Volvo ramps up production of world's first diesel plug-in hybrid
Volvo Car Corp. says it has successfully integrated production of what it claims is the world's first diesel plug-in hybrid into the assembly line with conventional models at its Torsland Plant in Gothenburg, Sweden. The company claims it is the first to accomplish such an integration. "The integration in the standard production flow gives the plug-in hybrid buyer the possibility to choose, in principle, all options available for the standard V60," said Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President Research and Development at Volvo Car Corp. The assembly line was rebuilt to accommodate production of the plug-in, which features 300 more parts than the conventional car models. After the first batch of 1000 MY2013 V60 Plug-ins are built, the plant will ramp up to as many as 6000 MY2014 units, according to the company.
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Sofia Nordgren and Apichat Khongkamnoed install the high-voltage cables (orange) and the cooling system for the V60 Plug-in's battery pack at Volvo's Torsland Plant in Gothenburg, Sweden.
SAE International seeks input on CO2 as a referigerant
In response to a recent press statement from Germany that CO2 is the "right" automotive air-conditioning refrigerant, SAE International President Frank O. Klegon invites all automobile manufacturers to join in an industry collaborative effort to fully evaluate CO2 in such use. He said SAE International has unquestioned expertise in the research, analysis, and application of a variety of automotive refrigerants. In the past decade, more than 10 major SAE Cooperative Research Program (CRP) projects have provided forums for subject matter experts from around the industry to meet, discuss, and agree on advantages and disadvantages of various alternative refrigerants, as well as the management of accompanying risks. "The implementation of CO2 as an automotive refrigerant is not without technical challenges," said Klegon. The U.S. EPA has published its concerns regarding the use of CO2 as a mobile air conditioning refrigerant for passenger cars. The full EPA report can be accessed here. OEMs wishing to join a new SAE CRP to further investigate CO2 should contact Gary Pollak at 1-724-772-7196 or gary@sae.org.
Dana officer elected OESA Board of Directors Chair
Dana Chief Strategy Officer Jacqueline "Jacqui" Dedo has been elected Chair of the Board of the Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA) for the 2012-13 term. She has been on the OESA board for more than six years, serving as Vice Chair for the 2011-12 term. As Chief Strategy Officer at Dana, she is responsible for leading the development and delivery of the company's global business plans across its four business units: Light Vehicle Driveline Technologies, Commercial Vehicle Driveline Technologies, Off-Highway Driveline Technologies, and Power Technologies. She serves or has served on many boards, including SAE International and Kettering University, from which she graduated with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. Previous employers include Timken, Motorola, Covisint, Robert Bosch, and Cadillac.
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Jacqueline Dedo joined Dana in 2008 after more than 20 years occupying leadership roles in the automotive industry.
SAE introduces certification for engineers involved in vehicle electrification
SAE International announced Nov. 14 that it will implement a personnel certification program that enables engineers, product development technicians, and associated personnel to earn a certificate of competency or certification in the area of vehicle electrification (VE). Through a process that engaged a group of auto industry subject-matter experts, a VE body of knowledge was developed and segmented into three distinct levels to meet the needs of specific personnel. Exam questions were generated to align with the body of knowledge to address each of the three levels. The VE Fundamentals and Safety Certificate of Competency is designed for individuals who require training and validation of knowledge in general electrified vehicle architectures, basic electricity and electronics, and critical safety precautions and procedures. Job roles include manufacturing personnel, procurement, sales, management, and engineering undergraduate students. This credential requires completing an online training course and passing an online exam. The VE Professional Certification level, due to launch in February 2013, is designed for individuals to validate mastery of knowledge in general VE safety and all major VE systems. Job roles include engineers, technicians, and other technical personnel assigned to electrified vehicle platforms but not involved with direct design of VE systems. Passing an online exam results in certification that remains in force for three years. The VE Engineer/Scientist Certification level will launch in March 2013 and is for individuals to validate mastery of knowledge in the science and design of all major VE systems. Job roles include engineers and R&D scientists engaged in focused research or product design of VE systems such as battery packs, motors, power electronics, and systems integration. Passing an online exam also results in certification that remains in force for three years.
