renowned international carmaker has awarded Rheinmetall Automotive AG, part of technology group Rheinmetall AG, a major order for electrical vacuum pumps. The order extends to a lifetime volume of €250 million. The components will be manufactured by Pierburg Huayu Pump Technology (PHP), a Shanghai- based joint venture company of Rheinmetall Automotive.
The ramp-up phase of production already started last year. The pumps being installed in plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) in the Chinese plants of the customer. After lowering production volume during March and April 2020 as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, the Shanghai plant of PHP actually is 100% operational and the customer demand for the pumps is nearly on schedule again.
The electrical vacuum pump has been developed by Pierburg in Germany, where the production already started in 2017 for another order of the same customer. Major advantage of electrical vacuum pumps is that they can be switched off when there is no braking maneuver, while mechanical vacuum pumps run continuously in vehicle operation even when there is no need. Furthermore, the electrical vacuum pump is not connected to the engine oil lubrication system. The oil pump can therefore be made smaller, which in turn increases the efficiency of the drivetrain.
In hybrids, electric vacuum pumps permit to drive purely electrically when the combustion engine is switched off, as full braking power assistance is retained. They also allow the so-called coasting operating mode, in which the engine is shut down and decoupled in order to achieve additional energy savings due to the reduced friction in the drivetrain (extended start / stop operation).
The pumps can as well be used in fully electric vehicles and even in conventional drivetrains. Especially for today’s downsized gasoline engines, the electric pumps are also indispensable since they always guarantee an adequate vacuum level, for example for boosting braking power.
In addition to a substantial lowering of fuel consumption and emissions, the pump shows an excellent NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) performance. Mainly in quietly running electric and hybrid vehicles, the noise level of the pump system has to be so low that it cannot be heard while driving. The pump and the integrated motor are completely in-house developments by Rheinmetall Automotive, which led to fastening solutions that enable the electric vacuum pump to be attached to body parts independent from other assemblies and without causing disturbing vibrations in the structure.
Sincro, an Ansira company, and Facebook announced a partnership that introduces Sincro as an automotive vendor on Facebook’s partner integrations platform to offer vehicle catalogs to auto dealers. As a result, dealers are now able to request a vehicle catalog from Sincro directly from their Facebook Business Manager, streamlining the process of creating Automotive Inventory Ads.
“We are excited to partner with a company like Sincro, that has deep roots in digital and automotive, and is focused on delivering seamless ad tech solutions to dealers advertising on Facebook,” said Bob Lanham, Head of Automotive Retail at Facebook.
Automotive Inventory Ads are a type of dynamic ad optimized for shoppers who are in market for a vehicle. To use them, dealers must upload their catalog of vehicle inventory and include relevant details such as make, model and year. The details allow Facebook to showcase their most compelling inventory and features to those in-market shoppers, but the manual process can be time-consuming.
The vehicle catalog delivered by Sincro will automatically upload and store all of the dealer’s unique inventory data and will refresh daily within Automotive Inventory Ads. Dealers can expect this integration to greatly simplify inventory feed creation, vehicle catalog set-up and pixel placement, reducing the overall complexity of activating Automotive Inventory Ads.
“This partnership with Facebook is a reflection of our ongoing commitment to tech innovation in the automotive digital space,” said Jen Cole, President of Sincro. “Delivering turnkey ad tech solutions that create efficiencies and allow dealers to focus on their business is just one of the important ways we bring value to our customers.”
This Sincro Vehicle Catalog tool is live and dealers can use it to sync their inventory on Facebook by logging in to their Facebook Business Manager and selecting Sincro from Partner Integrations under the Measure & Report category.
About Sincro
Sincro, an Ansira company, is a marketing technology and services company specializing in local marketing solutions for automotive dealers. We help businesses make personal connections and build their brand their way, using websites, advertising, SEO, strategic experts and other marketing services to deliver the messages that matter to customers. Together, Ansira and Sincro are the leading providers of hyper-local marketing services and technologies among automotive clients, driving more than 83 million monthly unique visitors through a cross-channel automotive landscape.
Venti Technologies, a leader in safe-speed autonomous vehicles (AV), announced it has successfully deployed two autonomous SUVs built by SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile (SGMW), the joint venture formed by Chinese automakers SAIC and Wuling, along with General Motors Corporation, achieving another milestone in its path to commercialization.
The two autonomous SUVs were deployed at a school at Nanning City, the capital of Guangxi Province, China. The SUVs, which operate at a maximum speed of 15 km per hour, provide shuttle transportation services to students and visitors, and are easily booked via a hailing app for destinations along a 9-station loop.
