AD #2193 – China May Drop JV Rule for EVs, Mack Introduces New Class 8 Semi, Cars That Deliver Themselves
September 19th, 2017 at 11:40am
Runtime: 9:29
To watch this episode on YouTube click here.
- China Considers Dropping JV Rule for EVs
- Porsche Reveals New Mission E Details
- Mack Introduces New Class 8 Semi
- Cars That Deliver Themselves
- Designing New Iconic Details for BMW
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On today’s show… China may lift its joint venture rule for electric vehicles… there’s a new way to get cars off the production line… and Porsche drums up some excitement for the Mission E. All that and more coming right up on Autoline Daily.
This is Autoline Daily the show for enthusiasts of the automotive industry.
CHINA CONSIDERS DROPPING JV RULE FOR EVs
In an effort to protect and grow its auto industry, China implemented a policy back in the 1990’s, forcing foreign automakers to form 50-50 joint ventures with local Chinese companies in order to build vehicles in the country. But now Bloomberg reports the country could revise that rule. To help spur electric vehicle growth, the government is considering allowing foreign carmakers to set-up wholly owned EV businesses in its free trade zones. A final decision hasn’t been made yet but the plan could go into effect as early as next year. The country has gradually lifted the joint-venture rule. Last year it allowed foreign motorcycle and battery manufacturers to set-up wholly owned operations. China has ambitious EV goals. By 2025, a fifth of all new cars sales in the country must be electric or plug-in hybrids. And last week it was reported that government is looking into banning the sale of gasoline and diesel powered cars in the future. But if China does scrap the joint-venture rule for EVs, it would be a big victory for foreign automakers.
PORSCHE REVEALS NEW MISSION E DETAILS
And in other EV news, Porsche is working to drum up some excitement for its first all-electric vehicle, the Mission E. CEO Oliver Blume says the final product will be “very close to what you saw two years ago at Frankfurt,” which should be a good thing because many were drawn to its styling. It will have a range of up to 300-miles. With 350 kW fast charging capability, 80% of the battery can be charged in just 15-minutes. The EV will be able to hit 60 MPH in under 3.5-seconds. And Blume also adds it will start at the price of an “entry-level Panamera,” which is about $80,000 – $90,000. The Mission E goes on sale in 2019.
Still to come… Mack Trucks introduces its new Class 8 semi.
MACK INTRODUCES NEW CLASS 8 SEMI
Class 8 semi trucks is a popular segment for companies to test out autonomous and electric technology, but traditional tractors still dominate the road and Mack just introduced its newest model, the Anthem. Improvements have been made to the cabin, including more room in the Sleeper and automotive-style buttons on the steering wheel, which features an industry first flat bottom that, in their words not mine, allows for more belly room. But the most notable improvements are to the exterior. Aerodynamics and serviceability being the keys. The front air dam reduces turbulence under the vehicle for less drag, a close out flange has been added to prevent airflow between the bumper and hood, covering the tow loops cuts down on resistance, the hood and side fenders are three separate pieces to improve serviceability and lower repair costs, spring-loaded side mirrors do the same thing and the top roof fairing is adjustable to optimize airflow. Expect to start seeing the new Mack Anthem early next year.
BORN TO DRIVE
A lot of the focus on self-driving technology has to do with getting passengers from point A to point B. But the technology can be used for other purposes and here’s an example that caught our eye. The global auto industry builds over 80 million new passenger vehicles every year. But the logistics of getting cars from the factory to the end customer can be costly, time consuming and it all must be done with a driver. That’s why a Swedish company called Semcon, has developed new software to transport vehicles without a driver. The project, called Born to Drive, was also done in collaboration with government agencies, technology companies, component manufacturers and Volvo. The software works with sensors already equipped in today’s vehicles, which means no extra hardware is needed. In addition to the software, a backend system controls the logistics flow, and keeps track of the cars’ location and fuel levels. Currently, Born to Drive can steer vehicles from the production line to a parking area. In the future, it can be upgraded to move vehicles onto ships, trains or trucks. The project has been running for two years and Semcon says it could be fully implemented in another couple of years.
Coming up next, the Head of BMW i Design explains one of the most radical features on its newest concept.
DESIGNING NEW ICONIC DETAILS FOR BMW
BMW created its i brand to explore opportunities in new technology and design. You could say a way to take chances. In the case of the i Vision Dynamics concept, while it includes nods to its past with interpretations of the kidney grille and L-shaped taillights, the DLO or DayLight Opening is unlike anything we’ve seen before. BMW DLO’s are known for their Hofmeister Kink or the curve at the bottom of rear-most pillar where it meets the window. But here the Head of BMW i Design describes the new look.
(Clip from Frankfurt auto show interview with the Head of BMW i Design can only be watched in the video version of today’s show.)
If you haven’t already, I encourage you to watch the whole interview with the Head of i Design because I always find it fascinating to learn where a designer’s head was at when coming up with a new look, even if you don’t like the final product. I also encourage you to watch all of our coverage from Frankfurt, which can be found on our website or YouTube channel. Lot’s of great content in there.
We’ve got a great Autoline After Hours coming up this Thursday afternoon when our special guest will be Rick Spina, the Executive Chief Engineer for GM’s Crossovers. And he’ll be bringing the all-new Chevrolet Traverse in the studio with him. So join us this Thursday to get an inside view on how the automotive industry develops new products.
But with that we wrap up today’s show, thanks for watching.
