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Coming to the Lyft app: Bikes!

Starting in early May, select Lyft users in New York City will begin to see a new mode of transportation available in the app: bikes! As we work to make cities better places to live and increase mobility, we see bikeshare as an integral part of our vision. There’s no question that a platform for… Continue reading Coming to the Lyft app: Bikes!

Tesla Fremont Factory Insights, Tesla Innovation, & Tesla Communications — CleanTech Talk with Ross Gerber, Part 2

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Published on April 14th, 2019 |

by Zachary Shahan

Tesla Fremont Factory Insights, Tesla Innovation, & Tesla Communications — CleanTech Talk with Ross Gerber, Part 2

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April 14th, 2019 by Zachary Shahan

For our hot new CleanTech Talk podcast interview series, I recently sat down with Ross Gerber, cofounder, president, and CEO of Gerber Kawasaki Wealth and Investment Management, to discuss Tesla innovation, Tesla’s vehicle and manufacturing platforms, the media, Tesla communications and marketing, and more.

The conversation was approximately one hour long, so to cut it down into more manageable portions, we’ve split it up into a few episodes. Listen to this and other episodes on your favorite podcast platform (options are listen below) or via this embedded player:

You can subscribe and listen to CleanTech Talk is on: Anchor, Breaker, Google Podcasts, iTunes, Overcast, Pocket, Radio Public, SoundCloud, and Stitcher.

In this portion of our CleanTech Talk podcast discussion with Ross, we discussed why AOL (the beginning of Ross’s investment life) worked out for him, why he missed early investment opportunities in Amazon and Google, and how all of those relate to Tesla. He highlighted the importance of Tesla’s global vehicle production platform, the company’s battery leadership, and Tesla’s (Elon’s) propensity for risk.

We also discussed our mutual takeaway from visiting the Tesla Fremont factory recently — that the atmosphere inside Tesla is much different from the perception of the company you get from the media. I wrote about that in a full article last month if you want to dive in further on that topic.

We also spent some time specifically focused on the simple topic of having a battery supply plan. Tesla long ago cemented its battery supply plan and that has been critical to mass production of the Model 3. On the contrary, just a few years ago, I got word from a Volkswagen Group company exec that the board hadn’t decided at that point whether to produce its own batteries in a similar way as Tesla or simply stick to procurement. That was a clear sign to me at the time that Volkswagen Group was still years behind and wasn’t yet in the process of catching up to Tesla.

We discussed the challenges of mass producing batteries, the limited battery supply any popular electric model is going to have if battery companies like LG Chem are conservatively averaging out the demand for dozens of electric models and not prepared for a spike in demand for one or two super compelling models, and also the automaker conspiracy to design ugly electric cars.

Ross highlighted the BMW i3 as an example. Not realizing I have a BMW i3, he used some especially harsh language to explain how much he hated it, which had me almost cracking up on the other side. 😀 I almost noted that I have the i3 and actually love it, but that would have been a tangent I didn’t want this podcast focused on and I totally understand why many people have the view of the i3 that Ross has. Indeed, I think BMW massively dropped the ball on the styling of the i3 and it would have done much better — especially in the US (it’s quite popular in Europe) — if BMW had tried to make it more conventionally appealing, like the stunningly beautiful BMW i8 (which is rather useless and lame due to its tiny battery but is a beautiful vehicle).

But getting back to the topic of the podcast, and Ross’s point, I brought up an old article I wrote that was a big hit and is one of my favorites of all time. The original article satirically highlighted 22 ways to delay the EV revolution, and then I expanded that to 50 ways. The sad thing is that those methods are basically as relevant today as they were in 2016.

Ross enthusiastically highlighted how different Tesla’s approach to cars is, something you can see at the factory as well as from owning a Tesla. Tesla vehicles are more like iPhones, platforms that you can continuously build off of, than traditional combustion engine vehicles.

That launched me into some of my top takeaways from CleanTechnica’s tour of the Tesla Fremont factory. At the factory, you see over and over again how intently Tesla is focused on rapid innovation and improvement. As one element of that, it has a unique system for tracking every single part in the car and the manufacturing process, so that when there is an issue, they can quickly go back, identify its origins, and fix the problem in order to speed up or improve production from there on out. There’s a clear directive, as well, to test out anything that has a 60% chance of improvement the production process. If it doesn’t work, revert. If it works, you’ve improved your manufacturing system. Those core elements of the production system help Tesla to achieve tremendous capital efficiency, something former Tesla CFO Deepak Ahuja highlighted on multiple conference calls. That’s the kind of mindset and corporate policy that helped a seat production line with a theoretical max capacity of 5,000 seats a week to reach a new max production capacity of 7,000 seats a week (theoretically, for now).

