Materials

Solar glass delivers a small boost in EV range Climate control can reduce electric-vehicle range by up to 46% from A/C usage in hot weather and up to 68% from electric heaters in cold temps. Tests of a solar glass windshield at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory show 4% savings in required A/C cooling capacity, providing an up to 1.0 mi (1.6 km) increase in vehicle range. Read full story

Video interview: Henkel pretreatment process enables aluminum growth Kevin Woock, Henkel's Global Market Segment Manager for Automotive, explains how the Bonderite Flex Process, which uses zirconium oxide pretreatment instead of conventional zinc phosphating, enables processing of up to 85% aluminum content on vehicles vs. 25% with zinc phosphate coating. Read full story

Supplier sees aluminum wiring, preformed harnesses taking hold Leoni AG, a wiring systems supplier, describes competitiveness of aluminum wiring with enhanced corrosion protection of joints. Shows preformed harnesses that simplify assembly line installation. Describes thermal protection systems for these harnesses, and calls them production-ready. Read full story

Video interview: Evonik demonstrates 1.5% FE improvement with patented COMB polymers Doug Placek, President of Evonik Oil Additives USA, provides details on the company's new lubricant viscosity-index improvers and how they can fit into OEMs' strategies to improve fuel economy. Read full story

Active grille shutters, LED light pipes among near-term technology on International concept truck (Video) The truck maker's Project Horizon concept showcases technology related to aerodynamics, lighting, and chassis that could be on the road within 24 to 36 months. Read full story

Hitachi Metals reduces rare-earth dysprosium in electric-motor magnets In response to high prices and supply risks for dysprosium and other rare-earth elements used in magnets for HEV/EV traction motors and other actuators and electric motors, Hitachi Metals America has developed an alternative solution based on its DDMagic technology that reduces dependence on such rare earths. Read full story

New artificial leather gains increasing Toyota acceptance "Softex," a new Toyota artificial leather, has both good breathability and reflects infrared rays, so it has significant cooling properties. First applications are on Prius V, where it also is used for the steering wheel instead of a natural leather wrap, and new RAV-4. Read full story

World-first plastic engine support for new Mercedes GL The plastic engine support is said to offer acoustic and weight-saving benefits compared to aluminum. Read full story

Ductile iron/gray iron rotor from Sanluis Rassini debuts on new Corvette An industry-first brake rotor made of ductile iron and gray iron debuts on the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray as part of the Z51 performance package. Read full story