Venti Technologies’ flexible algorithmic-based autonomous vehicle technology has been installed in the SUVs which run on a 3K loop in opposite directions. The company’s sensor configuration eliminates blind spots and can operate with mixed traffic and other road users including, for example, cars, scooters and pedestrians. The Venti-enabled SUVs are also able to overtake lower speed vehicles while navigating incoming vehicles from the other direction.
Xinxin Du, Founder and CTO commented, “The successful autonomous SUV deployment is a key milestone for Venti and showcases the breadth of opportunities for our technology. Passenger vehicles require very nimble and precise operations. We are delighted to be moving forward with SGMW, a major mass volume producer of cars, microvans and other vehicles in China.”
Venti’s autonomous mobility platform surpasses slow, inflexible situation-based-coded systems through deep-learning and model-predictive control algorithms. Venti-enabled vehicles map as they go, adapting to complex environments and challenging situations through algorithms that use abstract information constructs. Venti autonomous vehicles see small obstacles such as a 12-oz. can on the road, and around corners.
The AVs do not need lane markers or beacons, can drive forwards and backwards, can do three- and five-point-turns and have state-of-the-art rain operation. Venti’s system is the first in the world to improve both obstacle detection and vector velocity estimation accuracy by merging the analyses to enable AVs to drive safely and reliably in complex environments.
About Venti Technologies
Based in the U.S. and Asia, Venti Technologies is a safe-speed autonomous mobility company developing the future of transportation for moving people and goods. Using rigorous mathematical modeling and theoretically grounded algorithms, Venti’s autonomous mobility platform transcends the limits of hand-coded, rules-based systems. Launched in 2018, Venti brings together an unsurpassed team internationally. The company currently has five full-time deployments in Asia, including mobility systems for residential, recreational and industrial sites. Venti’s autonomous technology is changing the way vehicles are experienced and utilized for functional and value-added transport, improving the lives of one billion people.
When Nissan began designing the 2021 Rogue, its best-selling model in the industry’s largest segment, the company focused on delivering functionality, flexibility, technology and safety aimed at simply making life easier. The 2021 Rogue goes on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in fall 2020.
The all-new Rogue was purposefully designed to meet all of the needs of today’s young families,” said Mike Colleran, senior vice president, Nissan U.S. Marketing and Sales. “Rogue is playing to win in the midsize crossover game with the ideal mix of expressive design, advanced technology, safety, comfort and versatility.”
Safety technology remained at the forefront for the redesigned 2021 Nissan Rogue.
High level of available safety technology
The all-new Rogue has the most standard safety technologies in its class and is the latest Nissan model to feature Nissan Safety Shield 360 standard across the entire lineup. Nissan Safety Shield 360 technologies include Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist and Rear Automatic Braking.
A safety-related change to the body structure involves redirecting the crash load paths. Previously, the front frame rails used to head straight back to meet an underfloor cross-car beam well inboard from where the rear frame rails joined it. With the new “smarter crashing unibody,” the front rails curve outward to align with the rear rails. This also improves side impact crashworthiness and results in an increase in overall torsional rigidity of 27%.
In addition to Safety Shield 360, the new Rogue also offers Nissan’s innovative Intelligent Driver Alertness technology and Rear Door Alert as standard equipment on all grade levels. Also available is Blind Spot Intervention and Traffic Sign Recognition. Intelligent Cruise Control is included as part of the available ProPILOT Assist system.
New Available ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link
Rogue was one of the first vehicles to offer Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist, a hands-on, driver-assist technology that reduces the hassle of stop-and-go highway driving and makes long drives on the open highway easier. ProPILOT Assist combines steering assist and Intelligent Cruise Control to help control acceleration, braking and steering in both heavy traffic and on the open highway.
For 2020, ProPILOT Assist has been enhanced using next-generation radar and camera technology to provide smoother braking, better steering assist feel and improved detection performance when other vehicles cut into the lane.
The German based motor company BMW has unleashed the two latest vehicles set to receive M massaging – the BMW X5 M50i and the BMW X7 M50i – both with the same 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 producing 523 horsepower and 553 pounds-feet of torque.
The X5 M slots into the mid-size SUV category, while the X7 M50i fills the large SUV segment and for the past week my driveway.
This is a large vehicle – 203.3 inches long, 78.7-inches wide and 71.1 inches tall and 5,661 pounds – comparable to the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Aviator and Mercedes-Benz GLS. But thanks to the combination of the BMW approach to building vehicles and the added benefit of the M touch, this SUV when pushed responds and drives like a true sporting, high-performance machine despite its mass.
