Tag: Manufacturing

Allison’s Hybrid Transmission to Provide Propulsion for Suffolk County Transit

INDIANAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Suffolk County Transit has announced that more than 20 of their New Flyer buses will be equipped with Allison Transmission’s electric hybrid. Suffolk County Transit is the provider of bus services in Suffolk County, New York on Long Island. They have incorporated Allison electric hybrids in their fleet for roughly 10 years, together providing… Continue reading Allison’s Hybrid Transmission to Provide Propulsion for Suffolk County Transit

GM, Fiat Chrysler to resume normal operations after utility strain

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – General Motors Co and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV said on Thursday they plan to resume normal operations after they were forced to cancel shifts at plants in Michigan over concerns about the state’s natural gas supply. FILE PHOTO: A Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) sign is seen at the U.S. headquarters in Auburn… Continue reading GM, Fiat Chrysler to resume normal operations after utility strain

Tesla is betting big on China, and here’s what Elon Musk had to say about it

Aly Song | Reuters
Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Shanghai's Mayor Ying Yong attend the Tesla Shanghai Gigafactory groundbreaking ceremony in Shanghai, China January 7, 2019.

To tap into a growing market for electric vehicles in China, Tesla is betting big on the region — and executives talked up the company's efforts there on an earnings call this week.

Specifically CEO Elon Musk and Tesla's retiring CFO Deepak Ahuja emphasized their aims to get the Tesla Shanghai Gigafactory up-and-running this year, and to deliver U.S-made Model 3 sedans to customers in China immediately. Musk expressed concern that trade tensions between China and the U.S. could escalate, resulting in higher import taxes or tariffs, and other problems for Tesla.

Electric vehicle sales have grown more rapidly in China than other parts of the world, and already comprise about 4 percent of the substantial market there. The growth is thanks, in part, to a shifting array of federal and local incentives for electric vehicle makers, and subsidies for people who buy these cars in China. Tesla wants to establish a stronger foothold in this massive market, before the subsidies and incentives go away.

The industry ministry of China expects annual “new energy vehicle” output to rise to 2 million in 2020, and sales of 7 million new energy vehicles in China by 2025, representing about 20 percent of the overall autos market there.

Tesla faces serious competition from domestic Chinese companies like: the Warren Buffet-backed BYD; SAIC, which makes Roewe electric cars; and Geely, the parent company of Volvo. It also faces competition from foreign automakers that produce electric cars or hybrid, and already know their way around manufacturing in China, like Ford, Hyundai and Toyota.

Here are some of Tesla's biggest plans for China that execs outlined Wednesday's fourth-quarter earnings call, as transcribed by FactSet:

Funding the Shanghai Gigafactory:

“The purchase of the land is a 50-year lease with the government of China. So, it's not capex, but it's operating lease, and that shows up as the cash flow from operations. However, the capex that we will invest is our equipment, and we fully own it. So that will show up as capex. The plan, as we have indicated in the letter, is still to get funding for majority of that capital spending from local China banks. And we expect very attractive rates based on the dialogue we've had and there's a lot of interest.” — Deepak Ahuja

“Yeah. I mean, as a ballpark figure, probably something in the order of $500 million in capex to get to the 3,000-vehicle rate in Shanghai, ballpark figure. And as Deepak was saying, hooking up a very competitive debt financing in China really extremely compelling interest rates and so we do not expect that to be a capital drain on the company.” — Elon Musk

Tesla's advantages in China:

“If you're in the automotive industry you understand how significant this is, but maybe it's not as obvious to everyone. Tesla has the first wholly owned manufacturing facility in China of any automotive company. So, this is profound. And we're very appreciative of the Chinese government allowing us to do this. I think it is symbolic of them wanting to open the market and apply and it farewells to everyone. I'd just say like an order of appreciation for the Chinese government in allowing us to do that. It's a very significant thing.” – Elon Musk

On making batteries in Shanghai:

