Increasing adoption of electric cars is expected to benefit the electric vehicle market. People in countries such as Norway, Germany and the UK are increasingly turning towards electric vehicles. Automotive companies are expanding their businesses through partnerships with domestic firms and aiming at synergies to develop more-advanced electric vehicles. All such factors are creating ample growth opportunities for the electric vehicle market.

At SpendEdge, we understand the key factors driving the electric vehicle market. And to help you understand better, we have highlighted electric vehicle market trends.

Electric Vehicle Market Trends

Monetary government subsidies

Despite the low market size, the electric vehicle market has high growth prospects. Governments are initiating certain measures to make electric vehicles attractive. Firms should make use of dynamic conditions and governmental regulations to support electric vehicle purchases.

Shared mobility services

The shared mobility services market is gaining strength over time. People are increasingly turning towards some form of the ride-hailing app. This will reduce the demand for private vehicle ownership. Companies will have to tap the shared mobility services market as they are more likely to adopt electric vehicles than private owners.

Technology advances

The demand for batteries has been escalated in the consumer electronics industry. Companies are looking for solutions to improve manufacturing capacity. The dynamic developments of battery technologies will boost the electric vehicle market and help companies achieve further cost reductions by changing battery characteristics and scaling manufacturing plants.

To gain more insights into the electric vehicle market, read the complete article here.

The post SpendEdge: Investing In EVs May Be Best Option appeared first on aftermarketNews.

According to the company, Oculii’s patented Virtual Aperture Imaging software technology significantly increases the angular resolution of a radar phased array – dramatically improving safety, reliability and efficiency of ADAS solutions today and autonomous driving vehicles of the future. The software technology scales angular resolution without requiring multiple active transceivers or expensive antenna technologies, creating a cost effective, high performance solution that dramatically enhances existing radar architectures. Leveraging this software technology, HELLA will bring in its high competence in the field of automotive radar hardware design experience and industrialization capabilities along the entire supply chain to leverage and extend their existing radar product platform. This joint development effort will bring high resolution best-in-class Level 2/3 ADAS imaging radar solutions to global automotive OEMs.

“This collaboration with Oculii will enable us to leverage advanced software technology to significantly enhance the performance of our leading automotive radar platform,” said Frank Petznick, EVP Automated Driving and member of the Executive Board Electronics at HELLA. Petznick also says, “Oculii’s Virtual Aperture Imaging technology will enable us to develop radar solutions that catalyze new functionality for ADAS and promote the trend towards AD.”

“HELLA is a leader in automotive radar and an ideal strategic partner for Oculii as we look to deploy our Virtual Aperture Imaging radar software technology with OEM partners,” said Steven Hong, PhD, CEO of Oculii. “Oculii and HELLA have demonstrated that our combined expertise can deliver a radar perception platform that can meet the needs of both ADAS solutions today, as well as AD in the future.”

In December, HELLA Ventures also became a shareholder of Oculii. “Oculii and HELLA will work hand in hand to accelerate each other’s go-to-market timeline by focusing on each other’s core capabilities. The investment in Oculii completes our strong ADAS/AD perception portfolio,” says Marco Marinucci, partner & head of HELLA Ventures. The first joint development projects will start immediately, with the objective of a SOP in 2023.

The post HELLA, Oculii Establish Strategic Partnership appeared first on aftermarketNews.

“We welcome Ron to the board and our senior executive team,” said Bill Kozyra, president and CEO. “He brings a great deal of finance expertise and in depth knowledge of the automotive industry.”

Hundzinski is joining the company from Tenneco, Inc. where he was executive VP ‑ finance. During the prior 35 years, he has held a variety of leadership positions in finance at Emerson Electric, GKN, Meridian Automotive and BorgWarner. He served as CFO and executive VP of BorgWarner from 2012 through 2018. Hundzinski is also a non-executive director of Gentherm, a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange.

Hundzinski succeeds Tim Knutson, who has elected to step down from the position to pursue other interests outside of the company. 

