Manufacturing – Page 12651 – I wish I had more to offer

Adrian Hallmark: new Bentley CEO talks future products, electric cars and profitability – AutoExpress

Adrian Hallmark’s Twitter biog simply proclaims ‘Bentley Boy Again’. Following a stint as sales and marketing boss at Bentley from 2003, he left for Volkswagen in the US and then the Far East. After a short spell at Saab he joined Jaguar Land Rover before returning to Crewe in February as Chairman and CEO. “I’m… Continue reading Adrian Hallmark: new Bentley CEO talks future products, electric cars and profitability – AutoExpress

Caterham CEO Graham Macdonald: PH Meets – Pistonheads.com

After years of being dogged by its ignominious F1 team, Caterham is finally a company on the move. Its latest special edition, the Seven SuperSprint sold out in just a matter of hours, the factory is operating at capacity and there are even talks of Caterham exploring the dark art of electric propulsion. But perhaps… Continue reading Caterham CEO Graham Macdonald: PH Meets – Pistonheads.com

Unmanned systems: Silent Falcon UAS assisting Pojoaque Pueblo in New Mexico, Resolute Eagle UAS adopts MPU5 technology, Ford and Michigan State expand research partnership

In this week’s/today’s roundup from the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) which highlights some of the latest news and headlines in unmanned vehicles and robotics, the Wildflower International technology firm pairs with Silent Falcon UAS in Wildflower’s bid to build a new data service, PAE ISR upgrades the Resolute Eagle UAS with new communication… Continue reading Unmanned systems: Silent Falcon UAS assisting Pojoaque Pueblo in New Mexico, Resolute Eagle UAS adopts MPU5 technology, Ford and Michigan State expand research partnership

Tesla sales, VW tech, electric Harley-Davidson: Today’s Car News

Toyota Research Institute simulation of actual 3-car crash, to test Guardian active-safety system
With final sales reports out from the whole auto industry, we built some context around Tesla's end-of-the-year sales numbers. The Model 3 is setting the pace among luxury cars. Volkswagen buys wireless tech from Volvo. Harley-Davidson announces pricing and a date for buyers interested in purchasing its LiveWire electric motorcycle. And our readers are sanguine about falling electric-car tax credits in our latest Twitter poll. All this and more on Green Car Reports.

The Tesla Model 3 outsold every direct competitor and most competing brands in the fourth quarter. Annual numbers reflect the model's slow production ramp-up early in the year.

Volkswagen bought a wireless vehicle connectivity subsidiary from Volvo in an effort to bring over-the-air updates to its cars.

Harley-Davidson aims to win its freedom-loving bikers over to electric power with its new LiveWire electric motorcycle. The company has now revealed more specs, as well as when it will go on sale and how much it will cost.

Our Twitter followers weigh in on what effect they think the reduction in tax credits will have on GM and Tesla vehicles in 2019.

Toyota reveals its first self-driving vehicle technology at the CES show in Las Vegas. The company says it doesn't replace human control, however, only amplifies it.

Finally, just in time for the roll-out of the electric Audi e-tron quattro SUV, Audi announced it will end European delivery for its U.S. customers.

_______________________________________

Follow Green Car Reports on Facebook and Twitter

Highlights From Elon Musk’s Visit To Shanghai For #Tesla Gigafactory 3 Groundbreaking Ceremony

Electric Cars
Electric Car Benefits
Electric Car Sales
Solar Energy Rocks
RSS
Advertise
Privacy Policy

Cars

Published on January 7th, 2019 |

by Steve Hanley

Highlights From Elon Musk’s Visit To Shanghai For #Tesla Gigafactory 3 Groundbreaking Ceremony

Twitter
Google+
LinkedIn
Pinterest
Facebook

January 7th, 2019 by Steve Hanley

Elon Musk was in Shanghai on January 7 to participate in the groundbreaking ceremony for Gigafactory 3, Tesla’s first gigafactory outside the US. Not surprisingly, Elon took to Twitter to celebrate the event … just a couple of hours after we published about the news. But there are a few things you might have missed if you caught our early coverage and didn’t keep refreshing for updates throughout the past 24 hours..

