Before this innovation the main problem with electric cars has been where to store that heavy bulky battery. However Volvo is working with the imperial College of London on a three year project that will turn the electric car's body into the battery itself. The Imperial College researchers are working with a polymer resin and carbon fiber blend to make special body panels that could store enough energy to restart a hybrid car's engine, or add a small amount of range to an electric car. Emile Greenhalgh, the aeronautics engineer at Imperial College London who's leading this three-year project said, "Our lightweight carbon-fiber panels can carry a mechanical load and store energy simultaneously, and we're working toward achieving a 15% weight savings in a Volvo hybrid test car." It maybe another year until testing the new model is underway though. Despite common thought the car's panels are not that complicated. The new car's program turns the body panels into structural ultracapacitors, which are like batteries in that they store energy, but the energy can not be stored for long it has to be released quickly. It's great for short jolts, like a hybrid accelerating.
I think this new innovation sounds like a great idea for the electric automotive industry. I thought this was a obscure concept at first and was a little skeptical about its safety. However, Volvo's role in the E.U.-funded project is providing advice on how the new technology might be incorporated into future vehicles, and offering pros and cons on cost and user-friendliness, which gave me a better understanding. Also, in regards to its safety, A number of automakers are working on ultracaps to supplement batteries in hybrid or electric vehicle applications, so you won't get shocked. The carbon fiber carrying the charge will be deeply embedded inside the panels, between insulation and other composite materials. Finally since the voltages aren't high, there's not much danger if the panels are broken up in an accident. All and all I think in a couple of years Volvo will have great success when releasing this new technology.
http://www.forbes.com/2010/09/29/autos-batteries-hybrids-technology-volvo.html?partner=yahootix
Thursday, September 30, 2010
New Competition: Mercedes vs. Chrysler
Recently we have seen a decrease in the safety margin previously separating the luxurious cars such as the Mercedes Benz, from the other, more economically friendly, cars such as Chryslers. The reason the gap between the two is decreasing at such a rapid rate is because as soon as one car finds a new innovation, the other immediately finds a way to copy them. Crash test result are now more readily available on line, and since many people have switched their buying medium from the dealership to online explorations, the few facts that are thrown at them become very important. For example, they just hear about the crash test rating fact which was a bummer for luxurious cars because they have many features that can not be listed so black and white.
I feel that regardless of their attempts to not let it affect their company, he problems that Mercedes and other expensive cars are facing about the increase of online shopping, and the increase of safety features in all of the "regular everyman's" car will greatly affect their sales. When customers compare the Chrysler and the Mercedes they will compare the safety features, the price, and other black and white facts. The fact that statistically they may look similar tricks them into believing that they are getting a great deal on the Chrysler, which at the time appears to be the better car. In the end I think this will have a huge effect on the sales of luxurious cars.
SOURCE: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703989304575504513438406160.html?mod=WSJ_Autos_LS_Autos_4
I feel that regardless of their attempts to not let it affect their company, he problems that Mercedes and other expensive cars are facing about the increase of online shopping, and the increase of safety features in all of the "regular everyman's" car will greatly affect their sales. When customers compare the Chrysler and the Mercedes they will compare the safety features, the price, and other black and white facts. The fact that statistically they may look similar tricks them into believing that they are getting a great deal on the Chrysler, which at the time appears to be the better car. In the end I think this will have a huge effect on the sales of luxurious cars.
SOURCE: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703989304575504513438406160.html?mod=WSJ_Autos_LS_Autos_4
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Selling Used Cars for Fun and Profit
The selling of used cars is one of the most profitable parts of the auto industry. Running a used-car operation can have its benefits, but it can be very difficult to manage at times. One important lesson to know when organizing a used-car business is for the dealer to know he needs "to acquire inventory that [will] turn quickly, not just [fill] up the lot." If you attain bad inventory, then it could cause the company to lose a lot of money. In order to have a vibrant operation, basic used-car sales principles need to be followed. This would include "stock wisely, pick vehicles with high-gross potential, keep a 30-day supply and wholesale units in retail stock past 60 days." This type of business can be very rewarding when operated properly. As the number of cars reatiled rises, the total amount of revenues rise, which in return makes the consumer and the dealership happy.
