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ABB Automotive Robotics appoints loop as global media contact

ABB Automotive Robotics appoints loop as global media contact
ABB Automotive Robotics appoints loop as global media contact

• How do legacy manufacturers switch existing facilities from ICE to EV production? An independent viewpoint on the future of car production
• Innovative, automated paint process which capitalises on the move towards individualisation/customisation while reducing Health & Safety risks
• The road to automation – Only 5% of Final Trim Assembly is currently automated meaning there is significant scope to improve build quality, expand interior trim options, reduce cost and improve worker safety

loop has been appointed to manage worldwide media relations on behalf of ABB – a leading global supplier of industrial robots, robot software, equipment and complete applications solutions – for its Automotive Robotics division.

Supporting B2B and B2C PR activity for ABB’s Automotive Robotics division, loop will cover the provision of robot-based automation solutions for automotive manufacturers around the world. ABB, a pioneer in this field, has already installed more than 400,000 robots globally, encompassing pressing and Body-in-White processes through to innovative solutions for automated paint application, EV and ICE powertrains and Machine Tool Tending processes.

ABB’s vast Automotive Robotics offering and experience mean it is expertly positioned to advise on all aspects of automotive production, spanning what start-ups need to consider when establishing the most cost-effective production facilities to how existing volume manufacturers can transition their existing plants from the manufacture of ICE vehicles to the production of EVs and everything in between.

For more information please contact:

Christian Tilbury
Christian.Tilbury@loopagency.co.uk

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Engineering Product launches and PR Technology

New swarm testing accelerates ADAS and autonomous vehicle development

New swarm testing accelerates ADAS and autonomous vehicle development
New swarm testing accelerates ADAS and autonomous vehicle development

• AB Dynamics showcases capability to replicate simulated swarm testing in the real world and vice-versa
• Enables thousands of iterations of virtual tests to be accurately correlated in the real world
• AB Dynamics is the only company to use a common toolchain which enables complex scenario testing to be simply ‘copy and pasted’ saving time and cost

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Aftermarket, Brand strategy comms and planning, News, Product launches and PR Engineering

SYNETIQ appoints Tom Rumboll as new CEO

SYNETIQ appoints Tom Rumboll as new CEO
SYNETIQ appoints Tom Rumboll as new CEO

• SYNETIQ appoints its current Executive Chairman Tom Rumboll as the new CEO of the business
• Rumboll takes control and responsibility for the performance of the business and its people
• SYNETIQ poised to enter the next phase of its strategic growth plan

SYNETIQ has announced that, as of the 1st January, current Executive Chairman Tom Rumboll has moved to become the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company. Tom now takes overall responsibility for the performance of the business and its people.

Tom joined the team as Executive Chairman upon the formation of SYNETIQ, having played a pivotal role in the merger that created the market-leading salvage and vehicle recycling business.

Having spent the last 20 months focusing on integration, people, processes and proposition, whilst enhancing the governance of the well managed business, Tom has worked with the teams to develop better structure, measurement, planning and communication. His background in large PLCs, regulated industries and high growth businesses has proved valuable for SYNETIQ and the business is now poised for its next phase of growth.

The Executive board of SYNETIQ remains broadly unchanged, retaining the valued industry knowledge of Richard Martin, John Schofield and Dave Harcourt, as well as Leigh Manton who joined as Finance Director in September 2019. Richard Martin will take up the role of Chairman.

Richard Martin, Chairman of SYNETIQ said: “My fellow shareholders and I know that Tom is the right person to take the SYNETIQ business forward as we enter our next phase of growth. He has our full support as we continue to work together as a strong team, making our vision of creating a vehicle recycling industry we can all be proud of a reality.”

Tom Rumboll said: “It is a real honour that the SYNETIQ shareholders trust me to head the business they have led so well for so long. The last few years of creating and subsequently integrating SYNETIQ have been a fantastic experience, and one that has identified a number of hugely exciting opportunities for the company. I feel privileged to lead the fantastic team of this very special business to a successful, sustainable and exciting future.”

