Researchers at Ford and Heinz are researching the use of tomato fibers to make sustainable, composite materials for use in carmaking.
Ford researchers are testing the composite for use in wiring brackets, upholstery, and storage bins such as the kind a customer uses to hold coins and other small objects.
Toyota and Panasonic are co-developing a service that links cars with home appliances. A new service will be launched probably by the third quarter. A feature to expect will allow drivers to set up air conditioning or heat when the car is near the home. It could also turn on the coffee or crock pot on the way home from work.