Manufacturing – Page 12538 – I wish I had more to offer

@Ford: Electric and Untamed: Ford’s Electric-Vehicles Leader To Address Barclays 2019 Global Automotive Conference

About Ford Motor Company Ford Motor Company is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles and Lincoln luxury vehicles, provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification, autonomous vehicles and mobility… Continue reading @Ford: Electric and Untamed: Ford’s Electric-Vehicles Leader To Address Barclays 2019 Global Automotive Conference

@Ford: Ford Announces New Executive Leaders For Sustainability/Safety, AV, Strategy, and Ford Credit

Kim Pittel, Jim Holland retiring after 30-plus years each with Ford John Lawler, David McClelland take on new senior-level roles Bob Holycross, Marion Harris and Chuck Gray appointed corporate officers DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 7, 2019 – Ford Motor Company today announced the retirement of two longtime executives, new assignments for two corporate officers, and promotions… Continue reading @Ford: Ford Announces New Executive Leaders For Sustainability/Safety, AV, Strategy, and Ford Credit

Tesla Cybertruck design a ‘PR stunt’, says Automobili Pininfarina CEO

It came as no surprise that the Tesla Cybertruck’s unveil event yesterday attracted attention from all over the world – who can look away when the enigmatic Elon Musk is on stage? However, the unveil of the Tesla Cybertruck attracted even more attention than you’d expect for two reasons – the ‘armoured’ glass shattering in… Continue reading Tesla Cybertruck design a ‘PR stunt’, says Automobili Pininfarina CEO

Tesla Cybertruck — Pure Logic On Wheels

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Published on November 23rd, 2019 |

by Maarten Vinkhuyzen

Tesla Cybertruck — Pure Logic On Wheels

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November 23rd, 2019 by Maarten Vinkhuyzen

“Yes, that is the way to do it. Pure logic. Form follows function. The only way to solve the aerodynamics problem of a pickup.”

Those were my thoughts when the Tesla Cybertruck rolled onto the stage.

Followed by: “Will any hillbilly or weekend road warrior or mom buy it?” It is a bit hard to see this as a grocery getter or hay carrier.

This is totally Elon Musk — going back to first principles, applying them to an electric pickup truck, getting an image straight from the movies he likes. How could he not fall in love with it.

The aerodynamics of a conventional pickup truck are extremely bad. You need probably twice the battery capacity to get highway performance at 60 mph on par with a Jaguar I-PACE. That is a big No-No for Tesla.

The first design parameter for Tesla was: no open bed. The second was: no box form. High on the list would also be: Tesla cars are beautiful, not rusty or dented. Another would be that you should be able to actually use the bed for your stuff. In urban environments, everything in it that can be carried away will be carried away when you return. Cheap and easy to produce would also be on that list.

Put this list into a stupid AI system that does not have preconceived notions what a pickup should look like, and out comes the Tesla Cybertruck.

The aerodynamics are great. The bed coffer turns that open space into a vault. The stainless steel enables a unibody design that is lighter, stronger, and cheaper to make. With a relatively small battery (~75kWh), a “low-cost” version can shock the market. With the Plaid powertrain, there is nothing on the road (except other Teslas) that can compete in pure badass driving.

Turning the list of requirements (much longer than I have mentioned) into this design is pure brilliance.

I am not a car guy, I am even less of a big car guy, and I really don’t understand the appeal of those monstrosities on wheels that are the favorite grocery-getters in most of the USA. My opinion is of zero and really no value when it comes to judging the Tesla Cybertruck’s market appeal and commercial value.

This is such a radical departure from what is thought to be a normal pickup, though, that most will be unable at first to comprehend this concept. Without suggesting it will be as successful, it is like the iPhone when shown in the time of the flip-phone and Blackberry. This will need time.

I suggest some placements in Hollywood movies. Not the cyberpunk Blade Runner type of movies, but a normal romantic comedy with a soccer mom using it around the suburbs. And the privacy of the closed bed is a far better place to be seduced than the back seat of a sedan.

While being logical, the Tesla designers created a new problem for the US automotive industry. The distinction between cars and trucks, or passenger vehicles and light commercial vehicles has always been based on the construction — using a frame was a truck, using any kind of monocoque or unibody construction was a car. By the logic of the standard classification, the Tesla Cybertruck is a car.

To be more precise, it is the most badass electric shopping cart.

Photos by Kyle Field, CleanTechnica

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About the Author

Maarten Vinkhuyzen Grumpy old man. The best thing I did with my life was raising two kids. Only finished primary education, but when you don’t go to school, you have lots of time to read. I switched from accounting to software development and ended my career as system integrator and architect. My 2007 boss got two electric Lotus Elise cars to show policymakers the future direction of energy and transportation. And I have been looking to replace my diesel cars with electric vehicles ever since.

And putting my money where my mouth is, I have bought Tesla shares. Intend to keep them until I can trade them for a Tesla car.

