial and off-highway vehicles have relied on turbocharging for several decades, with turbochargers having been around for more than 110 years.
January 4, 2017 by Colin Pawsey
Self-driving vehicles present the next technological frontier in the automotive industry. Manufacturers and technology companies have clamored to tell us that we’re on the verge of being driven around by our cars, but when will autonomous vehicles truly be a reality?
January 4, 2017 by Automotive IQ
Which content caught the attention of 30.000 Automotive IQ members? Check out the top 5 content-pieces for December 2016!
December 20, 2016 by James Gordon
While petrol stations in London continue to dwindle – there are 23 fewer now than there were three years ago – forecourts in the rural south-east have largely remained stable (ii). “There has only been one closure since 2013”, says James Haigh, a business consultant from Experian Catalist.
But with the UK government recently promising £ 80 million to improve electric vehicle charging infrastructure, is electrification a technology that high-achieving sites are willing to embrace?
December 13, 2016 by Peter Els
In Western car-interior design, the center of attention is mostly on the driver, whereas in China, emphasis is placed on the other passengers. So because of this, and other cultural differences, many Western OEMs are choosing to incorporate subtle design changes to better meet the needs of the market in this area.
December 13, 2016 by Peter Els
Electric and hybrid electric vehicles are one of the most promising solutions to long term emission targets in the automotive industry, and the electrification of transport is a growing trend. Potentially more efficient and much greener than internal combustion engines, advances in battery and powertrain technologies mean better performance and better range than ever before.
December 7, 2016 by James Gordon
Switch on your TV, thumb through a newspaper, or trawl the web, and you could be forgiven for thinking that we are about to enter a gilded age of electrification – a world where the petrol powered vehicle is being phased out.
December 7, 2016 by Automotive IQ
Because of the importance of M&A’s and its major impact on the automotive industry, Automotive IQ reviews the top 5 mergers & acquisitions throughout the industry history.
December 7, 2016 by Graham Heeps
Improved comfort, new materials, and autonomous technologies will drive innovations in automotive seating.
December 1, 2016 by Automotive IQ
Which content caught the attention of 35.000 Automotive IQ members? Check out the top 5 content-pieces for November 2016!
November 18, 2016 by Colin Pawsey
Automotive lighting, both exterior and interior, has seen sweeping changes over the last five to ten years with the introduction of LED and OLED technologies. The flexibility of the tech has created many new design possibilities, enabling functional and aesthetic improvements in a number of different ways.
November 15, 2016 by Colin Pawsey
We have recently seen the evolution of many advanced assisted driving technologies as the automotive industry moves ever closer to fully autonomous driving. Automated emergency braking is one of many examples of how electronic controls have made driving safer, but such systems are clearly designed to work in tandem with a human in control of the vehicle.
November 14, 2016 by Colin Pawsey
According to a Research and Markets report last year, the global automotive lighting market is set to be worth $33.7 by 2020, registering a CAGR of 6.7% during the years 2015 to 2020. Much of this growth is due to advancing LED and OLED technology, which is pushing the boundaries of traditional automotive lighting concepts.
November 3, 2016 by Chirag Sheth
Chirag Sheth, Global Marketing Manager at Videojet, looks at the vital importance of direct part marking in the automotive industry.
November 1, 2016 by Automotive IQ
Which content caught the attention of 35.000 Automotive IQ members? Check out the top 5 content-pieces for October 2016!
October 26, 2016 by Kady Harper
Autonomous, or self-driving, cars are coming, and they will be here much sooner than you might think.
October 19, 2016 by Michael Costello
In Automotive, the importance of a sustainability agenda is paramount. Think of electric cars and vehicles that are more fuel-efficient. With these kinds of innovations the industry is working hard to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions from cars.
October 10, 2016 by Graham Heeps
The fatal accident involving Tesla’s semi-autonomous Autopilot technology has heightened public awareness of the safety implications of handing vehicle control to sensors and software. What are specialist suppliers doing to ensure that, as greater numbers of sensors and additional processing complexity is built into vehicles, the risk of accidents is decreased, not increased?
October 4, 2016 by Automotive IQ
Which content caught the attention of 35.000 Automotive IQ members? Check out the top 5 content-pieces for September 2016!
September 22, 2016 by Colin Pawsey
In light of the VW diesel scandal and subsequent allegations against various other automakers, the diesel engine is coming under ever more intense scrutiny. Rather than an isolated incident whereby VW was the only OEM to install ‘cheat’ devices to circumnavigate emissions tests, various commentators are now referring to an industry-wide problem.
September 21, 2016 by Colin Pawsey
Across the globe, whether involved in the automotive industry or not, almost everyone is aware of the scandal still engulfing the sector in regards of diesel vehicles and their harmful emissions.
September 20, 2016 by David Edwards
The company unveiled its Mercedes-Benz Future Bus with CityPilot, which it says is “a milestone on the way to the autonomous city bus, and a revolutionary mobility system for the future”.
September 14, 2016 by Peter Els
After the tragic May 2016 accident involving a Tesla Model S which crashed into a trailer while Autopilot was engaged, Tesla speculated that a possible cause of the accident was the difficulty of the car's cameras to identify the white trailer against the bright Florida sky.
August 31, 2016 by Automotive IQ
Which content caught the attention of 35.000 Automotive IQ members? Check out the top 5 content-pieces for August 2016!
German auto giant Daimler is using deep learning techniques to teach its autonomous cars how to drive, and is boasting it has produced the smartest car in its market.
August 30, 2016 by Automotive IQ
Automotive IQ gathered three intelligent tire industry experts, in order to review the current challenges, most important developments, the future of the market, and the impact semi-automated and automated driving has on the tire.
August 22, 2016 by Graham Heeps
The rate of technological development and investment in autonomous vehicles is accelerating. We’re still a long way from fully driverless, ‘Level 5’ vehicles, but the announcements keep on coming.
Ansible Motion develops driving simulators for autonomous car engineering, but with one important additional component — the human driver. The interest in, and momentum assigned to, the introduction of autonomous cars may appear substantial to anyone catching articles in the media.
In-vehicle infotainment (IVI) systems are set for a period of rapid change. The course of this process of evolution is leading to a reshaping in the way OEMs and tier ones approach the development of software for these systems with OEMs taking more control of the software development, particularly when it comes to the human-machine interface (HMI).
August 15, 2016 by Colin Pawsey
The automotive industry continues to speed towards autonomous driving, but there is a level of precision about the approach to what will be a revolutionary change to transportation.
