Author: Ersin Kara

World Automotive Conference in Turkey, 5* Elite World Istanbul Hotel, 5-6 November 2014 Turkish automotive industry exports rose to new heights in the first Quarter of 2014 (up by 12.9 percent to $4,56 billion), yet domestic sales fell by 24.46%, so what does the future hold for this country, whose automotive sector is its largest export industry and is already ranked as the 5th largest producer in the EU? With Turkey’s strategic global positioning, integrated logistics and supply chain infrastructure, strong EU and government support network and incentive schemes, and a young, motivated workforce; can Turkey become the international production and innovation hub of the automotive industry? Ambitious targets have been set for both the automotive production and the export sector, but what about the huge potential within Turkey’s untapped domestic market, whose sales increased 10% year-on-year in 2013? Turkey’s large population is increasingly gaining purchasing power, and with 75% not owning a vehicle there seems to be a massive window of opportunity. However, will current concerns about Turkey’s growing account deficit and new regulation coming into place significantly hinder sales within Turkey? Does the real potential lie within the automotive part and leasing sector that is expected to grow at least 10% above the automotive sector this year? World Automotive Conference in Turkey This year’s ‘World Automotive Conference in Turkey’ will analyse if Turkey really does have the capacity, correct regulation and incentives and the right distribution logistic network in place to become an international production and technology hub. With environmental concerns and EU emissions targets now leading technology innovation, this conference will provide the perfect platform to hear about the next generation of vehicles, and if concerns such as fuel efficiency will really affect consumers purchasing decisions, and therefore strategic shifts within the automotive sector. Join global manufacturers, senior industry experts, logistics and supply chain executives, leading R&D developers and many more at this year’s conference to find out about the latest challenges and opportunities within this booming industry. Why Attend? Hear international success stories and best practise strategies Analyse the effects of new EU and Turkish government/BDDK legislation on domestic sales Understand the impact of BRIC countries’ manufacturers expected penetration into European markets Explore Turkey’s production capacity and export targets Discuss current support and incentives for international investors/manufactures Find out about Turkey’s supply chain and logistic distribution network Learn about latest technology developments Understand the impact of global environmental concerns on vehicle production     More information for speakers: http://www.worldwidepartnerships.co.uk/conference/world-automotive-conference-in-turkey/   For conference details: [email protected]

Türkiye’de Dünya Otomotiv Konferansı 5* Elite World İstanbul Hotel’de gerçekleşecek ( 5-6 Kasım 2014) Londra yerleşik Worldwide Partnerships firması tarafından düzenlenecek olan konferansta, Türkiye ve bölgenin otomotiv sektöründeki geleceğine stratejik açıdan yaklaşılacaktır. Türkiye ve bölgeden önemli temsilcilerin katılımı ile 5-6 Kasim tarihlerinde Istanbul’da gerçekleşecek olan ‘Türkiye’de Dünya Otomotiv Konferansı’, otomotiv sektöründeki üretim, ihracat, teknoloji konuları dahil olmak üzere stratejik konular üzerine yoğunlaşacaktır. Konferansın ana başlıkları; üretici firmaların 2015 ve ilerisinden beklentileri/gelecek stratejileri, araç lojistiği ve tedarik zinciri, araçlarda gelişen Connectivity ve Big Data (Bağlı Araçlar ve Büyük veri) teknolojileri, Türkiye’nin kendi marka elektrikli aracını üretme yolunda atılan somut adımlar ve projenin hayata geçmesi. Konferansta Avrupa Imar ve Kalkınma Bankası’nı temsilen yer alacak Hande Islak, sektöre ekonomi ve finans tarafından yorumlarını katıyor olacak. Sonrasında Toyota Türkiye CEO’su ve Genel Müdürü Orhan Özen, 2014 yılı yorumlarını ve 2015 için üretim ve ihracat konularında beklentilerini paylaşıyor olacak. KPMG Türkiye otomotiv sektör yöneticisi Ergün Kış’da sektörün yerel ve global trendleri üzerine konuşuyor olacak. Rusya ile gelişen ilişkiler ve bunun otomotiv sektöründe etkileri göz önünde bulundurularak Rusya’dan aralarında Volvo, Peugeot, Volkswagen gibi markaların da bulunduğu 12 farklı OEM tesisleri olan bölgelerden