Mazda to build subcompact for Toyota in Mexico
Mazda will build a Toyota-branded subcompact vehicle based on the Mazda2 in Mexico beginning in summer 2015, the two companies announced on Nov. 9. To be built at a pace of about 50,000 units annually, the vehicle will be sold mainly in North America. Production will take place at a new plant Mazda being built in Salamanca, state of Guanajuato, where the Mazda2 and Mazda3 will also be built. Plant capacity was originally planned at 140,000 units annually for the Mazda products only. but will be increased to accommodate the Toyota model. The companies did not release financial terms of the deal.
Engineer rises to President post at Eaton
A degreed mechanical engineer on Jan. 1 will become President–Automotive, North America Division, Eaton Corp. Staci Kroon currently is Senior Vice President and General Manager of Eaton’s Commercial Vehicle Transmission business and will be based in Marshall, MI. She succeeds Jake Hooks, who will retire March 1. Since joining Eaton in 1996, Kroon has held several business, manufacturing, and plant management positions including General Manager of the Heavy Duty Transmissions business in North America, Director of Business Development, Business Unit Manager, and Manufacturing Operations Manager of Eaton’s automotive business. Kroon earned bachelor's degrees in finance and engineering at the University of Pennsylvania.
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Staci Kroon becomes President–Automotive, North America Division, Eaton Corp., on Jan. 1.
Suzuki exits U.S. auto sales
Low sales volumes and "disproportionally high and increasing costs associated with stringent state and federal regulatory requirements unique to the U.S. market" are among the reasons cited by American Suzuki Motor Corp. (ASMC) for deciding to end sales of Suzuki automobiles in the continental U.S. ASMC, a subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corp. of Hamamatsu, Japan, announced on Nov. 5 that it also is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and will focus on its other product lines: motorcycles, ATVs, and marine products. The company promised to honor all Suzuki automobile warranties and to ensure supply of replacement parts. ASMC sold 2,023 units in October. Additional reasons cited by ASMC for ending automobile sales include a limited number of models and unfavorable foreign exchange rates.
KLD Energy, Cenntro to develop specialized EVs for U.S., China
KLD Energy Technologies, Inc., an Austin, TX-based developer of electric propulsion and generation systems, has teamed up with Cenntro Group Ltd., a developer of diesel and liquid-propane powertrains for agricultural, transportation, and construction equipment, to jointly develop four-wheel electric vehicles (EVs) that will incorporate KLD’s EV drive system technologies. The companies plan to initially focus on the U.S., Europe, and China, with the launch of the Utility Electric Vehicle, an on- and off-highway work and maintenance vehicle; the low-speed Neighborhood Electric Vehicle; and the Intra-city Logistic Vehicle, a compact delivery vehicle. Cenntro Group owns a number of operations in China and the U.S., including Zenith Power Products, LLC and Xinchang Cenntro Machinery Co., Ltd., and is a major shareholder of Sinomachinery Group Ltd. In related news, KLD and Samsung SDI also recently entered into a cooperative relationship to jointly develop battery systems that will incorporate Samsung SDI’s lithium-ion battery cells and KLD’s EV drive technologies.
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KLD’s EV drive system—comprised of the battery pack, the electric motor, and the motor controller—is applicable in a range of products, including motorcycles and scooters, three- and four-wheel on- and off-highway vehicles, and equipment for wind-energy generation.
Visteon opens innovation and design center in India
Visteon Corp. has opened its first innovation and design center in India. Housed within the Visteon Engineering Center in Pune, the facility focuses on creating ideas, developing concepts, and commercializing market-driven products across Visteon's portfolio. The innovation and design center will be staffed by program managers, engineers, industrial designers, human-machine-interaction experts, and market researchers. Its central location in Pune (one of India's largest cities and a hub for global automotive companies) allows the supplier to support vehicle manufacturers throughout the country. Visteon has four manufacturing plants, three engineering centers, a joint venture, and more than 3000 employees in India.
Valeo and V. Johnson Enterprises form JV to acquire Ford's HVAC operation
Valeo and V. Johnson Enterprises have formed a joint venture named Detroit Thermal Systems (DTS) to acquire the last operation in Ford's Automotive Components Holding unit—the climate-control business on Sheldon Road in Plymouth, MI. In addition to that Oct. 29 announcement, DTS also indicated that the company has selected a building in Romulus, MI, to serve as its primary manufacturing facility. The new supplier said it will refurbish the facility and install equipment immediately. Ramp-up is expected by the third quarter of 2013, and annual capacity is projected at more than 2 million HVAC systems.
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