After the ceremony, Musk spoke to the local press and said that he is very impressed with the speed and quality of work possible in Shanghai. He made particular reference to the fact that a large multi-bay Supercharger location was completed in just 12 days last year, the quickest of anywhere in the world. He indicated the factory building would be finished by mid-year and would start producing cars by the end of 2019 if everything goes according to plan. (When has that ever happened?)

He was at pains to explain that Tesla is absorbing the tariffs imposed by China on US-built cars. Gigafactory 3 — which will have a capacity of 500,000 cars a year — will focus on manufacturing the more affordable versions of the Model 3 and later the Model Y so that Chinese customers can begin driving sustainable cars as soon as possible. The factory will also build cars for export to other Asian markets.

The more expensive versions of the Model 3 — Long Range, All Wheel Drive, Performance upgrade — will continue to be manufactured in America. Those are higher profit vehicles and Musk says the company will need to sell lots of them to help pay for the new factory. He encouraged people in China to place their orders for the US-made cars to help fund the Shanghai facility.

Tesla has learned much from building Model 3 production lines in the United States, and those lessons will be applied to bring the new Shanghai factory online as soon as possible. Musk also called upon local engineering talent to join the Tesla team, saying a junior engineer today could wind up taking his job someday, as the possibilities for advancement within the company are virtually unlimited. For more on Musk’s remarks, check out the video below.

About the Author

Steve Hanley Steve writes about the interface between technology and sustainability from his home in Rhode Island and anywhere else the Singularity may take him. His motto is “Democracy is socialism.” You got a problem with that?

You can follow him on Google + and on Twitter.

Advertise with CleanTechnica to get your company in front of our readers.

CleanTechnica Clothing & Cups

GM did not heed call to keep Oshawa, Ontario plant open – union boss

DETROIT (Reuters) – The head of Canada’s auto union blasted General Motors Co (GM.N) on Tuesday for pushing ahead with plans to phase out work at its Oshawa, Ontario, assembly plant despite calls by workers and politicians in Canada to find a new vehicle to build there. FILE PHOTO: Unifor President, Jerry Dias, helps launch… Continue reading GM did not heed call to keep Oshawa, Ontario plant open – union boss

Live From BlackBerry’s Booth at CES 2019

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) kicks off today in Las Vegas and for those unable to make it we wanted to provide a first-hand look at some of the innovative technologies we’ll be showcasing at our booth (LVCC North Hall, #7523). This year BlackBerry will have two vehicles on display, the first being a 2019… Continue reading Live From BlackBerry’s Booth at CES 2019

USA premiere of the new Mercedes-Benz EQC: The Mercedes-Benz among electric vehicles

08.

