Wednesday, November 10, 2010
RelaDyne launched to provide first-of-its-kind equipment reliability products and services platform in U.S. lubrication markets
CINCINNATI, Nov. 10, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- A rapid transformation is taking place among commercial and industrial businesses that rely on critical manufacturing, transportation and process equipment in the United States, prompting an unprecedented response from four leading lubricant product and services companies. Backed by the international private equity investment firm AEA Investors LP, the four businesses have joined forces to form RelaDyne, Inc. The new company offers an industry-leading comprehensive platform of products and services to fulfill the unmet customer needs of industrial and commercial equipment users, as well as service centers in the automotive sector.
Audi A8 Hybrid To Debut In 2012 With Four Cylinder Engine
Audi is getting ready to launch an A8 Hybrid with a four-cylinder engine that will compete with the upcoming Mercedes-Benz S250 CDI, which uses a 4-cylinder diesel motor, and the S400 Hybrid.
With a front-drive only V6 version of the A8 already on sale, the 4-cylinder hybrid model is a naturally progression for that brand, while still maintaining the premium positioning that luxury hybrids enjoy.
With a front-drive only V6 version of the A8 already on sale, the 4-cylinder hybrid model is a naturally progression for that brand, while still maintaining the premium positioning that luxury hybrids enjoy.
TIREMAX Awards Multiple Franchises in Less Than a Month
"We take great pride in growing our brand the right way, and we are passionate about providing the best customer service," said Christopher T. Wilkerson, president of The TIREMAX Corporation. "Additionally, we are committed to meeting our objectives to expand geographically and markets are selling fast. If we stay on our current track, we'll awarded 10 additional franchisees in the southern U.S. by the end of the year."
According to PricewaterhouseCoopers, the automotive franchise industry, excluding dealers, generates around $25 billion in sales annually and employs over 175,000 people in 35,600 franchise establishments. And, the decline in new car sales can be viewed as good news for the auto franchise industry.
According to PricewaterhouseCoopers, the automotive franchise industry, excluding dealers, generates around $25 billion in sales annually and employs over 175,000 people in 35,600 franchise establishments. And, the decline in new car sales can be viewed as good news for the auto franchise industry.
Analysts Ratings: Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (NYSE: GS) Boosts Estimates on TRW Automotive (NYSE: TRW)
Equities research analysts at Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (NYSE: GS) boosted their earnings per share estimates on shares of TRW Automotive (NYSE: TRW) in a research note to investors on Friday, with a “neutral” rating.
TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. (TRW Automotive) is a diversified supplier of automotive systems, modules and components to global automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and related aftermarkets. It conducts all of its operations through subsidiaries. These operations primarily encompass the design, manufacture and sale of active and passive safety related products. Active safety related products principally refer to vehicle dynamic controls (primarily braking and steering), and passive safety related products principally refer to occupant
TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. (TRW Automotive) is a diversified supplier of automotive systems, modules and components to global automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and related aftermarkets. It conducts all of its operations through subsidiaries. These operations primarily encompass the design, manufacture and sale of active and passive safety related products. Active safety related products principally refer to vehicle dynamic controls (primarily braking and steering), and passive safety related products principally refer to occupant
CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, INC. LIFTED TO BUY AT GLOBAL HUNTER SECURITIES, SHARES UP (CAAS)
Nov 10, 2010 (SmarTrend News Watch via COMTEX) -- China Automotive Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CAAS) was upgraded from Neutral to Buy at Global Hunter Securities Wednesday.
Global Hunter Securities has a price target of $18.50 for the firm.
China Automotive Systems manufactures power steering systems and other related products for different segments of the automobile industry in China.
Global Hunter Securities has a price target of $18.50 for the firm.
China Automotive Systems manufactures power steering systems and other related products for different segments of the automobile industry in China.
Honda takes Japan Car of the Year
Honda's sporty CR-Z Hybrid has been voted Japan's Car of the Year by a panel of influential automotive journalists.
Honda took the 2010-2011 award on November 9, after narrowly missing out on the gong last year when it lost to Toyota for the hybrid Prius.