yöneticiler programa katılacaktır. Kaluga ve Ulyanovsk bölgelerinin gelecek olan bu yöneticiler hem Rusya’ya yatırım ve ihracat fırsatlarından hem de firmaların bu fırsatları değerlendirebilmesi için analiz edebilmeleri konusunda bilgi sağlıyor olacaklardır. Ayrıca –STAN, -JAN ülkeleri ve Rusya’ya (Azerbaycan, Kırgızistan, Türkmenistan, Özbekistan, Pakistan, Tacikistan, Afganistan) ihracat ve yatırım fırsatları üzerine 2014 Eylül’de tamamlanan bir çalışma ile Frost & Sullivan araştırma ekibi Anna Özdelen ve Mobarak Moosa sunum yapacaktır. Bu sunum ayrıca bu bölgelerdeki mevcut trendleri, pazar zorluklarını, hafif binek araç satışlarındaki potansiyeli ve diğer segmentlerle ilgili analizleri, ayrıca Rusya pazarının dinamiklerini ve telematikleri ele alacaktır. İkinci gün ise MUSIAD otomotiv Kurulu Başkanı Cengiz Arslan başta olmak üzere Mehmet Buldurgan (Temsa eski CEO’su) ve ilave konuşmacılarimiz ile %100 Türk marka araç üretilmesi ve bu aracın elektrikli araç olması konularında atılan adımları, üzerine çalışılan projeleri ve yapılacakları tartışıyor olacagız. Microsoft İngiltere Otomotiv Sektör yöneticisi Ian Webber, Türkiye’nin henüz ulaşılamamış pazar potansiyeline satış için teknolojiyi daha iyi kullanarak ulaşma yolları üzerine hazırladığı çalışmalarını anlatacaktır. Panasonic’in Amerika’da Strateji ve Inovasyon Direktörü olan Hakan Kostepen ve Mirror Link Projelesinin sahibi Car Connectivity Consortium yöneticisi Antti Aumo Connectivity & Big Data konuları üzerine yoğunlaşıyor olacaktır. Türkiye’de Dünya Otomotiv Konferansı hem Türkiye’den hem de uluslarası anlamda üst düzey sektör temsilcilerini bir araya getirecek bir programdır. Türkiye’de Dünya Otomotiv Konferansı hakkında daha detaylı bilgi almak veya sponsor, konuşmacı, katılımcı gibi alternatiflerle programda yer almak isterseniz lütfen bizimle iletişime geçiniz. [email protected] +44 203 289 5003  

Self-driving cars now chat with each other     An Acura RLX sedan demonstrated an unusual way to tow another car last week: the vehicles were not physically attached. The second car drove itself, following instructions beamed over by the first in a feat of technology that indicates a new stage in automation is happening faster than many expected. Systems that enable vehicles to communicate with each other have been developed in recent years in parallel with features that enable cars to drive themselves. Manufacturers and suppliers now are putting the two together in novel ways, with broad implications for vehicle safety and convenience. General Motors, Honda, which owns Acura, and other automakers are working with traditional suppliers and startup firms. Tech giants Google, with its pioneering work on driverless cars, and Apple, which is working with automakers to embed greater connectivity in their cars, are accelerating the change. “It is the mix of big companies – Apple, Google, the automakers and the data aggregators – that starts to create momentum. Two years ago, it was different. It was a promise. Today, it’s reality,” said Laurens Eckelboom, executive vice president of business development at Parkmobile, a smart-parking startup whose investors include BMW AG and Ford Motor Chairman Bill Ford’s venture capital firm Fontinalis Partners. A “truck platooning” application by Peloton Technology, a startup based in California’s Silicon Valley, is intended to save fuel and reduce collisions. As with virtual towing, a “platoon” of two heavy trucks use wireless communication and computer-controlled braking and acceleration to keep in close formation on the highway, according to a description by the company, which expects to start selling the technology late next year at US$2000 per truck plus a share of the projected operating savings. The total price tag for widespread adaption of such features could be steep. