SAE offers new credential program for engineers
SAE International is introducing a personnel credentialing program that enables engineers, product development technicians, and associated personnel to earn a Certificate of Competency or Certification in the Design Review Based on Failure Modes (DRBFM) methodology. Created by industry professionals for industry professionals, the program was developed and segmented into three distinct levels to meet the needs of specific personnel. Exam questions align with the body of knowledge to address each of the three levels. The DRBFM Process and Application Certificate of Competency is designed for individuals who require training and validation of knowledge in DRBFM process methodology. Job roles include product engineers, manufacturing engineers, quality engineers, supplier quality engineers, validation and test engineers, and facilitators, trainers, and consultants in all industries. This credential requires completing an open-enrollment training course and passing an online exam. Registration is now open for the December 2012 offering of this program. For more information, contact SAE International at certification@sae.org or visit https://www.saecredentialingalliance.org/go/drbfm.
GM and PSA Peugeot Citroën to co-develop four new vehicle programs
General Motors and PSA Peugeot Citroën on Oct. 24 announced their strategic alliance will co-develop four common vehicle projects, with the first launching by the end of 2016. The projects are:
• A joint program for a compact-class multipurpose van for Opel/Vauxhall and a compact-class crossover utility vehicle for the Peugeot brand.
• A joint multipurpose vehicle program for the small car segment for Opel/Vauxhall and the Citroën brand.
• An upgraded, low-CO2 small car segment platform to feed Opel/Vauxhall’s and PSA’s next generation of cars in Europe and other regions.
• A joint program for midsize cars for Opel/Vauxhall and the Peugeot and Citroën brands.
The companies did not identify the specific project to be launched by the end of 2016. They confirmed their intent to save $2 billion annually through joint purchasing activities within five years.
Autoliv expanding China tech center
Autoliv said Oct. 19 that it will expand its technical center for active safety and vehicle restraint development in Shanghai, China. The expansion will enable the company to increase its crash testing, engineering of passive and active safety systems, and global core airbag development in China. Currently, 6% of Autoliv’s 7200 employees in China work in engineering and product development, which includes vehicle crash testing. These 430 employees represent 10% of Autoliv’s global head count in research, development, and engineering. The current tech center will grow to 20,500 m2 (220,600 ft2) in the expansion. The company is adding an additional state-of-the-art crash simulation test track and office space for 130 more technical experts.
Lincoln links designers and engineers at new studio
Lincoln on Oct. 19 formally opened a new design studio in Dearborn, MI. It is the brand's first new, fully dedicated design center in four decades. Located on the campus of Ford Motor Co.'s Product Development Center, the studio is home to a skilled, co-located global team of designers, sculptors, math sculptors, and modelers representing a dozen nationalities. The siting of the studio in the nerve center of Lincoln vehicle development allows engineers and designers to be co-located. Approximately 150 design team members who work exclusively for Lincoln are also in the center. The first vehicle to emerge from the new studio, the 2013 MKZ, will go on sale late this year.
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The studio is Lincoln's first new, fully dedicated design center in four decades.
SAE considers forming group to look at 1234yf in light of Daimler safety claim
SAE International is working with global automakers to investigate the formation of a new Cooperative Research Program (CRP) regarding 1234yf refrigerant. The formation of the group is in response to a Daimler AG press release on Sept. 25 that questioned the safe use of the refrigerant. The CRP will technically evaluate the findings referred to in the release. SAE International has hosted an organizational meeting to discuss a preliminary scope of research and is actively soliciting OEMs to formally join the new CRP. OEMs wishing to join should contact Gary Pollak at 1-724-772-7196 or gary@sae.org.
Faurecia opens new office to support Ford interiors programs
Faurecia engineers and other personnel recently completed occupation of new offices in Southfield, MI. The Southfield Customer Center covers 50,000 ft² (4600 m²) and is dedicated to engineering, product development, program management, sales, and marketing in support of Ford. Focused on program activities for Faurecia's interior systems business group, the Southfield team brings together former Automotive Components Holdings employees, Faurecia staff, and new personnel. The center supports the Saline, MI, operation recently acquired by Faurecia, and operations at Detroit Manufacturing Systems (a joint venture with Rush Group), as well as other programs and plants.