The CR-Z which retails for Y2.268 million (€19,985) in Japan, was unveiled earlier this year and touted as the first hybrid sports car, managing to travel 25 km per liter of fuel.
Honda took the 2010-2011 award on November 9, after narrowly missing out on the gong last year when it lost to Toyota for the hybrid Prius.
The CR-Z which retails for Y2.268 million (€19,985) in Japan, was unveiled earlier this year and touted as the first hybrid sports car, managing to travel 25 km per liter of fuel.
SOUTH KOREA: FTA compromise will not hurt Korean industy say analysts
South Korean trade delegates have backed down on a number of automotive regulations in talks with their US counterparts this week although analysts say this is unlikely to have a significant impact on the country’s carmakers.
South Korea’s apparent compromises on automotive clauses in the Korea-U.S. free trade agreement sparked domestic criticism from the opposition parties and civic groups, but industry experts say that the effects on the domestic industry will be limited.
The Korean side is reported to have conceded to putting a 5% cap on customs refund on automobile parts that are imported and used in exported vehicles.
Unlike Korea’s trade pact with the E.U., such a clause was not included in the original Korea-U.S. FTA.
While the change may not deal significant damages to Korean carmakers, US OEMs could stand to gain from some apparent backtracking on environmental regulations.
According to reports, Seoul is reviewing exempting up to 10,000 vehicles each year from the new fuel economy and greenhouse gas emission standards that will go into effect in 2015. Korea had originally intended to exempt brands with an annual sales figure of less than 1,000 units from the new rules.
From 2015, vehicles able to seat 10 or less people will be required to either meet the 17 kilometers per liter fuel economy standard or emit less than 140 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre.
While U.S. carmakers will be exempt from strengthened rules, industry officials say that it is too early to predict the extent of the advantage gained and that it will not be lopsided.
According to Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association (KAMA) data, Hyundai Motor Co.’s plant in Alabama produced about 230,000 vehicles during the first nine months of the year, while Kia Motors Corp.’s facility in Georgia rolled out 96,000 vehicles during the same period.
South Korea’s apparent compromises on automotive clauses in the Korea-U.S. free trade agreement sparked domestic criticism from the opposition parties and civic groups, but industry experts say that the effects on the domestic industry will be limited.
The Korean side is reported to have conceded to putting a 5% cap on customs refund on automobile parts that are imported and used in exported vehicles.
Unlike Korea’s trade pact with the E.U., such a clause was not included in the original Korea-U.S. FTA.
While the change may not deal significant damages to Korean carmakers, US OEMs could stand to gain from some apparent backtracking on environmental regulations.
According to reports, Seoul is reviewing exempting up to 10,000 vehicles each year from the new fuel economy and greenhouse gas emission standards that will go into effect in 2015. Korea had originally intended to exempt brands with an annual sales figure of less than 1,000 units from the new rules.
From 2015, vehicles able to seat 10 or less people will be required to either meet the 17 kilometers per liter fuel economy standard or emit less than 140 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre.
While U.S. carmakers will be exempt from strengthened rules, industry officials say that it is too early to predict the extent of the advantage gained and that it will not be lopsided.
According to Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association (KAMA) data, Hyundai Motor Co.’s plant in Alabama produced about 230,000 vehicles during the first nine months of the year, while Kia Motors Corp.’s facility in Georgia rolled out 96,000 vehicles during the same period.
Corporate downsizing at General Motors ends Mr. Goodwrench career
General Motors has announced they will “rightsize”, ending a 36 year career in automotive repair for Mr. Goodwrench.
Introduced in the 1974, Mr. Goodwrench has been a symbol for superior automotive repair and maintenance service. However as the company continues to position itself in a new, leaner marketplace he has to go.
In a lighthearted announcement, a spokesperson said, “We wish Mr. Goodwrench the best of luck in his future endeavors.”
Introduced in the 1974, Mr. Goodwrench has been a symbol for superior automotive repair and maintenance service. However as the company continues to position itself in a new, leaner marketplace he has to go.
In a lighthearted announcement, a spokesperson said, “We wish Mr. Goodwrench the best of luck in his future endeavors.”