After reading the article, I found that it was very useful information to know, as we continue to try and recover from our down period. Many U.S. citizens are in need or a vehicle and going to used-car lots are their only option. What I wish to know is if these car lots are selling fuel efficient vehicles? If they are, are they at a reasonable price for the buyers, but if they aren't, then why aren't they? We are now living in a period where "going green" has become the motto for everything that we attempt to do or create. By these businesses selling cars such as hybrids, they may gain more customers which will, in reutrn, continue to raise the revenue which they receive. I feel as though this will really help the business, but more importantly help the people that are looking to purchase these vehicles.
http://wardsauto.com/ar/selling_used_cars_109028
After reading the article, I found that it was very useful information to know, as we continue to try and recover from our down period. Many U.S. citizens are in need or a vehicle and going to used-car lots are their only option. What I wish to know is if these car lots are selling fuel efficient vehicles? If they are, are they at a reasonable price for the buyers, but if they aren't, then why aren't they? We are now living in a period where "going green" has become the motto for everything that we attempt to do or create. By these businesses selling cars such as hybrids, they may gain more customers which will, in reutrn, continue to raise the revenue which they receive. I feel as though this will really help the business, but more importantly help the people that are looking to purchase these vehicles.
http://wardsauto.com/ar/selling_used_cars_109028
The Stars are still Shining for Ford
Ford has remained above water during this current recession. In 2009, the company's profits of $2.7 billion put it ahead of GM's sales for the first time in 80 years. This success is due to Ford's CEO, Alan Mulally, who joined the company in 2006. When he took over, the company was in shambles and was in desperate need of a new image. Mulally did exactly what the automaker needed. He shifted the company into a more prosperous and successful company, just like how it was many decades ago. To do so, he urged quality, value, and customer satisfaction as the main concerns for Ford. He has also created a strategic plan for the company to help it stay on a steady path. According to Mulally, "Ford plans to streamline the number of models or "nameplates" it produces to about 25 to 30 from the 97 models it used to build." This change can help make costs lower and the production process much simpler. Fewer models in production will allow Ford to have a greater focus on the quality of their vehicles.
In addition, Ford's CEO has said that there is a great potential to improve the combustion engine, including both the petrol and diesel. Along with this, Ford is pursuing electric vehicles and hydrogen technology. According to Mulally, this is the reason why college students are, "Choosing to study engineering at the University level, adding that the changing environmental focus and technological needs, will encourage people to enter the field and provide the necessary skill set." This demand is fueling the trend for many college students to become engineers as there is a very high recruitment rate for them upon their graduation. I expect that this demand will continue as this energy crisis continues.
I can sense that Ford's CEO will continue to help the brand keep its name. The company has proven that it is dedicated to building dependable cars and is willing to maintain its steady path. I believe that Ford is blessed to have a CEO that was prepared for the future and able to guide them through one of the toughest economic disasters to note. Thier commitment to improving themselves will help reestablish their name and make them a favored automaker among consumers.
Source: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704654004575517523508773954.html?KEYWORDS=auto+industry
In addition, Ford's CEO has said that there is a great potential to improve the combustion engine, including both the petrol and diesel. Along with this, Ford is pursuing electric vehicles and hydrogen technology. According to Mulally, this is the reason why college students are, "Choosing to study engineering at the University level, adding that the changing environmental focus and technological needs, will encourage people to enter the field and provide the necessary skill set." This demand is fueling the trend for many college students to become engineers as there is a very high recruitment rate for them upon their graduation. I expect that this demand will continue as this energy crisis continues.
