How Russia’s War with Ukraine Will Impact the Auto Industry
February 25, 2022 - The Russian incursion into Ukraine this week has thrown European and global markets into a frenzy, as automakers work to determine how big an impact the war, and any economic sanctions against aggressor Russia, will have on supply lines, production, and workforces who could now be in direct danger.
Europe's home automakers will be hit the hardest, as supply lines from Ukraine and Russia freeze up while bombs get dropped. Hyundai and Kia's massive manufacturing presence in Russia now presents a huge headache for the Korean group.
The Korean automotive sector is hugely reliant on Ukrainian-provided rare gases like neon, krypton, xenon, and more, everything from EV battery cells to superconductors are now on an even tighter supply line, and prices will go up.
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Hit with Stop-Sale After Owners Stranded by Faulty Electronics
Some Grand Cherokee L owners have experienced problems with their new Jeeps. In short, the car's key fob loses connection with the SUV, and any attempts to unlock it with a physical key are mistaken by the vehicle as attempted theft. It's then rendered effectively inoperable.
Stellantis' FCA wing sent notice to dealers that a stop sale of the vehicles has been issued due to faulty electronics installed on the Jeeps. The document alleges a "Radio Frequency Hub Module" can cause communication issues between the car and the key fob.
As far as a fix goes, these faulty RFHMs must be replaced. For some owners that could mean more than a month without the new SUVs they just bought. For unsold trucks still at the dealership, they can't go anywhere until they're fixed.
Russian Invasion of Ukraine to Further Strain U.S. Chip Supply for Auto, Tech Industries
February 24, 2022 - Russia’s invasion of Ukraine could further strain supplies of semiconductor chips amid a shortage that has already caused global production disruptions for tech companies and automakers for more than a year. Russia and Ukraine are critical sources of neon gas and palladium that are used to produce semiconductor chips.
Russia produces neon, a gas that’s a byproduct of steel manufacturing, which is then sourced and purified by a specialized Ukrainian company. The price of neon shot up 600% the last time Russia invaded Ukraine in 2014. Russia also is a key palladium supplier. For the automotive industry, palladium also is a key metal used for catalytic converters. Palladium prices jumped by more than 7% on Thursday as part of a larger surge in precious metals.
The U.S. neon supply, which is used for lithography processes for chip production, comes almost entirely from Ukraine and Russia, according to Techcet, a California-based market research firm that specializes in critical supply chain materials and components.
Siemens Reveals AC/DC Charging Solution for Fleets
February 27, 2022 - In the USA, Siemens Smart Infrastructure has introduced a new charging concept called VersiCharge XL. The concept is designed to enable rapid large-scale installation as well as facilitate expansion and maintenance.
Siemens says the VersiCHarge XL enables the rapid and efficient electrification of new or existing car parks and building structures using a modular, scalable design created in partnership with Nexii Building Solutions.
The new product is the industry’s first electric vehicle charging system to house all the components required to power EV chargers above ground in an enclosed, low-carbon structure. This would eliminate costly and time-consuming construction work, largely reducing construction waste and environmental impact on site.
GM Plans 50 New Digital Features, Services by 2026
February 24, 2022 - General Motors aims to turbocharge its non-vehicle revenue by introducing dozens of new fee-based digital features by 2026, including one enabling a car to predict when it will need maintenance.
"We have 50-some value-added products and services that we'll be rolling out over the next 36 to 48 months," Steve Carlisle, president of GM North America, said at an investor conference. GM's OnStar unit, which now offers insurance in addition to concierge services to drivers, generates about $32 a month per customer, and its enhanced Super Cruise driver assist feature will further bolster that.
The new digital products, including in-vehicle subscriptions, will be supported by GM's Ultifi software and connectivity platform. Ultifi also will enable over-the-air software updates and help drivers and passengers with tasks such as online shopping.