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates automakers will need to spend billions of dollars to install safety systems that automatically assist drivers and could be mandated by 2020, when the industry expects the first self-driving cars to start easing onto roads. WHO IS LIABLE? There are other risks and issues including reliability, cybersecurity and legal liability. “What happens if a self-driving car gets into an accident? Who is liable for the damages? Will the human ‘copilot’ be at fault or will the car’s manufacturer?,” the Center for Insurance Policy and Research wrote last month, citing “a long list of safety and legal issues to iron out before self-driving cars hit the road.” All the razzle-dazzle technology promised by automakers and regulators “shouldn’t take our eyes off the prize – cars that don’t crash,” Jon Lauckner, GM’s chief technology officer, said at the Intelligent Transport Systems World Congress in Detroit this week. Citi analyst Itay Michaeli said the convergence of connected and automated technologies also has the potential to reduce vehicle emissions and fuel usage, and bring down vehicle operating and insurance costs. Active safety, including hands-free driver assistance and accident avoidance, was a common thread of many technical discussions and technology advances on display at the ITS show, which attracted 10,000 engineers, scientists and researchers, ending on Thursday. Automakers are starting to put more of the new technologies on the road “to get some experience and see how the market reacts in advance of the government requiring it,” said Jeff Owens, Delphi Automotive chief technology officer. Price is still a big question. Some advanced systems could cost two to three times more to develop than early adopters are likely to pay, several industry insiders estimated in conversations at the show. Even with just a few semi-automated systems installed, the price tag remains stiff, although recent studies have shown car buyers are willing to pay about $3,000 to have hands-free driving capability. The Chrysler Group, a unit of Italy’s Fiat SpA, is charging nearly US$3500 for a technology bundle on its new 2015 Chrysler 200C sedan that includes adaptive cruise control, which automatically applies brakes and throttle to keep a vehicle a safe distance behind the one ahead; lane departure warning with lane keep assist, which automatically redirects a vehicle that is drifting out of its traffic lane; blind spot and cross path detection, which helps the driver monitor the presence of vehicles, and automatic park assist. GM’s Cadillac brand hasn’t said how much its new Smart Cruise system will cost when it debuts in about two years. The system is designed to enable hands-free driving on the freeway with automatic steering, braking and throttle, as well as using GM’s OnStar system to provide location, weather and traffic information to the automated systems. But drivers should not expect to take a snooze. “We are talking about ‘automated’ driving features, not autonomous driving,” with Smart Cruise, warned spokesman Jim Cain. “We will have strategies in place to keep the driver alert and engaged.”                 Source: http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/gadgets/61257574/selfdriving-cars-now-chat-with-each-other

Exclusive: Nissan faces battery plant cuts as electric car hopes fade     (Reuters) – Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn is preparing to cut battery manufacturing, people familiar with the matter said, in a new reversal on electric cars that has reopened deep divisions with alliance partner Renault. The plan, which faces stiff resistance within the Japanese carmaker, would see U.S. and British production phased out and a reduced output of next-generation batteries concentrated at its domestic plant, two alliance sources told Reuters. In what may also prove a politically sensitive blow to Japan Inc., Nissan would follow Renault by taking cheaper batteries from South Korea’s LG Chem for some future vehicles, including models made in China. “We set out to be a leader in battery manufacturing but it turned out to be less competitive than we’d wanted,” said one executive on condition of anonymity. “We’re still between six months and a year behind LG in price-performance terms.” A decision on the Nissan battery plants in Sunderland, England, and Smyrna, Tennessee, is due next month, the sources said, following a tense procurement review with 43.4 percent shareholder Renault, the smaller but senior partner in their 15-year-old alliance. “Renault would clearly prefer to go further down the LG sourcing route, and the Nissan engineers would obviously prefer to stay in-house,” another insider said. “The write-off costs are potentially huge.” Renault-Nissan “remains 100-percent committed to its industry-leading electric vehicle programme” and has no plans to write down battery investments, spokeswoman Rachel Konrad said. “We have not taken any decision whatsoever to modify battery sourcing allocation,” Konrad said, adding that the alliance “does not confirm or deny procurement reviews.” But Nissan is already negotiating