Category Archives: General Talk

Honda opens Smart Home US in California; produces more energy than it consumes; direct DC-DC EV charging

The Honda Fit EV included with the home has been modified to accept DC power directly from the home's solar panels or stationary battery, eliminating up to half of the energy that is typically lost to heat during DC-to-AC and AC-to-DC power conversion. Photo by Dorian Toy.

Honda marked the opening of Honda Smart Home US, showcasing technologies that enable zero net energy living and transportation, including Honda’s home energy management system (HEMS), a proprietary hardware and software system that monitors, controls and optimizes electrical generation and consumption throughout the home’s microgrid.

Magna to produce carbon fiber composite body panels

Magna Exteriors, an operating unit of Magna International, has been awarded new business to supply painted automotive body panels made from carbon fiber composite material for two 2016 model-year vehicles.

SKF to supply transmission seals to China’s Geely

Swedish supplier SKF says it has signed a five-year deal to supply transmission seals to China’s Zhejiang Geely Holding Group.

U-M moving ahead with $6.5M facility for testing connected vehicles

The University of Michigan is proceeding to the construction phase of a new $6.5-million facility for testing connected and automated vehicles; the facility, the schematic design of which was recently approved by the university’s the Board of Regents, is part of the U-M’s Mobility Transformation Center (MTC).

Ferrari appoints new board members; chairman and CEO remain

Ferrari has reappointed Luca di Montezemolo as chairman and Amedeo Felisa as CEO of the luxury Italian sports car maker.