August 10, 2016 by Peter Els
This modern day prophet, Elon Musk, first shared his latest vision, simply titled “Master Plan, Part Deux”, on the Tesla blog on July 20, 2016.
August 5, 2016 by Automotive IQ
Which content caught the attention of 30.000 Automotive IQ members? Check out the top 5 content-pieces for June 2016!
August 2, 2016 by Chris Needes
Fuel price; it’s one of the biggest bug bears for vehicle owners the world over. Even though the current price at the petrol station is one of the lowest consumers have seen in a while, the issue still arises – what makes a car more efficient?
August 2, 2016 by Peter Els
On the 14th of February 2016 U.S. vehicle safety regulators announced that the artificial intelligence system controlling a self-driving Google car would be considered the driver under federal law.
July 27, 2016 by Chris Needes
When considering buying a new car, consumers have a checklist of qualities and features with which the ideal must comply. It has to have the right look and price, but what consumers also want from their cars is comfort and a trouble-free experience.
July 25, 2016 by Aaron Riley
It’s quite possible that this is the best time in history for truck makers. The transportation industry is exploding, and trucking companies are looking left and right for more rigs to add to their fleets. Experts predict that this year, Class 8 truck sales should exceed 300,000 ― and even more if companies can find employees to drive them.
July 19, 2016 by Chris Needes
Luxury car models, with the high-end marques of major European automotive manufacturers outsells high-volume brands. The luxury brand Audi, for example, outsold its sister brand Skoda by some 40,000 units. This trend is projected to continue, especially in China, where luxury auto sales are quickly catching up with US luxury sales.
July 12, 2016 by Colin Pawsey
Thin-film-transistor (TFT) liquid crystal displays have been in use for many years in the automotive world, but they are expected to increase considerably in the coming years if industry estimates are to be believed.
July 11, 2016 by Colin Pawsey
Many light duty vehicles, particularly Euro 5 diesel vehicles, on the market today are not compliant with regulatory emission limits under real driving conditions.
July 4, 2016 by Automotive IQ
Which content caught the attention of 30.000 Automotive IQ members? Check out the top 5 content-pieces for June 2016!
July 4, 2016 by Peter Els
There is no doubt that one-day autonomous vehicles will eliminate road accidents, reduce congestion, and make the planet a greener place to live. But before they are allowed on the thoroughfares for consumer and commercial use, the technology needs to be proven safer than the flawed human experience
Key trends in Lidar sensing technology for automotive applications, review the fundamentals of optical detection and ranging and explain the unique differentiators of Leddar, a next-gen Lidar technology delivering unmatched cost/performance ratio for automotive applications.
June 1, 2016 by Larisa Bedgood
Vehicles are evolving to meet consistently increasing consumer demands for convenience, interactivity, and connectivity. In 2015, 15% of new vehicles were considered connected and by 2020 research expects that 75% of new vehicles and 22% of all cars on the road will be equipped with connectivity tech.
June 1, 2016 by Automotive IQ
Which content caught the attention of 30.000 Automotive IQ members? Check out the top 5 content-pieces for May 2016!
May 25, 2016 by Frank Moburg
Frank Moburg, Senior Automotive Interior Designer at Honda, gave an interview about balance, priorities, principles, and the future.
May 24, 2016 by Tom Kowalick
Transportation technology is rapidly emerging and converging. Concepts such as autonomous vehicles and drones have become reality, while the legal and regulatory frameworks to support them are still in flux.
May 18, 2016 by Tom Kowalick
The demand for mobility in developing nations—specifically, for personal vehicles—generally increases with economic growth. Because each country varies in its automobile purchases and usage despite having similar gross per capita income, researchers investigated nine other factors, including infrastructure, fuel costs, lack of public transportation, and consumer culture.
May 11, 2016 by Graham Heeps
The US car and truck market isn’t always synonymous with fuel economy, but in 2012, the US Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards that will see the average economy increase to 54.5mpg in 2025 – about a 40% improvement on today’s level.
May 10, 2016 by Tom Kowalick
Despite the best efforts of government, automobile manufacturers, and safety advocates, today's cars and trucks are now more dangerous than they used to be.
May 9, 2016 by Automotive IQ
Which content caught the attention of 30.000 Automotive IQ members? Check out the top 5 content-pieces for April 2016!
April 26, 2016 by Peter Els
The artificial intelligence system controlling a self-driving Google car would be considered the driver under federal law.
April 18, 2016 by Colin Pawsey
How to utilize solutions to achieve the ultimate aim of meeting Euro 6 targets.
April 6, 2016 by Automotive IQ
Which content caught the attention of 30.000 Automotive IQ members? Check out the top 5 content-pieces for March 2016!
April 5, 2016 by Greg Archer
When French investigators swooped on Renault to seize computers, it was yet another stark illustration of the systemic failure of car testing in Europe. Their investigation is linked to the Volkswagen emissions scandal, where national testing authorities failed to detect or even investigate the cheating – despite being made aware of the exceptionally high on-road emissions.
March 30, 2016 by Graham Heeps
The Volkswagen emissions scandal of 2015 has put the fuel economy and environmental performance of diesel passenger car engines firmly under the spotlight. VW manipulated tests in a bid to keep pace with emissions legislation, without adding more cost to engines that are typically more expensive to produce than the gasoline alternative.
March 15, 2016 by Peter Els
Despite its fascination with the human–machine interface (HMI) the automotive industry has rarely got this right. Remember the early BMW i-Drive interfaces? They were great in theory but impossible to master.
March 14, 2016 by Peter Els
The "connected car": A sleek, intelligent, digital appliance on wheels, where convenience, comfort, safety, and performance merge with powerful network technologies to keep drivers and passengers connected on the go.
March 2, 2016 by Automotive IQ
Which content caught the attention of 30.000 Automotive IQ members? Check out the top 5 content-pieces for February 2016!
March 1, 2016 by Peter Els
Following two months of wave after wave of outrageous revelations surrounding cheat software, industry consultant LMC Automotive speculate that the scandal may result in the European diesel car market share tumbling to as little as 35 percent in 2022; from 53 percent in 2014.
February 23, 2016 by Graham Heeps
In 2016, the low oil price continues to hamper the growth of battery-electric vehicle (BEV) and hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) sales, but that’s not stopping auto makers or battery suppliers investing in the future of electrification technologies.
February 22, 2016 by Colin Pawsey
The European Union continues to press for the increased use of alternative fuels for sustainable mobility in Europe. It states that transport in Europe is 94% dependent on oil, with 84% of it imported at a cost of up to EUR 1 billion per day. That’s without the considerable impact on the environment in terms of emissions. Those figures demonstrate the depth of the challenges facing the EU as a whole in respect of the target of reducing carbon emissions to zero by 2050.