The engine allows it to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.5 seconds, but this is no old-fashioned muscle car, but a balanced craft which can handle and stop with alacrity while cossetting its occupants in leather-clad comfort.
The suspension system has been optimized for handling without sacrificing comfort. In addition, it allows for adjusting ride height based on circumstances (like the ability to raise the X7 M50i when going off pavement, something very doable with the all-wheel drive system and computer-controlled locking rear differential).
BMW M Sport Brakes
Helping to keep this wonderful beast under control is the standard M Sport Brakes.
What sets the M Sport brake system apart is the innovative lightweight construction, consisting of cast iron friction rings combined with an aluminum brake disc chamber. This technology ensures braking excellence as well as a reduced weight.
The system employs a four-piston fixed configuration for the front wheel calipers and single-piston floating configuration for the rear wheel calipers – all painted a distinctive blue. The massive rotors are vented front and rear.
The M Sport brake system is designed to ensure optimal thermal resistance. In the cockpit, the high-performance braking system is clearly noticeable by the distinct pressure points on the pedal and the short pedal travel.
The M Sport brakes work in complete harmony with a host of stabilizer systems and solutions such as the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS).
Advance driver assist (ADAS) and safety systems abound including blind-spot monitoring; front-collision warning and crash mitigation; lane-departure warning; rear and surround-view camera and park-distance control.
The preceding list was incomplete – this vehicle has so many features it would be impossible to list them all and I was not able to try them all, either. If you can think of a system or feature found in a modern vehicle, it’s probably either standard or part of a major option package.
Interior luxury and comfort features
A key feature is custom control – the BMW X7 M50i driver can customize almost every feature, from what the buttons on the key fob control to the information displayed on either 12.3-inch color screens (the one in front of the driver with instrumentation and other driving information and the one in the center of the dashboard with infotainment, climate control, seat positioning/heating/cooling, driver-assist settings, etc.). The driver can even control the second-row captain’s chairs from his position.
Everything is power operated including all three rows of seats (and the third row is comfortable once you get there, which takes a bit of doing); window shades for the rear doors, and the rear hatch.
The infotainment system, controlled by buttons, the latest iteration of iDrive (a dial activating items displayed on the center screen), touch screen, voice commands and even hand gestures, includes AM/FM/SiriusXM satellite radio and streaming audio from a connected smartphone. And this is one of the few vehicles available with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity – no USB cable needed to use either system (which means the phone remains in your pocket).
This dynamic ability and luxurious appointments, not to mention superb pedigree, does come with a price.
First, the combination of size, weight and performance means the BMW X7 M50i is not frugal when it comes to fuel use. The federal Environmental Protection Agency rates the SUV at 15 miles per gallon in the city, 21 mpg on the highway and 17 mpg overall; we averaged some 19 mpg during out time, which included a fair amount of heavy acceleration (the V8 just cannot be denied).
The X7 M50i represents the top of BMW’s SUV lineup, a range which covers some seven models with several variants for each. Pricing begins at $99,600. Our mineral white metallic review vehicle added options like the cold weather package, dynamic handling package, driver assistance package and executive package to bring the total to $113,845 (including the $995 destination charge).
All these systems, controls and features together may seem daunting, but to an owner who puts in the time to learn the ins and outs of the vehicle, the BMW X7 M50i rewards with a wonderful experience. It is a luxury vehicle of the first order, with limousine-like amenities for second-row passengers who want or need the services of a dedicated driver.
And for those owners who appreciate the instant response of M Sport -tuned V8 engine, suspension system and sophisticated engineering, the BMW X7 M50i delivers a wonderful driving experience.
The premium German auto makers call vehicles like this all-activity vehicles (AAV) which seems to be more descriptive of their capabilities than the mundane sport-utility moniker. The BMW X7 M50i is an ultimate expression of this concept and if you have the wherewithal to move in this price range and want this kind of balance and versatility, it is a fine choice.
Ford Motor Company has recalled certain F-150 full-size pickup trucks which might have a leaking brake master cylinder. Included in the recall are select 2014-17 F-150 vehicles equipped with 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine.
In affected vehicles, the brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the brake master cylinder front-wheel circuit into the brake booster.
Depending on the amount of brake fluid loss from the brake master cylinder front-wheel circuit into the brake booster, the driver will receive an audible chime, message-center alert, red brake warning indicator in the instrument cluster, and/or may begin to experience a change in brake pedal travel and feel, including increased pedal effort.
If a loss of brake fluid is substantial enough to reduce brake function to the front wheels, full braking function will remain in the rear wheel circuit. However, reduced brake function in the front wheels can extend stopping distance, increasing the risk of a crash.