January 2019

Stuttgart/Las Vegas

Combined power consumption: 22.2 kWh/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 0 g/km, provisional details*Stuttgart/Las Vegas. At CES 2019 in Las Vegas the first Mercedes-Benz vehicle from the EQ brand is celebrating its US premiere. The EQC (combined power consumption: 22.2 kWh/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 0 g/km, provisional details)[1] symbolises the beginning of a new mobility era at Daimler. With its seamless, clear design and colour highlights typical of the brand, it is a pioneer for an avant-garde electric look while representing the design idiom of Progressive Luxury. With respect to quality, safety and comfort the EQC is the Mercedes-Benz among electric vehicles, and highly convincing in the sum of its attributes. These elements are accompanied by dynamic performance, thanks to two electric motors at the front and rear axles with a combined output of 300 kW. Thanks to an ingenious operation strategy, the EQC has a preliminary range of 450[1] kilometres (279 miles) according to the European cycle NEDC. EQ also offers comprehensive services with Mercedes me, and makes electromobility convenient and suitable for day-to-day motoring.
As the first Mercedes-Benz model under the new product and technology brand EQ, the Mercedes-Benz EQC has many trailblazing design details and colour highlights typical of the brand. Both inside and out, the EQC embodies the design idiom of Progressive Luxury. This arises from the combination of a previously unknown beauty, the conscious clash of digital and analogue elements as well as the seamless merging of intuitive and physical design.
By virtue of its muscular proportions, the EQC is classed as a crossover SUV. The extended roofline and window layout with a low waistline and the coupé-like roof recess at the rear visually position it between an SUV and an SUV coupé.
Star Car: putting on a big show with the Night Design
A striking feature at the front is the large black-panel surface enclosing the headlamps and grille. Exclusively for the American market the large Mercedes star on the panel is illuminated at night as standard and for the first time it can also be combined with the radar-controlled DISTRONIC. This ensures a particularly impressive look in darkness. The Night Design is also unique thanks to the inclusion of the fibre-optic cable for the first time. As the finishing touch to the top of the Black Panel it provides a visual link to the characteristic Mercedes‑Benz daytime running lights. This creates an almost uninterrupted, horizontal light band. The inner housings and tubes of the standard MULTIBEAM LED headlamps are in high-gloss black. Contrasting colour highlights discreetly confirm the model's membership of the new EQ family: blue stripes on a white background, and MULTIBEAM lettering also in blue.
The high-quality interior of the EQC also pioneers an avant-garde electro-look. One example is the louvred edge of the instrument panel, which resembles the cooling ribs of a hi-fi amplifier. The instrument panel is designed as a driver-oriented cockpit. The typical Mercedes-Benz wing profile is asymmetrical, with a “cut-out” in the driver area. This is where one of the visual highlights of the cockpit is located – a high-tech, high gloss cassette housing flat air vents with key-shaped, rosé-gold coloured louvres.
Powertrain: Dynamic performance meets efficiency
As the first Mercedes-Benz model to be launched under the new product and technology brand EQ, the EQC features an all-new drive system development with compact electric drivetrains at each axle. These give the EQC the driving characteristics of an all-wheel drive.
To reduce power consumption and increase dynamism, the electric drivetrains are configured differently: the front electric motor is optimised for best possible efficiency in the low to medium load range, while the rear one determines dynamism. Together, they generate an output of approx. 300 kW and a combined maximum torque of 765 Nm.
Mercedes-Benz engineers have enhanced noise comfort with a number of measures. In the EQC the powerpacks are isolated by rubber mounts at two points: where the powerpack connects to its subframe and where the subframe connects to the body. This effective isolation is supplemented with insulation measures. As a result, the interior of the EQC is extremely quiet.
The lithium-ion battery, which has an energy content of 80 kWh (NEDC), supplies the vehicle with power. The power consumption and range of electric vehicles greatly depend on the driving style. The EQC supports its driver with five driving programs, each with different characteristics: COMFORT, ECO, MAX RANGE, SPORT and an individually adaptable program. In the more economical driving modes, the haptic accelerator pedal that prompts the driver to conserve power plays an important role. The driver is also able to influence the recuperation level using so-called paddles behind the steering wheel.
The ECO Assist system gives the driver comprehensive support when driving predictively: by prompting the driver when it is appropriate to come off the accelerator, e.g. because the vehicle is approaching a speed limit, and by functions such as coasting and specific control of recuperation. For this purpose, navigation data, traffic sign recognition and information from the intelligent safety assistants (radar and stereo camera) are linked and processed.
