MARCH 9, 2006Trade Commission Investigates Alleged Patent Infringement By Toyota
WASHINGTON (Feb. 10, 2006) - The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has voted to institute an investigation of certain combination motor and transmission systems and devices used in hybrid vehicles and components imported into the United States by Toyota Motor Corp. of Japan and two of its American-based subsidiaries. The three parties have been named as respondents to a pending investigation by the ITC.
The ITC is an independent, non-partisan, quasi-judicial federal agency. The investigation is based on a Jan.10, 2006 complaint filed by Florida-based Solomon Technologies Inc. (STI), alleging violations of Section 337 of the 1930 Tariff Act, and an infringement of a patent owned by STI. A supplemental letter was filed on Jan. 30, in which the complainant requested that the ITC issue an exclusion order and a permanent cease and desist order.
It should be noted that by instituting this investigation (Ref. No. 337-TA-561), the ITC has not yet made any decision on the merits of the case. The case will be referred to ITC administrative law judge Paul J. Luckern who will schedule and hold an evidentiary hearing. Judge Luckern will make an initial determination as to whether there is a violation of Section 337; that initial determination is subject to review by the commission. Final decisions of the ITC commission in Section 337 cases are effective when issued, and become final 60 days after issuance, unless disapproved for policy reasons by the U.S. Trade Representative within that 60-day period.
(Source: ITC)Advanced Hybrid Braking Technologies Not That Far OffLIVONIA, MI (Feb. 9, 2006) - TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. is developing advanced regenerative braking technologies that integrate the enhanced safety of electronic stability control systems for hybrid vehicle and similar architectures.
(Photo: TRW)
The company is developing two systems: Slip Control Boost (SCB) and Active Hydraulic Boost (AHB). These systems, says TRW, offer full braking functionality for hybrid electric vehicles while incorporating high-performance Electronic Stability Control and brake actuation within a12-volt system architecture. The systems can cover a range of vehicles from small passenger cars to sport utility vehicles.
"TRW is developing these advanced systems with the dual goals of providing a regenerative braking system that assists in boosting the power performance and fuel economy of hybrid vehicles, while providing a braking system with excellent safety capabilities," said Josef Pickenhahn, vice president, Brake Engineering for TRW Automotive. "We are already in discussions with several global vehicle manufacturers who are expressing interest in these systems."
SCB offers a fully integrated stability and brake actuation system that replaces traditional boosters, master cylinders and vacuum pumps with an electro-hydraulic control unit (EHCU), and brake pedal simulator unit with a twin master cylinder to supply brake pressure. This offers several advantages, says the company, including ease of installation with fewer components to fit; improved packaging in the front dash area versus traditional vacuum boosters; a decoupled brake pedal that is ideal for integration into autonomous or emergency braking systems; and improved noise, vibration and handling characteristics. The SCB system is targeted for production in the 2007 calendar year.
AHB is compatible with any electronic stability control system and only replaces the brake actuation system with the EHCU, pedal simulator and master cylinder solution. AHB offers the same advantages as the SCB system and provides a single slip control system trim across a full vehicle platform of conventional and hybrid vehicles. The AHB system is targeted for production in the 2009 calendar year.
Regenerative braking allows a vehicle to recapture and store part of the kinetic energy that would otherwise be lost to heat when braking. This energy is used to recharge the electric batteries and save on fuel in a hybrid architecture. An electric motor can either use electricity to create torque, or reverse the process to use torque to create electricity. In the case of regenerative braking, the torque created by the electric propulsion motors is applied to one or both of the axles to slow or stop the vehicle. Because this regenerative force is not able to meet all the needs for braking over all speeds and conditions, conventional friction braking is also required and is blended with the motor torque to achieve full braking.
(Source: TRW)
IL Votes Down Bill to ProtectUsed Car Buyers
SPRINGFIELD, IL (March 3, 2006) - The Illinois Senate narrowly defeated a bill that would have given Illinois consumers access to critical accident information before they purchase a used car. The "Used Car Buyers Right to Know Bill" (S.B. 1839) would have allowed the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to make police-reported accident records publicly available.
Each year, more than 800,000 vehicles are involved in police-reported accidents on Illinois roads. IDOT collects an electronic record of these accidents and the damage that the vehicles involved sustain, but this information is never disclosed to Illinois consumers. According to the Used Car Buyers Right to Know Coalition, the Illinois Auto Dealers Association, a powerful lobby, came out strongly against the bill and had been fighting the release of this information to consumers for the past two years.
As a result, Illinois and Oregon remain the only two states that do not make this information publicly available to consumers.
