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.
BMW has updated its app with best charging times for the best prices along and also offers locations of public charging stations.
The new BMW Smart Charging App makes it possible for BMWi customers to charge at times with the best rates saving as much as $400 a year. BMW claims it is the “first” automotive manufacturer to offer this automated and fully integrated functionality.
Intelligent Mechatronic Systems Inc (IMS) unveiled the next generation of the DriveSync connected car platform, which now includes open cloud based architecture.
DriveSync platform now allows automotive ecosystem partners, any vehicle built after 1996 with an OBD-II ports can use connected car services using IMS plug-and-play technology with the DriveSync platform.
Telematics Update announced the winners of the 2014 Detroit awards winners include Volvo, Ericsson, INRIX, Delphi, OnStar, Elektrobit, Daimler, Audi, Nissan and GM.
Last week, the most Canadian connected concept car, ever, was shown at the APMA( Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association) in Canada and one that the Ontario’s drunken mayor Rob Ford can’t drive because it has an alcohol interlock device on it.
There have been reports that just say what types of devices were installed in the car running the QNX operating system but not the actual devices makers or providers.
The specially decked out Lexus RX350 was connected and reconfigured by the University of Waterloo.
Connected Car Conference (C3) founder Doug Newcomb announced the formation of the Connect Car Council and its inaugural members.
The Connected Car Council will market its members and help shape future C3 with topics such as distracted driving, data, networking, infotainment and privacy/security.
Eight states are planning to promote electric car ownership by making it cheaper and easier with perks such as, more charging stations, carpool lane access, cheaper tolls and free parking. California and east coast states are working together to put more Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV) on the road to the tune of 3.3 million by 2025.