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Engineering Product launches and PR Technology

MAHLE negates COVID restrictions to OEM test programmes

MAHLE negates COVID restrictions to OEM test programmes
MAHLE negates COVID restrictions to OEM test programmes

• Test programmes undertaken amidst strict Covid precautions
• Reduction in testing time, cost and risk
• Approach could permanently change future testing, says MAHLE Powertrain

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Engineering Product launches and PR Technology

MAHLE Powertrain success drives new test chamber

MAHLE Powertrain success drives new test chamber
MAHLE Powertrain success drives new test chamber
  • The specialist engineering consultancy unveils plans for a second climatic test chamber to support electric vehicle development at its Northampton UK RDE facility
  • Customer demand for the existing RDE Centre test facilities, opened in 2018, has driven further investment
  • New chamber will support EV development with four-wheel drive dyno and battery emulator in a wide range of climatic conditions, plus safety measures to enable testing of hydrogen-powered vehicles

MAHLE Powertrain has unveiled plans to invest in a second test chamber at its Real Driving Emissions (RDE) Centre in Northampton UK. The chamber will be ideally suited to develop and validate electric vehicle performance under wide-ranging climatic conditions and will be equipped with a four-wheel drive dyno and a battery emulator, as well as safety measures to enable testing of vehicles powered by hydrogen. The latest investment comes as a result of unprecedented demand for the RDE Centre’s facilities, originally opened in 2018.

“This next phase of our on-going investment programme at the RDE Centre will provide vital extra facilities for our vehicle manufacturer and tier 1 customers,” says David Pates, Head of Engineering . “Since the original opening in July 2018, our hypobaric & climatic test chamber has been in virtually constant use. This was even the case during lock-down conditions last year, when we helped manufacturers to sign off whole vehicle test programmes despite Covid-19 travel restrictions. While avoiding costly delays at the time, it also points the way to a reliable, faster and more cost-effective way to undertake such programmes post-pandemic.”

MAHLE’s research estimates that in 2035, globally 73% of passenger cars will still make use of an internal combustion engine (ICE) as part of their propulsion system, while MAHLE Powertrain estimates this will still be over 50% by 2040, so demand for the existing test chamber is forecast to continue as ICE development refocuses on hybridised units. “Given that statistic, it therefore made perfect sense to have a second chamber with a battery emulator, suitable for EV development,” says David Pates. “This second chamber will have an operational temperature range of -20 oC to +40 oC with the ability to simulate solar loading. For hydrogen-fuelled vehicle development we are building-in safety measures such as blast walls and a domed chamber roof for stray H2 gas collection. We plan for the new chamber to be ready for customers by the end of Q1 2022.”

The £5.1m investment is being part-funded by a £1.5m grant from the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP), a public-private sector-led organisation tasked with promoting economic growth in the region. Judith Barker, Director of Programmes and Governance at SEMLEP, said “We are really pleased to be able to support MAHLE Powertrain’s continuing investment into EV development at Northampton. Enhancing technologies and decarbonising our transport choices is very much aligned to our Local Industrial Strategy priorities and the ambitions of the Oxford-Cambridge Arc. We look forward to this further success and see this new facility as an important part in supporting the economic recovery of the South East Midlands post COVID-19.”

 MAHLE Powertrain’s latest announcement comes after news of a number of recent investments for its facilities around the globe, including a new powertrain dyno at their US facility in Michigan and a new e-axle test facility in Fellbach, Germany. Following on from its investment in battery cell test facilities last year, the UK site in Northampton has also unveiled plans for a significant battery pack testing facility which will open later in 2021.

“Our heritage is founded on ICE development, dating back to the first Cosworth road car engines, and since those times we have some notable landmark engines to our credit. However, back in 2008 we could see the way the future of the automotive industry was developing and have been keenly focussed on our dual propulsion strategy of ICE and electrification for over a decade now,” concludes Pates. “There has never been a more technically challenging time in auto powertrain development and our aim is, as always, to help our customers develop the most effective powertrain possible within their budget and timescale. In that respect at least, nothing’s changed.”

https://www.mahle-powertrain.com

 

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Aftermarket, Brand strategy comms and planning, News, Product launches and PR Engineering

How new technology helped SYNETIQ keep moving

How new technology helped SYNETIQ keep moving
How new technology helped SYNETIQ keep moving

• SYNETIQ reflects on the way its IT team implemented four new improvements to the way it serves customers

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Electric and Hybrid Vehicles Engineering Technology

MAHLE Powertrain sets its sights on e-mobility of the future

MAHLE Powertrain sets its sights on e-mobility of the future
MAHLE Powertrain sets its sights on e-mobility of the future
  • MAHLE’s development service provider established as strong partner for companies in the automotive industry and other sectors
  • Further growth planned: construction of five new testing and development facilities with investments totaling EUR 12 million
  • State-of-the art test and development centers in the UK, the USA, Germany, China, and Brazil develop solutions for global customers

MAHLE Powertrain (MPT) is expanding its portfolio with an intensified focus on e-mobility. Over recent years, the development service provider headquartered in Northampton, UK has established itself as a strong partner for companies in the automotive and commercial vehicle industries and other sectors—and it is aiming for further growth in 2021. A total of EUR 12 million is to be invested in the construction of five new testing and development facilities. The MAHLE subsidiary already operates state-of-the-art equipment at locations in the UK, the USA, Germany, China, and Brazil, where it develops innovative solutions for its global customers.

