News Automotive

After hosting the Ehrlich Brothers magic duo on Sunday, Wiesbaden today provides the venue for experts to discuss the latest developments in automated driving at the 4th International ATZ Conference on Automated Driving. 

Wiring systems are lighter using aluminium cables. This is made possible by a special coating of the connection systems that Aptiv has now introduced.  

With the Mover concept, Schaeffler is showcasing a technical platform for a highly automated vehicle for city traffic. The drive and chassis are combined in a module, saving space. 

Ford has unveiled the fourth generation of the Focus: in addition to the hatchback, sedan and estate car, the C-segment vehicle will also be offered as a crossover version.

US researchers claim to have made a breakthrough in the development of lithium-sulphur batteries. This type of battery is regarded as being a promising electric mobility solution for several reasons.  

Demand is growing for new materials in the automotive industry. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Algorithms and Scientific Computing SCAI are using specially developed software to shorten the protracted process of searching for new materials.

Nvidia has showcased the “Drive Constellation Simulation System”. The cloud-based system enables virtual testing of autonomous vehicles using photorealistic simulation.

Carbon plays a major role at BMW, both in cars and motorcycles. After designing the HP4 Race’s main frame from carbon, BMW Motorrad is now showcasing a lightweight rear swinging arm.  

There have been rumours for months, but now BMW and Daimler have announced the merger of their mobility services. Together, the carmakers are aiming to meet the competition from Lyft and Uber head on. 

Jaguar Land Rover and Waymo are entering a long-term strategic partnership that is to include the development of a driverless Jaguar I-Pace. 

Researchers have proven in experiments using a neutron imaging and tomography facility that lithium-ion batteries can be filled twice as fast in a vacuum.

Daimler has entered into a strategic research cooperation agreement with Google. Quantum computing should provide potential solutions for tomorrow’s complex mobility issues. 

The BMW Group and battery producer Sila Nanotechnologies are partnering to advance the production of next-generation electric vehicles. 

The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association has warned that if the second largest car market in the EU, the British market, soon no longer counts as being part of the EU, CO2 targets may not be reached by 2021.

Webasto and Samsung SDI have announced their cooperation. A corresponding letter of intent provides for the production of high-voltage batteries for the commercial vehicle sector. 

Mercedes-Benz has exhibited two new plug-in hybrid models at the Geneva International Motor Show. Diesel technology will be combined with the 9G-Tronic nine-speed hybrid transmission in the C-Class and E-Class in 2018. 

Audi and Global Bioenergies S.A. have jointly produced 60 litres of E-benzin. This synthetic fuel’s combustion and emission properties will be examined in a test engine. 

Goodyear has unveiled the Oxygene concept tyre with real moss in its sidewall. The tyre is expected to clean ambient air while driving by a process of photosynthesis. 

Peugeot is aiming to move its top model more upmarket, with the 508’s switch from a classic hatchback to a fastback design. 

The Hyundai Kona Electric is the first battery-electric powered subcompact SUV. The electric SUV will line up in two power versions with different battery sizes.