Lexus debuts first digital ‘mirror’ system
The 2019 Lexus ES midsize sedan will be the world’s first production car with digital side-view cameras replacing traditional mirrors. Available in Japan for now, the technology will become global as other countries pass legislation to allow their use, Lexus parent company Toyota said.
AI system takes 10 milliseconds to make decisions: Ford says it’s using a form of artificial intelligence to improve traction and reduce fuel consumption in the 2019 Ford Edge utility vehicle, switching automatically between two- and all-wheel drive and calculating when to do so “quicker than the human brain.” Called all-wheel-drive disconnect, the system engages all four wheels when they’re needed, and helps reduce fuel consumption when they’re not, based on information received from dozens of sensors. The first-for-Ford technology sifts through a range of information covering wheel slip, road conditions, vehicle speed, brake performance, windshieldwiper usage and outside temperature to determine “in a split second” when all-wheel drive is needed, and doing it quickly and seamlessly enough that occupants can’t tell it’s happening.
3D printing coming to Volkswagen vehicles: The company said this month it will use 3D printers to mass-produce parts for its vehicles. The company said it will, starting immediately, use “metal printing technology” to make select parts, including gearshift knobs and custom tailgate lettering. Within two to three years, it will mass-produce structural parts using the same technology, CNN reports. An advantage that 3D printing has over traditional methods, said Martin Goede, head of technology planning and development, “is that it allows us to produce many of these parts without first having to build manufacturing tools [to produce them].” The technology eventually will allow for even highly stressed parts, such engine pistons, to be 3D printed, Goede told CNN.
Robotic system refuels hydrogen system: A New York fuel-cell company has developed a robotic hydrogen filling station designed to work in warehouses where hydrogen-powered forklifts and other vehicles can save time refuelling. Plug Power said additional time spent refuelling “can add up to $1,000 [US] in costs annually” for such businesses. Hydrogen-powered forklifts in warehouses are only the start, the company said. “In the future, the technology can be used in onroad fleet vehicles, autonomous guided vehicles and self-driving passenger cars.” Plug Power is responsible for the fuel cell that powers the first hydrogen FedEx delivery truck in upstate New York, said alternative-vehicles web magazine Green Car Reports. The truck has accumulated more than 5,000 kilometres in testing and refills with hydrogen at the Plug Power’s Latham, New York, headquarters.
VW seeks industry-wide selfdriving standards: Volkswagen has talked to more than a dozen of its competitors and other companies involved in developing self-driving vehicle technologies about an alliance to create auto industry-wide standards. An executive within the company told auto-industry business publication Automotive News that the automaker wants to “share costs and risks” in the development of driverless vehicles. He said an industry standard could be created ideally by getting others to use the same sensor kits and software. The source also told Automotive News that Volkswagen has also been approached about “drop-in autonomous technologies,” but it has deferred saying VW wants to be involved at every step of development. “Overarching co-operation between automakers is one of the options we are examining.”
No more BMW diesels for North America: BMW will stop selling diesel-powered vehicles in the United States after the 2018 model year to focus instead on plug-in hybrid vehicles. “We are putting all our eggs in the PHEV [plug-in hybrid electric vehicle] basket, BMW spokesman Alexander Schmuck told automotive lifestyles website Motor Authority. Canada will likely be swept up in BMW’s decision.
Hyundai tests fuel cells: Hyundai offered a preview rendering this month of a fuel-cell electric truck that it said will be launched in 2019. Initial marketing efforts will focus on Europe, but the South Korean automaker said it has global plans for the truck.