“Our portfolio includes electrification, the development of fuel cells, and solutions to support the use of hydrogen and alternative fuels in smart electrified combustion engines. We want to grow further in this area in particular,” Simon Reader, MAHLE Powertrain’s Director of Engineering, explained at a press conference. “We’re in an excellent position to help our customers develop their sustainable mobility solutions.”

MPT’s main activities lie in the design, simulation, and development of batteries, fuel cells, electric motors, and powertrains, transmissions, software, vehicle electronics, and control systems. That is why the MAHLE subsidiary also aims to increase its focus on the further training and retraining of its employees in these fields in particular.

New battery development center
With the construction of a test center for traction batteries in Northampton in 2021, the company will fulfil the next step of its electric powertrain strategy. The new facility will have a dedicated area for the construction of battery modules and three climatic chambers for testing complete battery packs. It will be available from this autumn for battery development and validation as well as for measuring and optimizing charging and discharging processes. MPT’s first development unit designed to test batteries under various climatic conditions went into operation in 2019.

New test rig for electric drives
In Stuttgart, Germany, MPT now operates a new test rig for electric drives. This equipment is being used to develop and test e-axles and e-drive units for a wide range of electric and hybrid vehicles.

New RDE test chamber
In addition, MAHLE Powertrain will open a second test chamber at its Real Driving Emissions (RDE) Centre in Northampton,UK this year. The chamber will be ideally suited for the development and validation of electric vehicles under a wide range of climatic conditions and will be equipped with a four-wheel-drive chassis dyno and a battery emulator. It will also have all the safety features needed for testing hydrogen-powered vehicles.

Further new test facilities in Germany and the United States will focus on the development of e-bike drives and the targeted ongoing optimization of clean internal combustion engines.

 

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Engineering Product launches and PR Technology

Eaton and Tenneco to help CVs hit emissions targets

Eaton and Tenneco to help CVs hit emissions targets
Eaton and Tenneco to help CVs hit emissions targets

Power management company Eaton and Tenneco have announced a joint development agreement between Eaton’s Vehicle Group and Tenneco’s Clean Air business group to produce an integrated exhaust thermal management system that will enable commercial truck and light vehicle manufacturers to meet upcoming emissions regulations.

Across the globe, emission standards are tightening for vehicle manufacturers. In Europe, the next stage of emissions standards, known as Euro 7 (for light-duty vehicles) and Euro VII (for heavy-duty), are targeted for introduction in 2025. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have similar actions planned for 2024 and 2027, respectively. Collectively, these new regulations will reduce tailpipe NOx limits by 90 percent, thus accelerating the need for global engine manufacturers to employ additional emission reduction strategies.

Under terms of the agreement, Tenneco’s Cold Start Thermal Unit (CSTU) will be combined with Eaton’s TVS® blower technology. The integrated exhaust thermal management system will provide heat directly to the vehicle’s aftertreatment system, which is essential for reducing harmful exhaust emissions. Upon heating the SCR catalyst to approximately 200 – 250 degrees Celsius, the aftertreatment system can efficiently convert NOx into clean emissions (e.g., nitrogen and water particles) upon exiting the SCR catalyst. Eaton’s electrically driven TVS Roots blower allows the airflow to be efficiently and precisely controlled so the CSTU can maintain optimal aftertreatment temperatures.

“CSTU is an active thermal management technology that rapidly heats and maintains the emission control system temperature,” said Nick Morley, director, global advanced engineering, Tenneco’s Clean Air business group. “Since the majority of emissions are generated during the initial start of engine operation and during extended idle conditions, the addition of an integrated exhaust thermal management system in front of the catalyst enables rapid light-off and efficient NOx conversion through the full range of operating conditions.”

“It became clear about three years ago that future CARB and EPA NOx regulations would be drastically stricter than they are today, and the exhaust thermal management system is an effective technology to actively heat up an aftertreatment system for commercial vehicle diesel engines to dramatically reduce cold-start NOx emissions,” said Justin Hopkins, technology development manager, Eaton’s Vehicle Group.

“Tenneco is an established leader in the design and development of aftertreatment solutions,” said Dmitri Konson, vice president global engineering for Tenneco’s Clean Air business. “We are pleased to partner with Eaton to develop a fully optimized system for engine manufacturers, leveraging our aftertreatment technology and engineering capabilities.”

