Category: Automotive

Henrik Fisker: ‘We’re keen to set up a tech centre in India, a battery factory and vehicle assembly too.’ – Autocar Professional

The Chairman and CEO of Fisker Inc is one of the world’s most prolific car designers and entrepreneurs and wants to change the paradigm of mobility with non-conformist and extreme electric vehicles. He lays out his vision for the future, which could include make in India through a manufacturing partnership, while also offering top tips… Continue reading Henrik Fisker: ‘We’re keen to set up a tech centre in India, a battery factory and vehicle assembly too.’ – Autocar Professional

Zoox Releases First Safety Evaluation – PRNewswire

FOSTER CITY, Calif., Dec. 17, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Autonomous mobility developer Zoox, Inc. today released “Safety Innovation at Zoox,” the company’s first safety assessment report provided to the Federal Government. The report covers unique safety innovations that Zoox is pioneering during its testing phase that will be foundational to future commercialization. Today, Zoox tests its software… Continue reading Zoox Releases First Safety Evaluation – PRNewswire

Tun M hopes Proton-Geely collaboration will produce truly Malaysian car – The Edge Markets MY

KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 12): Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad hopes the collaboration between Proton Holdings Bhd and Zhejiang Geely Holdings Group (Proton-Geely) will produce a truly Malaysian car in the future. Since teaming up with Geely, Proton has made progress including the launch of its first sport utility vehicle, the X70. “Of course this… Continue reading Tun M hopes Proton-Geely collaboration will produce truly Malaysian car – The Edge Markets MY

Whether driving onto a construction site or through snow and ice: The new Sprinter 4×4 is equal to the most severe conditions

06.