The post TI Fluid Systems Names Ron Hundzinski CFO appeared first on aftermarketNews.

“We want Delinte to be the go-to brand for young tire customers, offering them all the information they need in the place that’s most convenient for them, the screen in the palm of their hand. Our focus through this website is on this mobile-first generation looking for a high-quality tire that delivers performance and style.”

The website features the first of many Delinte Tire brand influencers, Jamie Orr, who is the official vehicle modifier for Volkswagen USA. Following his Delinte interview during SEMA 2019, Jamie embarked on a nine-country, 17 day, 8,500-mile road trip over the Andes Mountains in South America and Patagonia in his custom-built 400HP VW GTI Rallywagen. This ultra-high performance Volkswagen is equipped with the Delinte Ultra-High Performance, All-Season D7.

All Delinte’s social media activity on Instagram is also featured on the website via social feed so that consumers can see stories like Jamie’s in real-time.

The site showcases the new Delinte Tire brand identity which targets a younger demographic and was launched at the 2019 SEMA Show. With split screen videos on the homepage, the user’s eye is drawn to two contrasting visuals: the Light Truck and SUV products on the left side of the screen and Passenger and CUV products on the right side. Large easy navigation buttons on the homepage take the user to their desired product without having to navigate through information that does not apply to their needs. All other navigation options are neatly tucked under the Delinte logo via a hamburger icon, giving the site a clean mobile-first user experience.

In 2020, three additional navigation options for tire searching will be added to the website: search by staggered fitment, search by vehicle and search by wheel diameter. Tires are currently searchable by category only. The staggered fitment search options will work hand-in-hand with the staggered collective consumer advertising campaign, which speaks to a large number of young consumers, searching for fitment options for performance cars.

The post Delinte Launches New Mobile-First Website appeared first on aftermarketNews.

Momentum Dynamics Corporation, a global leader in high-power wireless charging for electric vehicles, has appointed seasoned auto executive Michael McHale as head of communications & brand. McHale joins Momentum Dynamics as the company enters a period of rapid growth as it relocates to a purpose-developed facility in Malvern, Pennsylvania, in 2020 while also expanding operations to Europe. 

McHale brings deep experience in the automotive industry to Momentum Dynamics, beginning his career as an engineer at Land Rover in the UK. In the U.S., McHale headed communications for the launch of the MINI brand and then worked on communications strategy for BMW NA before moving to Subaru as head of communications during the company’s decade-long run of consecutive sales records.

McHale Joined EV startup Rivian in 2018 and guided the successful media launch of the brand at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show and headed communications during significant investments in the brand from Amazon and Ford. McHale brings a strong understanding of branding and communications, including social media to Momentum Dynamics as the company enters its next phase of growth, spurred by upcoming business developments. He will lead media relations, brand development and social media for the decade-old company.  

CEO Andrew Daga said, “We are at the beginning of an incredible period for Momentum Dynamics, propelled by an unprecedented transformation of the automotive industry and we are thrilled that Michael can bring his experience and drive to our communications and strategic business outlook.”

McHale said, “I have been in no doubt for some time now that the future of transportation is electric – and within that, the future of EV charging is wireless. Having seen Momentum’s technical leadership and imminent as well as long-term plans, I was thrilled to join the charge.”

The post Momentum Dynamics Names Head Of Communications & Brand  appeared first on aftermarketNews.

Hankook Tire America Corp., announced recently that Soo II Lee will assume the role of president effective this month. Lee succeeds Hosung Suh who began his term as president in July of 2017. Lee previously served as president and COO of the America headquarters from 2009 through 2012.

Suh will return to Hankook’s global headquarters in Seoul, Korea to take over a new position this month.

“I am looking forward to the opportunity to lead Hankook Tire’s team in America,” said Lee. “As we move into this new decade, I am excited about being able to continue the growth of our American headquarters as well as implement the necessary strategic initiatives that will continue our goal of becoming a global leader in the tire industry.”