with manufacturing partner NEC Corp. on the shift to dual sourcing, with Chief Executive Ghosn’s backing, the sources said. Nissan currently makes all its own electric car batteries. One option being explored would see LG, which supplies some Renault models, invest in its own battery production at one of the overseas Nissan plants as the carmaker halts operations at the sites. The alliance is also in talks with LG on a deal to supply batteries for future Renault and Nissan electric models in China, one of the sources added. NEC and LG declined to comment. Under Ghosn, who heads both companies, Renault-Nissan bet more on electric cars than any mainstream competitor, pledging in 2009 to invest 4 billion euros (3.2 billion pounds) to build models including the Nissan Leaf compact and as many as 500,000 batteries per year to power them. Nissan and NEC invested 23 billion yen (132 million pounds) in their Zama, Japan battery plant and electrode manufacturing, backed by government aid. U.S. and British taxpayers also helped with the $1 billion invested in Tennessee and 210 million pounds in Sunderland. But the mass consumer was largely unmoved – or deterred by the sluggish rollout of recharging networks – despite generous sales incentives in key markets. Global electric car sales will remain shy of 1 million in 2020, according to forecaster IHS Automotive, less than one percent of the total vehicle market, and one-tenth of the demand Ghosn had predicted. “Renault-Nissan were definitely ahead of their time – in a bad way,” said Stuart Pearson, an Exane BNP analyst. “There’s nothing wrong with ambition, but when that involves excess investment then it’s also a risk,” he said. “Their targets were really excessive on volume and battery capacity.” The alliance has begun a belated push into faster-selling hybrids, combining electric and combustion-engine propulsion. Upscale electric rivals such as Tesla’s Model S meanwhile hog the limelight, backed by big investments in newer, cheaper battery technologies. INTERNAL RIVALRIES Ghosn dropped extra battery sites planned for both alliance carmakers, leaving Nissan with the entire production capacity of 220,000 power packs through the NEC joint venture, AESC. But that still far exceeds the 67,000 electric cars Renault-Nissan sold last year, and even the 176,000 registered to date. A pledge to reach 1.5 million by 2016 has been scrapped. The coming hybrids will fill some of the excess plant capacity, although they use fewer power cells per vehicle. An all-electric Tesla rival is still planned for Nissan’s premium Infiniti brand in 2018 with batteries as big as 60 kilowatt-hours (kWh), more than twice the energy capacity of the Leaf, which is due for replacement the previous year. Nissan is seeking to unwind a ruinous NEC contract that requires it to purchase electrodes for the full capacity of 220,000 Leaf-sized 24 kWh batteries regardless of actual sales, sources said. The joint venture partner’s consent is also needed to bring LG production or other activities onto the Tennessee or Sunderland sites, which together employ 500 workers. The financial hit for Nissan “will depend on what else we can do with the plants”, with heavy charges likely if both are closed, one manager added. Renault has already taken at least one writedown of 85 million euros on its over-investment in electric cars following the collapse of Better Place, a charging startup that had ordered 100,000 of its battery-powered Fluence sedans. The Nissan procurement shift could still be thwarted by capacity-cutting costs including repayment of U.S. and British government support. Next-generation battery manufacturing at Zama would also likely need fresh Japanese aid to compete with LG and its subsidies from Seoul, sources said. Navigating the battery backtrack is a key test for CEO Ghosn as he demands closer Renault-Nissan integration from executives mandated to pursue savings across the alliance. For Nissan, the plant cuts would be a partial retreat from the automotive battery market – expected to top $20 billion by 2020 – just as California-based Tesla builds its $5 billion “Gigafactory” with Panasonic in Nevada. Japanese engineers are still smarting from Renault’s 2010 move to drop Nissan batteries and purchase LG for its flagship Zoe model, worsening the overcapacity problem. “It was a 15-20 percent cost gap,” said one of the people involved in the Renault decision. “In purchasing, 3-4 percent is usually enough to choose a partner