(Source: The Used Car Buyers Right to Know Coalition)
Japanese Shifting to ElectronicPower Steering Systems
LONDON (Feb. 9, 2006) - According to research by Frost & Sullivan, the Japanese automotive steering systems market is shifting away from hydraulic power steering (HPS) systems toward electric power steering (EPS) systems. "EPS systems are experiencing increasing demand, as well as penetration, and are likely to almost completely overtake HPS systems by 2020," says Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Jatin Khanna.
Pressure on suppliers to develop solutions in steering systems economically is driving the change. Although approximately one-third more expensive than conventional HPS systems, EPS systems offer exceptional fuel economy and energy savings that more than offset the HPS initial cost advantage. This is because EPS draws power on demand and is able to achieve an 85 percent higher efficiency in converting electrical to mechanical energy. In addition, EPS provides a fuel savings as high as 0.2 to 0.3 liters per 100 kilometers compared to HPS.
"There is little doubt that EPS is the technology of the decade for Japan because it offers better fuel economy, advanced features and higher scope for integration," says Khanna.
(Source: Frost & Sullivan)
New AMI Web Site OffersInteractive Features
BEDFORD, TX - In order to meet the technological demands of students and faculty, the Automotive Management Institute (AMI) has launched a redesigned Web site, using the latest in Internet technology. The new site, accessed at www.AMIonline.org, features a new look, easy navigation and several unique interactive elements.
As one of the Institute's most accessed resources, the new site now specifically serves a variety of audiences including current and prospective students, alumni, instructors, partners and media. After nearly a year of planning and collaboration, the site's 1,000-plus pages have been updated with a new look, including AMI's course calendar, online catalog and informational sections.
The core of the newly redesigned site is the ability for students and alumni to access their class transcripts online. Using a unique student ID and user-created password, a student can see what classes have been taken, the number of credits he or she has accumulated and how many more credits are needed for graduation. In addition, students and alumni may change their student profile information online.
"The objective was to develop an easy-to-navigate, informative Web site for our many audiences," said AMI Executive Director Toni Slaton, AAM. "The site's new interactive feature that gives students the ability to view their transcripts online is very exciting, as this information - typically send by traditional mail - is now delivered within seconds."
AMI has also implemented instant messaging technology throughout its site. With the click of a mouse button, visitors are instantly connected with a representative to answer any questions about AMI. This new live chat feature does not require the user to have additional software.
The institute has also created audience-specific blogs for the exchange of management tips, discussion and ideas. Blogs have been created for AMI students, alumni and partners and instructors. Blog content is updated bimonthly and features the ability for visitors to leave comments and suggestions.
"The Web site's instant messaging technology tool helps visitors who need additional assistance or information. Visitors can also use this tool to let us know how we're doing, and make suggestions and recommendations for improvement," said AMI Chairman John Francis, AAM.
VW Introduces 3D Navigation System PALO ALTO, CA (Feb. 3, 2006) - Volkswagen of America Inc., Google and computer chip maker nVidia have joined forces to create a three-dimensional in-car navigation system. A prototype was introduced at the recent Consumer Electronics Show. The new technology will enable the driver and passengers to be able to recognize where they are in relation to the surrounding topography, especially in urban areas that are depicted with depth and accurate size relationships between buildings and roads.(Photo: VW)
Highlights of Volkswagen's prototype vehicle include a vehicle-centric touch-screen interface to Google Earth with state-of-the-art graphics, accurate three-dimensional maps and real-time traffic updates and routing. The open system uses the power of the Web to maintain a dynamic database of current information on restaurants, dealerships, gas stations and other points of interest that can be overlaid directly onto the user's 3D map. Volkswagen says the new accessory will be available on showroom floors in the near future.
(Source: Volkswagen of America Inc.)
Holding the line on sales: Net sales dipped slightly from $18.7 billion in 2004, to $17 billion in 2005. Considering that Visteon sold off businesses and plants in October 2005, staying close to 2004 levels, that in itself is noteworthy.
Losses narrowed: After a large net loss of $1.5 billion in 2004, the company's 2005 net loss was $270 million. Narrowing of that magnitude in a year affirms that restructuring and rethinking its business is working.
Sell where there's profit: In 2004, sales to Ford accounted for 70 percent of overall Visteon sales. In 2005, Ford related sales were reduced to just 62 percent of total sales. There's an implied lesson to other suppliers here - focusing on more profitable OEMs and less on unprofitable automotive operations, who then squeeze supplier margins, makes sense.
Improve free cash and reduce debt: As shown in the table, Visteon improved cash holdings while also reducing the company's debt load.
Commenting on the 2005 results, Visteon CEO Michael F. Johnston said, "We have established a sustainable business model and solid action plans to strengthen our results and create value for our customers, employees and shareholders."
