NEWS BRIEFS FOR THE WEEK OF JUNE 14, 2007DENSO Launches
New Tech Training Programs LONG BEACH, CA (June 8, 2007) - DENSO Sales California announces the addition of four new automotive service training seminars available to technicians. The courses include: Hybrid Vehicle Safety and Service (HVS); Advanced Scan Tool Diagnostics (AST); Honda and Acura Engine Performance (HEP); and Nissan and Mitsubishi Engine Performance (NEP). These seminars are now available in addition to the company's Emissions, A/C Service Essentials and Engine Management System seminars. The seminars focus on "best practices" of service, diagnostics and repair. Special tips to help reduce diagnostic time and increase first-time repair success are interwoven throughout the training. Training can be conducted in either an all-day format or two consecutive evenings totaling approximately eight hours of instruction each. More specifically:
Optimal Energy Solution SAN DIEGO, CA (June 10, 2007) - Maxwell Technologies Inc. and the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory have announced a collaboration in research testing of integrated Ultracapacitor/Lithium-Ion battery energy storage systems for hybrid-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Ultracapacitors store energy in electrostatic form, unlike batteries, which use electrochemical processes. The capabilities of ultracapacitors for efficient electrical energy storage and rapid discharge/recharge are integral to industry-leading development programs for low-emission, fuel-efficient, hybrid powertrains and advanced electrical drive systems. In the transportation segment, ultracapacitors play a very important role when an application requires a quick charge and recharge. Dr. Richard Balanson, Maxwell's president and chief executive officer, noted that the joint effort would provide a tremendous opportunity to demonstrate how ultracapacitors complement hybrid vehicle batteries. "We believe that this project will further validate the efficiency, low temperature performance, battery life and other advantages of combining ultracapacitor and lithium-ion technology." The goal of the research project is to merge the high power capacity of ultracapacitors and the high energy potential of the Li-Io batteries to achieve an optimal integrated solution. Argonne and Maxwell have agreed on an active parallel system configuration that will combine a standard lithium-ion plug-in hybrid battery with a string of 112 of Maxwell's BOOSTCAP BCAP0650 P270 650-farad ultracapacitor cells, along with appropriate power electronics and cooling and safety-related features. The project will be carried out at Argonne's Center for Transportation Research. "We are intrigued with ultracapacitors' rapid charge/discharge capabilities and their ability to handle the heavy cycling involved in regenerative braking, torque assist and other demands on energy storage systems for hybrid-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles," says Dr. Don Hillebrand, director of Argonne's Center for Transportation Research. (Source: Maxwell Technologies Inc.) Study: Tier I Suppliers Still Prefer Asian OEMs to Big 3
for 2003 to 2007OEM200320052007Four-Year ChangeToyota33441541524%Honda31637538020%Nissan25929828912%Chrylser234196199-15%GM177157162-8%Ford1611141748%Industry Average23425927015%(Source: Planning Perspectives Inc.) While Toyota and Honda still have a commanding lead in good working relations with their suppliers and are by far the preferred U.S. automakers with whom suppliers want to do business, recent efforts by General Motors (GM) to improve relations with its suppliers have had a significant, positive impact in how its suppliers view working with the company. Ford, however, has slipped into last place - the position held by GM for the past 15 years. "The improvement is very good news for GM," says Planning Perspectives Inc. CEO John W. Henke. "In late 2005, GM announced a program to improve relations with its suppliers. It is now apparent that the program is working. In fact, in the 15 years we've been doing studies of this type in the automotive and other industries worldwide, we have never seen such a dramatic improvement. On the other hand, Ford announced a similar program about the same time as GM, but our study shows the Ford program has been a disappointing failure."(Source: Planning Perspectives Inc.)TRW Launches New Steering System LIVONIA, MI (May 22, 2007) TRW Automotive GmbH has unveiled its Electrically Powered Steering (EPS) Belt Drive system that will be launched on North American models in 2008.