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Thanks Dubai, bonjour Genéve

The fastest accelerating car accelerates even more Aspark kicked off a new era in full-electric hypercars with the Owl, whose production version was finally unveiled few days ago at Dubai International Motor Show by CEO Masanori Yoshida. A lot of people came to pay a visit to Aspark stand: authorities, media representatives from top international… Continue reading Thanks Dubai, bonjour Genéve

Workhorse Says New Loan Will Cover Electric Truck Production

Financially challenged Workhorse, which booked just $4,000 in revenue in the third quarter, will use the proceeds from the new loan to pay off Marathon Asset Management, which charged 7.625% annual interest on a total loan of $35 million. Workhorse used the Marathon loan to pay off a loan provided by Arosa Opportunistic Fund. The… Continue reading Workhorse Says New Loan Will Cover Electric Truck Production

5G and the future of mobility

5G is better equipped to carry out critical communications for safer driving, support enhanced V2X, and connected mobility solutions. As a pioneer in digital mapping, in-car navigation, and mobility solutions, we at HERE are excited about the opportunities 5G technology presents for automated vehicles and connected mobility. And more than just sitting by and watching… Continue reading 5G and the future of mobility

Why Tesla’s Plan To Build Gigafactory 4 In Germany Makes Sense

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Published on November 22nd, 2019 |

by Johnna Crider

Why Tesla’s Plan To Build Gigafactory 4 In Germany Makes Sense

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November 22nd, 2019 by Johnna Crider

By Johnna Crider and Zach Shahan

Tesla’s plan to build Gigafactory 4 (GF4) in Germany makes sense if you look at it from the perspective of Tesla’s mission.

Last week, after winning The Golden Steering wheel, Elon Musk made the announcement that Tesla would build its next gigafactory — #4 (even though one of those factories is a solar factory) — in Germany. Not only did the news come as a complete shock to some, but it seemed senseless to others who just don’t understand the mind of Elon Musk, or pretend to not understand it.

The German auto industry has been stagnant with its dependence on gasoline and diesel vehicles. As the world, and especially Europe, has demanded more efficient vehicles that pollute less, the German auto industry has had a hard time transitioning, which is part of the reason there was so much diesel cheating and criminal behavior. However, if one looks at the European auto industry as if it were a plant — an actual plant such as a rose bush — one can see that this market is still alive and breathing. Just because it seems to slow down or stagnate doesn’t mean it’s completely dead. No, it’s sending a message that it needs water. Tesla could very well be the water to bring this market back to life.

Tesla’s presence in Germany is a push to Germany’s large automakers — the country’s largest industry — that it is really, definitely, finally time to electrify. Volkswagen is apparently moving in that direction somewhat aggressively (or still not aggressively enough, depending on who you ask), but many see the transition as too slow. Some have even tried to write wake-up calls for the German auto industry, because of a concern about what will happen to German industry, jobs, and the economy if Germany’s “Big 3” are too slow to electrify. If you are a German and feel this way, Tesla’s decision to build a gigafactory in Germany is a great way to push the industry to try harder and clean up its act faster.

But this story isn’t about what Germans want. It’s about what Tesla wants.

What Is Musk’s Motive?
We have to factor in Tesla’s mission here. As you’ll recall, it’s to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy as quickly as possible. Tesla cannot do that alone, so it must consider how it can most effectively stimulate change in others. Going to their homeland, going to the center of the industry, going to where the sauce is made is the best way to influence the industry.

Furthermore, Tesla does need to keep growing as quickly as possible itself and improving in the process. With the German auto industry’s established high reputation, there must be much to learn there. Tesla didn’t need to set up shop in one of the cities with German automakers were located, but being in the country allows Tesla to tap tremendous labor resources.

So, even as Tesla may be there to push the auto industry to work harder, it’s probably also there to take advantage of the embedded auto expertise of the country.

Why Building GF4 in Germany Makes Sense
I think Tesla building in Germany makes perfect sense. Germany is seen as the heart of the luxury automotive industry, and Tesla is trying to electrify this market as quickly as possible while continuing to go “downstream” and electrify all transport. If you want to solve a problem, go to the heart of the matter.

Lastly, Berlin is one of the most influential political capitals in Europe, and perhaps the world. It is deeply tied to democratic progress and remains the home of one of the strongest democratic centers in the world. Policy can also speed up the transition to EVs, so being near the big players can help to influence them to take bolder actions promoting electric vehicles, clean energy, and more.

Elon may not be very political, but he knows who wields power and is pragmatic about having positive, progressive associations with political leaders to get done what needs to get done.

Plus, it seems that Elon likes Berlin.

Images by CleanTechnica and Tesla Shuttle

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About the Author

Johnna Crider Johnna Crider is a Baton Rouge artist, gem and mineral collector, and Tesla shareholder who believes in Elon Musk and Tesla. Elon Musk advised her in 2018 to “Believe in Good.”

Tesla is one of many good things to believe in. You can find Johnna on Twitter

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With grounding still in force, Boeing gives 737 MAX 10 jet a low-key rollout in Renton

Employees gather around Boeing’s first 737 MAX 10 jet after its rollout in Renton, Wash. (Boeing Photo) Hundreds of Boeing employees turned out today for the official rollout of the company’s biggest 737 MAX — a traditional rite in the birth of an airplane that was more muted this time, due to the eight-month-long grounding… Continue reading With grounding still in force, Boeing gives 737 MAX 10 jet a low-key rollout in Renton

Chinese electric car maker WM Motor targets $1 billion funding round – CNBC

Chinese electric carmaker WM Motor is seeking up to $1 billion in funding within the next six months as it targets one new model a year. The aspiring Tesla rival completed its series-C funding round in the first quarter of 2019, and is now looking to secure its series-D financing “hopefully in the next six… Continue reading Chinese electric car maker WM Motor targets $1 billion funding round – CNBC