December 2018

Stuttgart

Fully integrated into the adaptive stability program ESP ASR can be disabled for defined driving situations Downhill Speed Regulation assists the driver in the mountains Assured traction with 4ETS and “Adaptive ESP” Stuttgart. Outstanding handling characteristics and very good traction, plus the safety and superiority that are hallmarks of the brand: since its market launch in 2011, the Sprinter 4×4 has been recognised as being the epitome of a large van, capable of mastering even the toughest of driving conditions while still retaining all the comfort features of its counterparts with conventional drive configurations. The third-generation Sprinter with all-wheel drive feels just at home on various mountain passes as it does on temporary roads to construction sites. The entry-level price for the panel van with standard wheelbase is 46 272 euros (in Germany, excl. VAT), and 43 652 euros(excl. VAT) for a chassis version.
Fully integrated into the adaptive stability program ESP
The selectable all-wheel drive of the new-generation Sprinter improves traction. When the engine is running, it is selected either when stationary or at low speeds up to 10 km/h by operating a switch in the instrument panel. Under normal operating conditions, this driving mode sees the torque of the Sprinter 4×4 distributed to the front and rear axles in a ratio of 35:65 respectively. This ensures handling characteristics that differ only marginally from those of the rear-wheel drive Sprinter in day-to-day operation.
The electronic traction control system 4ETS makes a major contribution to the optimal driving and handling characteristics. It is fully integrated into the electronic stability program “Adaptive ESP” and its control characteristics have been specially adapted for all-wheel drive. At the same time all the functions of Adaptive ESP are retained: anti-lock braking system (ABS), acceleration skid control (ASR), electronic brake force distribution (EBV), Brake Assist (BAS) and the Start-off Assist system (AAS).
If one or more wheels lose traction on a slippery surface, e.g. on snow or ice, 4ETS automatically brakes the spinning wheels with brief impulses, thus increasing the drive torque to the wheels with good traction. 4ETS uses the ABS wheel sensors for this purpose. The automatic braking intervention by 4ETS can match the effect of up to three differential locks: the inter-axle differential lock, rear axle lock and front axle lock.
ASR can be disabled for defined driving situations
Depending on the driving situation, the acceleration skid control (ASR) of the Sprinter 4×4 can be disabled for a short period using the menu buttons on the steering wheel. In this case the control thresholds are briefly extended to improve traction by allowing increased slip, e.g. when driving with snow chains or on gravel. The ASR function is automatically reactivated within a speed range of 40 to 60 km/h. The same applies if slip increases excessively, or after more than ten seconds in “ASR Off” mode. ESP always remains active in all situations.
However, 4ETS avoids critical driving situations in the first place. As the speed increases, the locking effect within an axle is reduced to prevent yawing motions (rotation around the vertical axis) in the interests of driving stability. Despite this intervention, overheating of the braking system is not possible: if the temperature of the brakes rises to an undesirable level during extreme off-road operations, 4ETS reduces the locking effect automatically until the brakes have cooled again. The driver is made aware of this by means of an indicator lamp.
Recognition of the load and centre of gravity (Load Adaptive Control LAC) is particularly important in view of the many body variants and conversions available for the Sprinter. In the case of special-purpose bodies, for example, Adaptive ESP registers a high centre of gravity and adapts the control characteristics accordingly. When driving off-road, Adaptive ESP thereby improves safety, e.g. when driving along inclines with large tilt angles.
Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) is optionally available in conjunction with the reduction gear. It ensures that a preset speed is maintained when descending a gradient. This is made possible by interaction between the engine, transmission and specific braking intervention. DSR is activated by a button in the cockpit. The speed is then regulated by a rocker on the steering wheel. Mercedes-Benz can also optionally equip the Sprinter 4×4 with a hill-holder – ideal when driving in wintry conditions.
Even more traction: the Sprinter 4×4 with reduction gear
The all-wheel drive van is also optionally available with the additional “Low Range” reduction gear. When switched on with the vehicle stationary and the engine running, with 4×4 mode activated and the clutch operated or in automatic transmission position “N”, this lowers the transmission ratio by 42 percent. The maximum speeds in the individual gears are correspondingly reduced. Tractive power increases at the same time. This means that the Sprinter 4×4 can now be driven off-road with circumspection at low speeds, saving wear to the clutch. Use of the reduction gear is recommended during frequent slow manoeuvring to reduce clutch wear, on extreme gradients in mountainous regions and when driving with a full load or towing a trailer off-road.
Raised body level in the interests of off-road capabilities
While the Sprinter 4×4 does not claim to be an off-roader, raising the body by 155 millimetres at the front and 135 millimetres at the rear already gives a visual indication of typical off-road characteristics.
For example, the angle of approach of the Sprinter with 3.5 tons permissible gross vehicle weight is 26 degrees rather than 16 degrees for the Sprinter with conventional rear-wheel drive, and the angle of departure is 25 degrees (versus 17 degrees) for the panel van with short overhang. The breakover angle – which is important when negotiating hill crests – is 23 degrees rather than 14 degrees for the Sprinter 4×4 with standard wheelbase.
Depending on the engine variant, the gradient climbing ability is around 20 percent better than that of a conventionally powered Sprinter. At the same time its full day-to-day suitability in demanding commercial operations is fully retained: the weight increase compared to conventional drive configurations is a mere 140 kilograms. The load capacity remains the same.

Press Contact

Albrecht Eckl

Product Communications Mercedes-Benz Citan, Vito, Sprinter

albrecht.eckl@daimler.com

Tel: +49 711 17-52131

Fax: +49 711 17-52038

Peter Feneberg

Product Communications Mercedes-Benz Vans

peter.feneberg@daimler.com

Tel: +49 711 17-47117

Fax: +49 711 17-79057555

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Honda’s hybrid Insight is easy on the eyes

