IRN ArticleS FROM 2011:
Doing More With Less in the Powertrain World
MiBiz / March 21, 2011 / Melissa Anderson
Fuel economy and emissions reduction have taken center stage at all automakers, primarily because of government regulatory activity. Each automaker is pursuing a number of steps to squeeze out the best performance in the least disruptive way. They are also all managing a broad portfolio of short and long-term powertrain initiatives. A number of themes have emerged that describe how things are getting done, but the concept of ‘doing more with less’ is manifesting itself most prominently. • Full Article Text
Ford’s Electrification Evolution
MiBiz / February 21, 2011 / Julie Cridler
Much of the media focus on electric vehicles is centered on the all-new “ground-up” models like the Nissan Leaf or the upcoming Tesla Model S. But other automakers are preparing their strategies and developing products. Ford is no exception. Despite the fact that they do not receive as much publicity in this area, the OEM has actually taken quite an aggressive stance at developing electric drive solutions, although their roadmap for getting there is crafted differently than that of competitors. • Full Article Text
End of the Japanese Era?
Automotive Design & Production / January-February 2011 / Kim Korth
While the most prominent news story on the New Domestics over the past year has been the recall problems and resulting fallout for Toyota, a much more significant trend has been occurring behind the scenes. The industry data for 2010 as of this writing is beginning to show that, for the first time since 1998, both Honda’s and Toyota’s U.S. market share is projected to decline. While the decline is expected to be modest, the implications of this change are potentially profound. For the first time in over twenty years, the assumption that Japanese market share will continue to increase is now uncertain. So what is the cause of this change? • Full Article Text
Charting the EV Industry: Tesla’s Next Steps
MiBiz / January 24, 2011 / Julie Cridler
Tesla Motors has become synonymous with the electric vehicle industry, and the company is known for pioneering the path to powertrain electrification with the Tesla Roadster all-electric sports car. Since the Roadster was launched in 2008, over 1,400 units have been sold and are in use in 31 countries. Considering that the company was a start-up effort with new technology in an industry dominated by long-established players, the accomplishments they have made are impressive. The plans Tesla has for the future are no less ambitious and admirable. • Full Article Text