General Motors prepares for profitable future
A year-and-a-half after the US automotive giant General Motors (GM) filed for bankruptcy protection, the Cadillac factory in Lancing, Michigan, is still churning out cars.
The Grand River Assembly, which lies about 90 miles west of Detroit, is gearing up production, hiring hundreds of new workers and getting ready to start producing a Cadillac that will be both smaller and much less thirsty than those it used to make.
The model is a powerful symbol of a new beginning for the bruised carmaker after last year's $50bn - £31bn at current exchange rates - bail-out by the US taxpayer.
The Grand River Assembly, which lies about 90 miles west of Detroit, is gearing up production, hiring hundreds of new workers and getting ready to start producing a Cadillac that will be both smaller and much less thirsty than those it used to make.
The model is a powerful symbol of a new beginning for the bruised carmaker after last year's $50bn - £31bn at current exchange rates - bail-out by the US taxpayer.
Tune up and Drive
For the fifth year running, North Vancouver's DeRosa Automotive is helping stop hunger by helping to stop your car.
Throughout the month of November, bring in a full bag of food or toiletries to DeRosa and leave with a free brake inspection and brand new, free, Premium Raybestos brake pads or shoes, courtesy of Lordco Auto Parts.
All of the donated goods will be passed on to the Harvest Project, the North Shore non-profit group that helps individuals and families get back on their feet when going through tough times. Last year, the Harvest Project distributed more than 5,500 food hampers, 4,300 emergency food bags and 10,426 items of clothing, as well as thousands of hours of job coaching and counseling.
Throughout the month of November, bring in a full bag of food or toiletries to DeRosa and leave with a free brake inspection and brand new, free, Premium Raybestos brake pads or shoes, courtesy of Lordco Auto Parts.
All of the donated goods will be passed on to the Harvest Project, the North Shore non-profit group that helps individuals and families get back on their feet when going through tough times. Last year, the Harvest Project distributed more than 5,500 food hampers, 4,300 emergency food bags and 10,426 items of clothing, as well as thousands of hours of job coaching and counseling.
Surviving and Thriving: Ira prototype firm keeps moving forward
Like many southeastern Michigan suppliers, as the fortunes of the Detroit Big Three went south, PTM Corporation of Ira Township found its own future threatened.
Faced with a dwindling automotive client base and increased competition from overseas, the firm, which began as a prototype-only firm called Qasar run out of a garage in the 1970s, was left fighting for its existence. As a result of a few opportunistic expansions, diversification and a give-back that extended from the shop floor to the front office, work is humming along at PTM's campus on Bethuy Road.
"We have a good diversity of customers," said Tom Jubb, PTM's corporate chief financial officer while sitting around a table with other company managers. "No single customer represents more than 10 percent of our business. We have had the opportunity to take over businesses of competitors who have failed."
Faced with a dwindling automotive client base and increased competition from overseas, the firm, which began as a prototype-only firm called Qasar run out of a garage in the 1970s, was left fighting for its existence. As a result of a few opportunistic expansions, diversification and a give-back that extended from the shop floor to the front office, work is humming along at PTM's campus on Bethuy Road.
"We have a good diversity of customers," said Tom Jubb, PTM's corporate chief financial officer while sitting around a table with other company managers. "No single customer represents more than 10 percent of our business. We have had the opportunity to take over businesses of competitors who have failed."
Monday, November 8, 2010
Micron Introduces NOR Flash Memory Device for Automotive Customers
MUNICH, Germany, Nov 9, 2010 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX) -- Micron Technology, Inc. /quotes/comstock/15*!mu/quotes/nls/mu (MU 8.24, -0.42, -4.79%) today announced a high-density Axcell(TM) NOR flash memory device for automotive applications, strengthening its already broad portfolio of leading products and technologies for the automotive market. Thanks to the most advanced NOR flash process technology in the device, makers of infotainment, in-car computing and other automotive electronics are provided with higher capacity storage solutions.
Bill Gates Can't Get Enough of This Stock
The super-rich aren't like you and me. They can't invest a little here and a little there and hope to make serious returns. They have to bet big on particular investments to really get a payoff. And with such big bets to make, you can be sure they do lots of homework and then vet their ideas with the investment world's leading thinkers.