(Source: Visteon)
DCX Provides LAX With Hydrogen-Powered VehiclesLOS ANGELES (Feb. 10, 2006) - DaimlerChrysler (DCX), in conjunction with its hydrogen partners BP and Praxair, presented Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) with five fuel cell-powered Mercedes-Benz cars to use in its fleet. This experience will further the development and experience with this zero-emission technology. The vehicles will be fueled at BP/Praxair's retail-designed hydrogen fueling station at the airport.
The five DCX hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are joining the largest alternative-fuel airport fleet in the nation, where more than 50 percent of the vehicles use alternative fuels, including compressed natural gas, liquid natural gas, propane and hybrid-electric and solar-power. In addition, they are part of DCX's fleet of more than100 fuel cell vehicles in use around the world.
DCX Vice President of Advance Vehicle Engineering Mark Chernoby said the project would improve public awareness of hydrogen fuel cells and the effort of industry and government to create viable alternate fuel solutions. "We're pleased to be a driving force in this team effort to develop fuel cell technology."
(Source: DaimlerChrysler)
Updated Inspection Standards Available to MAP MembersBETHESDA, MD - The revised and newly expanded Motor Assurance Program (MAP) Uniform Inspection Communication Standards (UICS) for each of the seven systems - Brakes, Drive Line/Transmission, Electrical, Engine Performance, Exhaust, HVAC and Steering & Suspension (including Tires & Wheels) - are available from the groups' Web site in Adobe Acrobat PDF format. This format allows members to download the standards and save them to a computer.
In addition, a CD version will be made available soon that includes a special look-up database. It will contain the MAP 2006 UICS in a Microsoft Access database where you can look-up program by component. It also will include the MAP check sheets, the recently revised consumer handout brochures (in camera-ready format) and other MAP information.
(Source: MAP)
Standard Mileage Rate Changes AgainWASHINGTON - The rate used to calculate the deductible costs of operating a vehicle for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes has been lowered to 44.5 cents per mile for applicable miles driven in 2006. The rate was lowered from the 48.5 cents allowed in the last four months of 2005, which was instituted in response to the sharp increase in fuel costs. The 2006 rate does reflect an increase from the 2005 rate of 40.5 cents per mile.
Purolator Sold To Bosch and MANN+HUMMELSTUTTGART, GERMANY (Feb. 23, 2008) - The Bosch Group and MANN+HUMMEL plan to acquire the Purolator filter business from ArvinMeritor on or about April 1, 2006. The business will be continued as a 50/50 joint venture company from that date.
The acquisition covers all Purolator oil, air, fuel and cabin filters for both the OE and aftermarket sectors. The acquisition is subject to approval by the relevant authorities.
"Expanding our filter business is an integral part of our growth strategy in the Automotive Aftermarket Division," says Peter Tyroller, Bosch board of management member.
(Source: Robert Bosch Corp.)
Audi Partners withElton John Aids Foundation
AUBURN HILLS, MI - In preparation for the introduction of the 2007 Audi Q7, Audi of America has launched a pair of initiatives to spark consumer awareness of the new performance SUV and the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF). Consumers can register to win a driving trip for four to the Rocky Mountains or the Utah canyon lands. Concurrently, potential Audi customers will have an opportunity to have a donation made to the EJAF in their name, courtesy of Audi.
By visiting the Q7 Web site at www.audiusa.com/audiq7, browsers can register to win one of two Driving Adventure vacations. Each trip for four includes an Audi Q7 for the drive and accommodations at local luxury resorts in each region along the drive routes. Participants can register once a day between March 1, 2006 and May 15, 2006. Winners will take their driving vacations in the June/July timeframe.
Additionally, Audi has partnered with the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF), a non-profit organization in pursuit to eliminate HIV and AIDS. Audi sponsored the 14th annual Academy Awards Viewing Dinner and After Party to Benefit the EJAF on Sunday, March 5. A 2007 Audi Q7 was auctioned off at the benefit, and the proceeds will go to the EJAF.
A second fundraising program is the "Test Drive an Audi to Help Fight AIDS" program was developed to assist the EJAF towards their goal of eliminating the HIV and AIDS viruses. Donations of $50 and $500 are given for prospective owners who test drive or buy/lease a new Audi vehicle, respectively. This new program will take place in the greater New York, Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco areas. Prospective owners will be sent EJAF incentive cards. Those cardholders who test drive an Audi will have a $50 donation made in their name to the EJAF. Cardholders that purchase or lease a new Audi will have a $500 donation made in their name. This program will run from March 1, 2006 through Dec. 31, 2006.
