Raser Technologies Wins Frost & Sullivan’s Technology Innovation of the Year Award
Frost & Sullivan has selected Raser Technologies, Inc. as the recipient of the 2006 Motor Drive Systems Technology Innovation of the Year Award for developing and innovating the Symetron AC induction motor-based P-50 hybrid propulsion integrated starter alternator (ISA) drive technology. Frost & Sullivan has selected Raser Technologies, Inc. as the recipient of the 2006 Motor Drive Systems Technology Innovation of the Year Award for developing and innovating the Symetron AC induction motor-based P-50 hybrid propulsion integrated starter alternator (ISA) drive technology.
R. L. Polk & Co.’s Ask the Industry Goes to Washington
At MEMA’s recent Legislative Summit, congressional representatives discussed aftermarket issues with the association’s members. Counterman Managing Editor Michael Freeze spoke with a number of industry execs at the event, and asked: As an attendee at the MEMA Legislative Summit, what industry issue do you feel most passionate about?
DENSO Develops New Hybrid Vehicle Components
DENSO Corp. has developed three components for hybrid vehicles that the company claims are “smaller, lighter and deliver better performance.” DENSO’s three new hybrid components include a DC-DC converter, a battery-monitoring unit and a system main relay.
Eleven Suppliers Win Prestigious 2006 Automotive News PACE Awards
Eleven automotive suppliers won 2006 Automotive News PACE Awards for innovation during a black tie ceremony last night at the Max M. Fisher Music Center in Detroit. Two automotive manufacturers were also honored with the Automotive News PACE Innovative OEM Collaborator Award during the program.
Lear Introduces New ‘Core Dimension’ Product Strategy
Lear Corp. is rethinking the way it brings products to market with a new product strategy dubbed the “Core Dimension” product strategy. The company will now introduce product and technology solutions as one of seven consumer-focused dimensions: comfort & convenience, commonization, craftsmanship, environmental, flexibility, infotainment and safety. These categories highlight dimensions of consumer emphasis where Lear believes it offers products that make vehicles more attractive to consumers and can potentially influence a purchasing decision.
PACCAR Accelerates Hybrid Vehicle Programs
Global truck maker PACCAR has targeted an ambitious goal of 30 percent improvement in vehicle fuel efficiency for selected medium-duty applications over the next seven years. The company plans to achieve this by utilizing hybrid technology as a key contributor. Availability of hybrid-powered PACCAR trucks is targeted for 2008 in defined medium-duty applications. PACCAR design engineers are working with Eaton’s Hybrid Power Systems business unit to advance the company’s hybrid leadership position.
Delphi Outlines Transformation Plan
Delphi this morning outlined its strategy to prepare for its return to stable, profitable business operations through a broad-based global restructuring in order to complete the Chapter 11 cases for Delphi and 41 of its domestic U.S. subsidiaries in the first half of 2007 as previously announced. Delphi’s transformation plan is intended to allow the company to become competitive in the global marketplace.
Auto Engineers Are in Demand, Jobs Experts Say
Automotive engineers remain in demand, despite this week’s announced layoffs at General Motors Corp. Just this week, Hella, a German manufacturer with a facility in Plymouth, MI, announced plans to hire 50 new lighting and electronics engineers before the end of the year. Ironically, Hella needs the new talent because it’s picking up more business from General Motors, and Ford Motor Co. chose it as a strategic supplier for exterior lighting.
Are Hybrid Sales Running Out of Gas?
Every car company hopes for hit models that are in high demand, and long windows of time in which it doesn’t have to offer sales incentives. Hybrid cars and SUVs have been among that exclusive club. But auto makers investing in the vehicles are seeing some cracks in consumer demand as more people question hybrids’ financial payback.
Executive Interview with Greg Gyllstrom, Vice President and General Manager of Visteon’s North American Aftermarket Operations
As vice president and general manager of Visteon’s North American aftermarket operations, Gregory Gyllstrom is responsible for expanding the organization’s aftermarket business by coordinating and directing the company’s sales, product development and marketing activities. Recently, Gyllstrom shared with aftermarketNews a few insights into the underhood category as well as Visteon’s evolution from a Ford spin-off into an ‘all-makes/all-models’ supplier.