New Tech Training Programs LONG BEACH, CA (June 8, 2007) - DENSO Sales California announces the addition of four new automotive service training seminars available to technicians. The courses include: Hybrid Vehicle Safety and Service (HVS); Advanced Scan Tool Diagnostics (AST); Honda and Acura Engine Performance (HEP); and Nissan and Mitsubishi Engine Performance (NEP). These seminars are now available in addition to the company's Emissions, A/C Service Essentials and Engine Management System seminars. The seminars focus on "best practices" of service, diagnostics and repair. Special tips to help reduce diagnostic time and increase first-time repair success are interwoven throughout the training. Training can be conducted in either an all-day format or two consecutive evenings totaling approximately eight hours of instruction each. More specifically:
* The HVS seminar covers an overview of Hybrid Vehicle systems, as well as detailed training on the serviceable components of hybrid vehicles.
* The AST seminar includes basic Scan Tool navigation, OEM and Aftermarket Scan Tool availability, Mode $06 information analysis, PC interfaces, PID grouping skills, bidirectional controls and strategies for tracking down network faults.
* The HEP course provides technicians with information on how to test and repair Honda on-board diagnostics II (OBD II) systems, including ignition, fuel and emissions systems.
* The NEP class covers the test and repair of Nissan and Mitsubishi OBD II systems, including electronic control unit (ECU) monitor specifications and stepper motors used for idle control and EVAP purge. The material directly relates to Nissan, Infiniti and Mitsubishi applications. DENSO notes that the components and strategies used by these manufacturers are directly applicable to other car lines, such as Hyundai and many Daimler-Chrysler vehicles. This same material is indirectly applicable to other Asian applications that use similar components and terminology, including Subaru and Mazda. The courses are available for independent service professionals, as well as dealers, warehouse distributors and program distributors. For more information, contact your local warehouse distributor or by visiting DENSO's Web site at www.densoaftermarket.com.(Source: DENSO Corp.)Battery Combo to ProvideOptimal Energy Solution SAN DIEGO, CA (June 10, 2007) - Maxwell Technologies Inc. and the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory have announced a collaboration in research testing of integrated Ultracapacitor/Lithium-Ion battery energy storage systems for hybrid-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Ultracapacitors store energy in electrostatic form, unlike batteries, which use electrochemical processes. The capabilities of ultracapacitors for efficient electrical energy storage and rapid discharge/recharge are integral to industry-leading development programs for low-emission, fuel-efficient, hybrid powertrains and advanced electrical drive systems. In the transportation segment, ultracapacitors play a very important role when an application requires a quick charge and recharge. Dr. Richard Balanson, Maxwell's president and chief executive officer, noted that the joint effort would provide a tremendous opportunity to demonstrate how ultracapacitors complement hybrid vehicle batteries. "We believe that this project will further validate the efficiency, low temperature performance, battery life and other advantages of combining ultracapacitor and lithium-ion technology." The goal of the research project is to merge the high power capacity of ultracapacitors and the high energy potential of the Li-Io batteries to achieve an optimal integrated solution. Argonne and Maxwell have agreed on an active parallel system configuration that will combine a standard lithium-ion plug-in hybrid battery with a string of 112 of Maxwell's BOOSTCAP BCAP0650 P270 650-farad ultracapacitor cells, along with appropriate power electronics and cooling and safety-related features. The project will be carried out at Argonne's Center for Transportation Research. "We are intrigued with ultracapacitors' rapid charge/discharge capabilities and their ability to handle the heavy cycling involved in regenerative braking, torque assist and other demands on energy storage systems for hybrid-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles," says Dr. Don Hillebrand, director of Argonne's Center for Transportation Research. (Source: Maxwell Technologies Inc.) Study: Tier I Suppliers Still Prefer Asian OEMs to Big 3
BIRMINGHAM, MI (June 7, 2007) - Planning Perspectives Inc. has released the results of its 7th Annual North American OEM-Tier 1 Supplier Working Relations Study.
The study's key measurement is the Working Relations Index (WRI). The WRI rates the six major North American OEMs based on 17 criteria across five areas: OEM-Supplier Relationship, OEM Communication, OEM Help, OEM Hindrance, and Supplier Profit Opportunity. WRI scores can range from zero to 500, with 500 indicating the best supplier relations. A WRI ranking of zero to 249 indicates very poor to poor supplier working relations; 250-349 indicates adequate relations; and 350-500 indicates good to very good supplier working relations.