Charging: Flexible and fast
As standard the EQC is equipped with a water-cooled onboard charger (OBC) with a capacity of 7.4 kW, making it suitable for AC charging at home or at public charging stations.
Within the EU the charging process at a Mercedes-Benz Wallbox is up to three times faster than at a household socket; in the USA the time advantage when charging at a Wallbox is even up to eight times as much, because here the voltage at a household socket is usually 120 V. It is faster still with DC charging – which is standard for the EQC, with a suitable market-specific plug – for example via CCS (Combined Charging Systems) in Europe and the USA, CHAdeMO in Japan or GB/T in China. Depending on the SoC (status of charge), the EQC can be charged with a maximum output of up to 110 kW at an appropriate charging station. It then takes around 40 minutes to charge from 10 to 80 percent SoC (provisional figures).
Technical data[2]
CO2 emissions
0 g/km
Power consumption (NEDC)
22.2 kWh/100 km
Range (NEDC)
over 450 km (279 mi)
Drive system
2 asynchronous motors, all-wheel drive
Output
300 kW (408 hp)
Peak torque
765 Nm
Top speed
180 km/h (governed)
Acceleration 0-100 km/h
5.1 s
Battery
Lithium-ion
Battery energy content (NEDC)
80 kWh
Battery weight
650* kg
Length/width (incl. mirrors)/height:
4761/1884 (2096) /1624 mm
Track width (FA/RA)
1625/1615 mm
Wheelbase
2873 mm
Luggage compartment (depending on equipment fitted)
approx. 500 l.
Kerb weight/perm. GVW/payload (DIN)
2425*/2930/505 kg
perm. trailer load for 12% uphill gradient
1800 kg
* Provisional data
The multimedia system MBUX: with EQC-specific functions
The EQC features the innovative multimedia system MBUX – Mercedes-Benz User Experience – which has numerous EQ-specific functions such as the display of range, charge status and energy flow. EQ-optimised navigation, driving modes, charging current and departure time can also be controlled and set via MBUX.
The MBUX display has a special EQ icon where numerous EQ features are grouped. Alternatively the user can access the EQ menu of the MBUX system directly using a key in the lower left control panel. Thanks to natural language recognition, the EQ-specific voice control helps the driver to operate the EQC.
MBUX Interior Assist: an even greater experience
By recognising movements MBUX Interior Assist brings added intelligence to the interior. Thanks to innovative technology, MBUX now supports the occupants by making various comfort and MBUX functions even simpler and more intuitive. Interior Assist operates in non-contact mode and functions both in sunlight and in complete darkness.
It enables the adaptation of screen content as soon as a hand approaches the touchscreen in the dashboard or the touchpad on the centre console, for example. Individual elements are highlighted according to the currently active menu. In addition, the system is able to distinguish between the driver's and front passenger's wishes and thus knows for whose seat the seat heating is to be activated, for example.
A special feature of Interior Assist is the personal favourites function. The driver and front passenger can both program a personal, favourite function which is initiated using a horizontally outstretched index and middle finger. In this way, any command which is controllable via MBUX can be stored for simple access. One typical favourite command is “navigate me home”. The system is also in a position to detect reliably whether it is being operated by the driver or front passenger. This even means that they can each assign their own different favourites with the same hand position.
There are other functions which can be controlled intuitively, without any need to practise corresponding gestures: In the dark, the reading lamp can be switched on and off by briefly extending a hand towards the rear-view mirror, for example. If the driver reaches over towards the (unoccupied) front passenger seat in the dark, it will be illuminated automatically. This makes it easier to find any items which may have been deposited on the seat. As soon as the person's hand leaves this area, the light automatically switches off again.
Intelligent services: Relaxed travel from start to finish
EQ with Mercedes me provides comprehensive services for the electric mobility of today and tomorrow. The most important new services and functions of the EQC planned for market launch include:
Pre-entry climate control: This ensures that the vehicle interior is already at the desired temperature on departure. It can be programmed directly via MBUX or via the Mercedes me app. A sophisticated system with a heat pump and electric heater boosters pre-climatises the interior.
EQ optimised navigation always bases its calculation on the fastest route taking into account the shortest charging time and the topography. The route planning also responds dynamically to changes, and can take place both offboard and onboard, i.e. externally (via the Mercedes me App) and within the vehicle. Thanks to EQ-optimised navigation, Mercedes-Benz customers can easily find charging stations, and Mercedes me Charge gives them convenient access to the charging stations of numerous providers, also beyond national borders. Customers benefit from an integrated payment function with simple invoicing.