So when Bill Gates -- one of the country's wealthiest citizens -- makes repeated investments in an automotive retailer, my ears perk up. He's bought three large blocks of stock in the past 10 days, even as shares power higher to new 52-week highs. Is he crazy, or does he know something the rest of us don't?
So when Bill Gates -- one of the country's wealthiest citizens -- makes repeated investments in an automotive retailer, my ears perk up. He's bought three large blocks of stock in the past 10 days, even as shares power higher to new 52-week highs. Is he crazy, or does he know something the rest of us don't?
2011 Aston Martin Rapide
It may sound obvious to say, but there is good reason why James Bond chooses Aston Martin as his vehicle for high speed pursuits and dangerous stunt drives. They just might be the finest driving machines a super spy, or automotive journalist such as myself, will ever have opportunity to drive. This point was made clear on a recent city and backcountry tour in the United Kingdom.
Arriving in Gaydon, the exquisite World Headquarters for Aston Martin located in England’s historic Warwickshire County; our day begins with a personal guided tour of the factory.
Arriving in Gaydon, the exquisite World Headquarters for Aston Martin located in England’s historic Warwickshire County; our day begins with a personal guided tour of the factory.
A Green Initiative the Automotive Industry Loves
TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Nov. 7, 2010) - Team One, Canada's Leading F&I Training Program provider is pleased to announce EcoDrive, an innovative new program to reduce the environmental impact from driving while providing dealerships with a refreshing and much needed unique value offering. The EcoDrive Program promises to reward both car buyers and sellers alike, but the real winner will be the planet.
With EcoDrive, Auto dealerships across the country are making a commitment to neutralize the driving related impact of every vehicle that leaves their lot. As automobile emissions are one of the largest contributors towards greenhouse gases, the Program's efforts could mean a significant reduction in the overall impact of this valued Canadian activity.
With EcoDrive, Auto dealerships across the country are making a commitment to neutralize the driving related impact of every vehicle that leaves their lot. As automobile emissions are one of the largest contributors towards greenhouse gases, the Program's efforts could mean a significant reduction in the overall impact of this valued Canadian activity.
Arcelormittal Drives Automotive Innovation With Pioneering Steel types
ArcelorMittal unveiled the results of its ‘S-in motion’ automotive
research program. Designed to enable the production of lighter, safer and more energy-efficient vehicles, the S-in motion project underlines the ongoing commitment of the world’s largest steelmaker to Developed through direct technical collaboration with leading partners of automotive manufacturers, the S-in motion portfolio comprises a range of over 60 innovative Press-Hardened Steel (PHS) and Advanced High-Strength Steel (AHSS) solutions that can be implemented in vehicles today, delivering direct benefits to both car makers and consumers in terms of weight, safety and efficiency.
research program. Designed to enable the production of lighter, safer and more energy-efficient vehicles, the S-in motion project underlines the ongoing commitment of the world’s largest steelmaker to Developed through direct technical collaboration with leading partners of automotive manufacturers, the S-in motion portfolio comprises a range of over 60 innovative Press-Hardened Steel (PHS) and Advanced High-Strength Steel (AHSS) solutions that can be implemented in vehicles today, delivering direct benefits to both car makers and consumers in terms of weight, safety and efficiency.
Automotive 3-Axis Accelerometer is AEC-Q100 qualified.
November 8, 2010 - Model AIS328DQ senses acceleration along 3 axes and converts motion and tilt data into high-resolution digital signal that is transmitted to MCU through SPI or I2C interface. Accurate across selectable full-scale ranges of ±2, ±4, and ±8g, product is also resistant to shock and EMI. It operates in temperatures from -40 to +105°C, and can be used inside cabin or modules that have self-heating components, like power stages. Embedded routine verifies correct functioning of unit
MEMS Accelerometer from STMicroelectronics Monitors and Tracks Motion and Tilt around the Car
Base Corporation to enter telecom and auto sectors
Chennai, Nov 8 (IANS) Bangalore-based battery manufacturer Base Corporation has decided to enter the telecom and automotive equipment sectors from its proposed Rs.432-crore plant near Hosur in Tamil Nadu.