for 2003 to 2007OEM200320052007Four-Year ChangeToyota33441541524%Honda31637538020%Nissan25929828912%Chrylser234196199-15%GM177157162-8%Ford1611141748%Industry Average23425927015%(Source: Planning Perspectives Inc.) While Toyota and Honda still have a commanding lead in good working relations with their suppliers and are by far the preferred U.S. automakers with whom suppliers want to do business, recent efforts by General Motors (GM) to improve relations with its suppliers have had a significant, positive impact in how its suppliers view working with the company. Ford, however, has slipped into last place - the position held by GM for the past 15 years. "The improvement is very good news for GM," says Planning Perspectives Inc. CEO John W. Henke. "In late 2005, GM announced a program to improve relations with its suppliers. It is now apparent that the program is working. In fact, in the 15 years we've been doing studies of this type in the automotive and other industries worldwide, we have never seen such a dramatic improvement. On the other hand, Ford announced a similar program about the same time as GM, but our study shows the Ford program has been a disappointing failure."(Source: Planning Perspectives Inc.)TRW Launches New Steering System LIVONIA, MI (May 22, 2007) TRW Automotive GmbH has unveiled its Electrically Powered Steering (EPS) Belt Drive system that will be launched on North American models in 2008.
EPS Belt Drive
(Photo: TRW Automotive)According to TRW, the new belt drive system only consumes noticeable power when steering assist is needed, providing considerable fuel consumption benefits and reduced CO2 emissions. The energy consumption of an EPS system is just ten per cent of a conventional hydraulic power steering system, since the power assist engages only when needed. "The product is delivered as a fully tested, ready-to-install unit, and all steering belt, pulley, pump, reservoir and hydraulic lines are eliminated making the product easy to install and maintain," says Dr. Aly Badawy, vice president engineering, steering & suspension. The system can be programmed with steering assist functions in line with vehicle manufacturer's requirements - including criteria such as speed sensitivity, positive and responsive steering feel and the possibility for vehicle manufacturers to fine-tune the steering characteristics. Importantly, these benefits are now available for small and medium size sport utility vehicles, minivans and light trucks."(Source: TRW Automotive GmbH)OK Fails to Move
Right to Repair Legislation WASHINGTON, D.C., May 24, 2007 - Oklahoma state House Bill 1584, the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act, failed to move through the committee process and thus failed to reach the House for a vote during this session. The bill would have regulated how automotive service information is provided, made a state government agency responsible for administering automotive service information and establishing monetary penalties and legal remedies. Oklahoma now joins Florida as a state that will not move forward with proposed Right to Repair legislation.(Source: ASA)MAP Announces Inaugural
Automotive Brake Safety Week BETHESDA, MD (June 9, 2007) - The non-profit Motorist Assurance Program (MAP) has announced that it will sponsor a weeklong nationwide consumer education and vehicle inspection campaign focusing on automotive brake system safety. The nationwide MAP Brake Safety Awareness Week, scheduled for Aug. 26 through Sept. 1, 2007, is expected to involve thousands of participating automotive service locations that will offer free brake and related undercar inspections and distribute a variety of complimentary consumer-focused educational materials. All program content, including vehicle inspection and customer communication guidelines, promotional materials and consumer literature, is being developed by MAP and affiliated organizations. Brake Safety Awareness Week 2007 will be supported through national radio advertising, public service announcements, point-of-sale materials, ad slicks for local use, and other promotional activities. Support materials will be available, in limited quantities, free of charge to MAP participating service facilities and for a nominal fee to other service providers wishing to join the program."We envision this annual event being a valuable tool in enhancing the consumer's understanding of the importance of periodic brake inspections and fostering their awareness of respected local automotive service providers," said MAP President Larry Hecker. "Our member companies, like thousands of other aftermarket professionals across the U.S., believe service shops and motorists should be partners in promoting vehicle safety. This program represents a major step toward that goal." Additional information concerning MAP Brake Safety Awareness Week 2007is available online at www.motorist.org.(Source: MAP)Volvo S80 Gets
New T6 Turbo Driveline with AWD IRVINE, CA - The all-new Volvo S80 will soon be available with a new six-cylinder, 285 bhp T6 performance engine, featuring all-wheel-drive (AWD).
