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Hyperloop in Central Europe
While looking into Hyperloop Transportation Technologies, it came to our attention that last May the company announced that a “base technology” for its system--which will have a capsule containing people that will be propelled through a pylon mounted tube--is “Vibranium,” which it describes as a “smart material specifically developed for the Hyperloop application.” We thought that it was a material that was specifically developed for the Marvel Universe, though we may be wrong. (For an interesting look at vibranium vs. adamantium, we’d like to call your attention to a piece that appeared in Machine Design last year, as well, which you can see here.) But the Hyperloop Vibranium was created with help from a company with carbon-fiber composite capability, C2i of Slovakia.
Japan Readies Safety Standards for Autonomous Vehicles
Japan’s transport ministry say it intends by autumn to unveil safety standards for self-driving cars.
Chinese Battery Maker Buys Stake in Contract Assembler Valmet
A Chinese battery maker has acquired a 22% stake in Finnish contract vehicle assembler Valmet Automotive to help promote electric-car sales in Europe.
GM, Honda Form Fuel Cell Venture
General Motors Co. and Honda Motor Co. are forming a 50:50 joint venture to build fuel cell stacks for next-generation vehicles at GM’s plant in Brownstown Township, Mich.
Car2Go Adds Mercedes Models in U.S.
Daimler AG’s car2go car-sharing business is adding the Mercedes-Benz CLA sports sedan and GLA compact crossover vehicle to its rental fleets in the U.S. and Canada.
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Chevy’s ZR2, Ford’s Apple Pick & More
The forthcoming Chevy Colorado ZR2 is designed and engineered to be able to handle off-road situations of all types with aplomb.
GM to Move 600 Jobs to Mexico from Canada
General Motors Co. is eliminating more than 600 jobs at its CAMI assembly plant in Canada as it moves production of the next-generation GMC Terrain SUVs from the factory to a facility in Mexico, the Associated Press reports.
Ex-VW CEO Winterkorn Target of Fraud Probe
Prosecutors in Germany are investigating former Volkswagen AG CEO Martin Winterkorn on suspicion of fraud regarding the company’s diesel emission cheating, Reuters reports.
Abundant Acreage for Autonomy
“We have visited virtually every other active safety and autonomous vehicle test facilities around the world, talked with dozens of customers, and are partnering with many others in the space so that we can best serve the needs of everyone regarding safer vehicle, safer drivers, and safer roads.” That’s Mark-Tami Hotta, CEO of the Transportation Research Center in East Liberty, Ohio, announcing that TRC is instituting Phase 1 of an expansion, a new 540-acre Smart Mobility Advanced Research and Test Center that will be configured within the TRC’s 4,500 acres.
Ford Debuts Aftermarket Connectivity Device
Ford Motor Co. is offering customers a way to add connectivity features such as remote start, remote lock and wi-fi access to older Ford and Lincoln vehicles that weren’t wired for them.