February 15, 2016 by Automotive IQ
Which content caught the attention of 30.000 Automotive IQ members? Check out the top 5 content-pieces for January 2016!
January 26, 2016 by The Auto Network
What’s the situation with engine ‘downsizing’, how does it work, why has it happened, and where will it all lead?
January 12, 2016 by Colin Pawsey
Driven by fuel efficiency and emission reduction targets, automakers are continually developing new technologies to improve the efficiency and lessen the environmental impact of their vehicles. However, this is no easy task when set against the backdrop of customer expectations of how their cars should drive and what they expect from a manufacturer.
January 11, 2016 by Automotive IQ
Active suspension systems have come a long way since the world first took notice of them when Colin Chapman’s Lotus Formula one cars annihilated the opposition on the world’s race tracks. Strangely these were eventually banned because they were deemed to offer drivers an unfair advantage! This "unfair advantage" when applied to road vehicles translates to safety and unequaled ride and handling, which of course are very desirable features in a road going vehicle.
January 6, 2016 by Peter Els
Tomorrow’s cars laden with laser sensors can create 3-D representations of the world and use those representations to navigate safely through chaotic, unpredictable traffic.
December 2, 2015 by Automotive IQ
Ever stringent emission targets looming in automotive markets the world over, the downsizing of engines has become an ever more prominent strategy in the race to reduce CO2 emissions and improve fuel economy. In the last decade manufacturers have increasingly turned to turbocharging and boosting technologies to maintain performance in downsized engines, and that trend is set to continue.
December 1, 2015 by Peter Els
According to research conducted by Navigant Research the global passenger vehicle market will show a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.4% between 2013 and 2020: In comparison HEVs will show a CAGR of 11.5%, PHEVs 31.9% and BEV’s will grow at 31.5% in the same period. Despite this positive forecast, EV’s face several challenges in gaining widespread acceptance; none greater than range anxiety, regardless of whether or not it’s real or perceived. Currently no EV has a range over 500 km, significantly less than that of conventional vehicles. However, Tesla Motors’ CEO, Elon Musk, recently announced that Tesla would address this by increasing the range of the Model S to 1000km by 2017.
November 25, 2015 by Colin Pawsey
The automotive seating sector is a hotbed of innovation, with seemingly unlimited ways to improve and develop. The main driving factor as always is the desire to reduce weight, but unlike certain other areas of manufacturing where weight reduction is the only driving force, in seating there are many other factors to consider. These of course, include aesthetics, comfort, space-saving and functionality, but with new technologies coming to the fore, other considerations such as heat control, driver monitoring systems and self-healing/stain resistant fabrics are also very much on the agenda.
November 15, 2015 by Automotive IQ
As cars take more and more control of the actual driving and remove control from the driver, the question of liability in the case of an accident arises.
November 11, 2015 by Automotive IQ
At the eleventh International Symposium on Automotive Lighting (ISAL 2015), Audi presenters offered the world a glimpse of lighting technologies that may soon appear in production cars. At the congress held in Darmstadt Audi guest speakers discussed recent trends and developments in automotive lighting technology as well as unveiling a state-of-the-art Audi E-tron Quattro concept car with the latest Matrix OLED technology.
November 4, 2015 by David Vink
Plastics-based multi-material solutions include injection overmoulding thermoplastic functional features onto compression moulded natural fibre reinforced plastic composites, illustrated by the OSI organic sheet injection process developed by machinery producer Frimo. For the Lexus GS car, Toyota Boshoku moulds door panels by SBI simultaneous back injection process, also at Toyota Boshoku Automotive Poland for BMW 4?series cars.
October 28, 2015 by Colin Pawsey
It’s time to improve communication to provide a seamless user experience and minimize driver distraction.
October 28, 2015 by Peter Els
With cost and performance dependent on the magnets, several companies have undertaken research into optimizing both the material and manufacturing processes to reduce reliance on rare earth metals.
October 6, 2015 by Peter Els
Current tire technology studies point to a growing market for hybrids, which could account for as much as eight percent by 2020. With this in mind manufacturers features a range of newly developed technologies.
October 1, 2015 by David Vink
Falling carbon fibre prices has encouraged carbon fibre use in the automotive industry in lower price segment vehicles with consequences for recycling, manufacturing and automation.
September 29, 2015 by Colin Pawsey
Why is there a disparity between apparent consumer demand and manufacturers’ desire to use drive by wire technology?
September 16, 2015 by David Shaw
The world’s tire industry is waking up to fierce price competition, driven by tire makers in China selling below cost.
September 7, 2015 by Automotive IQ
One of the world’s largest tire and rubber company - Bridgestone - returns to the Frankfurt Motor Show with an impressive display of innovative tires and technologies.
August 26, 2015 by Colin Pawsey
48V electronic architecture has been looming on the automotive horizon for a few years, and rapid growth is expected over the next five years.
August 17, 2015 by Peter Els
Networking solutions that offer low-cost, high speed transmission and bandwidth are becoming increasingly pivotal to the success of the connected car. Currently Ethernet appears to offer several advantages over the other solutions for multiple automotive applications.
August 4, 2015 by Peter Els
Emphasizing the importance of electrification speakers at the 2nd 48 Volt Power Supply System Conference in 2014 estimated that 70% of new cars in Europe in 2020 will require some form of electrification to meet the European Union’s goal of 95 g/km of carbon-dioxide emissions.
August 4, 2015 by Peter Els
With the automotive industry reeling from the Cancun Agreement, which was signed by the world’s leaders in 2010, it was clear that manufacturers were on the brink of a technological revolution.
July 27, 2015 by Automotive IQ
What are the key areas for 3D printing where the most research and investment is required to help kick-start the large scale end-production use of additive manufacturing?
July 24, 2015 by Automotive IQ
How subsidies and incentives are encouraging Electric Vehicles and PHEV sales across Europe.
July 21, 2015 by Geoff Nairn
The second part of this report features two additional promising technologies for transportation: flow batteries and fuel cells.
July 10, 2015 by Automotive IQ
Is the future already here for additive manufacturing in Formula 1? More recently Teams have exploited the additive technology for real race car applications.
July 9, 2015 by Automotive IQ
The turbocharger market is estimated to grow substantially which indicates the importance of this fuel-efficient technology.