(Photo: TRW Automotive)According to TRW, the new belt drive system only consumes noticeable power when steering assist is needed, providing considerable fuel consumption benefits and reduced CO2 emissions. The energy consumption of an EPS system is just ten per cent of a conventional hydraulic power steering system, since the power assist engages only when needed. "The product is delivered as a fully tested, ready-to-install unit, and all steering belt, pulley, pump, reservoir and hydraulic lines are eliminated making the product easy to install and maintain," says Dr. Aly Badawy, vice president engineering, steering & suspension. The system can be programmed with steering assist functions in line with vehicle manufacturer's requirements - including criteria such as speed sensitivity, positive and responsive steering feel and the possibility for vehicle manufacturers to fine-tune the steering characteristics. Importantly, these benefits are now available for small and medium size sport utility vehicles, minivans and light trucks."(Source: TRW Automotive GmbH)OK Fails to Move
Right to Repair Legislation WASHINGTON, D.C., May 24, 2007 - Oklahoma state House Bill 1584, the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act, failed to move through the committee process and thus failed to reach the House for a vote during this session. The bill would have regulated how automotive service information is provided, made a state government agency responsible for administering automotive service information and establishing monetary penalties and legal remedies. Oklahoma now joins Florida as a state that will not move forward with proposed Right to Repair legislation.(Source: ASA)MAP Announces Inaugural
Automotive Brake Safety Week BETHESDA, MD (June 9, 2007) - The non-profit Motorist Assurance Program (MAP) has announced that it will sponsor a weeklong nationwide consumer education and vehicle inspection campaign focusing on automotive brake system safety. The nationwide MAP Brake Safety Awareness Week, scheduled for Aug. 26 through Sept. 1, 2007, is expected to involve thousands of participating automotive service locations that will offer free brake and related undercar inspections and distribute a variety of complimentary consumer-focused educational materials. All program content, including vehicle inspection and customer communication guidelines, promotional materials and consumer literature, is being developed by MAP and affiliated organizations. Brake Safety Awareness Week 2007 will be supported through national radio advertising, public service announcements, point-of-sale materials, ad slicks for local use, and other promotional activities. Support materials will be available, in limited quantities, free of charge to MAP participating service facilities and for a nominal fee to other service providers wishing to join the program."We envision this annual event being a valuable tool in enhancing the consumer's understanding of the importance of periodic brake inspections and fostering their awareness of respected local automotive service providers," said MAP President Larry Hecker. "Our member companies, like thousands of other aftermarket professionals across the U.S., believe service shops and motorists should be partners in promoting vehicle safety. This program represents a major step toward that goal." Additional information concerning MAP Brake Safety Awareness Week 2007is available online at www.motorist.org.(Source: MAP)Volvo S80 Gets
New T6 Turbo Driveline with AWD IRVINE, CA - The all-new Volvo S80 will soon be available with a new six-cylinder, 285 bhp T6 performance engine, featuring all-wheel-drive (AWD).
3.0-liter six-cylinder turbo engine
(Photo: Volvo)"The T6 engine adds an extra dimension to the S80 engine range," says Hans Wikman, vice president for Vehicle Line Large Cars at Volvo Cars. "The engine has been programmed to provide the highest possible performance with the lowest possible fuel consumption and exhaust emissions." The T6 petrol engine is based on the compact 3.2-liter, in-line aluminum engine that has been part of the S80 engine range since its 2006 introduction. The turbo version has a displacement of 3.0 liters, producing 285 bhp and no less than 295 lb.-ft. of torque. Maximum torque is on tap from just 1,500 rpm and remains available all the way up the rev range, resulting in remarkably quick acceleration and smooth drivability. The somewhat smaller cylinder displacement of the turbo version - a function of the slightly narrower cylinder bore and shorter stroke - is compensated by the turbocharger, which in this engine takes in exhaust gases in two stages. The inflow is divided into two lots of three cylinders each, a system known as twin-scroll technology. Twin-scroll technology permits use of a more compact and uncomplicated turbocharger and provides extremely swift response, fully on a par with that from twin turbochargers. (Source: Volvo Cars of America)NiMHax Battery Systems Will Power Hybrid Vans ORION, MI (June 4, 2007) - Verizon recently selected Cobasys LLC supply Enova Systems with its Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery technology, for integration into the telecom company's fleet of specially designed hybrid electric service vans.