Then we somehow slid into a discussion of Tesla communications and marketing. As a communications person myself, and with Ross being a self-described communications person, I found this portion of the discussion particularly interesting. We talked about Tesla’s need to highlight more of the top-notch engineers who are making Tesla such a wonderful success, the need to frame the discussion better, and simply the need to take this aspect of the business a bit more seriously.

We took a short jump over the communications divide to pontificate on the media’s role in the matter, as well. Ross highlighted that most in the media almost certainly do have good intentions, but they are also easily manipulated. He quickly noted that’s been the case with Donald Trump, who has quite effectively used the media to his own benefit, and that Tesla’s opponents are doing the same thing via anti-Tesla FUD. Many in the media just far too easily fall for these tricks.

You can listen to or read about the first portion of this three-part interview here, and stay tuned for the third part, coming tomorrow.

Interested in buying a Tesla Model 3, Model S, or Model X? Need a referral code to get 1,000 miles of free Supercharging? Use ours: http://ts.la/tomasz7234 (or use someone else’s).

About the Author

Zachary Shahan Zach is tryin' to help society help itself (and other species). He spends most of his time here on CleanTechnica as its director and chief editor. He's also the president of Important Media and the director/founder of EV Obsession and Solar Love. Zach is recognized globally as an electric vehicle, solar energy, and energy storage expert. He has presented about cleantech at conferences in India, the UAE, Ukraine, Poland, Germany, the Netherlands, the USA, and Canada.

Zach has long-term investments in TSLA, FSLR, SPWR, SEDG, & ABB — after years of covering solar and EVs, he simply has a lot of faith in these particular companies and feels like they are good cleantech companies to invest in. But he offers no professional investment advice and would rather not be responsible for you losing money, so don't jump to conclusions.

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Nidec Announces In-Wheel Motor Prototype for Electric Vehicles

Nidec’s new in-wheel traction motor developed based on the company’s E-Axle product line

Kyoto, Japan: Following last year's reveal of Nidec's fully integrated traction motor system E-Axle and the announcement that the product will be adopted by the Aion S super e-car slated to appear on the Chinese market in May 2019, the company now presents a prototype of a new addition to its lineup of motors powering electric vehicles: a traction motor designed to be fitted inside the wheel hubs.

While regular EV traction motors generally occupy the engine compartment, in-wheel motors, as their name implies, are incorporated directly into the wheels of the automobile. Benefits of this set-up include higher efficiency as a result of driving the wheels directly and bypassing the need for conventional power transmission mechanisms. In turn, this allows for lighter and more compact designs. Additionally, independent control of..

Nidec Announces A Change in Shareholder Benefit Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nidec Corporation

Tokyo Stock Exchange code: 6594

Contact: Masahiro Nagayasu
General Manager
Investor Relations
+81-75-935-6140
ir@nidec.com

Released on March 7, 2019, in Kyoto, Japan

Nidec Announces A Change in Shareholder Benefit Program

Nidec Corporation (TSE: 6594; OTC US: NJDCY) (the “Company”) today announced that its Board of Directors has resolved to make a change in its shareholder benefit program at a meeting held on March 6, 2019, as outlined below.

1. Reason and purpose for the change
The Company will change partially its shareholder benefit program in order to thank shareholders for their continuing support, help its shareholders better understand Nidec group’s business, and encourage more shareholders to hold the Company’s shares continuously in the medium and long term by enhancing investment attraction of the Company’s shares.
2. Details of the change

Before the Change
After the Change

Eligible
shareholders　
The program will apply ..

Via Announces Strategic Partnership with ITOCHU Corporation and Mori Building Company

Published April 14, 2019 10:00 pm, Via NYC
Via Announces Strategic Partnership with ITOCHU Corporation and Mori Building Company
The new partnership allows for dramatic growth of on-demand mobility in Japan

April 15, 2019 (Tokyo, Japan) — Via, the world’s leading provider and developer of on-demand shared mobility solutions, announced today a strategic partnership with ITOCHU Corporation and Mori Building Company. Following on the heels of the August 2018 launch of HillsVia, a commuter service for Mori employees, the new partnership will allow Via to rapidly expand its dynamic, on-demand transportation solutions and solve pressing transit issues across Japan.

