Newsletter du 31/03/2009 : Newsletter of March 2009
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- New Honda Insight
The Japanese car maker is launching soon its new gasoline hybrid model, replacing Civic IMA. The engineers have improved the technology (parallel hybrid, nickel-metal batteries, DC brushless motor, CVT transmission) to reach a fuel consumption of 4,4 L/100 km and low CO² emissions (101 g/km). A multi-function display enables the driver to a have a real time feedback on the braking and the acceleration to moderate the consumption. A special feature is the Econ (efficiency control) : a function that optimizes the hybrid system, engine’s cylinders cut off, stop & start system at traffic lights, the regenerative braking and the gearbox for a greener driving.
- New Porsche 911 GT3
More powerful, quicker and more racy : this is how Porsche qualifies its new version of the legendary 911 GT3, that will be unveiled at next Geneva Motor Show. Relying on its expertise of racing, the german brand has reached new levels in terms of performance and dynamic handling. The 6 cylinder engine develops 435 hp, with more torque. For a better sensation, engineers have worked on aerodynamic, on the active suspension (PASM) and on the brakes. But, the new feature is the dynamic suspension of the engine. This electronic system is used to reduce the vibrations in normal drive mode. The suspension is tuned to deliver more sensations at higher speeds.
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- Italian connection around the wheel
Brembo, Magneti Marelli and Pirelli are teaming up to offer cutting-edge solutions for the Italian automotive industry. This technological cooperation is an opportunity for Pirelli to mix its intelligent tyre (Cyber Tyre) with Magneti electronic control systems and Brembo’s evolved braking systems. This alliance will improve both road safety and environmental impact, in line with EU requirements for 2012.
- Mini… malism
After Efficient dynamics for BMW, Mini launches its own programme in order to reduce fuel consumption. It’s called “Minimalism”. Technologies used are auto Start Stop to cut the engine at traffic lights, regenerative braking, a gear shift indicator and an optimization of the oil and fuel consumption thanks to a driven flow oil pump. This enables Mini to reduce fuel consumption up to 28 %.
- Fiat Eco Drive
Turin based firm helps drivers to reduce by themselves the fuel consumption. Eco Drive is a function linked to Blue & Me option (USB and Bluetooth connectivity), enabling data recording of the car on a USB stick. Thanks to a dedicated software, conceived by Microsoft and Fiat and free to download on the Internet, the data can be afterwards analyzed. Based on parameters such as accelerations, decelerations, gearshift speed, distance and speed, the software delivers driving tips and helps drivers to change the behaviour. Eco Drive is offered on 500 and Grande Punto models and can be retrofitted on Fiat cars with Blue & Me inside.
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Exhibitor or Sponsor in 2009!
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IAEC is the place where you can connect with the technologies, products and most influential people and companies involved in automotive electronics!
Sponsorship & Exhibition Opportunities
Oliver Cadi : +33 (0) 1 48 76 21 76
or email ocadi@on-events.net
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More information
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The expert of the month
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Oliver Nass,
CEO ESG Automotive France SAS
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How do you help French carmakers to deal with automotive electronics challenges?
The rising share of electronics in the car and developing cycles that get shorter and shorter make it necessary to further “industrialise” the E/E development in the automotive industry. This concerns the process itself – I think for example of the upcoming standard ISO 26262 – as well as the implementation of new architectures - for example based on AUTOSAR - or technologies and also new developing methods and tools. Our French system engineers help our clients in two roles: as a consultant and as a developing partner. Our value added as a consultant is based on our system know-how, our own hands-on experience as a developing partner for numerous OEMs and suppliers and our independence from any particular hardware or software solution. We worked for example on the optimisation of the client’s system integration or an embedded software development process or the impact of new standards such as Euro V or ASAM ODX in the field of diagnostics. To be credible we permanently try to capitalise on our project-generated know-how and we have very close links to our corporate Center of Competence. Concerning our role as a developing partner we clearly observe the wish of PSA and Renault to engage new ways of cooperation with engineering companies as us which are able take over important work packages, developing projects or maybe even processes as we have done it for several years already for German clients.
Germany is well known for its expertise in the field of electronics. How do you bring this “German touch”? Can it be applied in other countries?
I believe that the return of experience we have gained over years from our partnerships with the German OEMs and tier ones is a valuable asset, particularly with regard to innovations and the above mentioned “industrialisation” of the entire E/E development. The German carmakers of the premium segment are naturally among the first to implement innovations. BMW was for example the first OEM to introduce the Flexray technology in its X5. Of course, major innovations have also come from other countries; think only of Toyota’s advanced hybrid know-how or PSA’s particle filters. Signs of the efforts in Germany to further “industrialise” the automotive sector are the AUTOSAR consortium, the elaboration of the ISO 26262 norm and numerous joint research projects or clusters such as Car2CarCommunication. Indeed, German car manufacturers have often led the movement, but were quickly joined by the European OEMs – for example PSA as an active core member of AUTOSAR. BMW, Daimler or VW have also worked a lot on the process side on issues such as requirements management, outsourcing of certain development activities etc. ESG has often been the selected strategic partner. The transfer of our experience is however conditioned by the absolute respect of confidentiality agreements and the adaptation of the generic know-how to the concrete context by our local engineering team.
ESG has been involved for years in aeronautics. Do carmakers still have to learn from this sector and how do you see this convergence?
Indeed, ESG is an approved aviation development organisation with a track record of 40 years and entered the automotive sector 15 years ago. Yes, I am convinced that the two industries can learn from each other as the complexity of the E/E systems resembles more and more. The robustness of the development process, architectural principles as found in the IMA (Integrated Modular Architecture) approach or experiences with “by-wire”-technologies or the “vehicle to X” communication with more and more data exchange between embedded and IT systems are interesting benchmarks for the automotive industry. In the same way the aeronautic industry looks more and more at automotive proven technologies such as the CAN bus system in order to reduce cost and developing cycles. Having said that, I must recognise that industry structures and requirements are and will stay different. I therefore believe in a “cross-fertilisation” rather than a “convergence”.
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