Regulations/Standards

Honeywell, DuPont defend R-1234yf; Ford backs refrigerant studies Daimler's decision to halt use of the new refrigerant on safety concerns leads to a product defense by joint-venture suppliers Honeywell and DuPont, citing SAE studies and their own tests. Although GM is the only U.S. maker with R-1234yf cars, Ford also backs the refrigerant's use. Read full story

2014 Mazda6 will offer low-compression diesel New model range begins with a 2.5-L Skyactiv gasoline engine but adds a 2.2-L Skyactiv diesel with 14.0:1 compression ratio after mid-2013. The car also features a Mazda U.S. first, regenerative braking with capacitor energy capture. Read full story

Ricardo assists EPA with MY2025 CAFE rulemaking The U.S. federal CAFE mandate to improve the fuel consumption of today's light-duty vehicle fleet by approximately 50% in MY2025 will require an assortment of technologies, lightweight materials, and engineering ingenuity. 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

EVs get boost from new SAE standard for dc fast charging The J1772 Combo Connector is designed to drastically reduce charging times. Read full story

Will DOT force trucks to talk? After roughly a decade of research into dedicated short range communications (DSRC), U.S. government agencies are preparing to decide whether to mandate adoption. Read full story

Cars converse in largest-ever on-road ITS test project The U.S. government, via several of its transportation-related agencies, is sponsoring the project, which it claims is the largest-ever road test of connected-vehicle crash-avoidance technologies. Read full story

Choosing the right tube joint seal for HFO-1234yf refrigerant compatibility One of the many system components of concern to OEMs and aftermarket service providers is the elastomeric seals used at the different joints in automotive air-conditioning. One critical aspect of seal performance is permeation, and the material compatibility issues likely to arise in relation to it, due to the new refrigeration chemistry. Read full story