Active and passive safety: EQC-specific safety concept
The EQC is equipped with the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz driving assistance systems. In the Driving Assistance package, these include new functions such as predictive speed adjustment when approaching the end of a tailback: when a tailback is detected, Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC reduces the speed to around 100 km/h as a precaution. In a tailback on the motorway, the lane guidance system keeps the vehicle off-centre to leave space for the emergency services.
The EQC also meets the highest requirements with respect to passive safety: in addition to the usual, extensive programme of crash tests, Mercedes-Benz applies further, particularly stringent safety standards to the battery and all component parts carrying electrical current. These standards exceed legal requirements. The vehicle structure of the EQC has been adapted to suit the special requirements of the electrical components and battery, and is configured to achieve the usual high safety level. For example, a new subframe surrounds the drive components located in the front section, and this unit is supported by the usual mounting points.
Mechanical protection of the battery: the high-safety design begins with the installation position of the high-voltage battery beneath the vehicle floor. The energy storage unit is surrounded by a stable frame that can absorb energy. Deformation elements are installed between the frame and the battery, and these are able to absorb additional forces in the event of a severe side impact. A battery guard in the front area of the battery is able to prevent the energy storage unit from being pierced by foreign objects.
Electrical protection of the high-voltage system: the extensive experience of Mercedes-Benz with high-voltage drive systems has led to a multi-stage safety concept that deploys in the event of an accident. The high-voltage system automatically shuts down, reversibly or irreversibly, according to the severity of the accident. There are also shutdown points where emergency teams can deactivate the high-voltage system manually.
Testing: Endurance tests around the world
By market launch, 200 prototypes and pre-production vehicles of the EQC will have absolved tests covering several million kilometres across four continents (Europe, North America, Asia and Africa). The test program comprises more than 500 individual tests. Like all Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the EQC must absolve the demanding standard test programme. There are also special tests for the electric powertrain, the fuel cell, and the interplay of all powertrain components.
In the process the test experts are able to build upon the extensive findings from their digital testing work, used to ensure both the buildability of the vehicle and for the simulation of e.g. crash behaviour, aerodynamics and NVH: noise, vibration, harshness . In addition there are intensive tests on numerous test rigs at the Mercedes-Benz Technology Centre in Sindelfingen. The ratio between digital and real testing is roughly 35 to 65 percent.
Production: Preparations in full swing in the Bremen plant
Production of the EQC will start in 2019 at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen. The preparations for this are already fully under way. The new EQC will be integrated into ongoing series production as a fully electric vehicle. The very latest production technologies will be employed.
One decisive innovation is the so-called battery-joining centre where the EQC undergoes a second “marriage” following installation of the two electric powerpacks in the bodyshell. This is where the EQCs are recognised as electric models with the help of data tags attached to the body, and equipped with a battery. The body is suspended from a so-called C-carrier and deposited on a frame. Support arms raise the battery to the vehicle's floor from below. An employee monitors the automatic bolting in place.
In parallel with this, production of our own batteries for the EQC is coming on stream at the expanded battery plant in Kamenz (near Dresden).
Alongside Bremen, the Sino-German production joint venture Beijing Benz Automotive Co. Ltd. (BBAC) is also preparing for the production start-up of the EQC for the local market.
[1] Figures for power consumption and CO2 emissions are provisional and were determined by the German Technical Service. The range figures are also provisional. EC type approval and a certificate of conformity with official figures are not yet available. Differences between the stated figures and the official figures are possible.
[2] Figures for power consumption and CO2 emissions are provisional and were determined by the German Technical Service. The range figures are also provisional. EC type approval and a certificate of conformity with official figures are not yet available. Differences between the stated figures and the official figures are possible.