for.” Today’s Nissan batteries come in at $270 per kWh, based on replacement prices thought to be below cost, according to consulting firm AlixPartners. The true manufacturing cost is believed to be over $300, inflated by the amortisation of unused plant capacity and the burdensome electrodes deal. The next generation will have lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) cathodes, as used by LG, rather than the current lithium manganese oxide (LMO) chemistry. The alliance cost target is $200/kWh, whether made or bought, sources said. With a clean slate and sufficient volume, Nissan engineers insist, their next generation of batteries could be competitive on price as well as keeping crucial know-how at the company. “When you’re developing cutting-edge technology, the best way to know about that technology is to build it in-house,” said one. “That’s what Tesla is doing.” Many of the past missteps can be traced to internal rivalries of the kind Ghosn is only now moving to stamp out. Former Nissan second-in-command Carlos Tavares, racing to beat the Renault Zoe to market, cut Leaf development by a year and skipped a critical battery redesign, according to alliance veterans. Nissan later cut prices, settled a class action and offered retroactive warranties to answer customer concerns about battery deterioration. Tavares now heads PSA Peugeot Citroen. His Renault archrival at the time, Patrick Pelata, signed a confidentiality deal with LG that meant Nissan battery engineers never even knew what they were up against. Against that backdrop, the atmosphere may be charged when Nissan engineering boss Hideyuki Sakamoto puts final arguments against the outsourcing plan in a presentation to Ghosn as soon as this week. But the CEO’s mind may be all but made up. “We’re in the process of opening up battery sourcing to a range of suppliers,” Ghosn said last week when asked whether Renault could buy batteries from France‘s Bolloré. In future some batteries will likely be outsourced “within the framework of alliance procurement”, he added. “What’s important to us is that electric car performance fully meets customer expectations.”               Source: http://uk.reuters.com/article/2014/09/15/uk-renault-sa-nissan-batteries-idUKKBN0HA0CC20140915

Binlerce Araba Türkiye’de Mahsur Kaldı     Suriyeli ithalatçıların muhaliflerin kontrolündeki bölgelerde satılmak üzere Güney Kore’den satın alıp, gemilerle getirdiği ikinci el 4 bin otomobil, Gümrük ve Ticaret Bakanlığı’nın uygulamaya koyduğu giriş-çıkış yasağı nedeniyle 4.5 aydır İskenderun, Mersin ve Taşucu limanlarında bekletiliyor. İthalatçılar, yasak nedeniyle zararlarının 15 milyon doları geçtiğini belirtiyor.   İTHALATÇI ZOR DURUMDA   Limanlarda bekletilen otomobillerin Türkiye’deki işlemlerini yürüten Hatay’ın Reyhanlı İlçesi’ndeki Fatih Çimen, Gümrük ve Ticaret Bakanlığı’nın 26 Aralık 2013’te aldığı karar nedeniyle, GüneyKore’den gemilere yüklenen ve bir aylık yolculuğun ardından geçen Mayıs ayında Türkiye’ye gelenaraçların Suriye’ye geçişine izin verilmediğini belirtip, zor durumda kaldıklarını söyledi.   “İADESİ YOK, SON BİR HAK VERİN”   Otomobillerin durdurma ve iadesi olmadığını belirten Çimen, “2’nci el araçlar bir aylık yolculuktan sonra Türkiye’ye geldi. Limanlarda yer olmadığı için Ürdün ve Malta’ya gönderilen araçlar yeniden Türkiye’ye getirildi. 2014 yılı Mayıs ayından bu yana da Türkiye’de limanlarda bekliyor. Kararın verildiği tarihten bir gün önce yola çıkan söz konusu otomobilleri son kez Suriye’ye geçişinin sağlanmasını istiyoruz” dedi.   “ARAÇ BAŞINA HER GÜN 5 DOLAR ÖDÜYORUZ”   Suriyeli ithalatçı Abdulmacid Yousef ise şu anda limanlarda çeşitli firmalara ait 4 bin civarında otomobilin bulunduğunu ve her otomobil için günlük 5 dolar ardiye ücreti ödediklerini söyledi. İstanbul Ticaret Odası’na da kayıtlı olduğunu belirten Yousef, “Güney Kore’den alıp Suriye’ye götürüp satıyoruz. Yasak kararı ile limanlarda kaldı. Otomobillerin limanlarda bekletilmesi ve zamanındaSuriye’ye gönderilememesi nedeniyle zararımız 15 milyon dolara ulaştı. Mevcut otomobillerinişlemlerinin yapılması için bakanlığın izin vermesini istiyoruz” diye konuştu. Kaynak: http://www.haberzamani.com/guncel/binlerce-araba-turkiyede-mahsur-kaldi-h264390.html