“We'll be making the module and the pack. So, it's really just production of cell supply. And you can essentially use any high-energy density, 2170 chemistry. We expect it to be a combination of cells produced at our Gigafactory in Nevada, cells produced in Japan and cells produced locally in China. And we feel confident of sufficient supply to hit 3,000 units a week.” — Elon Musk

Delivering a lower-priced Model 3:

“We need to bring the Shanghai factory online. I think that's the biggest variable for getting to 500,000-plus a year. Our car is just very expensive going into China. We've got import duties, we've got transport costs, we've got higher costs of labor here. And we've never been eligible for any of the EV tax credits. A lot of people criticize Tesla for being so dependent on incentives. In fact, for a company making EVs, we have the least access to incentives. It's pretty crazy. Because there's so many countries that have put price caps on the EV incentive which differentially affect Tesla. And in China, which is the biggest market for EV's, we've never had any subsidies or tax incentives for vehicles.

“So, it's difficult. Once a car is made there, it is eligible for that. That sounds like that's going to be reducing in China in the coming years. But really, bottom line is, we need the Shanghai factory to achieve that 10,000 rate and have the cars be affordable. It's important to appreciate, the demand for Model 3 is insanely high. The inhibitor is affordability. It's just that people literally don't have the money to buy the car. It's got nothing to do with desire. They just don't have enough money in the bank account. If the car can – if we made it more affordable, the demand is extraordinary.” — Elon Musk

On how demand in China stacks up versus Europe:

“Our relationship actually with Europe and China is how do we get the cars made and on order such that it reaches customers before end of quarter and we don't have a massive number of cars on the order. That's our biggest challenge. It's not demand. It's how do we get the cars there fast enough…I mean, we're not even really trying, I should point out. Our factory is like right now only making cars for China and Europe. That's all it's doing with respect to Model 3. And our whole focus is okay, how do we get those cars made, get them on a ship as fast as possible.” — Elon Musk

On U.S.-China trade relations:

“We don't know what's going to happen with the trade negotiations. So it's very important to get those cars especially to China as soon as possible. We hope the trade negotiations go well, but it's not clear. But we need to get them there while there's sort of de facto sort of a truce on the tariff war. And demand gen is really not one of the things we're thinking about.” — Elon Musk

WATCH: Elon Musk says demand for Model 3 is “insanely high,” but cost is too high

Elon Musk: Demand for Model 3 is 'insanely high,' but cost is too high
7 Hours Ago | 01:40

Ford Motor Company Recognized as Global Sustainability Leader in Water and Climate Change Efforts

Ford Motor Company has received an A grade for its water security efforts from CDP, the environmental impact nonprofit that drives sustainable economies Ford’s climate change efforts earned the company an A- for the third year in a row This marks the fourth year in a row CDP has rewarded Ford with an A for… Continue reading Ford Motor Company Recognized as Global Sustainability Leader in Water and Climate Change Efforts

Porsche 911 Hybrid sports car tech will arrive in two forms

2020 Porsche 911 Carrera S, Valencia, Spain, January 2019
Porsche is known as an engineering company. Its technical solutions are often complex and unusual, but often provide inspiration for others to follow.

Now details have filtered out about Porsche's new hybrid-electric powertrain for its upcoming 911, which could inform what engineers are thinking about in terms of bringing hybrid power to other sports cars.

The details were first revealed in an interview with Porsche's recently retired sports-car product chief, August Achleitner, in Autocar magazine in Britain last month.

DON'T MISS: Porsche Taycan sold out for a year—to mostly Tesla drivers

Autocar reports that there will be two versions of the new 911 Hybrid throughout the model's expected seven-year design life, a mild-hybrid system that adds torque but requires the gas engine for propulsion, and a more sophisticated full hybrid system. It's not clear whether the mild torque-assist system might precede the full hybrid, or whether they could be offered simultaneously, with full-hybrid being a more expensive option (which seems more likely to us.)