Lee received his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Michigan State University in 1996. He began working at Hankook in 1987 and has held many executive level positions during his tenure. In 2009, he was selected as president and COO for the American Headquarters. In 2017, he was appointed executive VP and chief marketing officer and chief corporate management officer at Hankook’s global headquarters in Seoul, Korea. He was promoted to president and COO of Hankook’s global headquarters in 2018.

“As a proven leader, Lee brings his wealth of Hankook knowledge and experience back to America,” said Hosung Suh, outgoing America Headquarters President. “He will help us continue to elevate our brand and continue our growth in the region. He also understands the value of customer service and our commitment to excellence in manufacturing high-quality products for North American consumers.”

Under Suh’s tenure, Hankook Tire opened its first state-of-the art 1.5 million square foot manufacturing facility in the United States in Clarksville, Tennessee, in October 2017. The opening of the plant expanded the company’s global footprint by solidifying its commitment to innovation, technology and growth in North America. The Tennessee plant operates at full-capacity and has helped grow Clarksville’s economy. In addition, the plant has allowed Hankook to incorporate sustainable design and construction into its tire manufacturing by leveraging top-tier technology through its highly automated manufacturing process.

Lee will split his time between Hankook’s America headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee, and global headquarters in Seoul, Korea. He will specifically focus on these three key themes at the American headquarters: competitiveness, innovation and results. Strategic initiatives will be put in place to enhance Hankook’s competitiveness in the tire industry. Additionally, Hankook will focus on and seek answers to “why” and “how” questions in order to provide innovation breakthroughs that will help garner a share of the market. And finally, the answers to these questions along with R&D will be used to help produce results. Lee begins his tenure in Nashville mid-January.

The post Hankook Tire America Names Soo II Lee President appeared first on aftermarketNews.

“The entire Automotive Distribution Network is proud to join our driver Clay Millican in supporting this organization’s efforts to make dreams come true for kids who are courageously fighting a serious illness,” says David Prater, president of The Network. “We’ve experienced firsthand the incredible joy of granting children wishes through The Dream Factory of Memphis and the happiness it brings to their entire family.”

For several years running, The Network has helped raise donations for The Dream Factory of Memphis. It is a 100% volunteer organization dedicated to granting dreams to critically and chronically ill children age three through 18 in the mid-south. Founded in 1980, the Dream Factory is the largest all-volunteer driven children’s wish-granting organization that does not limit its mission to children who have life-threatening illness, with 38 chapters across the country. For more information about the Dream Factory of Memphis, visit www.dreamfactorymemphis.org.

The post The Network Sponsors Ski Freeze Fundraiser New Year’s Day appeared first on aftermarketNews.

The two-day event will include unique educational seminars and training classes designed to benefit all industry stakeholders. Repairers, insurers, independent appraisers, dealers, fleets, OEMs, paint manufacturers and the like are encouraged to attend. There is no additional charge to attend one or all of the 15 classes offered, they are included in the registration. Early bird registration rates are available for a limited time at www.hdrepairforum.com/register.

As in year’s past, the HD Repair Forum advisory board consists of heavy-duty collision repair facility owners and managers and are the driving force behind the development of the program and the classes offered. Topics being covered at this year’s event will include:

• Advanced driver assistance systems
• Scanning
• Calibrations
• Tools and software for collision repairers
• Hiring, recruiting and retaining talent
• Sales, marketing and CSI
• Acquisitions, raising capital and a lot more

A complete schedule of classes will be listed on the HD Repair Forum website in the coming weeks. Additionally, attendees are not required to sign up for individual classes and are given the flexibility to choose their classes while on site at the event.

Register now to guarantee your attendance, participation and opportunity to network with the brightest minds in the heavy-duty collision repair industry.

The post HD Repair Forum 2020 Scheduled For March 24-25 appeared first on aftermarketNews.

Industry professionals whom themselves have previously participated in the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition will select one winner from each of the events to advance to the 2020 SEMA Show, taking place November 3-6 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. All eligible runner-up candidates will have the opportunity to take part in an online fan vote in which the Young Gun with the most votes will take the final spot in the Battle of the Builders Young Guns competition.  