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Faurecia's Southfield Customer Center supports current Ford programs such as the F-150 (shown) and ones in development.
Johnson Controls to acquire bankrupt battery maker A123 Systems
A123 Systems announced on Oct. 16 that it is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as part of a plan to sell its automotive business assets to Johnson Controls in a transaction valued at $125 million. Those assets include all of its automotive technology, products, and customer contracts; its facilities in Livonia and Romulus, MI; its cathode powder manufacturing facilities in China; and A123's equity interest in Shanghai Advanced Traction Battery Systems Co. The asset purchase agreement also includes provisions enabling Johnson Controls to license back to A123 certain technology for its grid, commercial, and government businesses. In conjunction with the proposed asset purchase agreement, Johnson Controls will provide A123 with $72.5 million in to support the latter's operations until the sale is finalized.
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A123 Systems makes lithium-ion battery cells in a number of different formats, sizes, and capabilities.
Fuel-cell push crosses regional borders
Two recent announcements attest to continuing efforts by government and industry to make the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle viable. On Oct. 5, the U.S. Department of Energy said it would make available $1 million for efforts to "identify cost-effective and efficient materials and processes to produce hydrogen from renewable energy sources and natural gas." These projects will also analyze production and delivery technologies to identify key technical challenges and priorities and continue to evaluate technical progress and hydrogen cost status. Applications for the funding can be found on the EERE Funding Opportunity Exchange website. On Oct. 9, Honda announced that it and three other Asia automakers (Toyota, Nissan, Hyundai) have signed a memorandum of understanding with public and private organizations from Nordic countries to support the introduction of fuel-cell vehicles (and supporting infrastructure) in that region (Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Iceland).
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Honda in September announced that it will launch an all-new fuel-cell vehicle in 2015. Its current fuel-cell offering is the FCX Clarity (shown).
BorgWarner to launch new cam phaser technology in 2015
To support rapidly increasing demand for smaller-displacement engines, BorgWarner is preparing to launch a new variable cam timing technology in global applications in 2015. Engineered specifically for downsized gasoline and diesel I4 engines, the modular design supports a variety of cam phasing technologies, including cam torque actuated (CTA) and torsional assist (TA) phasers with optional mid-position lock technology. Each phaser also features an integrated center bolt and spool valve for smaller package size and easier installation. Using the existing torsional energy in the valvetrain, CTA phasers actuate more quickly, use less engine oil, and operate under a wider range of engine speeds and temperatures than conventional VCT systems do, the company claims. TA phasers, which use torsional energy and standard engine oil pressure for actuation, offer a wide range of authority at 70° or more of crank rotation. The phasers can actuate rapidly, resulting in improved low-end engine performance in downsized, direct-injected boosted engines, according to BorgWarner. The technology is slated for launch on gasoline and diesel engines from a major global OEM, and will be supported by production at a new BorgWarner facility in Eastern Europe.
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For added calibration opportunities, BorgWarner's patented mid-position lock technology allows an increased range of camshaft positioning with a default stop at an intermediate position within the expanded range of travel.
GM puts taillights aglow with new LED technology
Working with supplier 3M, General Motors engineers have developed what they claim is an industry-first LED taillight technology that delivers a soft, uniform red glow in a complex and unique shape. It is being deployed first on the MY2013 Buick Enclave, then will be cascaded to other Buick models, the company says. The uniform glow is made possible by 3M's Uniform Lighting Lens technology, which uses a precision engineered, micro-patterned, thermoformable polycarbonate material that provides even illumination around complex shapes with fewer LEDs, reducing both complexity and energy use, according to GM.
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The 2013 Buick Enclave's new taillights use an industry-first Uniform Lighting Lens technology from 3M for a unique look and reduced energy use.
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