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The descriptive words from the 66th IAA Frankfurt International Automobil-Ausstellung (IAA) motor show were connectivity, mobility, and disruptive technology.
As discussed on the John Batchelor radio show, connectivity can be seen in the app WAZE and will be further enhanced when we get to car-to-car technology and car-to-infrastructure technology.
We really needed electric mobility at the 2015 Frankfurt auto show! Roadix showed off an electric scooter, MUVe, at the 2015 Frankfurt motor show. The 3-wheeled scooter can go 25 miles on one charge and weighs about three pounds. Also in discussion is the standardization of charging units.
Disruptive is the new word for any change, whether it is technology or regulations related. While the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has been staunch in its requirements for lower emissions, China is more volatile with different regulations and requirements not only changing on a daily basis but city by city.
Continental AG will bring out a 48 Volt mild-hybrid system on two European vehicles in 2016, and a U.S. and Chinese model in 2017 and 2018 respectively. The component provides an additional 74 lb-ft of torque and 15 kW. Starting at less than $1,000 the mild hybrid offers fuel efficiency and added torque.
Frankfurt is a supplier, and manufacturer based show and both suppliers and manufacturers were lamenting the “normalization” of China and the depression of Russia. Both countries are tenuous at best, and if interest rates rise in those countries, there would be cause for concern.
We also talk about Google auto and the newly appointed former executive of Truecar, John Krafcik.