Press Contact

Wolfgang Würth

Manager Communications EQ

wolfgang.wuerth@daimler.com

Tel: +49 711 17-46508

Fax: +49 711 17-79016071

Koert Groeneveld

Head of International Product & Technology Communications

koert.groeneveld@daimler.com

Tel: +49 711 17-92311

Fax: +49 711 17-94365

Press Contact Overview

Media

Download

Pictures (73)

Videos (9)

Documents (1)

Media Contact (2)

Filter

Show thumbnails
Show list
Slideshow

Zoom

Preview

Details

Do you really want to delete the data record?

Please wait a moment …

19C0002_150

19C0002_151

19C0002_152

19C0002_153

19C0002_154

19C0002_155

19C0002_156

19C0002_157

19C0002_158

19C0002_159

19C0002_160

19C0002_161

19C0002_162

19C0002_163

19C0002_164

19C0002_165

19C0002_166

19C0002_167

19C0002_168

19C0002_169

19C0002_170

19C0002_171

19C0002_172

19C0002_175

19C0002_176

19C0002_177

19C0002_178

19C0002_179

19C0002_180

19C0002_181

19C0002_182

19C0002_183

19C0002_184

19C0002_185

19C0002_186

19C0002_187

19C0002_188

19C0002_189

19C0002_190

19C0002_191

MAHINDRA MAKES DEBUT AT NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW 2019

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., January 7, 2019 — Mahindra Automotive North America (MANA), which recently opened the first manufacturing facility in Metro Detroit in 25 years, announced today it will participate with a main floor display in the 30th Anniversary of the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), held January 14-27, 2019, at Cobo Center in Detroit.

NAIAS features the world's automotive and mobility leaders, showcasing the latest vehicles, products and technology. Mahindra's 2019 debut at the show includes a main floor display that will highlight the company’s new Michigan manufacturing facility and its automotive products, including the ROXOR off-road vehicle.

“We are very excited to be a part of the North American International Auto Show,” Rick Haas, President & CEO, Mahindra Automotive North America, said. “This event showcases the influence that Detroit and Michigan have on the global transportation industry today — particularly relevant as the world transitions to a new mobility model, and as the Detroit area automotive 'machine' gears up to drive these changes. With Mahindra now a part of the Detroit area automotive landscape, the NAIAS gives us an opportunity to highlight our Michigan-based team and our new manufacturing operation. Today, just over 5 years since the opening of our first Detroit office, this team is fully engaged in the business of envisioning, engineering and producing innovative transportation products for U.S. as well as global markets – helping Mahindra become 'the' brand of choice for mobility in the future.”

Mahindra will exhibit in the center of the main floor at NAIAS with a display of its newest vehicles with a special focus on those that are engineered and built in Michigan by their team of 425 employees. While providing visitors an excellent opportunity to get up-close with Mahindra's ROXOR off-road vehicle, the NAIAS also serves as a platform on which to detail how Mahindra's talented Michigan-based team is making a global impact.

A FOCUS ON MICHIGAN

Mahindra will debut two new ROXOR demo vehicles at the show. One will be an interactive vehicle featuring an augmented reality station that will allow customers to visualize some of the hundreds of custom colors and wraps the vehicle can be ordered with. The company will also display a work-oriented demo with unique features and capabilities targeted to users who need a rugged and durable vehicle for tough jobs. The ROXOR offers a heavy-duty Mahindra turbo-diesel 4-cylinder engine, four-wheel drive, a boxed steel frame, and an automobile style 5-speed manual transmission in a straightforward and rugged design, creating a whole new category in the fast-growing side X side segment.

SHOWCASING ENGINEERING CAPABILITIES

The display will also feature the brand-new Mahindra Marazzo, an innovative euro-style people mover, engineered from the ground up on a patented architecture by the Mahindra team at their Auburn Hills Headquarters. The vehicle, which was designed for global markets, was recently launched in India to glowing reviews.

Mahindra will also be displaying its zero emission GenZe e-scooter and e-bike engineered and assembled in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

MEDIA AVAILABILITIES

Mahindra Automotive invites journalists to individual meetings with company leadership, including Rick Haas, President & CEO Mahindra North America. Interviews are being scheduled for the afternoon of Tuesday, Jan. 15 and for the morning of Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019 and by appointment.

To make an appointment at NAIAS journalists are asked to contact Melissa Bunker at 586.219.0094 or mbunker@campbellmarketing.com.

