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2013 Honda Fit EV applies ‘lessons learned’ from fuel-cell Clarity The electrified powertrain, a newly developed regenerative braking system, and Bio-Fabric seating material in Honda's new Fit EV all stem from developments in the FCX Clarity fuel-cell car and other EV forebears. Read full story

Mercedes designer answers call for daring A-Class When Mark Fetherston, as Team Leader External Design Compact Cars, was given the chance to take on a key role in the creation of the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class range, he was delighted. But the task had an added frisson: the Management Board did not want evolution, it wanted revolution. Read full story

Magnet-based wireless EV charger could be smaller, safer, and cheaper A new noncontact power-transfer technology is under demonstration at the University of British Columbia. Read full story

Delphi introduces plug-in telematics for aftermarket service The object is to establish connectivity equal to OE systems, providing car-to-shop communications for remote diagnostics, road service, and shop appointments. The plug-in device reports data to Delphi cloud servers, which in turn communicate with the remainder of the aftermarket chain. Read full story

SEMA panel looks to keep unlicensed teens focused on cars Only 49% of teenagers get a driver’s license when they reach 17, a drop from 79% in 1978. Racing and track panelists explain efforts to keep teens interested in cars until they’re ready to buy. Read full story

Alternative powertrains must survive the 'hype cycle' SEMA VP Waraniak explains the five-step “hype cycle” for such emerging technologies as plug-in electric vehicles. Chrysler VP Gradu sees diesel as the most cost-effective choice for car performance. In the background is “Goodwin Assist,” a prototype concept to provide electric-drive assist in large vehicles, but at obviously higher cost. Read full story

2013 GM Lambda 'full stitched' IPs win SPE grand prize; Ford dominates finalists General Motors' new all-polyolefin, soft-skin, contour-stitched full instrument panel (IP) system in the 2013 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia captured both the Body Interior award and the prestigious Grand Award at the 2012 SPE awards gala Nov. 7. But four of the nine SPE award finalists were Ford products. Read full story

Powertrain microcontroller computing power rises as power consumption declines Tighter fuel-economy regulations and the shift to electrified powertrains are forcing microcontroller manufacturers to increase both computing power and memory capacity while also focusing on reducing power consumption. Renesas Electronics Corp. is focusing on both goals with two new microcontroller lines. Read full story

Alliances boost momentum for Ethernet in vehicles The drive to move commercial technologies such as Ethernet and open source software into vehicles is gaining momentum. A number of companies are basing plans on the ubiquitous network, and two consortia recently teamed up to focus on boosting interest in using Ethernet in infotainment systems. Read full story