“We are delighted for ITOCHU and Mori Building to join us as strategic partners and investors,” said Daniel Ramot, co-founder and CEO of Via. “ITOCHU’s bold vision to transform consumer experiences and mobility infrastructure and Mori Building’s success in innovating urban living make both companies invaluable partners as we work to provide cutting-edge mobility solutions that are smart, efficient, and help to reduce congestion and emissions in Japan.”

Via is able to seamlessly integrate with existing fixed-route transportation infrastructure, helping to fill in gaps where existing transit isn’t easily accessible. Via’s technology efficiently works to aggregate multiple passengers into shared vehicles, reducing single-occupancy vehicle trips, thus improving traffic congestion and curtailing carbon emissions. The easy-to-use mobile interface is suited to riders of all ages, including the elderly.

As one of the country’s largest general trading companies, ITOCHU has a deep understanding of the Japanese consumer market, leading the pack when it comes to investing in transformative technologies like Via that will both innovate transportation and solve local governments’ most pressing issues. Via’s technology and operational experience is uniquely suited to the Japanese market, where Via operates as Via Japan.

“We are excited to partner with Via to support a more convenient transportation system in Japan,” said Shunsuke Noda, ITOCHU Chief Digital & Information Officer. “We believe that Via’s cutting-edge solution will be widely accepted in the Japanese market through strategic partnerships with existing transportation operators.”

Leading Tokyo-based urban developer Mori Building began its partnership with Via in August 2018, developing the on-demand mobility HillsVia solution for travel between Mori Building properties, such as Roppongi Hills and Toranomon Hills. Using the Via-powered HillsVia mobile app, Mori Building employees can book rides in high-end V-Class vans provided by Mercedes-Benz to move amongst the properties. The program confirmed that Via’s solutions can be successfully applied to Japanese business customs and traffic conditions.

“Through our trial of HillsVia since last summer, we have experienced the usefulness of Via’s unique algorism for urban lifestyle. Via’s solution will contribute to solving the problems of urban transportation such as traffic congestion and environmental pollution,” said Masahiko Ogasawara, a Director & Executive Managing Officer for Mori Building. “This service will improve city life by increasing transportation options in urban areas.”

In partnership with ITOCHU and Mori Building, Via aims to provide Japanese transportation companies and drivers with new technology that will both improve their organizational profitability, as well as solve social problems throughout Japan.

Via has been tapped by cities and transit authorities in more than 60 markets in 15 countries around the world, including several deployments in Asia. In addition to Mori’s corporate shuttle system, Via also powers a public transportation network to transform Angot in Indonesia in cooperation with PT. Teknologi Rancang Olah Nusantara (affiliated with Digiasia Bios), and two on-demand bus services in Singapore, including one with Singapore’s Land Transportation Authority. To learn more about Via, visit www.platform.ridewithvia.com.

About Via

Via is re-engineering public transit, from a regulated system of rigid routes and schedules to a fully dynamic, on-demand network. Via’s mobile app connects multiple passengers who are headed the same way, allowing riders to seamlessly share a premium vehicle. First launched in New York City in September 2013, the Via platform operates in the United States and in Europe through its joint venture with Mercedes-Benz Vans, ViaVan. Via’s technology is also deployed worldwide through dozens of partner projects with public transportation agencies, private transit operators, taxi fleets, private companies, and universities, seamlessly integrating with public transit infrastructure to power cutting-edge on-demand mobility. For more information, visit www.platform.ridewithvia.com.

About ITOCHU Corporation

With 110 offices in 63 countries, ITOCHU, one of the leading sogo shosha, engages in domestic trading, import/export and overseas trading of various products such as textile, machinery, metals, minerals, energy, chemicals, food, general products, realty, information and communications technology, and finance, as well as business investment in Japan and overseas. ITOCHU Corporation was founded by Chubei Itoh in 1858 and now employs 4,380 people globally.

About Mori Building Company

Mori Building is an innovative urban developer based in Tokyo. The company is committed to maximizing the magnetic power of cities by creating and nurturing safe, sustainable and cosmopolitan urban centers based on its unique Vertical Garden City concept of high-rise centers for business, education, leisure and residence. The concept is applied in the company’s many leading-edge projects, including ARK Hills, Omotesando Hills, Roppongi Hills and Toranomon Hills in Tokyo and the Shanghai World Financial Center. Mori Building is also engaged in real estate leasing, project management and consultation. Please visit www.mori.co.jp/en

UPDATE 3-Former Volkswagen CEO Winterkorn charged with fraud by German prosecutors