“We continue to see an increasing level of craftsmanship, ingenuity and dedication from the young builders competing at these regional events,” said Ira Gabriel, SEMA VP of marketing, PR and communications. “It is so rewarding to see these Young Guns recognized for their abilities, and the opportunities that this competition can open up for them are huge.”

Since 2014, the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition has served as the automotive industry’s premier vehicle competition. Open exclusively to builders with vehicles on display at the SEMA Show, the contest expanded in 2017 to include a Young Guns regional competition that gave rising young builders an opportunity to participate. SEMA continues to look for young builders who demonstrate extreme talent, creativity and craftsmanship in modifying cars, trucks and SUVs.

The four finalists of this year’s Battle of the Builders competition will be highlighted along with other featured builders in a new TV special, SEMA: Battle of the Builders,scheduled to debut on A+E Networks’ FYI and HISTORY’s DRIVE block on January 26, 2020 . Check local listings for schedule.

For more information about the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition or the SEMA Young Guns program, visit www.sema.org/botb or www.semayoungguns.com.

The post SEMA Adds Battle Of The Builders Qualifiers appeared first on aftermarketNews.

Bosch is offering a solution with the revolutionary Virtual Visor, a transparent LCD and intuitive camera, which replaces the traditional vehicle sun visor completely. As the first reimagined visor in nearly a century, Bosch’s technology utilizes intelligent algorithms to intuitively block the sun’s glare and not the view of the road ahead.

“For most drivers around the world, the visor component as we know it is not enough to avoid hazardous sun glare – especially at dawn and dusk when the sun can greatly decrease drivers’ vision,” said Dr. Steffen Berns, president of Bosch Car Multimedia. “Some of the simplest innovations make the greatest impact, and Virtual Visor changes the way drivers see the road.”

The Virtual Visor, which was honored as a Best of Innovation in the CES 2020 Innovation Awards, will debut at CES 2020 in Las Vegas. The Virtual Visor was also named as an honoree in the awards competition, which recognizes products across 28 categories. Virtual Visor received the Best of Innovation for the In-Vehicle Entertainment & Safety category, as it received the highest ratings from a panel of judges that includes designers, engineers and members of the tech media.

A sun visor fit for the future

Virtual Visor links an LCD panel with a driver or occupant-monitoring camera to track the sun’s casted shadow on the driver’s face. The system uses artificial intelligence to locate the driver within the image from the driver-facing camera. It also utilizes AI to determine the landmarks on the face ‒ including where the eyes, nose and mouth are located ‒ so that it can identify shadows on the face. The algorithm analyzes the driver’s view, darkening only the section of the display through which light hits the driver’s eyes. The rest of the display remains transparent, no longer obscuring a large section of the driver’s field of vision.

“We discovered early in the development that users adjust their traditional sun visors to always cast a shadow on their own eyes,” said Jason Zink, technical expert for Bosch in North America and one of the co-creators of the Virtual Visor. “This realization was profound in helping simplify the product concept and fuel the design of the technology.”

The creative use of liquid crystal technology to block a specific light source decreases dangerous sun glare, driver discomfort and accident risk; it also increases driver visibility, comfort and safety.

Innovation from the recycling bin

From the original ideation and concept phase to testing and prototyping, Virtual Visor is a bottom-up solution made possible through the innovation culture established at Bosch. Employees are encouraged to apply lean startup methodologies to confirm customer benefits, market potential and feasibility for new ideas, which are then validated by peers and approved for development.

“We’ve built a culture around empowering our associates by putting them in the driver’s seat,” said Mike Mansuetti, president of Bosch in North America. The Virtual Visor was developed by a team in North America as part of Bosch internal innovation activities. “As a leading global technology provider, we understand that innovation can come from any level of an organization, and we want to see that grow.”

The post Bosch Engineers Innovate 95-Year-Old Sun Visor appeared first on aftermarketNews.