Daimler said planned launches of battery-powered luxury cars were on schedule, following a report that they were facing delays because of battery shortages and other technical problems.
Ford shut down truck plants earlier this week because of parts shortages caused by a fire at a Michigan supplier. Production could continue this Friday.
Ford, BMW and Mercedes-Benz vehicles are allegedly being held up at China ports. The delays involved Ford being asked to do extra checks on emission components.
This is notable for collision repair because if insurance companies want to remain relevant, they’ll need to partner with OEMs as vehicles become more and more connected.
Mercedes-Benz Trucks has embraced 3-D printing, as it has approved its first “printed spare part made of metal." From here, Mercedes plans to use 3-D printing to make metal parts for engines, cooling systems, transmissions, axles, and even in the chassis.
Cars now proceed without a driver to their assigned parking space in response to a command issued by smartphone, without any need for the driver to supervise the maneuver. Automated valet parking marks an important milestone on the way to autonomous driving, Daimler said.
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