FRANKFURT/BERLIN (Reuters) – German prosecutors charged former Volkswagen boss Martin Winterkorn with fraud on Monday over his role in the carmaker’s manipulation of diesel emissions testing, more than three years after the scandal came to light. The German case comes nearly a year after the United States filed charges against Winterkorn, accusing him of conspiring… Continue reading UPDATE 3-Former Volkswagen CEO Winterkorn charged with fraud by German prosecutors

China plays key role in Volkswagen Group’s e-mobility strategy

China will play a key role in the Volkswagen group’s global transformation and its accompanying decarbonization program. Thus, this year will see an intensified roll-out of new energy models. Volkswagen Group China aims to produce more than half of the group’s global objective of 22 million BEVs by 2028. To speed up its e-offensive, it… Continue reading China plays key role in Volkswagen Group’s e-mobility strategy

Nuance Automotive Powers MG Hector, India’s First Internet Car

NEW DELHI and BURLINGTON, Mass., April 15, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nuance Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: NUAN) and MG Motor, a SAIC company, today announced that they have partnered to bring Nuance’s conversational AI-powered mobility assistant to MG cars worldwide, starting with MG Hector, India’s first internet-enabled car. Hector will feature MG Motor’s new iSMART Next… Continue reading Nuance Automotive Powers MG Hector, India’s First Internet Car

Ford Strengthens Commercial Vehicle Leadership in First Quarter; High-Series and Retail Sales Grow

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 Strengthens Commercial Vehicle Leadership in First Quarter; High-Series and Retail Sales Grow

T-Systems announces partnership with Israeli automotive cyber security specialist

BONN, 4-Apr-2019 — /EuropaWire/ — T-Systems teams up with Argus Cyber Security, an independent subsidiary of Continental, for car cyber defense. The partnership was announced at the Hanover Industrial Trade Fair. T-Systems announced in mid-March about its plans for a Security Operations Center specializing in vehicles (Automotive SOC). T-Systems brings Argus as an important partner on board.

Argus Cyber Security is an Israeli automotive cyber security specialist. Argus has a highly developed Information and Event Management System (SIEM) for cars as well as in-vehicle solutions which car manufacturers (OEMs) and fleet operators use to identify connected vehicles anomalies.

“We are currently seeing a new peak of 32 million daily attacks on our systems. Attackers don’t stop in front of our cars either. The connected vehicle needs a digital bodyguard and real-time cyber defense” comments T-Systems CEO Adel Al-Saleh.

Robust solution for protecting vehicles

Werner Koestler, Head of Strategy, Interior Division, Continental comments: “We are delighted that Argus and T-Systems are working together to develop a comprehensive and robust solution for cyber security in the automotive sector – from the vehicle to the cloud and beyond. We are bringing together the largest IT service provider in the automotive industry in Germany with Argus. The joint solution will strengthen cyber security in cars. This will enable OEMs and fleet operators to realize their vision of safe and secure mobility.”

Yoni Heilbronn, Chief Marketing Officer of Argus Cyber Security comments: “Argus’ focus has always been on averting attacks on the automotive industry and anticipating future threats. Together with T-Systems, we will offer customers an advanced and robust Automotive Security Operation Center. To do this we link, fuse and analyze multiple data sources. This enables automakers to respond immediately to threats. In addition, the Automotive SOC helps the industry to act with foresight – even in ever-changing threat situations which are inherent to cyber security.”

About Argus:

Argus was founded in 2013, headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israel, with offices in Michigan, Silicon Valley, Stuttgart and Tokyo. A global leader in automotive cyber security, Argus provides comprehensive and proven solution suites to protect connected cars and commercial vehicles against cyber-attacks. The company has decades of experience in both cyber security and the automotive industry. Argus offers innovative security methods and proven computer networking know-how with a deep understanding of automotive best practices. Argus is an independent company of Elektrobit, a leading provider of automotive software products and services.

About Continental:

Continental was founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. The company develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. In 2018, Continental generated preliminary sales of € 44.4 billion and currently employs around 244,000 people in 60 countries and markets.

Information management in and beyond the vehicle is at the very heart of the Interior division. The product portfolio for different types of vehicles includes: instrument clusters, multifunctional and head-up displays, control units, access control and tire-information systems, radios, infotainment systems, input devices, control panels, climate control units, software, cockpits as well as services and solutions for telematics and Intelligent Transportation Systems. The Interior division employs around 48,000 people worldwide and generated sales of €9.7 billion in 2018.

SOURCE: Deutsche Telekom AG

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