Auto News 5

Although lighter car seats remains a focus of research, other developments in seating have been taking place much faster than may be apparent on the surface. Automakers are demanding greater differentiation in their seat designs while motorists look for greater functionality and luxury. Are we nearly there yet? Matthew Beecham caught up with Dino Nardicchio, global VP of advanced technology engineering for Magna Seating, to learn how seats are becoming safer but more supportive, versatile and pleasant to sit in with a multitude of hidden creature comforts. Do we also discuss parenting and toddlers kicking dad drivers in the back? Well yes. Obviously.

News 15 Aug, 2019

DVSA data reveals 961 complaints have been made about unqualified driving instructors since 2014, but just 18 convictions have been secured

FCA has raised the first piece of steel for the nearly 800,000 square foot paint shop being built on the site of the former Mack Avenue Engine Complex in Detroit.

Ford plans to extend the warranty on clutch and related hardware for 560,000 Focus and Fiesta models sold in the US and Canada.

PPG said it had completed its acquisition of Dexmet Corporation, a manufacturer of specialty materials for surfaces in aerospace, automotive and industrial applications.

News 15 Aug, 2019

An updated version of the Porsche Panamera has been snapped during its road assessment, sporting a mild design update

Leoni's wire and cable division (WCS) is enlarging its factory in Cuauhtemoc, Mexico, by 7,000sq m with the option for a further 3,000sq m to increase capacity to produce EV charging cables and Hivocar high voltage cables for vehicles.

The Australian auto industry reported 83,184 sales for July 2019, a 2.8% decrease year on year.

The Philippine new vehicle market continued to strengthen in July 2019 with sales rising by 13.5% to 31,810 units from 28,038 units in the same month of last year, according to member wholesale data released jointly by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA).

Kia Motors reportedly has begun production of its new Seltos compact SUV in India, initially for local sale, a month after the model reached showrooms in South Korea.

China XD Plastics, supplier of polymer composite materials primarily for automotive applications, said second quarter 2019 revenue was US$463.1m, an increase of 46% year on year.

Lear Corporation, the seating, electrical and electronic systems supplier, named Carl Esposito, an aerospace industry executive with broad expertise in electronics, software development and connectivity, as senior vice president and president of the E-systems division.

Domo Chemicals and Solvay have signed an agreement for the former to acquire the latter's performance polyamides business in Europe.

News 14 Aug, 2019

The Rolls-Royce Ghost Zenith arrives as a special limited edition run-out model, and will be limited to just 50 examples

Skoda increased its deliveries worldwide in July by 3.1% to 102,700 units (July 2018: 99,700 vehicles), achieving the best July in its history.

Audi of America has named Daniel Weissland president effective 1 September, 2019.

New vehicle sales in China fell by 4.3% to 1.808m units in July from 1.890m units a year earlier, according to wholesale data released by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM). This data includes all vehicle types, including passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles.

Mahle said it had developed an EV battery housing with integrated thermal management as a solution for increasing the rapid charging capability of the battery.