We'll focus on the full hybrid system, which is more interesting, and about which Achleitner provided more details.

The new system won't follow in the footsteps of Porsche's recent mid-range plug-in hybrid systems for its more family-oriented Cayenne and Panamera e-Hybrid models.

Even full-hybrid 911s will have no plug-in range, for instance, though they will be able to motor short distances on electricity.

Porsche Taycan prototype

Although Autocar reports that Porsche has yet to decide how far up the 911 model range the Hybrid should live, the system is engineered to have electric power to the front wheels, as well as a thin electric motor housed with the rear-mounted 8-speed, dual-clutch gearbox, which has shrunk to accommodate it but can now handle the higher torque loads of an electric motor.

A small battery lies low in the front of the car, which could help improve handling. It will still have a version of Porsche's 4.0-liter flat-6 engine, which may be turbocharged if Porsche decides to offer the 911 Hybrid in higher trims.

CHECK OUT: 2019 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid: the subtly earthy type

The car will use an electrically operated brake booster to maximize braking regeneration.

The Hybrid will eventually appear on the next-generation 911, known in Porsche-speak as the 992, which is first expected to arrive in November as a 2020 model. The hybrid version, however, won't arrive for another four years after that, Achleitner said, which would put it toward the end of the model's lifespan.

By then, sales of the company's upcoming new Taycan electric car, which is also expected to go on sale late this year, should also be in full swing. Porsche has said that the Taycan is sold out for its first year of production.

Tesla revamps Model S and X lineups without battery size numbers

2017 Tesla Model S
As Tesla struggles to balance prices to maintain profitability in the face of lower tax credits for its cars, the company is simplifying its Model S and Model X lineups.

After Tesla cut prices across the board to make up for a reduction in the federal tax credits and CEO Elon Musk announced earlier this month that the company would stop taking orders for the base 75D versions of its Model S and X, the company on Wednesday posted new model lineups for both cars.

READ MORE: Musk axes affordable Tesla Model S, X 75D

New base versions of the Model S and Model X will have no additional designations. Above that, longer-range versions of both cars will be called the Extended Range Model S or Model X, above which will be Performance versions of both cars.

All three models now share the largest 100-kilowatt-hour battery from the previous models, indicating that base models are now limited by software, not cell capacity. Buyers will have to turn to the actual range numbers to tell them apart.

The company has also cut prices by another $1,000.

DON'T MISS: Tesla cuts prices $2,000, almost hit 250,000 vehicles in 2018

For the Model S, the base version starts out at $85,000 and offers 310 miles of range. Buyers can opt for an extra 25 miles of range for an extra $8,000. Performance cars will be rated at 315 miles of range, but will no longer come standard with Ludicrous Mode. Buyers can order the extra 91 horsepower of Ludicrous Mode for an extra $20,000.

The Model X follows the same pricing structure for $3,000 more. With its bigger, heavier, and less aerodynamic body it gets lower range estimates of 270 miles for the base model and 295 with the Extended Range option, which costs the same as it does on the Model S. Performance versions of the Model X are rated at 289, and also require an extra $20,000 to enable Ludicrous Mode.

VW buggy, Porsche 911 Hybrid, Shell chargers, Tesla profits: Today’s Car News

2018 Tesla Model S and 2018 Tesla Model X
Tesla reported profits, and revealed new model lineups for its Model S and Model X—and another price cut. Volkswagen announced it will build a concept electric dune buggy for the Geneva auto show. Details of the upcoming Porsche 911 Hybrid have emerged. And Shell has bought its first charging network in North America. All this and more on Green Car Reports.

Profit reports are key, especially for a company like Tesla that has built a following of evangelists hoping to change the world, but whose ability to survive hinges on shoring up its shaky finances. In its most recent quarterly earnings call, Tesla revealed that it turned a profit and built up its cash reserves in the last quarter of 2018, while producing more cars than ever before.

The company also cut prices and introduced new base versions of the Model S sedan and Model X SUV with shorter range batteries limited by software, not cells.