'Presently we are catering to the automotive replacement market and the inverter segment out of our Himachal Pradesh plant which is constrained by capacity. The big Tamil Nadu plant will enable us to venture into auto segments-all categories- as well as to other industries like telecom,' Chairman and Managing Director Girish Arora told IANS.
'Presently we are catering to the automotive replacement market and the inverter segment out of our Himachal Pradesh plant which is constrained by capacity. The big Tamil Nadu plant will enable us to venture into auto segments-all categories- as well as to other industries like telecom,' Chairman and Managing Director Girish Arora told IANS.
GE Money Enhances Credit Card Program
As more and more consumers ask for credit options for tires and automotive services, GE Money announced at last week’s Global Tire Expo/SEMA Show that it has opened an online business center for its CarCareONE credit card customers.
The center lets dealers process transactions and track customers' purchases, as well as offer online training courses, according to Mike Mattevi, vice president of automotive finance for GE Money. In addition, the center allows dealers to create promotional materials online.
The center lets dealers process transactions and track customers' purchases, as well as offer online training courses, according to Mike Mattevi, vice president of automotive finance for GE Money. In addition, the center allows dealers to create promotional materials online.
Consumers Should Be "Too Big to Fail"
As distasteful as it was to see the financial, insurance, and automotive industries bailed out for their greedy and reckless behavior, it seems clear that President Bush's and President Obama's decisions to do so were correct. Allowing the "too big to fail" companies to fail, however much they deserved to die a slow and painful death, was tantamount to an economic catastrophe.
But there is another even-larger sector of our economy that deserved the same designation of "too big to fail," yet has been largely neglected by the federal government. I'm talking about consumers. Consumer spending accounts for about 70 percent of America's GDP, so the "little people" are the real engine of our economy. You wouldn't know it though by the federal government's rather pathetic response to stimulating the economy.
But there is another even-larger sector of our economy that deserved the same designation of "too big to fail," yet has been largely neglected by the federal government. I'm talking about consumers. Consumer spending accounts for about 70 percent of America's GDP, so the "little people" are the real engine of our economy. You wouldn't know it though by the federal government's rather pathetic response to stimulating the economy.
Chrysler posts $239 million operating profit, raises forecast
Chrysler Group posted an operating profit of $239 million in the third quarter and raised its outlook for the balance of the year in anticipation of stronger sales and improved operating performance.
The results, released Monday, marked the automaker's third straight operating profit. Chrysler's third-quarter net loss was $84 million, down from $172 million in the second quarter. It was Chrysler's smallest quarterly net loss since emerging from bankruptcy 17 months ago.
The results, released Monday, marked the automaker's third straight operating profit. Chrysler's third-quarter net loss was $84 million, down from $172 million in the second quarter. It was Chrysler's smallest quarterly net loss since emerging from bankruptcy 17 months ago.
GM may revive performance brands
General Motors Co. is studying whether to revive brands for performance vehicles to improve its image among go-fast car shoppers.
At the Specialty Equipment Market Association trade show in Las Vegas last week, GM unveiled the Z-Spec Chevrolet Cruze, Volt and Spark cars, and two SS-badged Chevrolet Camaros.
The debuts signal that the company's new performance vehicles and motorsports division--launched eight weeks ago--is looking harder at performance brands, said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet marketing.
The Power Behind Jaguar's Stunning CX 75 was Uncovered by Their Open Innovation Experts - IXC UK
BIRMINGHAM, England, November 8, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Since the 1950s, the automotive industry has dabbled with gas turbine engines for vehicles because the technology is simpler, requires fewer parts, can run on a variety of fuels - including natural gas and bio-fuels - and, most importantly, is a low emission power source. However, until the unveiling of the C-X75 at the recent Paris Motor Show it seemed that they would never be a match for the internal combustion engine.
Jaguar had recognised the technology had strong potential as a complementary technology for their electric vehicle research, and asked Open Innovation experts the InnovationXchange network (IXC UK) to find manufacturers of novel gas turbines small enough to be used in a car - micro gas turbines.BIRMINGHAM, England, November 8, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Since the 1950s, the automotive industry has dabbled with gas turbine engines for vehicles because the technology is simpler, requires fewer parts, can run on a variety of fuels - including natural gas and bio-fuels - and, most importantly, is a low emission power source. However, until the unveiling of the C-X75 at the recent Paris Motor Show it seemed that they would never be a match for the internal combustion engine.
