AD #2596 – Tariff Relief Could Be Short Lived, Nissan ProPilot Goes Hands Free, Delphi Ramps Up GDI Pressure

This is Autoline Daily reporting on the global automotive industry.

TARIFF RELIEF COULD BE SHORT LIVED
European and Asian automakers heaved a sigh of relief yesterday when the Trump Administration said it will delay putting import tariffs on passenger cars for six months. Auto stocks bounced up on the news but Bloomberg reports the relief could be short lived. President Trump wants the EU and Japan to agree to a deal that would limit or restrict imports of automobiles and parts. The World Trade Organization rules prohibit voluntary export restraints but some countries like Germany, which relies heavily on the U.S. for car sales, would rather agree to voluntary restraints instead of tariffs.

HONDA & VW USED BATTERY SOLUTIONS
Automakers will soon introduce dozens of new electric vehicles. But what do you do with all the batteries at the end of their automotive life? Honda announced it’s working with the utility company American Electric Power to develop a network of used batteries that could be integrated into AEP’s electrical system. Volkswagen recently announced plans to make portable chargers with batteries that are no longer good for vehicles but still has life for other uses. It’s also opening a battery recycling center in Germany to recycle 1,200 tons of batteries a year. VW says it can currently recycle a little over half of the battery but in the future it expects to increase that to 72%. We’d say that’s a good step in the right direction, but still not good enough. If we start dumping toxic battery material into landfills, EVs will quickly lose their green image.

NISSAN PROPILOT GOES HANDS-FREE
Nissan is expanding its ProPilot driver assist technology to include hands-free driving on the highway. First you have to set a route with the navigation. Then, once the car gets on the highway you can take your hands off the wheel, just like the Cadillac Super Cruise system. Propilot will keep the vehicle in a single lane, but will also help with passing, lane diversions and lane exiting. A camera will monitor the driver to make sure they’re paying attention and are ready to take over if needed. The Japanese market Skyline, which is the Infiniti Q50 in other parts of the world, will be the first vehicle to get it in the fall of this year.

HYUNDAI/KIA AIR PURIFICATION SYSTEM
Taking a breath of fresh air will always be possible in future Hyundai and Kia vehicles. The Group developed what it calls the Smart Air Purification system that uses a laser to monitor the air quality inside the car and automatically filters it if the quality sinks below a specific level. This could include closing the windows to help the process. Sounds perfect for countries with high levels of pollution like China.

DELPHI RAMPS UP GDI PRESSURE
Gasoline Direct Injection or GDi systems help reduce particulates by lowering engine-out emissions before the exhaust catalyst reaches optimum temperature. Delphi Technologies says it’s reducing particulate emissions even further by developing higher pressure Direct Injection systems. In 2016 it came out with a 350 bar or nearly 5,100 psi GDi system that reduced exhaust particulates by up to 70% compared with the 200 bar systems that are currently used. Now it’s ratcheting that up to 500+ bar or 7,250 psi, which reduces particulates 50% compared to the 350 bar system. The good news is that, in most cases, no engine modifications are needed. Delphi says the 500+ bar system could be used in production by 2022.

CONTI DEVELOPS SEE THROUGH MATERIALS
Continental is developing translucent surface materials for vehicle interiors which allow for a range of digital functions to be integrated into the vehicle and provide more personalization. The basic lighting adapts to circadian rhythms, weather conditions, and ambient light, while accent lighting can create different moods, with different colors and intensity. Gosh, sounds like all we need now are lava lamps and incense burning. Continental also developed a thin film for doors, consoles and other components, that’s a cost-effective alternative to coated injection molded parts in interiors. Combined with the translucent material it allows for things like warning lights to be integrated into consoles.

Don’t forget to join us for Autoline After Hours this afternoon. Our special guest is Jody Hall from the Steel Market Development Institute. Drew Winter from Wards will also be joining me an Gary for the show that starts at 3PM eastern time on our website, Autoline.tv and YouTube channel.

But that wraps up today’s show, thanks for watching and we’ll see you again tomorrow.