July 7, 2015 by Geoff Nairn
Energy storage has emerged as critical technology to reduce dependence on fossil fuels in the transportation and energy generation industries. Most research effort and investor interest is focused on battery technologies, which are the common denominator to electric vehicles and renewable energy grid storage applications.
June 29, 2015 by Automotive IQ
To manage the complexity and to master functional safety, OEM's and Manufacturers are placing their faith in a standard published in 2011 by the International Standards Organisation (ISO): ISO 26262.
June 3, 2015 by Automotive IQ
This is the world of the connected car—a vehicle capable of optimizing its own operation and maintenance as well as the convenience and comfort of passengers using on-board sensors and internet connectivity.
June 1, 2015 by Automotive IQ
Significant weight savings, in the order of 2 to 4kg’s, are still possible.
May 27, 2015 by Peter Els
Hybridization opens up a plethora of vehicle dynamics that have never been available with conventional powertrains.
May 26, 2015 by Automotive IQ
While passenger vehicles bathe in the technology spotlight it’s easy to overlook the significant advances made in off-road vehicles.
May 20, 2015 by Peter Els
Designers have refocused on interiors moving into the 21st century: improving haptics, damping road and engine noise and creating greater visual harmony inside the cabin.
May 19, 2015 by Colin Pawsey
Additive Manufacturing has great potential for both the Aerospace and Automotive industries. Significant advances in 3D printing technology over the last decade have offered the potential to transform the way in which products are designed, developed and manufactured.
May 12, 2015 by Peter Els
The on-going reduction in emissions are driving the automotive industry towards light-weight vehicle design.
May 10, 2015 by Colin Pawsey
Significant progress in electronic innovations such as advanced driver assistance systems, make compliance with ISO 26262 of the utmost importance.
April 27, 2015 by Peter Els
Plug-in hybrid crossover concepts demonstrate the potential of AWD when applied to a hybrid platform.
April 22, 2015 by Automotive IQ
Audi’s launch at the 2014 International CES of a 10 inch Android tablet, through its newly-announced partnership with Google, underlined the increasing convergence of consumer electronics (CE) and the automotive industry.
April 22, 2015 by Peter Els
ZF is the world's first transmission manufacturer to develop a sophisticated automatic passenger car transmission with nine gears. The high efficiency and CO2 emission reduction coming along with it are outstanding.
April 20, 2015 by Rod Cope
Last year was a tipping point for automotive, where the impacts of code faults in the field and growth in cybersecurity research were felt far beyond software development teams.
April 13, 2015 by Automotive IQ
With connected cars relying on interconnected electric/ electronic systems for everything from infotainment to driver safety it’s vital that these vehicles are not affected by electromagnetic interference (EMI).
April 9, 2015 by Automotive IQ
Norway has been the leader in electric vehicle ownership over the last few years with a number of incentives helping to grow market share.
March 31, 2015 by Automotive IQ
Today’s tightening emissions regulations have forced OEM’s to turn to electrification, spawning micro and plugin hybrids using 48V traction motors.
March 29, 2015 by Peter Els
To bridge the gap between first-generation ADAS and tomorrow's autonomous cars, technology features need to utilize object recognition and object identification.
March 23, 2015 by Automotive IQ
It's the South by Southwest Interactive 2015! Time to geek about connected cars, 3D printed vehicles and concepts of advanced mobility!
March 16, 2015 by Automotive IQ
Technology is moving faster than the government’s attempts to regulate, and nobody wants to stifle innovation, much less slow the consumer’s access to more and better bells and whistles on their cars.
March 11, 2015 by Risto Tuisanen
In industrial sectors such as mining, construction, civil engineering, container handling and material handling, which are using mobile work machines, a new growing trend is to automate mobile work machine operations.
March 9, 2015 by Colin Pawsey
As we move towards 2020 and the related emission targets, there remains a level of uncertainty over the test procedures which will be used to determine compliance with the regulations.
March 5, 2015 by Peter Els
Facing a rapidly changing future, auto makers have to explore new technologies to meet the needs customers.
February 25, 2015 by Automotive IQ
The new all-electric FIA Formula E Championship unveiled the circuit layout for the Berlin ePrix on May 23 2015.
February 24, 2015 by Automotive IQ
It’s essential for OEM’s and seat manufacturers to view the production process holistically, as various other factors come into play when taking steps to reduce weight.
February 19, 2015 by Automotive IQ
Rapita Systems CEO Interview: As the electronics in cars have been growing almost exponentially, the costs of verification are growing even faster.
February 10, 2015 by Automotive IQ
Functional Safety is a complex issue for Non-Road Vehicles. Many of these types of vehicles also function as machines in a variety of different ways.
February 6, 2015 by Automotive IQ
The Agricultural tire development group at Technical Center Europe (TCE) developed and tested an innovative Bridgestone VT-TRACTOR.
February 4, 2015 by Automotive IQ
The rapid development of technical materials has afforded engineers the freedom to experiment with new technologies and processes.
February 3, 2015 by Automotive IQ
Power steering has become so commonplace in our vehicles today that we tend to take it for granted, but the automotive industry does not stand still, and hydraulic power steering is slowly being replaced by electric systems.
January 26, 2015 by Automotive IQ
How will the cost of sensors affect manufacturer’s choice of components?
January 20, 2015 by Automotive IQ
Back in 2011 the five premier German car manufacturers, Audi, BMW, Daimler, Porsche and Volkswagen, announced their agreement to jointly incorporate a variety of architectural components for on-board power networks into their vehicles. The five OEM’s expressed their intention to implement a 48-volt power supply, and appealed to suppliers...
January 14, 2015 by Colin Pawsey
Electric vehicles form part of the backbone of worldwide policy to reduce carbon emissions substantially by 2050, but the uptake of EV’s and PHEV’s is not increasing at the rate that was targeted by many countries. Most governments and legislating bodies continue to provide subsidies and financial incentives to encourage consumers to...
December 16, 2014 by Automotive IQ
Whenever a new technology emerges it's just a matter of time that old standards are challenged and new ones follow. For the 48 Volt Power Supply Systems this means it's crucial to find a consistent standard early on in the process to develop and implement standards such as the LV 148.
During the 2nd 48 Volt Power Supply Systems...
December 11, 2014 by Automotive IQ
Self-driving cars are coming. It's not so much a question of If so much as When. But as today's models are already packed with sensors and systems that do the driving for you, the "attentive driver" is still required. General Motors recently announced plans to roll out "Super Cruise" technology in an unnamed new Cadillac model within the...