Thanks to our partner for embedding Autoline Daily on its website: WardsAuto.com
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Comments (22)
September 19th, 2017 at 12:22 pm
China may have an ambitious EV plan but I wonder if upgrading their electrical supply is part of that plan. They don’t currently have a nationwide power grid. They cannot share excess or shortages among the 6 major grids that do exist, which causes frequent outages.
September 19th, 2017 at 12:23 pm
Another potential major change to the auto industry with the advent of autonomous vehicles:
The day may not be too far away when vehicles will leave the assembly plant fully gassed or charged, and drive themselves to the appropriate dealership rather than being shipped on a truck. The only limitation would be the range provided by the tank of gas or battery.
For longer distances, they could be shipped by train as they are now, and then drive themselves to the dealership from the rail head. The transport companies may not like this, but I bet the car companies might.
September 19th, 2017 at 12:28 pm
Sean you have to love Mack for being honest. On a car they flatten the bottom of the wheel and say its to improve entry and exit. But hey just go ahead and say what it is “Extra belly room” for us fat Americans.
September 19th, 2017 at 12:30 pm
#2 Dealership? Just have the car drive itself from the plant to the consumer. Go online and spec your car and have it show up a few days later. I like it.
September 19th, 2017 at 12:30 pm
The head tried explain the graphic detail but I think his inspiration came from the Batman movies.
September 19th, 2017 at 12:34 pm
Watch out Tesla, the Porsche Mission E is gunning for you!! Porsche buyers will be able to get their sports cars, SUVs and green cars all from one dealer!!
September 19th, 2017 at 12:38 pm
Self delivered vehicles should remain to the dock or rail yard (or other delivery system that is close to the factory); how many would want ‘there’ brand new car arriving at their house or even dealership with hundreds of miles on them.
What I saw on Porsche’s electric, at least the side glass area was a Wayne Carini moustache.
September 19th, 2017 at 1:00 pm
Just got my 2018 Chevrolet Silverado picked up a week ago, it would have been a lot of miles from Silao, Mexico to Kokomo, Indiana for it to have driven its self here and cross the border.
September 19th, 2017 at 1:39 pm
1934 miles, and 1 day, 6 hours according to google maps. Your truck would have quite an adventure.
September 19th, 2017 at 3:39 pm
#7 Doesn’t mean it cant drive itself to the rail yard and then from the rail yard to your home. Id be okay with a few hundred miles >200 to avoid the destination fee.
September 19th, 2017 at 6:55 pm
That 200+ miles makes it a used car, with an extra $2000+ depreciation, depending on the car.
Yeah, maybe that is changing, a little, with all of this “dealer trade” stuff replacing factory orders.
September 20th, 2017 at 8:05 am
Only depreciates if you would try and sell it once it arrives at your home which seems ridiculous.
September 20th, 2017 at 8:40 am
True. Just “general principles.” I don’t like buying cars sight unseen, acquired by dealer trade either.
September 20th, 2017 at 9:01 am
There would be litigation issues if any paint chips, windshield chips, etc. occurred during delivery. Plus a dirty car, someone would have to detail it prior to sending it on its way (that would be a fiasco in itself) and also, I’m guessing the delivery charge (that is currently added) will remain or at least only be slightly reduced. This is my conjecture; I don’t seeing long range delivery happening.
September 20th, 2017 at 9:09 am
I think the new class of semi tractor should have a powered treadmill, to give the driver/observer something to do between loading docks
September 20th, 2017 at 9:22 am
why hasn’t anyone brought up the subject of powerplant pollution caused by millions of chargers overloading the system by pure ev’s & their I/2 ton of batteries being charged every night? Nissan’s new app of small constant duty generator & very few batteries is the most beautiful solution possible & would expedite the reduction of fossil fuel usage
September 20th, 2017 at 9:31 am
Chuck reminds me that my first title after leaving Dad’s ‘apprenticeship was NewCarGetready at a Ford Dealership–62 years ago
September 20th, 2017 at 9:38 am
Part of the reason some goverments are encouraging use of EV’s, is to “export” the pollution from big cities, where the pollution is a problem.
As far as greenhouse gas emissions, it depends on the source the power.
September 20th, 2017 at 11:09 am
#16 Yes and China which is the largest contributor of Co2 emissions uses coal to generate something like 73% of their electricity.
It would be nice to see the comparison of emissions of 300 mile trip using gas vs the electricity generated by coal needed to propel a similar size EV 300 miles.
September 20th, 2017 at 11:16 am
The problem is the emissions are not just one gas. Found this statement in the following article. http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1086927_coal-makes-electric-cars-bad-no-plug-ins-show-coal-as-worse
We should note, however, that for certain non-carbon smokestack emissions–including nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur dioxide (SO2)–that mile driven in an coal-powered electric car is worse than one in a modern gasoline car.
September 20th, 2017 at 11:38 am
Here is a good article about relative carbon emissions for EV’s vs gas cars, in countries around the world.
http://shrinkthatfootprint.com/electric-cars-green
September 20th, 2017 at 1:00 pm
Great article Kit. Not sure if you go back and see this as I don’t tend to go back after the next AD is published.
However even the comments below the article made a good point that when looking at the overall carbon footprint they often leave out the emissions created to drill, extract, transport and refine crude oil. Even beyond that they leave out the emissions required to generate the electricity emissions required during the refining process. The other thing I see them often neglect is over the life of a ICE engine or say 100k miles the car should get about 10 to 20 oil changes so another 10 to 20 gallons of refined formulated oil. Plus transmission oil. However I don’t know what all lubricants are in a full EV vehicle and their service intervals.