The integrated exhaust thermal management system is already drawing attention from several global manufacturers, who are currently selecting which powertrain technology will help them meet future emissions regulations. By adopting this solution complicated multi-injector, light-off catalyst systems, with close-coupled packaging can be eliminated thereby reducing complexity. The CSTU and TVS blower will be sold individually by Tenneco and Eaton, respectively, but will be engineered as a system enabling vehicle manufacturers to seamlessly integrate the components.

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Commercial Vehicles Engineering Product launches and PR

SYNETIQ renews partnership with Covéa Insurance for salvage and green parts

SYNETIQ renews partnership with Covéa Insurance for salvage and green parts
SYNETIQ renews partnership with Covéa Insurance for salvage and green parts

SYNETIQ is delighted to announce it has renewed its multi-year agreement with Covéa Insurance, to continue providing salvage management and green parts supply across the UK. SYNETIQ and Covéa’s shared values and strategic alignment are seen as the primary reasons for the success of the partnership.

Alastair Sherwin, Claims Motor Engineers Manager at Covéa Insurance, said “SYNETIQ’s values of care, simplicity and integrity align perfectly with our own vision, and we’ve stood side by side throughout the pandemic to continue helping our customers.

“SYNETIQ are transparent, reliable and friendly to deal with, and operate with high standards in compliance, GDPR protection and ISO accreditation. We’re also impressed with the way they’re investing in the future, as we all strive towards becoming more sustainable,” continued Alastair.

Simon Schofield, Client Director at SYNETIQ, said: “Having worked with Covéa on designing and implementing new processes, I am delighted that our excellent relationship has been recognised with a new agreement. Our recent investments in new technology, reporting and processes are in-line with our corporate strategy. As we look to the future, we will be focusing on providing a great service, with sustainability at the core.”

SYNETIQ has recently implemented new storage and recovery processes, along with document and key management, to maximise efficiency and customer experience for Covéa and its policyholders.

SYNETIQ, the UK’s largest integrated salvage and vehicle recycling company, recently announced a new, state-of-the-art facility for processing electric vehicles at its Winsford site. As the UK heads towards a ban on new petrol and diesel car sales by 2030, SYNETIQ is gearing up its capacity to process new vehicle technology at scale.

Covéa Insurance is part of the French mutual insurance group Covéa and was established in the UK over 60 years ago. It offers a range of insurance services, including commercial, motor, property and protection, as well as life and critical illness cover.

For more information on this SYNETIQ story, or to arrange an interview, please use the contacts below.

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Commercial Vehicles Engineering News Product launches and PR Technology

Volta Trucks partners with Prodrive to develop electric HGV

Volta Trucks partners with Prodrive to develop electric HGV
Volta Trucks partners with Prodrive to develop electric HGV

Prodrive is working with Volta Trucks to help engineer its revolutionary 16-tonne electric HGV designed, not only to meet zero emissions requirements, but also to help keep vulnerable road users safer in crowded urban environments. The Volta Trucks concept HGV positions its driver low down, centrally and forward of the front axle, to give uninterrupted vision at street level through 220 degrees. Prodrive will help develop the design into a drivable demonstrator by early summer 2020.

According to the London Mayor’s office, 23% of pedestrian and 58% of cyclist deaths in London involved a Heavy Goods Vehicle, despite HGVs making up only 4% of road miles in London*. By positioning the driver in the centre of the cab at eye level with a pedestrian; using extensive cabin glazing and replacing conventional rear-view mirrors with cameras, dangerous blind spots are eliminated. Passenger seating is arranged behind the driver, on either side. 

To further reduce potential hazards, the truck uses bus-style doors on both sides with a slide/swing action to minimise intrusion into the path of pedestrians or cyclists, and allowing the driver to easily access the central driving position. To maintain compatibility with existing loading bays, the rear of the truck and the tail lift arrangement follow conventional practice. This approach means the demonstrator vehicle can be created by combining an existing donor rear chassis ladder frame with the innovative cab and frontal arrangement.

Targets for the truck include a range of 100 miles, a top speed of 50 mph and a gradeability sufficient to briskly negotiate the on-off ramps and slip roads typical of urban elevated routes. To maximise payload, the new cab will be a composite-clad spaceframe structure, the composite panels using natural rather than carbon fibres. The vehicle can be produced in a range of sizes from 14-18 tonnes.

Such is the pressure to improve urban air quality as quickly as possible, that Volta’s target is to show the finished prototype vehicle in mid-2020 and make it available for driving demonstrations later in the year. In parallel with the demonstrator schedule is a program to manufacture a fleet of prototypes for field trials in London and Paris with interested parties during 2021.

During the manufacture of the prototype batch, Prodrive will gradually hand over build responsibility to the confirmed production supplier, but will retain engineering responsibility and oversee ongoing development. The target manufacturing volume is 2000 units per year.

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