Regulations/Standards

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

Long-awaited CAFE regs for MY2017-2025 finalized EPA’s Jackson says support and cooperation of automakers, unions, and other stakeholders in development of the new regulations prove they are “achievable and cost-effective.” Read full story

Thermal management improves Ram 1500 fuel economy and earns EPA off-cycle credits 2013 Ram truck's HFE (high fuel efficiency) model delivers 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway with help from thermal management of engine and transmission oil temperatures, featuring integration with active grille shutters. Read full story

Navistar’s take on ComVEC, next-gen diesels Navistar is providing the executive leadership for this year’s SAE Commercial Vehicle Engineering Congress, taking place in Rosemont, IL, on Oct. 2-3. Ramin Younessi, Group Vice President, Product Development, Navistar Inc., discusses how the Congress is shaping up and the company’s future product plans incorporating the next-gen ICT+ (in-cylinder technology plus) system, which adds urea-based aftertreatment to its EGR technology. Read full story

Goodrich doesn't get lost in transition from elemental to process-based auditing From its commencement in 1998, the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG) has focused on achieving a single certification based on common standards recognized by all members across the global aviation, space, and defense industries. Read full story

Security will be key factor in vehicle-to-vehicle communications As the U.S. Department of Transportation prepares for field tests that will help it decide whether to mandate vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communications, potential suppliers are focusing on safety and security issues. Read full story

Patent revocation, counterfeiting fears cloud A/C changeover to R-1234yf Honeywell patent for R-1234yf revoked by European Patent Office, but company appeals and files additional patents. R-1234yf supply situation unlikely to improve until October. Cost issue creates possible opportunity for blend refrigerants. Refrigerant counterfeiting problems hit military. Read full story

Reduced fuel costs for trucks peaks interest in DSRC For commercial truckers and fleet owners, communications between vehicles could improve both fuel economy and safety. While the benefits can be significant, regulators question whether the technology will be adopted if it’s not required. Read full story

J1772 'combo connector' shown at the 2012 Electric Vehicle Symposium SAE International's J1772 “combo connector,” which will allow for both slower ac charging and faster dc charging of plug-in vehicles using a single vehicle electrical inlet, gets its first North American public demo next week after months of internal testing by automakers. Read full story