I can sense that Ford's CEO will continue to help the brand keep its name. The company has proven that it is dedicated to building dependable cars and is willing to maintain its steady path. I believe that Ford is blessed to have a CEO that was prepared for the future and able to guide them through one of the toughest economic disasters to note. Thier commitment to improving themselves will help reestablish their name and make them a favored automaker among consumers.
Source: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704654004575517523508773954.html?KEYWORDS=auto+industry
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
SAIC and GM, complicated friends
SAIC Motor Corporation, the biggest Chinese automaker, may soon buy stakes in GM once its stocks go public. This idea is causing a stir because the U.S. government, which has a 61% stake in GM from the bailout, is worried that selling its stocks to foreign investors may backfire in public anger. If the deal happens, critics could argue that the U.S. government used taxpayer money to allow foreign companies to take a hold of an American company. However, SAIC has close ties with GM. The Chinese company is partners with GM in an auto market that recently became the world’s largest. GM’s August auto sales rose 19% in China from last year amidst the slump in the U.S. and Europe sales. SAIC and GM are also trying to capitalize on the growing market in India.
I agree that the U.S. government will face some criticism that it is basically selling an American company to foreign countries. However, I think the critics should accept the fact that globalization works both ways. The U.S. bought a lot of stocks in foreign companies, and now that more countries are progressing towards first-world status, we should allow them to purchase shares of U.S. companies. The joint venture between SAIC and GM gives SAIC even more of a legitimate reason for its interest. I got a feeling it won’t be long before we see Chinese cars on the road along side American, European, Japanese, and Korean cars.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703305004575503784053091088.html?mod=WSJ_auto_MiddleSecondHighlights
I agree that the U.S. government will face some criticism that it is basically selling an American company to foreign countries. However, I think the critics should accept the fact that globalization works both ways. The U.S. bought a lot of stocks in foreign companies, and now that more countries are progressing towards first-world status, we should allow them to purchase shares of U.S. companies. The joint venture between SAIC and GM gives SAIC even more of a legitimate reason for its interest. I got a feeling it won’t be long before we see Chinese cars on the road along side American, European, Japanese, and Korean cars.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703305004575503784053091088.html?mod=WSJ_auto_MiddleSecondHighlights
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Friendly or Fatal?
General Motors Co. will soon be adding a new feature, due to Onstar's "upgrade to match services offered by rival Ford's Sync Music and information system." The company is attempting to add Facebook later on this month. There will also be features added to this system that will allow the driver to use voice to text, and other voice commands enabling their Facebook statuses to be updated. Onstar will be testing other technological devices to allow its users to have their text messages be read out loud. GM is using this as a way to catch up to Ford who currently has features that include "social networking, web browsing, and iPod-style thumb controls." By having this feature, GM should see an increase in their automobile sales. The price of the new feature will be free the first year, followed by a great increase in price.
Although this system "provides accidental alerts, directions, vehicle diagnostics and roadside assistance in case of an emergency," it still doesn't seem safe enough to place in vehicles. Granted, this is a really impressive device; however, it's just another distraction to the drivers and will have fatal results. Many people will enjoy this feature because they have become addicted to Facebook, which will have them give it their undivided attention while driving. The company will most likely get sued if anything happens, as a result of this feature. Yes, they are trying to make the industry more competitive, but overall, this is just a bad idea.
http://www.wric.com/Global/story.asp?S=13119561
Although this system "provides accidental alerts, directions, vehicle diagnostics and roadside assistance in case of an emergency," it still doesn't seem safe enough to place in vehicles. Granted, this is a really impressive device; however, it's just another distraction to the drivers and will have fatal results. Many people will enjoy this feature because they have become addicted to Facebook, which will have them give it their undivided attention while driving. The company will most likely get sued if anything happens, as a result of this feature. Yes, they are trying to make the industry more competitive, but overall, this is just a bad idea.
http://www.wric.com/Global/story.asp?S=13119561
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