Automotive Technology

The MODUM project — short for Models for Optimising Dynamic Urban Mobility — is about to commence in the European Union. In an effort to reduce automobile pollution and avoid hefty construction projects, MODUM will enable cars to communicate via wireless network about road conditions, helping avoid traffic jams and save travel time. Prototype wireless devices are currently being prepared. Could wireless networking in vehicles be the answer to gridlocked roads?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Automotive Technology, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Automotive Technology today.

Not long from now, most vehicle windshields will feature heads-up displays that incorporate GPS and layered OLEDs for 3D-like dashboards. Does the proliferation of aircraft cockpit technology make driving safer? How about more fun?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Automotive Technology, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Automotive Technology today.

In this opinion piece, Jeremy Anwyl, CEO of Edmonds.com, weighs in on the subject of Corporate Average Fuel Economies. He contends the CAFE standards setting process is a "mess" and has backed that contention up at a recent congressional hearing.

Is he right? How could the process be improved?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Automotive Technology, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Automotive Technology today.

Back in February, the verdict arrived: No electronic-based cause for unintended high-speed acceleration in Toyota vehicles. But despite the 10-month long, multi-million dollar study, some say no satisfactory explanation for why the company was forced to pull 8 million vehicles off the road has been given and the company still faces lawsuits. Are you satisfied the problem has been solved?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Automotive Technology, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Automotive Technology today.

Despite growing demand for lithium-ion batteries and concern over resource availability, poor process economics constrain battery recycling. A Waste Management World article considers current cost and technology challenges in this emerging field. Will investments in specialized waste disposal services and small-scale recycling systems sited near automotive manufacturers jump-start this market?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Automotive Technology, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Automotive Technology today.

The proliferation of electronic gadgets on today's autos is truly amazing — computer-controlled brakes, engines, safety alerts, satellite navigation, and voice-controlled everything included. In fact, today's modern car can out-compute yesteryear's Apollo rockets. Now the caveat emptor: overloaded electronic dashboard goodies add up to electrical faults causing 27% of breakdowns, up 17% in five years, says Daily Mail Online. Is the trend towards more automotive electronics irreversible? What could car manufacturers do to simplify?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Automotive Technology, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Automotive Technology today.