VW will add to its portfolio of throwback electric models, at least in concept, with a new concept version of the classic Meyers Manx dune buggy based on the company's new “affordable electric” MEB architecture. It will reveal the concept at the Geneva auto show in March, and is considering putting it into production.

U.S. charging network operator Greenlots announced it has been bought by oil giant Shell. Shell has been gradually expanding into the electric-car charging business, but Greenlots chargers will be its first in the U.S.

Details have leaked out about two new hybrid systems that Porsche plans to put in its new 911. Unlike Porsche's other models, however, neither will plug in.

The Chinese company that builds electric Saabs, NEVS, bought a large stake in Swedish exotic carmaker Koenigsegg, which leads to speculation about more upcoming electric supercars.

Finally, there could be some consolation this weekend for fans whose team loses the Superbowl. Ride sharing service Uber is offering free rides in Los Angeles or Boston if their team loses the big game.

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Top Employer’s recognition for SEAT comes as a beacon for attracting external talent

Top Employer’s recognition for SEAT comes as a beacon for attracting external talent

MARTORELL, 31-Jan-2019 — /EuropaWire/ — SEAT’s recognition as a Top Employer in Spain consolidates the company’s commitment to the professional development of its more than 15,000 employees.

Top Employer has given the car maker its seal of approval for the fifth year in a row making SEAT one of the best companies to work for in Spain.

SEAT is the largest employer in the automotive sector in Spain. Some 97% of the workers have an open-ended contract with SEAT. Balancing work and private life, talent recruitment policies, specialised training in Industry 4.0 or the health and well-being service provided to all the professionals are examples of the company’s commitment to quality employment and attracting talent.

SEAT has worked over the past years to improve its human resources policy whereby working conditions, flexibility, career growth and employee well-being are at the core of every initiative.

Top Employer’s certificate evaluates businesses all over the world that offer the best working conditions and are the most attractive for employees.

In the Spain’s automotive sector, SEAT was the first company to receive this distinction.

SEAT Vice-president for Human Resources Xavier Ros:

“in a context where the sector’s professional profiles are going to change, the acknowledgement as Top Employer strengthens us on two fronts – firstly, it is a recognition to the entire workforce, so they can be even prouder to be working for SEAT and feel that their future lies with the company; and secondly, it is a beacon to attract external talent with different profiles, who might otherwise not consider they could have a prosperous career at a carmaker whose business model is undergoing a deep transformation.”

SEAT’s labour relations framework has been established by its collective bargaining agreement, signed back in 2016 and is notable for its flexibility and modernity.

Enhancements are made to the variable remuneration system and new measures have been put in place to boost competitiveness and make the company ready for the production increases that have taken place in recent years. The agreement consolidated the variable remuneration system, added an increase in several salary concepts and extended the social benefits provided to the workforce, such as the possibility of having more paid leave.

In addition SEAT has also implemented a new Employer Branding strategy with several initiatives to attract and retain talent. One of the most prominent was SEAT DisrUP. The event aims at connecting with the most promising talent by inviting young people to reflect on and come up with mobility solutions for users in large urban areas. All these initiatives are included in the SEAT Talent Xperience project that the company is promoting to attract professionals with a technical and digital profile to face the company’s future challenges.

In recent years, SEAT has invested close to 17 million euros annually in continuous training for its workforce. SEAT has implemented a training programme focusing on the future challenges posed by Industry 4.0, aimed at the entire workforce. To date, more than 2,000 employees have followed the programme.

SEAT’s worker healthcare and well-being service, spearheaded by the CARS Healthcare and Rehabilitation Centre, provides all SEAT employees with advanced preventive, healthcare and rehabilitation services in areas ranging from orthopedics, cardiology, gynecology and mental health to image diagnostics, physiotherapy, fitness and rehabilitation.

In 2018, more than 70,000 treatments were performed in these facilities for SEAT employees.

SOURCE: SEAT

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