Jaguar had recognised the technology had strong potential as a complementary technology for their electric vehicle research, and asked Open Innovation experts the InnovationXchange network (IXC UK) to find manufacturers of novel gas turbines small enough to be used in a car - micro gas turbines.
IXC UK set to work interrogating their networks to find suitable companies around the globe. However, ultimately the solution was found to be close to home in the form of a small Staffordshire-based company called Bladon Jets.
IXC UK's Innovation Intermediaries recognised that Bladon's innovative patented technology offered unique advantages and arranged a confidential meeting between the start-up and the automotive legend, ensuring a "safe" environment for a full discussion. It was immediately clear that there was a strong "fit" - both in terms of technology and culture, and compelling reasons to work together.
The meeting helped Bladon Jets accelerate past the milestones set out in their business plan by a good 12 months, and Jaguar had finally found the technology they were looking for, giving them the magic combination of power, reduced weight and lower emissions.
However, there were further barriers to cross: Bladon Jets' turbines could achieve speeds of up to 80,000 rpm, but they needed a manufacturer of equally high speed generators make the micro-jet turbine a practical option.
SR Drives were already known to IXC's network and, due diligence complete, IXC recommended them as a strong candidate.
This three-part consortium received a seven-figure sum from the Technology Strategy Board to help develop the world's first commercially viable and environmentally friendly gas-turbine-driven car.
This led to the unveiling of much lauded Jaguar's C-X75, and to investment in Bladon Jets by Jaguar's parent company, the Tata Group.
Helped by companies like IXC UK, Open Innovation is clearly alive and well and pushing - sometimes accelerating - companies past new horizons.
IXC UK set to work interrogating their networks to find suitable companies around the globe. However, ultimately the solution was found to be close to home in the form of a small Staffordshire-based company called Bladon Jets.
IXC UK's Innovation Intermediaries recognised that Bladon's innovative patented technology offered unique advantages and arranged a confidential meeting between the start-up and the automotive legend, ensuring a "safe" environment for a full discussion. It was immediately clear that there was a strong "fit" - both in terms of technology and culture, and compelling reasons to work together.
The meeting helped Bladon Jets accelerate past the milestones set out in their business plan by a good 12 months, and Jaguar had finally found the technology they were looking for, giving them the magic combination of power, reduced weight and lower emissions.
However, there were further barriers to cross: Bladon Jets' turbines could achieve speeds of up to 80,000 rpm, but they needed a manufacturer of equally high speed generators make the micro-jet turbine a practical option.
SR Drives were already known to IXC's network and, due diligence complete, IXC recommended them as a strong candidate.
This three-part consortium received a seven-figure sum from the Technology Strategy Board to help develop the world's first commercially viable and environmentally friendly gas-turbine-driven car.
This led to the unveiling of much lauded Jaguar's C-X75, and to investment in Bladon Jets by Jaguar's parent company, the Tata Group.
Helped by companies like IXC UK, Open Innovation is clearly alive and well and pushing - sometimes accelerating - companies past new horizons.
Jaguar had recognised the technology had strong potential as a complementary technology for their electric vehicle research, and asked Open Innovation experts the InnovationXchange network (IXC UK) to find manufacturers of novel gas turbines small enough to be used in a car - micro gas turbines.BIRMINGHAM, England, November 8, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Since the 1950s, the automotive industry has dabbled with gas turbine engines for vehicles because the technology is simpler, requires fewer parts, can run on a variety of fuels - including natural gas and bio-fuels - and, most importantly, is a low emission power source. However, until the unveiling of the C-X75 at the recent Paris Motor Show it seemed that they would never be a match for the internal combustion engine.
Jaguar had recognised the technology had strong potential as a complementary technology for their electric vehicle research, and asked Open Innovation experts the InnovationXchange network (IXC UK) to find manufacturers of novel gas turbines small enough to be used in a car - micro gas turbines.