December 7, 2014 by Peter Els
With regenerative braking technology reaching maturity, manufacturers are studying other forms of energy regeneration, amongst these: regenerative suspension. Although there have been several regenerative shock absorber developments over the past decade, including linear-tubular electric motors and hydraulic actuator based systems, cost and...
December 5, 2014 by Peter Els
At powered partial load conditions the ring pack contributes up to 25 % of the total mechanical engine friction loss, which could correspond to 4 % of fuel consumption. Therefore the challenge lies not only in reducing frictional power loss but also in mastering the thermo-mechanical and tribological loads as a result of the smoother cylinder...
November 13, 2014 by Automotive IQ
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In the early 1990’s there was a lot of excitement around the introduction of a 42 Volt power supply, initially intended to augment the 12 Volt in passenger vehicles. However twenty years on and the 42 Volt didn't materialize – even though a few...
November 12, 2014 by Colin Pawsey
LED Lighting is driving a revolution in automotive lighting. In this article we look at the progression of technologies and the new developments which are heading to the automotive market in the near future.
November 5, 2014 by Automotive IQ
The number of electronic control units (ECU) in cars is growing constantly. Today, basic models contain about 30 ECUs and luxury models often contain more than 100. From safety controls to telematics to the latest infotainment systems, there are no signs of that the growth of automotive software is slowing.
Automobile manufacturers rely on...
September 16, 2014 by Colin Pawsey
#1: Volkswagen Group
A brief history
Volkswagen means ‘people’s car’, and the company was originally established after Adolf Hitler expressed his desire to produce a car able to carry two adults and three children at 100km/h, which would be affordable for citizens of the Third Reich. Hitler approved Ferdinand Porsche...
September 10, 2014 by Colin Pawsey
#2: Toyota Motor Corporation
A brief history
Toyota’s history can be traced back to the automatic loom company started by Sakichi Toyoda in the early 1900’s. An automobile department was established as a division of Toyota Automatic Loom Works Ltd in 1933, and was placed in the care of Sakichi’s son, Kiichiro Toyoda who...
September 9, 2014 by Will Hornick
Distracted driving accounted for approximately 421,000 injuries in motor vehicle accidents during 2012 in the U.S. (Distraction.gov - the official U.S. government website for distracted driving information). Some additionally alarming figures:
11% of all drivers under the age 20 involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted at the...
September 4, 2014 by Colin Pawsey
#3: Daimler AG
A brief history
Daimler’s history can be traced back to 1886, when Carl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler invented the automobile independently of one another. The both founded companies – Benz & Cie., and Daimler-Moteren-Gesellschaft – which eventually merged in 1926 to form Daimler-Benz AG, and the Mercedes-Benz...
August 28, 2014 by Colin Pawsey
#4: General Motors Corporation
A brief history
General Motors was established in Flint, Michigan in 1908 by William Durant, initially as a holding company for the Buick Motor Company. By 1910 it had rapidly acquired more than 20 smaller car manufacturers and auto accessory suppliers, including Oldsmobile, Cadillac, and Oakland (now known as...
August 22, 2014 by Colin Pawsey
#5: Ford Motor Company
A brief history
Ford was incorporated by Henry Ford and a group of investors, in Michigan in 1903. In October 1908 Ford introduced the Model T, which became one of the most popular cars in the world. Production ran until 1927, by which time over 15 million Model T’s had been produced worldwide. In 1913 Ford...
August 14, 2014 by Colin Pawsey
#6: Honda Motor Company
A brief history
The founder of the company, Honda Soichiro started his first company Tokai Seiko (Eastern Sea Precision Machine Company) in 1937; and by 1941 had developed an automated process for mass-producing piston rings for use by Toyota. After the war he established the Honda Technical Research Institute in...
August 8, 2014 by Colin Pawsey
#7: Nissan Motor Corporation
A brief history
Jidosha-Seizo Co. Ltd was established in 1933, taking over manufacturing of all Datsun vehicles, which were first produced as early as 1914. In 1934 the company name was changed to Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. The first small-size Datsun passenger cars were produced at the Yokohama plant in 1935....
July 31, 2014 by Colin Pawsey
#8: BMW AG
A Brief History
BMW’s roots can be traced back to two companies – Bayerische Flugzeug-Werke AG (BFW), and the Rappe Moterenwerke Company – which eventually merged to become Bayerische Moteren Werke (Bavarian Motor Works). BMW’s famous logo has been in use since 1917, and sports the blue and white...
July 24, 2014 by Colin Pawsey
#9: SAIC Motor CorporationTo read the updated eBook on top 10 OEMs, click hereA brief historySAIC (Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation) has its origins in the Shanghai Diesel Parts Manufacturing Company which was established in 1955. The company merged with Shanghai Power Equipment Manufacturing Company in 1958 and became the Shanghai Power...
July 18, 2014 by Colin Pawsey
#10: Hyundai Motor Corporation
A brief history
Hyundai’s origins can be traced back to 1947, when Chung Ju-Yung founded the Hyundai Engineering and Construction Company, although the Hyundai Motor Company wasn’t established until 20 years later in 1967.
The company’s first model was the Cortina, which was released in...
June 23, 2014 by Peter Els
American company, Edison 2 LLC, recently unveiled their latest Very Light Car (VLC) at the Henry Ford Museum’s Driving America exhibit. The VLC’s low, wide stance with cycle gear wheels (Not enclosed in the body) is made possible because the patented suspension system, including springs, dampers and universal joint, resides inside...
June 16, 2014 by Peter Els
In an ongoing endeavor to control ride height several teams have come up with a passive system which meets the FIA’s regulations: Namely the Front and Rear Inter-Connected (FRIC) system.
Although details are closely guarded it is believed the FRIC system, with the hydraulic actuator (lower arrow) housed in the sidepod, displaces...
June 6, 2014 by Peter Els
Active suspension first found its way into Formula one racing in 1981 when teams were searching for a means of using "skirts" fitted to the sides of the cars to increase aerodynamic downforce and improve handling. Crucial to the success of the design was a controlled ride height: Enter Lotus’ first ever active suspension.
These early...
April 2, 2014 by Colin Pawsey
While much of the focus in the automotive industry is on reducing exhaust emissions in order to meet carbon reduction targets, there is another cause of emissions which must not be overlooked. The fuel in a vehicle’s tank and fuel lines is subject to evaporation over time, releasing volatile organic compounds into the atmosphere. These emissions...
March 31, 2014 by Peter Els
Faced with significant CO2 emissions reduction, auto makers are turning to downsizing and turbocharging as the most promising technologies for the development of high efficiency gasoline engines. However, the combustion conditions of these engines continue to move away from traditional naturally aspirated technologies, and especially from the...