ABOUT MAHINDRA AUTOMOTIVE NORTH AMERICA

Mahindra Automotive North America (MANA) is the North American headquarters of the $20.7 billion MahindraGroup's automotive division. Established in 2013, MANA now employs over 400 people, and became the first automotive OEM to launch a manufacturing operation in SE Michigan in over 25 years when it began producing the ROXOR off-road vehicle earlier this year in Auburn Hills, MI. Working with affiliate Mahindra teams in India, Italy and Korea, MANA also continues to fulfill its mission as a center of automotive engineering excellence, which includes automotive design, engineering and vehicle development, and is led by a team of veteran industry executives, engineers and designers.

For more information, visit www.mahindraautomotivena.com and www.roxoroffroad.com

About Mahindra

The Mahindra Group is a USD 20.7 billion federation of companies that enables people to rise through innovative mobility solutions, driving rural prosperity, enhancing urban living, nurturing new businesses and fostering communities. It has a leadership position in utility vehicles, information technology, financial services and vacation ownership in India and is the world's largest tractor company, by volume. It also enjoys a strong presence in agribusiness, components, commercial vehicles, consulting services, energy, industrial equipment, logistics, real estate, steel, aerospace, defence and two wheelers. Headquartered in India, Mahindra employs over 2,40,000 people across 100 countries.

Learn more about Mahindra on www.mahindra.com

Velodyne Lidar Announces Collaboration with Nikon in Technology Development and Manufacturing

Velodyne Lidar Announces Collaboration with Nikon in Technology Development and ManufacturingDecember 21, 2018|In Press Releases|By Albie Jarvis
Velodyne Adds Nikon Corporation as a Strategic Investor

Velodyne Alpha Puck™ sensor is perfect for L4-L5 autonomy

Velodyne Lidar, Inc. (Velodyne), the inventor and leader of the lidar sensor industry for autonomous vehicles (AV), today announced Nikon Corporation (Nikon) as a new strategic investor with an investment of $25M. The parties further announced they have begun discussions for a multifaceted business alliance. Nikon is one of the world’s leading suppliers of products and solutions based on advanced opto-electronics and precision technologies.

As the culmination of millions of miles of on-road learning, the Alpha Puck™ is simply the most powerful lidar sensor in the world

Aiming to combine Nikon’s optical and precision technologies with Velodyne’s sensor technology, both companies have begun investigating a wide-ranging business relationship, including collaboration in technology development and manufacturing.

Velodyne believes the relationship will advance the timeline for manufacturing and mass production of lidar for the autonomous and advanced safety global market. The companies share a futuristic vision of advanced perception technology for a wide range of applications including robotics, mapping, security, shuttles, drones, and safety on roadways.

Headquartered in San Jose, Calif., Velodyne is known worldwide for its portfolio of breakthrough lidar sensor technologies

“Velodyne is creating a network of powerful alliances supporting the global autonomous vehicle industry,” said David Hall, Velodyne Lidar’s Founder and CEO. “One hundred years ago, optics and camera technologies like Nikon’s helped people to see better. Now, the basis of those technologies is helping computers see.”

Point Cloud from Velodyne’s Alpha Puck™ sensor

About Velodyne Lidar, Inc.

Velodyne provides the smartest, most powerful lidar solutions for autonomy and driver assistance. Founded in 1983 and headquartered in San Jose, Calif., Velodyne is known worldwide for its portfolio of breakthrough lidar sensor technologies. In 2005, Velodyne’s Founder and CEO, David Hall, invented real-time surround view lidar systems, revolutionizing perception and autonomy for automotive, new mobility, mapping, robotics, and security. Velodyne’s high-performance product line includes a broad range of sensing solutions, including the cost-effective Puck™, the versatile Ultra Puck™, the perfect for L4-L5 autonomy Alpha Puck™, and the directional view Velarray™. For more information, visit http://www.velodynelidar.com.

About Nikon Corporation

Nikon Corporation has been a pioneer in optical technology markets worldwide since its inception in 1917. Today, Nikon offers a wide range of products utilizing advanced technologies, from consumer products such as digital cameras, camera-related products and binoculars to industrial precision equipment including FPD and Semiconductor Lithography Systems, microscopes and measuring instruments. In the future, Nikon will take advantage of its core competencies for launching new products and also proposing solutions. In addition, Nikon focuses on the development of the healthcare business field.