Technology on the Road

Although the Initial Quality Study (IQS) that J.D. Power and Associates released in mid-June is certainly more widely known—especially this year’s version, as it shows that the Companies Formerly Known as “The Big Three” have achieved something akin to parity with the likes of Toyota and Honda, which is no small feat, but given that most of the cars and trucks that those two companies sell in the U.S. are manufactured in the U.S. and not in some super high-quality manufacturing site secreted away on the island of Kyshu or something, this accomplishment should be considered in a measured manner—a report that came out a week or so later is in some ways more telling about the shape of the industry ahead.
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2011 Nissan GT-R Premium

2010 Acura MDX Advance & Entertainment

2010 Acura ZDX Advance

Giants Continue to Roam the Earth
Although some people might think that SUVs are pretty much dinosaurs nowadays, according to the July “True Trend Report” from TrueCar.com, consumers are still rather interested in the vehicles, be they large, medium or small in size. – Read More

Crash Test Dummy Gets Its (His?) Due
Imagine that this is the nature of your nearly daily drive: Some heavy-mass vehicle ramming the back of your car (in this case a Cadillac SRX). Imagine that you’ve been doing this for 15 years. – Read More

More Power
A123 Systems, the developer and manufacturer of lithium ion batteries for automotive use—in the past few months it has announced contracts with Eaton Corp. to provide batteries for a Ford F550-based plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and Navistar for the purpose-built eStar electric vehicle—announced today that it has received TS 16949 certification for its design and manufacturing processes as related to its cylindrical lithium ion cells. – Read More

Like Build-A-Bear for Adults
A few years ago we had the opportunity to participate in the assembly of a Corvette LS9 6.2-liter, supercharged engine at the 100,000-square-foot General Motors Performance Build Center (PBC) in Wixom, Michigan. – Read More

Upcoming Industry Events:
Management Briefing Seminars
August 2-5 

IMTS 2010
Sept. 13–18

Siemens PLM Software Digital Manufacturing Symposium
Sept. 15 & 16

FEA for MPGs
"Engine downsizing has long been known as one of the most effective available technologies for increasing efficiency," according to Mark Stephenson, chief engineer, predictive analysis, MAHLE Powertrain, Northampton, UK.
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