Ford is employing new artificial intelligence technology in its production facilities to minimize recalls and reduce expensive defects. Feeling the pressure from investors the Blue Oval is taking things seriously, and the new technology is already proving invaluable.
Take the round rubber seals used in the electric oil pump applied to hybrid vehicles such as the Escape Hybrid and Maverick. While it seems simple, many things can prevent these seals (called squish tubes) from sealing correctly. Before Ford implemented the AI technology, the Van Dyke facility was installing an average of 40 electric oil pumps with faulty rubber seals per month in 2023. In April 2024, not a single zero squish tube defect was reported, highlighting the usefulness of the AI system.
Geotab and Rivian announced a partnership to deliver an Integrated Data Solution for Rivian’s commercial vehicles in North America. The collaborative solution will utilize embedded telematics in Rivian’s commercial vehicles to enable the seamless integration of vehicle data into the MyGeotab platform.
“Access to advanced data analytics and AI is rapidly advancing the world of connected transportation with positive benefits to the bottom line, safety, performance and sustainability,” said Rob Minton, Associate Vice President of Connected Car Development at Geotab.
EV Connect and bp pulse announced a collaboration to bring key capabilities of Omega, bp pulse's EV charge management software to the EV Connect platform.
"This collaboration between EV Connect and bp pulse brings unparalleled expertise in the electric vehicle charging industry, opening doors to elevate our fleet management capabilities and deliver cutting-edge solutions that set new standards for both of our customers," said Jon Leicester, Vice President and Head of Commercial at EV Connect.
The City of Dallas selected Ford’s commercial division, Ford Pro™, to help move the City’s climate goals forward, aiming to improve air quality through electrifying the City’s vehicle fleet by 2040.
Ford Pro and the City of Dallas entered a 10-year agreement to grow and manage EV charging infrastructure for the City’s fleet operations. As part of the agreement, the City of Dallas will install Ford Pro chargers at the City’s worksites and use Ford Pro smart charging software to customize and manage EV charging performance. Through the integrated software and hardware solution, Dallas can help ensure its fleet vehicles are charged optimally and ready for work when they need them.
PepsiCo said on Tuesday it would expand its fleet of electric vehicles in California, deploying 50 Class 8 Tesla Semi trucks and 75 Class 8 Tesla Semi trucks at its facilities in the state over the next several months.
The beverage maker said the move would help "step-change" the electrification of its equipment services fleet across California as it tries to reach its goal of net zero emissions by 2040. Pepsi said it is partly funding the expansion with a grant provided by the California Air Resources Board, the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, and the California Energy Commission.