BorgWarner Transfer Case Smooths Shifting in ’14 Tundra
BorgWarner produces the 2-speed, part-time 4-wheel drive transfer case for the ’14 Toyota Tundra pickup.
To switch between 2-wheel- and all-wheel drive while moving, BorgWarner’s transfer case uses an electromagnetic-based synchronization system to synchronize the front and rear axle speeds before locking them together.
Unlike conventional mechanical synchronization systems, BorgWarner says its electromagnetic-based system provides a smooth, quiet and consistent transition from 2- to 4-wheel drive.
Providing transfer cases manufactured at its facility in Seneca, SC, BorgWarner is Toyota's sole supplier of the component for the Tundra in North America.
TRW Steering Wheel Concept Another Step Toward Automated Driving
TRW unveils a new steering-wheel concept featured on the Rinspeed XchangE concept electric vehicle at the Geneva auto show.
The steering wheel’s multiple functions include hands-on and -off detection to assist the driver during semi-automated- and automated-driving situations.
“With the integrated hands on/off sensor and flexible positioning of the wheel, the driver can choose whether to drive the vehicle himself, pass control of the vehicle to the front passenger or have the vehicle drive itself in automated mode,” says Guido Hirzmann, TRW group leader-new technology, mechatronic.
Certain controls can be eliminated or packaged into the steering wheel, offering more space and flexibility for the car interior, Hirzmann says. “For example, with the XchangE vehicle, we have been able to remove the center console and integrate the gearshift into the steering wheel.”
TI Opens Second Fuel-Tank Plant in China
TI Automotive dedicates its newest fuel-tank-systems production facility in Guangzhou, China.
The 67,000-sq.-ft. (6,200-sq.-m) facility, the supplier’s second fuel-tank plant within China, produces blow-molded plastic fuel tanks for Nissan, Toyota, Peugeot Citroen and Qoros.
‟During the past decade, TI Automotive has developed some of the most advanced blow-molding production technology in the industry and have been producing award-winning products that improve packaging and component placement, while reducing emissions and weight,” Hans Dieltjens, executive vice president-fuel tank systems, says in a news release.
The new plant is TI Automotive's 15th facility within China. Within the past five years, the supplier has opened new facilities in the Czech Republic, Mexico, Russia and elsewhere in China to meet industry expansion.
Preh ECUs In Charge of Monitoring BMW EV’s Battery Performance
Preh supplies the battery-management electronic control units for BMW’s i3 all-electric car.
The battery-management control components comprise the electronic-control battery-management unit and the cell-supervising sensor unit. Both units provide a uniform charge for the i3’s high-voltage battery.
Because the high-voltage batteries always are in use and typically have varying charge levels depending on age and manufacturing tolerances, the cell-supervising sensor unit continuously monitors each battery cell’s voltage level and temperature. The battery-management unit processes the data to offset the different charging states and ensure optimum performance.
Both units are produced at Preh’s headquarters in Bad Neustadt, Germany.
The company also supplies the iDrive touch controller and driving-experience control for the i3’s interior.
Alcantara Part of Hand-Built Sports Car’s Inside Story
Ermini Automobili, an Italian producer of luxury hand-built cars, chooses Alcantara to upholster the interiors of its new Seiottosei debuting at the 2014 Geneva auto show.
Styled after the renowned Italian Barchetta-type sports cars of the 1950s, only a limited number of the new Seiottosei will be manufactured.
A special 3-dimensional technique distinguishes the Alcantara seat centers with a tailor-designed horizontal-stripe motif.
Alcantara provides automakers with an exceptional combination of technical and functional performance features such as durability, light weight, grip and breathability, art director Giulio Cappellini says in a news release.
IAC Expands Two India Facilities
International Automotive Components opens two new facilities in support of regional automotive operations in New Delhi and Pune, India.
Officials with the supplier of automotive and commercial-vehicle interiors first dedicated a new plant complementing IAC's existing Manesar manufacturing operation, then dedicated a new 80,000-sq.-ft. (7,430-sq.-m) Manufacturing, Design & Technical Center in Chakan, India.
The new Chakan facility is IAC's second in the Pune district. The original facility, IAC Chakan I, is located on the Mahindra and Mahindra manufacturing campus dedicated to the Indian automaker’s vehicle lines for supply of interior and exterior components. Chakan II is a multicustomer facility that supplies products including headliners, instrument panels, door panels, center consoles and exterior trim.
IAC’s new Manesar Plant II will complement existing manufacturing operations comprising a total of 60,000 sq.-ft. (5,570 sq.-m) between both locations. IAC Manesar makes headliners, flooring, floor consoles, instrument panel components and interior soft-trim products for customers including Maruti Suzuki, Volkswagen and Volvo-Eicher Commercial Vehicles.
Tenneco Emissions Technologies Clean Up After Ram Diesels
Tenneco supplies key emissions-control technologies on the ’14 Ram Heavy Duty diesel truck series, which includes the 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty diesel pickups and the 3500, 4500 and 5500 chassis-cab trucks.
Tenneco provides aftertreatment components, including the diesel-oxidation catalyst, diesel- particulate-filter and selective-catalytic-reduction system on the full truck line. The company since 2010 has supplied the SCR aftertreatment system for both previous and current-generation Ram chassis-cab truck series.
The Ram Heavy Duty diesel pickup trucks added the SCR technology when production of the redesigned 2500 and 3500 series trucks began last year at Chrysler’s Saltillo, Mexico truck-assembly plant.
Tenneco produces the aftertreatment components at its manufacturing facilities in Smithville, TN, and Puebla, Mexico. Engineering and development was conducted at the company’s global emissions-control technical center in Grass Lake, MI.
Gill Holding Acquires GR Spring & Stamping
Gill Holding acquires GR Spring & Stamping, a Tier 1 manufacturer of metal stampings and assemblies. Terms of the transaction between the two Grand Rapids, MI, companies were not disclosed.
Gill provides manufacturing, prototyping, product and tool design, engineering, testing and analysis to the automotive, multi-use-vehicle and furniture markets. Recently the company joined the Alliance for Wireless Power, which represents businesses dedicated to delivering flexible wireless-power technology to automotive and consumer electronics markets.
GR Spring & Stamping is a custom manufacturer of metal stampings and value-added assemblies, serving the automotive and other industries.
‟By acquiring GR Spring & Stamping, we are able to diversify our customer base to include additional OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers,” Gill CEO Richard Perreault says in a news release.