February 19, 2014 by Will Hornick
According to Honeywell, passenger cars equipped with turbocharged engines are expected to increase by over 80% globally by 2017. Automotive IQ surveyed our international contacts working in turbocharging and engine development. Among other questions, we asked our audience what fuel saving potential they believe exists by utilizing new...
February 6, 2014 by Will Hornick
Each year, companies spend their marketing budgets in a competition over 'the best Super Bowl ad of the year' and this year's Big Game left the ads as the main attraction. The auto industry usually comes up with some winners.
After watching all of the auto ads that debuted during 'The Big Game,' the Automotive IQ team...
February 5, 2014 by Automotive IQ
Automotive IQ has created a survey to help us better understand the emission control challenges facing the auto industry. Please help us to bring you high quality information on this topic by taking 3 minutes and filling out our anonymous survey. The results will be analyzed and aggregated at the end of the month and we will publish a report...
February 4, 2014 by Automotive IQ
Our team would appreciate your participation in our survey on SCR. If you work in or around vehicle emissions, please take our short, anonymous survey. The results will be aggregated and shared in a report later this year.
Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey , the world's leading questionnaire tool.
January 31, 2014 by Will Hornick
Automotive IQ surveyed our international contacts working in the field of e-motors in order to learn what the experts think are the most promising markets and technologies looking ahead. We asked about market penetration for electric powertrains worldwide and asked about specific challenges facing this segment of the auto industry.
Market...
January 31, 2014 by Will Hornick
Automotive IQ surveyed our international contacts working in the field of seating in order to learn what the experts believe are the major drivers of innovation, the biggest challenges for weight reduction and the latest developments in this segment as well as an R...
January 21, 2014 by Peter Els
Part 3 of Automotive IQ's Series on Lightweight Materials
In recent years progressive automotive manufacturers have heralded composites, in particular carbon fibre reinforced plastics (CFRP), as the answer to significant weight reduction demands.
Image credit: wot.motortrend.com
However, dealers and body repair shops face several...
January 8, 2014 by Automotive IQ
In May 2013, Mediamobile launched "V-Traffic Premium DAB" – the first German traffic information service in DAB+ digital radio format. For motorists, the new service means richer and more accurate traffic information. The system reports 20 times more traffic events than FM-based services, as well as new types of events – along with...
January 5, 2014 by Peter Els
Forty years ago steel was the material of choice for fuel systems. Not only was steel an excellent barrier against fuel vapour but the piece price of components, such as fuel tanks, was also very competitive when produced in large volumes.
Notwithstanding the advantages of using steel fuel system components, the weight penalty and ever...
December 20, 2013 by Automotive IQ
Do you work turbo design or have experience with engine downsizing concepts?
Then we would like to invite you to share your position with us! Take part in a short survey and let us know where you are standing regarding "Innovative Seating." The survey will take less than 3 minutes of your time and individual responses will be kept completely...
December 19, 2013 by Peter Els
Part 2 of Automotive IQ's Series on Lightweight Materials
Global passenger-vehicle production for 2013 is forecast to be about 82 million units (Source: Market watch). Of this total, luxury cars (Including super and hyper cars) account for about 9 percent: Making up these 8 million cars are approximately 210 models. Somewhat surprisingly...
December 10, 2013 by Automotive IQ
Do you work in or around seating design and have knowledge of the latest technical innovations to reduce weight and increase comfort?
Then we would like to invite you to share your position with us! Take part in a short survey and let us know where you are standing regarding "Innovative Seating." The survey will take less than 3 minutes of...
November 29, 2013 by Peter Els
Part 1 of Automotive IQ’s Series on Lightweight Materials
As far back as May 2009 Martin Goede, coordinator of the EU’s ‘SuperLight-Car’ project predicted that the reduction of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions would be the most important challenges facing the automotive industry in the future. "One way to reduce...
November 22, 2013 by Peter Els
With more vehicles on the road and ever dwindling natural resources, there is a renewed focus on safety and energy conservation. Braking systems may have lagged behind other system development, but they’re now being thrust into the spotlight.
Autonomous Emergency Braking systems
With several OEMs already offering Autonomous Emergency...
November 13, 2013 by Will Hornick
IntroductionInternal combustion engines (ICE) lose up to 70% of the energy they produce, mainly through heat. As fuel economy becomes more important for the auto industry each year and with the passing of increasingly stringent regulations, car manufacturers have had a watchful eye on an old concept known as the thermo-electric generator (TEG)....
October 24, 2013 by Peter Els
Specialist automotive company, Tesla Motors has certainly made its mark as a manufacturer of safe, high performance electric vehicles. In May 2013 Consumer Reports magazine proclaimed that the Tesla Model S had outscored "every other car in our test ratings."
In August, the NHTSA awarded the Tesla Model S a Five-Star rating, with an overall...
October 16, 2013 by Peter Els
In October 2013 an electric vehicle (EV) was once again front page news after a Tesla Model S experienced a fire in one of the lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery modules after colliding with a metal object on a Washington State highway
This comes weeks after displaying the Model S at the Frankfurt motor show as part of the launch into the...
October 10, 2013 by Peter Els
Ever since the work carried out by people such as Robert C. Stempel in the 1970’s, automotive catalytic convertors have used precious metals such as platinum, palladium and rhodium to promote the reaction of exhaust gases; by so doing converting nitrous oxides, carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons into nitrogen gas, carbon dioxide and...
October 4, 2013 by Will Hornick
Traditional light duty vehicles run on a 12 volt power supply. However, as manufacturers continue to integrate more and more sophisticated features into their vehicles and environmental considerations intensify, the requirements on the power supply also increase. Recently, a discussion has ensued around a future 48 volt power supply and a number...
October 2, 2013 by Will Hornick
Emissions testing in the lab forms an essential part of the type approval procedure for light-duty vehicles within the EU. Lab emissions testing may not represent actual on-road emissions. Therefore, Real Driving Emissions (RDE) is a major topic of discussion within upcoming emissions legislation.
Automotive IQ surveyed our international...
September 23, 2013 by Will Hornick
Summary of our series on Vehicle Recycling and Its Impact on the Environment
The current EU target for the recovery of materials from end-of-life vehicles will rise
from 85% of weight to 95% of weight in 2015. This change has caused the
automotive and recycling industries to focus on every area of recycling and every
type of material....