MÜSİAD TO HOLD AUTOMOTIVE CONVENTION FOR TURKISH CAR     ISTANBUL — Independent Industrialists’ and Businessmen Association, MÜSİAD, will hold an automotive convention with all related social parties at Kocaeli, Turkey in October 18 to produce native automobile. MÜSİAD’s automotive sectoral council chairman Cengiz Arslan stated that native automobile production is one of the most important ideals of growing Turkey, which has an aim becoming one of the ten largest economies of the world. Cengiz Arslan explained that Turkey had fallen behind of its competitors in combustion engined automobile production due to some problems and negligences in the past, however, Turkey may have a chance in electric engined automobiles in which the competiton has recently begun. Arslan said that native automobile project can only be achieved through a solid state policy and high support to manufacturers, and MÜSİAD takes a concrete step by gathering manufacturers, scientists, bureaucrats and marketing experts together.     Source: http://www.dailysabah.com/automotive/2014/09/14/musiad-to-hold-automotive-convention-for-turkish-car

 Panasonic Automotive Featured Connected Car Technology and Solutions at 2014 Intelligent Transport Systems World Congress      DETROIT, Sept. 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Leading global systems-solutions provider Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America has exhibited and demonstrated a range of advanced technologies that support automated and connected vehicles at the 2014 Intelligent Transport Systems World Congress (ITS), held at Cobo Center inDetroit, Michigan, this week. Since 2011, Panasonic Automotive has been the world’s largest supplier of automotive infotainment systems, according to IHS Automotive*. Panasonic’s industry-leading infotainment systems combine advanced connectivity with rich content and easy operation, bringing together convenience and vision technologies in ways that enhance awareness, entertain and delight drivers. Panasonic Automotive’s participation at this year’s ITS showcased its commitment to raising the standard for transportation systems and traffic management, while contributing to a cleaner environment, consumer comfort, choice and safety, and community life. In keeping with the 2014 World Congress theme of “Reinventing Transportation in Our Connected World,” the company’s exhibit space spotlighted Technology for the Connected Car and Big Data Solutions. “For Panasonic it’s all about the consumer experience and making sure that we find ways to enhance that experience, either through audio enhancements or through safety enhancements inside the vehicle,” said Tom Gebhardt, President of Panasonic Automotive. Documenting its 2014 ITS World Congress experience, Panasonic Automotive has created a video overview of the highlights of its technology exhibits. You can see it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jQw_oSjk8U Technology for the Connected Car solutions exhibited: Surround View Camera with Sensing Features Pelican Imaging- an ultra-thin, camera array and imaging Side View Camera Intelligent Mirrors show unobstructed view 79GHZ Radar for Infrastructure- Millimeter-wave radar sensor with potential application for both side-of-vehicle and infrastructure sensing HUD/HMI Steering Grip Sensing Technology Big Data solutions exhibited: Logistics Probe Solutions using Dedicated Short Range Communication (DSRC), On-board Unit (OBU), and GPS, allowing for vehicle-to-vehicle, vehicle-to-person, and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication AUPEO! Personal RadioTM audio companion service to offer a personalized blend of entertainment and information Fujisawa Sustainable Smart Town Connected sustainable eco lifestyle project Panasonic’s ITS booth also featured an exhibit on Fujisawa Sustainable Smart Town, which the company has developed has essentially become in part as a living laboratory for many of today’s intelligent transport system technologies. Panasonic and a number of partners have created a connected, sustainable town that is focused on enabling eco-conscious and smart lifestyles. In addition to product technologies and industry solutions, Panasonic technology leaders participated in the following 2014 ITS Congress Sessions: Ken Nakaoka, Cooperative ITS System Standards Tomoaki Abe, Innovations in Bus Vehicle Systems Yuichi Takayanagi, NMEA Format (GPS) utilizing Short Range Data for Mobile Phone and Applied Map Deliver Systems Atsuo Iwase, An Examination of the Application of a Film Antenna for 700MHZ Band ITS Ryoichi Ogishima, Minimum Quality Requirements for Driving Event Video Recorder to Secure Safe Driving Management David Taylor, The Cloud Gets Personal, Connected Vehicle Trade Association Summit *Source: http://press.ihs.com/press-release/design-supply-chain-media/Panasonic-tops-list-auto-infotainment-suppliers-2012 Aupeo! is a registered trademark of Aupeo, GmbH Personal Radio is a trademark of Aupeo, GmbH About Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America is a division company of Panasonic Corporation of North America and is the top supplier of automotive infotainment systems globally, according to IHS. Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America acts as the North American operating company of Panasonic Corp.’s Automotive & Industrial Systems Company, which coordinates global automotive and industrial systems and components operations. Panasonic Automotive is headquartered in Peachtree City, Georgia, with sales, marketing and engineering operations in Farmington Hills, Michigan. For more information on Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America, please visit:http://us.panasonic.com/automotive.     Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jQw_oSjk8U               Source: http://www.consumerelectronicsnet.com/article/Panasonic-Automotive-Featured-Connected-Car-Technology-and-Solutions-at-2014-Intelligent-Transport-Systems-World-Congress-3493350

The Kia Soul EV: Best Electric Vehicle Value on the Market?     Electric vehicle consumers have gotten some intriguing new options in 2014. Following the rollout of the first EVs by German luxury brands, Korea-based Kia Motors (KIMTF.PK) is about to weigh in with the 2015 Kia Soul EV. Featuring one of the top electric ranges along with a starting price near the most reasonable automobiles in the segment, the Kia Soul EV represents one of the top values currently available. Here’s a look at the new Soul EV following the release of pricing and mpg specs. 2015 Kia Soul EV specs Kia announced its pricing for the 2015 Soul EV with updated specs in a September 11 release. The funky urban styling remains from the standard Soul while the power quotient tops out at 109 horsepower and 210 pounds-feet of torque. Electric range estimates from the EPA came in at 93 miles, making it third-best among cars now on the U.S. market. The Soul EV’s 120 MPGe city and 90 MPGe highway average out to 105 MPGe combined, which would make it the eighth-most efficient car on U.S. roads (a tie). For the range and MPGe, Kia’s prices of $33,700 for the base Soul EV and $35,700 for the Soul EV Plus (leasing for $249 per month) are relatively reasonable. In terms of the cost per mile of range (CPMR) stat created by Mojomotors, the 2015 Kia Soul EV would weigh in at $362 for fourth place. Most of these numbers compare favorably against electric vehicles now available. 2015 Kia Soul EV rivals Immediately, the Soul EV has to face off against the Nissan (NSANY.PK) Leaf, the leader in electric vehicle sales and the most efficient midsize car on U.S. roads at 114 MPGe combined versus the Soul EV’s 105 MPGe. Kia’s new EV has the Leaf beat by 9 miles in range though the Soul EV purchase price tops the Leaf ($28,980) by $4,720. The Leaf costs $345 per mile of range to the Soul EV’s $362. This contest is too close to call. Matching up against the Ford (NYSE:F) Focus Electric is a different story. The Blue Oval’s all-electriccar gets a respectable 76 miles of electric range, but that figure trails the Soul EV by 17 miles. Calculating the cost per mile of range, the Soul EV ($362) beats up on the Focus Electric ($463) by $101. As previously noted, they are tied at 105 MPGe combined. The Kia Soul EV presents a better overall package while undercutting the Focus Electric price ($35,170) by $1,670. Like Kia and its German rivals, Volkswagen (VLKAY.PK) is bringing its first all-electric car to the U.S. market in 2014. The VW e-Golf arriving in November will start at $36,265 and come in near the Soul EV at 105 MPGe with a lower range than the Kia (70 to 90 miles) according to Volkswagen estimates. In terms of cost per mile of range and purchase price, the Kia Soul EV has the e-Golf’s number. Any price quote is before the $7,500 federal rebate. There is is no accounting for the feel of being behind the wheel and the impact of real-world conditions for each driver, so test each car well. From this vantage point at least, the 2015 Kia Soul EV is a very welcome entry to the electric vehicle segment and one of its best values.         Source: http://wallstcheatsheet.com/automobiles/the-kia-soul-ev-best-electric-vehicle-value-on-the-market.html/?a=viewall