TOKYO — Electric vehicles could eventually travel around 20% further with new Hitachi technology installed in their wheels. No timeline for mass production has been announced. But the Japanese company aims to develop the system, announced Thursday, into a viable propulsion option for electrics. Created with Honda Motor joint venture Hitachi Astemo, the new direct-drive… Continue reading Hitachi puts more EV drive tech in wheels to extend range
Author: Nikki News Feed
Hyundai-Kia recalls over 550,000 cars in U.S.
DETROIT (AP) — Hyundai and Kia are recalling more than 550,000 cars and minivans in the U.S. because the turn signals can flash in the opposite direction of what the driver intended. The recall covers Hyundai’s Sonata midsize car from the 2015 through 2017 model years, and Sonata gas-electric hybrids from 2016 and 2017. Kia’s… Continue reading Hyundai-Kia recalls over 550,000 cars in U.S.
Honda to enter satellite launch business by 2030
TOKYO — Honda Motor will launch a test rocket by 2030 as it looks to enter the small satellite launch business, the Japanese car company announced Thursday, applying combustion-engine and other automotive technologies to new areas, even as the car industry shifts to electric vehicles. The satellite launch business is heating up and includes startups… Continue reading Honda to enter satellite launch business by 2030
Honda, where’s my car? Production cuts lead to yearlong waits
TOKYO — Automobile production cuts triggered by a global chip shortage and the raging pandemic in Southeast Asia have now reached consumers as buyers of Toyota and Honda vehicles are asked to wait more than a year to receive vehicles they have ordered. Honda announced that its domestic production in August and September is down roughly… Continue reading Honda, where’s my car? Production cuts lead to yearlong waits
Honda studies the brain to develop smarter driver-assist systems
TOKYO — Honda Motor has begun exploring deep inside the human brain in an effort to develop more powerful technologies to make driving safer. In one of its latest projects, the Japanese automaker is using behavioral neuroscience to create a driver-assist system that makes driving vastly safer. By the middle of the century, Honda hopes that none… Continue reading Honda studies the brain to develop smarter driver-assist systems
Japan lays groundwork for ‘level 4’ autonomous driving
TOKYO — Japan’s transportation ministry plans to introduce stricter safety requirements for autonomous vehicles, paving the way for buses and other public transportation that can operate without human drivers in aging, rural communities. Japan is looking to level 4 automation, which does not require human control and may operate without a wheel or pedals, to provide a mobility solution to remote… Continue reading Japan lays groundwork for ‘level 4’ autonomous driving
U.S. chipmaker GlobalFoundries to double auto chip output for 2021
TAIPEI — Top U.S. contract chipmaker GlobalFoundries said it is on track to at least double its automotive chip output this year in response to an unprecedented global supply crunch and will spend a further $6 billion to expand overall production capacity. The company warned, however, that its expansion plans will only start to bear… Continue reading U.S. chipmaker GlobalFoundries to double auto chip output for 2021
Foxconn and Thailand’s PTT aim to rule EV market in Southeast Asia
BANGKOK — Thai oil and gas group PTT signed a joint venture deal with leading contract electronics producer Foxconn on Tuesday to make electric vehicles, propelling Bangkok’s strategy to turn Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy into the region’s top manufacturer and exporter of EVs. The state-owned PTT and the Taiwanese manufacturer look to produce EVs and… Continue reading Foxconn and Thailand’s PTT aim to rule EV market in Southeast Asia
Mitsubishi to use Nissan-made platform for all Japan models
TOKYO — Mitsubishi Motors plans to stop developing car platforms for the Japanese market and instead use vehicle bases made by ally Nissan Motor beginning around 2026, Nikkei has learned, the latest indication of realignment in an industry that requires huge investments in technology. Mitsubishi aims to shift its research and development investment into electric vehicles and… Continue reading Mitsubishi to use Nissan-made platform for all Japan models
Tata Sons plans debt raise to turbocharge transformation
MUMBAI — The shareholders of Tata Sons Private, the holding company of the Tata group of companies and India’s largest business house by market capitalization, on Tuesday are expected to approve raising up to 400 billion rupees ($5.44 billion) in new debt to help fund heavy investments in new businesses. The cash infusion comes with… Continue reading Tata Sons plans debt raise to turbocharge transformation