September 19, 2013 by Will Hornick
Summary of our series on thermoplastics in the automotive industry
The automotive industry has reached a point where it is on the verge of embracing carbon
fibre reinforced plastic as one of the main manufacturing components of the future. While
consumers will not accept any reduction in safety standard or in functionality in their cars,...
September 18, 2013 by Will Hornick
Interested in learning about what your colleagues and peers believe are the most pressing issues regarding functional safety for non-road vehicles? Can the various machine and non-road norms and standards be combined to simplify the functional safety landscape?
We surveyed our international contacts working in and around the non-road vehicle...
September 15, 2013 by Will Hornick
Conclusion The regulations for the labelling of tyres have been introduced for all tyres produced after July 2012, and sold in the EU after November 2012. The label is required to show the fuel efficiency of the tyre, the wet grip rating of the tyre and the external noise emissions of the tyre. The ratings have been introduced as part of the...
August 22, 2013 by Colin Pawsey
Future benefits of electric power steering
Brought to you by Automotive IQ
There are several additional functions under development which will take advantage of electric power steering to provide extra safety benefits to the driver. With the amount of data available from sensors and cameras installed on the vehicle, the steering control...
August 21, 2013 by Will Hornick
Interested in learning about what your colleagues and peers believe to be the future of HMI development for vehicles? Will hands-free interfaces continue to be a major focus despite recent studies warning of potential safety risks?
We surveyed our international contacts working in and around automotive HMI to help illustrate the key drivers and...
August 19, 2013 by Will Hornick
Vehicle Recycling: Energy saving
By 2015 95% of the weight of end-of-life vehicles should be reused or recycled
rather than going to landfill, 10% of which should be energy recovery. The thermal
treatment of ASR can result in high energy gains, while preventing the material
from reaching landfill. ASR can be treated at an advanced thermal...
August 16, 2013 by Automotive IQ
Automotive IQ is sponsoring an International Conference on Ignition Systems. The conference will take place at the end of November in Wiesbaden, Germany. In preparation, we would appreciate your insight into this topic by taking our brief survey below. It will take less than 3 minutes to complete and individual responses will be completely...
August 15, 2013 by Colin Pawsey
Innovation in steering systems for light duty vehicles: OEM Focus
Brought to you by Automotive IQ
Nissan & Infiniti
Nissan was the first OEM to reveal a steer-by-wire system late last year, and it is due to go on the market in the Infiniti Q50 model later this year. The system assesses the driver’s intention by the torque applied...
August 14, 2013 by Will Hornick
Resin Transfer Molding (RTM)
Resin transfer molding has previously been considered a process which is for medium
volume production quantities, as it bridges the gap between slower contact molding
processes and faster compression molding methods. Continuous strand mats and woven reinforcement is placed dry in the bottom half of the mold,...
August 14, 2013 by Automotive IQ
Automotive IQ is sponsoring a unique international conference for the auto industry on Technology...
August 13, 2013 by Will Hornick
How will labelling affect consumers' buying habits?
The regulations for the labelling of tyres will only come into force in November 2012, and it is unknown at this stage quite how the legislation will affect consumers buying habits. What is evident is that the consumer now has much more of an insight into the quality and performance of...
August 13, 2013 by Automotive IQ
Automotive IQ is sponsoring the 8th International Conference on Intelligent Braking this November in Frankfurt, Germany. In preparation, we would appreciate if you could provide your insight about the market by taking our brief survey below. It will take less than 3 minutes to complete and individual responses will be completely anonymous. Thank...
August 9, 2013 by Colin Pawsey
Innovation in steering systems for light duty vehicles
Brought to you by Automotive IQ
The electric power steering market is forecast to grow by 13.44% globally by 2016. Power steering has become so commonplace in our vehicles today that we tend to take it for granted, but the automotive industry does not stand still, and hydraulic power...
August 7, 2013 by Will Hornick
Tire Technology Survey Results
brought to you by Automotive IQ
Are you interested to learn what other companies plan on investing in the Asian tire market relative to 2012? When are the BRIC markets likely to adopt TPMS as a standard? We surveyed our international contacts working in and around the tire industry to help illustrate...
August 2, 2013 by Automotive IQ
Automotive IQ is sponsoring a conference on Functional Safety for NonRoad Vehicles coming up in September in Ettlingen, Germany. In preparation, we would appreciate if you could provide your insight about the market by taking our brief survey below.
Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey , the world's leading questionnaire...
July 17, 2013 by Maryruth Belsey Priebe
Tires of the future may look a lot like the tires of today, but they’re set to be composed of materials that are substantially more sustainable and affordable compared to the options of today. Whether it’s genetically modified natural rubber from trees, plant-based rubber produced from weeds, or recycled rubber manufactured from...
June 27, 2013 by Automotive IQ
Automotive IQ is sponsoring the 4th International Conference: Automotive Cockpit HMI coming up in September in Bonn, Germany. In preparation, we would appreciate if you could provide your insight about the market by taking our brief survey below.
Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey , the world's leading questionnaire...
June 25, 2013 by Will Hornick
The challenges of large scale production
One of the great challenges of using CFRP in mass production is reducing the
manufacturing time for individual parts. Using the example again of a Formula One car, the design and manufacture cycle of each part is estimated at eight weeks. Clearly a high-end design like this has no place in the world...
June 24, 2013 by Will Hornick
Provision of data for tyre labelling regulations
On 29th November 2011 the EU introduced regulation 1235/2011, as an amendment to the original regulation 1222/2009, with regard to the wet grip grading of tyres, the measurement of rolling resistance, and the verification procedure.
The updated legislation includes regulations for the wet grip...
June 20, 2013 by Will Hornick
Vehicle Recycling: Plastics
Approximately 100kg or 10% of a standard vehicles weight is made up of plastics.
As well as the typical plastic components found in cars, OEM’s have also been using
fibre-reinforced plastics and composites for more and more applications in recent
years, due to their lightweight properties and recyclability...
June 20, 2013 by Automotive IQ
In preparation for our 9th Annual Conference: Intelligent Tire Technology taking place in Dýsseldorf, Germany this September, we would like you to participate in our short market survey to gain insight into the tire industry.
Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey , the world's leading questionnaire tool...
April 22, 2013 by Will Hornick
Responsibilities through the chain of distribution
The EU regulations oblige three main parties to ensure that consumers are given accurate information regarding the efficiency, safety and performance of tyres. Tyre suppliers, tyre distributors, and vehicle suppliers and distributors each have a responsibility to convey information to the...