(Photo: Volvo)"The T6 engine adds an extra dimension to the S80 engine range," says Hans Wikman, vice president for Vehicle Line Large Cars at Volvo Cars. "The engine has been programmed to provide the highest possible performance with the lowest possible fuel consumption and exhaust emissions." The T6 petrol engine is based on the compact 3.2-liter, in-line aluminum engine that has been part of the S80 engine range since its 2006 introduction. The turbo version has a displacement of 3.0 liters, producing 285 bhp and no less than 295 lb.-ft. of torque. Maximum torque is on tap from just 1,500 rpm and remains available all the way up the rev range, resulting in remarkably quick acceleration and smooth drivability. The somewhat smaller cylinder displacement of the turbo version - a function of the slightly narrower cylinder bore and shorter stroke - is compensated by the turbocharger, which in this engine takes in exhaust gases in two stages. The inflow is divided into two lots of three cylinders each, a system known as twin-scroll technology. Twin-scroll technology permits use of a more compact and uncomplicated turbocharger and provides extremely swift response, fully on a par with that from twin turbochargers. (Source: Volvo Cars of America)NiMHax Battery Systems Will Power Hybrid Vans ORION, MI (June 4, 2007) - Verizon recently selected Cobasys LLC supply Enova Systems with its Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery technology, for integration into the telecom company's fleet of specially designed hybrid electric service vans.
NiMHax 336-70 Battery System
(Photo: Cobasys)As part of North America's second largest commercial fleet operation, the Verizon vans will be equipped with Enova's Post Transmission Parallel Hybrid Drive System supported with the powerful, lightweight, compact and liquid-cooled NiMHax 336-70 battery system. The NiMHax battery system utilizes Cobasys' flexible high power Series 1000 battery module and incorporates all necessary features that enable fully integrated "plug-and-play" capabilities. System features include: integrated battery management system hardware and software, redundant safety controls, packaging, wiring, and thermal management based on newly developed liquid cooling systems for optimized performance in high power hybrid electric vehicle applications. Fully integrated control algorithms have also been implemented to help optimize the energy management functions and product durability.(Source: Cobasys LLC)Ford Opens Doors to
Paint Shop of the Future AVON LAKE, OH (June 10, 2007) - Ford Motor Co. opened the doors of its "paint shop of the future" today, becoming the first automotive company to paint vehicles using the industry's newest paint technology - a three-wet, high solids-based system.
(Photo: Cobasys)As part of North America's second largest commercial fleet operation, the Verizon vans will be equipped with Enova's Post Transmission Parallel Hybrid Drive System supported with the powerful, lightweight, compact and liquid-cooled NiMHax 336-70 battery system. The NiMHax battery system utilizes Cobasys' flexible high power Series 1000 battery module and incorporates all necessary features that enable fully integrated "plug-and-play" capabilities. System features include: integrated battery management system hardware and software, redundant safety controls, packaging, wiring, and thermal management based on newly developed liquid cooling systems for optimized performance in high power hybrid electric vehicle applications. Fully integrated control algorithms have also been implemented to help optimize the energy management functions and product durability.(Source: Cobasys LLC)Ford Opens Doors to
Paint Shop of the Future AVON LAKE, OH (June 10, 2007) - Ford Motor Co. opened the doors of its "paint shop of the future" today, becoming the first automotive company to paint vehicles using the industry's newest paint technology - a three-wet, high solids-based system.
A fleet of Ford Econoline vans are painted for U-Haul with industry-first paint technology at Ohio Assembly Plant. The new technology is environmentally friendly, delivers high quality and helps the company cut costs.
(Photo: Ford)
(Photo: Ford)
The technology uses a high solids-based paint formulation that produces fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions than do water-borne and medium solids-based paints currently used in the industry. This formulation contains more color pigment and, therefore, requires less paint to cover a vehicle. Conventional water-borne paint requires air conditioning to get the water out of the paint, which means using more energy and releasing more CO2 from the paint shop. Removing water from the paint is necessary to get a quality paint job.
Furthermore, the new formulation allows three layers of wet paint to be applied one on top of another and baked once, eliminating two paint ovens and resulting in a smaller, more energy-efficient paint shop. According to Ford's validation tests, high solids-based paint also provides better long-term resistance to chips and scratches than does water-borne paint.
"We want to take the lead in doing the right thing," says Timothy Weingartz, senior technical specialist for Ford's Advanced Paint Material Development. "The high solids-based paint is greener in the end."
Weingartz says that after three years of development and more than a year of in-plant testing, the new system was recently introduced on a fleet of Econoline vans for U-Haul and will be on U.S. highways later this summer.
(Source: Ford)