Honda’s hybrid Insight is easy on the eyesDoesn’t it seem as if you’re always being told what to do?
When you’re growing up, your parents tell you what to do. So do your teacher, your preacher, your high school coach, your scout leader and any number of authority figures. Then you grow up, only to discover that your boss and spouse tell you what to do. And technology has only made this worse.
Your computer nags you to upgrade it, your mobile phone hounds you to answer it, your email demands that you read it, while Alexa chides you to do your chores. And now, even cars are correcting your behavior by correcting your driving while scolding you with a flurry of flashing lights and annoying beeps.
Even the federal government tells you what to do by insisting automakers build cars that meet hundreds of requirements, and it’s why cars like the new 2019 Honda Insight Hybrid exist: to meet federal fuel economy mandates that dictate that an automakers fleet average 54.5 mpg by 2025. But this is one case where being told what’s good for us is actually good for us.
Slotting between the Civic and Accord, the new Insight doesn’t look dorky or odd like most other hybrids. Its eloquent elegance is striking. It’s not merely the best-looking sedan in the Honda lineup; it’s the best-looking hybrid on the market, wearing a sophistication that was once common to all Hondas.
Similarly, the Insight delivers enough power to tackle the Pokey Parkway Grand Prix, but not so much as to make a Middle Eastern oil minister happy. Honda’s two-motor hybrid system, similar to the one used in the Accord Hybrid, employs a 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine and a pair of electric motors. One motor drives the front wheels while another produces electricity. The result generates 151 horsepower and 197 pound-feet of torque while returning an EPA-rated 55 mpg city, 49 mpg highway, on base LX and mid grade EX models, 51 mpg city, 45 mpg highway on top-level Touring models. In a mix of heavy-footed suburban and highway driving, the Insight returned 43 mpg.
Obviously, your mileage will be better if you listen to the Insight scolding you to drive efficiently.
Uniquely, the Insight doesn’t use a conventional transmission or a continuously variable transmission. Instead, a clutch connects the gas engine and electric generator motor to the electric propulsion motor. This results in power being supplied directly to the front wheels without a conventional transmission, saving weight and space.
As with any electric vehicle, throttle response is strong off the line, feeling sprightly yet delivering a driveline response. But release your inner Andretti, and/or increase your speed, and you’ll find the gas engine starts droning unpleasantly. Once it does, you’ll find the Insight does not like being pushed around; smooth, gradual inputs are rewarded. The regenerative braking, which captures energy during deceleration, is satisfactory, and the amount can be adjusted through paddles mounted on the steering wheel.
The Insight offers selectable driving modes, with Sport providing more punch thanks to extra battery assist, and the throttle seems more responsive. But it doesn’t make the Insight a corner carver. Instead, you’ll find driving it to be akin to a well-engineered mainstream sedan, with a quiet cabin, roomy interior — even in the rear seat — and the usual array of technology.
The roominess is especially notable. Unlike other hybrids, engineers placed the Insight’s hybrid 60-cell lithium ion battery pack under the rear seats rather than in the trunk, allowing for a generous 15.1 cubic feet of cargo space and a folding rear seat back. What’s also notable is the car’s incredibly low seating position, which makes getting in and out of the car a test of core strength.
As you’d expect, the Insight comes with Honda’s suite of driver assistance and safety features, which includes Collision Mitigation Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist System, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control and Traffic Sign Recognition.
Of course, the technology most drivers care about is the infotainment package. The bottom line? If you want the larger eight-inch touchscreen, Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, you’ll need to pop for the EX or Touring. Bluetooth and USB ports are offered on all models. Similar to the system used on the Honda Accord, there’s a power/volume knob but no tuning knob, and while user interface looks more sophisticated, in reality it’s not. And Honda’s infotainment software issues continue, with Apple CarPlay freezing and the car unable to locate my iPhone 8 via Bluetooth; it had to be plugged in.
Is it a deal breaker? It depends your priorities. Nevertheless, the third-generation remains the best one Honda has produced, with handsome styling, a beautiful interior and quiet demeanor that lent it the aura of a car that belies its price.
And that’s something you’d never say about a Toyota Prius.
Read or Share this story: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/foreign/2018/12/13/review-honda-insight-good-looking-hybrid/38724619/

Toyota recalls pickups, SUVs to fix air bags, brakes

Toyota recalls pickups, SUVs to fix air bags, brakesDetroit – Toyota is recalling nearly 143,000 SUVs and pickups worldwide to fix air bag and brake problems.
The first recall covers about 96,000 Toyota Land Cruisers and Lexus LX570 SUVs from 2008 through 2019. Toyota says a seat belt tension sensor can malfunction and deactivate the passenger’s front, knee and side air bags. That would increase the injury risk in a crash. The company is developing a fix and will notify owners by mid-February.
The other recall affects about 47,000 Tacoma pickups from 2018 and 2019. A brake master cylinder seal can become damaged and leak brake fluid, reducing front brake performance and increasing stopping distances. Dealers will replace the master cylinder. Owners will be notified in late January.
Toyota wouldn’t say if either problem has caused any crashes or injuries.
Read or Share this story: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/foreign/2018/12/13/toyota-recalls-breaks-air-bags/38732679/