April 17, 2013 by Will Hornick
High performance composites
Thermoplastics were originally derived from structural polymer composites. Epoxy and polyester thermosetting resins were reinforced with continuous filaments or fibres, and although structural polymer composites demonstrated several key benefits such as low
density and good insulation, they were chemically...
April 15, 2013 by Will Hornick
Rubber
One of the waste streams from vehicles is rubber, which can account for
approximately 50kg or 5% of a vehicles overall weight. Much of this waste is
diverted to landfill, with up to 20% of the weight of materials disposed in landfill
from end-of-life vehicles made up of rubber. The reuse and recycling of tyres is
being treated as a...
March 28, 2013 by Will Hornick
Trans-Atlantic Trade & Investment Partnership
During his State of the Union speech in February, U.S. President Barack Obama said, "Tonight, I’m announcing that we will launch talks on a comprehensive trans-Atlantic trade and investment partnership with the European Union." One month later, the European Commission agreed on a draft...
February 28, 2013 by Paul Burnley
Since car theft in Europe peaked in the early 1990s, manufacturers have increasingly fitted electronic immobilisers and other security features in response to the introduction of legislation, insurers’ demands for improved security, and the need to maintain their brand image.
Full Article PDF
Whilst the initial motivation for...
February 19, 2013 by Will Hornick
The use of thermoplastics in automotive manufacturing is not a new concept;
manufacturers have made use of composites in several applications for many years. They have been used for non-load bearing parts and interiors such as battery frames and
bumpers in mass produced cars, and for more complex applications such as the
monocoque for high-...
February 15, 2013 by Will Hornick
The manufacturer’s view and the consumer impact
Under the EU’s new tyre labelling regulations, any tyre produced after July 2012 and sold in the European Union after November 2012 should be supplied with a label clearly indicating the tyres rating on fuel efficiency, wet grip, and external rolling noise. As part of the EU’s...
February 12, 2013 by Will Hornick
Introduction to our 5 part series on Vehicle Recycling
Each year in Europe end-of-life vehicles create 8-9 tonnes of waste which must be
dealt with effectively. The EU’s end-of-life vehicles directive requires that at least
85% of the materials by weight are reused or recovered; this includes 5% energy
recovery. By 2015 this target...
February 3, 2013 by Will Hornick
Recently, one of my colleagues here at Automotive IQ laughed about the rather extravagant name used by the official dealer literature to describe the color of my car – Nautic Blue Pearl. In fact, dark blue probably would have sufficed. This exchange caused me to do a bit of research on naming conventions used by car companies for their...
January 21, 2013 by Will Hornick
1959 was a crucial year for seat safety as Volvo engineer Nils Bohlin improved upon the design of the three-point safety belt. A lot of innovation has occurred in the last 50+ years. Ford is taking safety a step beyond impact protection with its seat that monitors heart rate.
January 8, 2013 by Al Tuttle
The latest regulations for reducing emissions and raising gas mileage have again put car designers into a race to reduce, reduce, and reduce. Engines and power potential are out front in design centers, with research dollars going to miniaturization of turbochargers and overall engine displacement. One major focus is downsizing the internal...
January 6, 2013 by Automotive IQ
Automotive Manufacturing Conferences
Automotive IQ hosts over 40 international conferences each year focused on highly relevant topics for the auto industry. A number of our conferences deal specifically with manufacturing within a variety of topic areas. It is paramount that our conferences help you network and create lasting business...
January 3, 2013 by Mark Bowler
The lithium-ion battery (LIB) is currently one of the most popular types of rechargeable battery and is utilized for numerous commercial applications. The battery’s popularity is due to its slow loss of charge, comparatively high energy density, no memory effect and lower weight than comparative products. Initially used for consumer...
December 24, 2012 by Automotive IQ
Automotive Technology Resource Library
Our automotive technology resource center serves as a hub for all of our related conferences forums and social media outreach as well as articles, expert interviews, whitepapers and presentations focused on the automotive industry. Content is organized into topic categories for ease of navigation and to...
December 22, 2012 by Automotive IQ
Automotive Conference Resource Center
Automotive IQ organizes over 40 high quality, international conferences for the automotive industry on topics within chassis systems, powertrain, car body...
December 21, 2012 by Colin Pawsey
This article details how Nissan, Ford and BMW are creating vehicle interiors with sustainability in mind. The two former manufacturers are focusing on the use of recycled materials while BMW is showcasing a number of natural materials being used with a focus on minimizing C02 production.
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December 17, 2012 by Colin Pawsey
The design of automotive interiors is facing a challenging, exciting time. Consumers are demanding advanced functionality, better aesthetics, and durability from their car interiors. At the same time expect environmentally friendly, sustainable vehicles. The introduction of new technologies and materials gives manufacturers the opportunity to...
December 16, 2012 by Automotive IQ
Automotive Regulations Conferences
Regulations are a part of every aspect of the auto industry. Automotive IQ hosts 35 - 50 conferences every year and many of these deal directly with regulations regarding vehicle emissions, functional safety and occupant/pedestrian safety. We have a history of bringing together the most relevant actors to...
December 12, 2012 by Automotive IQ
Automotive Industry Resource Library
Our library of content is always growing. We have articles, presentations, whitepapers, and international conferences on relevant topics for the automotive industry. This page is updated regularly. Bookmark it so that you can easily return to view the newest updates.
Conferences | Whitepapers | Interviews...
November 30, 2012 by Siemens Pictures of the Future
Siemens recently unveiled an electric vehicle that produces 320 bhp with a range of around 120 kilometers. The first EV to use two wheel-hub motors to power it directly fitted to the wheels. It also initially brakes electrically rather than the traditional way that cars and EVs brake using friction where energy is lost as heat.
November 30, 2012 by Colin Pawsey
Engines and their components need to be strong enough to withstand the power and withstand the heat they produce. At the same time, manufacturers face the challenge of stronger emissions regulations and consumers who demand more environmentally friendly vehicles without compromising performance. Innovative, lightweight materials in engines are...
November 30, 2012 by Colin Pawsey
In recent years the modularization of vehicle front ends has reduced the number of components, and encouraged the integration of safety, styling and engine cooling into singular modules. The driving factors in the design and manufacture of front ends are weight reduction, simplified assembly processes, and reduced complexity. Innovation in this...
November 30, 2012 by Automotive IQ
Automotive Engineering Whitepapers and Presentations
Automotive IQ features whitepapers and presentations about relevant, important topics from the auto industry. Our content comes from a variety of sources in academia and from our OEM and supplier contacts. Automotive IQ also engages in its own research through expert interviews and surveys...
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