According to the announcement, the company is aware of seven low-speed/low-impact accident allegations with two injuries associated with this issue.
This action affects 292,311 vehicles in the United States and federal territories, 43,536 in Canada and 8,053 in Mexico.
Affected vehicles are as follows:
Select 2015-17 Ford F-150 vehicles built at Dearborn Truck Plant, Oct. 1, 2014, to Aug. 1, 2016
Select 2014-17 Ford F-150 vehicles built at Kansas City Assembly Plant, Sept. 1, 2014, to Aug. 1, 2016
Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder and, if it is leaking, the brake booster will also be replaced. The Ford reference number for this recall is 20S31.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles and Lincoln luxury vehicles, provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification; mobility solutions, including self-driving services; and connected services. Ford employs approximately 188,000 people worldwide.
COMEC has developed a new design approach for the curing process of brake pads produced with hot cycle. The available hot-pressing machinery on the market is very rigid when coming to the production of several different disc brake pads part numbers in small and medium-size batches, require very long manufacturing times and a long, expensive installation phase. The COMEC linear press model P-FLEX H allows the highest level of flexibility currently available on the market.
The pressing units of the machine are available with pressure force up to 270 tons. Each pressing unit is completely independent, and, at any time, the customer can decide which ones of the station will be running to produce each different part number with each different mix.
Each pressing unit of the line can be used in auto-mode, running all the operation of the production cycle by itself in automatic, or in semi-auto mode, allowing the customer to use the unit manually for laboratory or production pilot tests, while all the other stations are running the standard production cycle. This is a great advantage in order to conduct pressing test directly on the press production machine.
This flexible pressing system is fully configurable in order to meet all the customer requirements. The configuration can include up to six dosing machines, while automatic cleaning system and density compensators for multi-cavity molds are a standard feature. Furthermore, the system allows to install existing tooling of the customer, ensuring to the customer a great cost saving.
Configurable pressing cycle, high accuracy dosing control (±1 percent), high accuracy force control (±50 kg) and high accuracy temperature control (±3°C) ensure the best quality of production. Thanks to its innovative hydraulics and temperature control systems, the machine allows energy savings of up to 30 percent compared to traditional systems.
Due to its modularity concept, the COMEC linear press model P-FLEX H can be customized, according to specific requirements, it also has the big advantages of quick manufacturing time, short installation and commissioning time and easy and cost-effective transport solutions.
Autoparts East Africa Exhibition & Conference is an international platform for the entire automotive supplying industry. The exhibition, which is now in its 2nd edition, has become the perfect marketplace for exhibitors to showcase innovative products and services to an audience of industry professionals and to make promising new business contacts in the automotive industry.
Dates: 11th – 13th December 2020
Venue: The Sarit Expo Center, Nairobi | Kenya
Market leaders, small and medium-sized enterprises of the automotive supplying industry meet the East and Central African retail and whole sellers, garage & gas station owners as well as with authorities and experts at Autoparts East Africa. What does the market offer and what does it need? Autoparts East Africa provides answers to crucial questions concerning the market and puts customers in contact with manufacturers and service providers.
The Major Exhibit Categories are; Autoparts and Components, Electronics and Systems, Auto Accessories, Garage and Repair Systems, Auto Dealers and Workshop Management, Car Care and Filling Station & Service IT and Publishing.
Kenya’s automotive market is largely focused on retail and distribution of vehicles, and after-sales support in servicing and spare parts sales. At the trade show, we bring together the industry’s best and most innovative products. This, combined with the high-end visitor profile, made up of decision makers, creates a very unique environment for marketing and networking.
This year’s edition has grown and will include about 5 country pavilions from Europe, Asia & Africa with special pavilions from Germany and China. Conferences & workshops, auto clinics, live demos as well as VIP/B2B matchmaking.
With about 100 exhibiting companies including an Asian pavilion and over 1,300 trade visitors attending the inaugural event in 2019, the 2020 edition of Autoparts East Africa is already growing in interest both regionally and internationally.
A leading international manufacturer, distributor and retailer of energy storage solutions and automotive components, Metair, is pleased to announce that it has secured multiple contracts to support Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (“Ford”) ahead of new vehicle launches aimed at the local and exports markets. This forms part of Ford’s comprehensive investment and production expansion programme to meet the demands of a growing export-driven business in South Africa.