IXC UK set to work interrogating their networks to find suitable companies around the globe. However, ultimately the solution was found to be close to home in the form of a small Staffordshire-based company called Bladon Jets.
IXC UK's Innovation Intermediaries recognised that Bladon's innovative patented technology offered unique advantages and arranged a confidential meeting between the start-up and the automotive legend, ensuring a "safe" environment for a full discussion. It was immediately clear that there was a strong "fit" - both in terms of technology and culture, and compelling reasons to work together.
The meeting helped Bladon Jets accelerate past the milestones set out in their business plan by a good 12 months, and Jaguar had finally found the technology they were looking for, giving them the magic combination of power, reduced weight and lower emissions.
However, there were further barriers to cross: Bladon Jets' turbines could achieve speeds of up to 80,000 rpm, but they needed a manufacturer of equally high speed generators make the micro-jet turbine a practical option.
SR Drives were already known to IXC's network and, due diligence complete, IXC recommended them as a strong candidate.
This three-part consortium received a seven-figure sum from the Technology Strategy Board to help develop the world's first commercially viable and environmentally friendly gas-turbine-driven car.
This led to the unveiling of much lauded Jaguar's C-X75, and to investment in Bladon Jets by Jaguar's parent company, the Tata Group.
Helped by companies like IXC UK, Open Innovation is clearly alive and well and pushing - sometimes accelerating - companies past new horizons.
IXC UK set to work interrogating their networks to find suitable companies around the globe. However, ultimately the solution was found to be close to home in the form of a small Staffordshire-based company called Bladon Jets.
IXC UK's Innovation Intermediaries recognised that Bladon's innovative patented technology offered unique advantages and arranged a confidential meeting between the start-up and the automotive legend, ensuring a "safe" environment for a full discussion. It was immediately clear that there was a strong "fit" - both in terms of technology and culture, and compelling reasons to work together.
The meeting helped Bladon Jets accelerate past the milestones set out in their business plan by a good 12 months, and Jaguar had finally found the technology they were looking for, giving them the magic combination of power, reduced weight and lower emissions.
However, there were further barriers to cross: Bladon Jets' turbines could achieve speeds of up to 80,000 rpm, but they needed a manufacturer of equally high speed generators make the micro-jet turbine a practical option.
SR Drives were already known to IXC's network and, due diligence complete, IXC recommended them as a strong candidate.
This three-part consortium received a seven-figure sum from the Technology Strategy Board to help develop the world's first commercially viable and environmentally friendly gas-turbine-driven car.
This led to the unveiling of much lauded Jaguar's C-X75, and to investment in Bladon Jets by Jaguar's parent company, the Tata Group.
Helped by companies like IXC UK, Open Innovation is clearly alive and well and pushing - sometimes accelerating - companies past new horizons.
MIPS Technologies' Multi-Threaded Processor Powers New C2-270(TM) Collision Prevention System From Mobileye
SUNNYVALE, Calif., Nov 8, 2010 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX) -- MIPS Technologies, Inc. /quotes/comstock/15*!mips/quotes/nls/mips (MIPS 14.30, -0.75, -4.95%) , a leading provider of industry-standard processor architectures and cores for digital consumer, home networking, wireless, communications and business applications, announced today that its multi-threaded MIPS32(R) 34K(R) core is powering the revolutionary new Mobileye C2-270(TM) collision prevention system. The C2-270 was introduced separately by Mobileye, the global pioneer and leader in vision-based collision prevention systems. The off-the-shelf C2-270 product, featuring Mobileye's MIPS-Based(TM) EyeQ2(R) vision chip, can increase pedestrian, road and vehicle safety by alerting drivers in the critical seconds before a collision occurs.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
BMW commits $550m to electric car
BMW has inaugurated what will be Germany's first factory to mass produce battery-powered cars, committing hundreds of millions of euros - as well as its prestige - to the as-yet-untested market.
BMW said it would invest €400 million ($A552 million) until 2013 in the project, which will take place at a complex that already produces variants of the 1-Series model.
BMW did not say how many of the small vehicles, named Megacity, it would make in Leipzig. Use of the term ''series production'', though, implies the number will be in the tens of thousands.
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