Theo Loock, Metair’s Chief Executive Officer, commented: “We are delighted to expand our relationship with Ford and look forward to working with them through their new model launches and beyond as they drive their expansion programme in the long-term. The investment approved by Metair’s board to support Ford is the Group’s largest to date for a single customer and we anticipate that over 3300 jobs will be created, with the largest portion in northern KwaZulu Natal.”
Total funding requirements are estimated at around R1.3 billion for Metair with the total capital investment in property, plant and equipment for Metair estimated at over R900 million. This commitment will include the construction of a new manufacturing facility in Stanger, northern KwaZulu Natal. A new logistics facility will also be established in Silverton, Gauteng, where Ford’s manufacturing plant is located. All investments are expected to deliver returns in line with Metair’s targets over the life of the contracts and the Company will continuously review its financial commitments in line with the operating environment to ensure adequate capital management and liquidity throughout.
Renai Moothilal, Executive Director at The National Association of Automotive Component & Allied Manufacturers (NAACAM), commented: “The outlook for the South African automotive industry remains positive with OEMs and component manufacturers investing significant capital to expand their facilities for model changes and additional models. This major commitment by both Ford and Metair towards the South African automotive manufacturing sector is a welcome development which is totally aligned with SA Automotive Masterplan 2035, and its emphasis on increased localisation and market growth whilst participating in this global industry.”
In addition to Metair’s Hesto Harnesses, who will be the largest beneficiary supplying a wide range of wire harnesses, a number of other subsidiaries will support Ford, including Unitrade, Automould and Lumotech, with a variety of wires, plastic and chrome plated parts, as well as headlights and taillights.
In welcoming the news, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ebrahim Patel added: “This investment comes at an important time given the impact of COVID-19 on the South African economy. This material commitment by both Ford and Metair is reflective of the long-term confidence in South Africa as a key destination in the global automotive value chain. Metair is a great example of a local company that has made huge strides in the international automotive sector and we will continue to support industries that drive technology and skills transfer but also create employment opportunities over the long term.”
In response to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic across the automotive industry, Metair developed a Vision 2022, which will shape its designed recovery by leveraging OEMs’ new model launches as well as planned stimulus measures from various governments and industry associations globally. Securing Ford as a major customer is a critical step in ensuring the long-term growth and sustainability of the Automotive Components business.
“Metair’s Automotive Components Vertical is entering an important investment phase to support the OEMs that will drive our future growth and support South Africa. The anticipated supply of the full spectrum of components to a range of new customers, including Ford, will see Metair securing between R25 billion and R28 billion of turnover over the model life from mid-2022, depending on the final project volumes and launch dates. We believe that the investments we are making now will strengthen Metair’s position as the shift towards localisation accelerates in light of the inevitable structural global trade disruptions resulting from COVID-19,” concluded Loock.
German luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz India has launched its two new top-end variants, the 450 4MATIC (Petrol) & 400 d 4MATIC (Diesel), priced at US$117,631.41 and US$119,124.04 respectively (all prices are ex-showroom, India, except Kerala).
As per the company, it has introduced the EQ Boost technology for the first time in an SUV in India. The SUVs are powered by an in-line six-cylinder engine systematically electrified with 48-volt technology. While GLE 450 4MATIC LWB produces an output of 270 kW (367 hp) and 500 Nm of torque, with an additional 250 Nm of torque and 16 kW/22 hp available via EQ Boost over short periods. The new GLE 400 d 4MATIC LWB produces an output of 243 kW (330 hp) & 700 Nm of Torque.
Both the SUV variants can accelerate from 0-100 km/hour in 5.7 seconds, as per the company statement. The current LWB GLE range comprises the BS-VI GLE 300 d 4MATIC LWB and the top-end CBU GLE 400 d 4MATIC LWB Hip Hop variants.
Martin Schwenk, MD & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India said, “The new GLE LWB has already excited the market and has a three-months waiting period. With the introduction of a petrol model, we expect it to further drive its popularity and cater to the requirements of those customers who waited for a petrol model. It remains our endeavour to keep renewing our portfolio at regular intervals to meet customers’ preference.”
The luxury carmaker has also announced financial benefits on the newly launched SUVs. STAR EASE service packages for the new GLE 450 start at US$1,029.04 for 2 years and unlimited kms. For GLE 400 d is US$1,181.93 for 2 years and unlimited kms.
The two new variants offer safety features like 7 airbags, active brake assist, blind spot assist as a standard across variants. Other features include Mercedes-Benz MBUX system with interior assistant, MULTIBEAM LED headlamps with ULTRA RANGE High beam, Intelligent Headlight Control Plus, Auto Park Assist 360 degree surround view camera, 50.8 cm (20-inch) 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels, amongst others.
