BYD Becomes World’s First Automaker to Pledge Full Damage Coverage for Both Intelligent Parking and Urban NOA
SHENZHEN, China – BYD today pledged Full Damage Coverage for the Urban Navigate on Autopilot (NOA) function of its God’s Eye – BYD Intelligent Driving System in China. The company made the landmark announcement at its Intelligence Strategy Launch Event, where it also unveiled China’s first 4nm automotive Driving SoC, the XUANJI A3.
Intelligent technology for everyone
With this new pledge, following its commitment to Intelligent Parking, BYD has now become the world’s first automaker to offer such dual coverage for its advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). Furthering its “Intelligent Driving for All” strategy, BYD also announced that its entire vehicle lineup can now be optionally equipped with the God’s Eye-B Intelligent Driving System LiDAR Version.
BYD’s vision for the era of Intelligent Driving is defined by three ambitious goals of achieving Zero Traffic Accidents, enabling the ADAS to serve as a Super Driver, and empowering AI to become a Super Personal Assistant. To realize this vision, the company will continue to invest over RMB 100 billion in Intelligent Driving Assistance R&D, focusing on safety technologies for every family.
Zero Traffic Accidents, Super Driver, Super Personal Assistant
BYD’s Full Damage Coverage Sets a New Industry Standard for Trust
The one-year Full Damage Coverage guarantee applies to new buyers and existing owners who upgrade to God’s Eye – BYD Intelligent Driving System 5.0 in the Chinese market. The policy states that if a legally-liable accident occurs while a user is operating the Urban NOA function in compliance with regulations, BYD will directly cover all resulting economic losses.
The confidence to make this industry-leading commitment rests on three foundational pillars. The first is its massive scale, with a fleet of over 3.15 million Intelligent Driving Assistance vehicles on the road—the largest among Chinese automakers—providing an unparalleled foundation of real-world data for continuousiteration. The second is the abundant data generated by the God’s Eye – BYD Intelligent Driving System, with over 200 million kilometers logged daily, ensuring rapid algorithmic learning and improvement. The third pillar is a dedicated R&D team of 5,000 engineers, the largest in China’s automotive industry, powering the company’s sustained technological innovation.
AI Empowerment—BYD Integrated Vehicle Intelligence Delivers Next-Gen Performance
The God’s Eye – BYD Intelligent Driving System receives four major upgrades. These include a new XUANJI Architecture 2.0, an industry-first satellite sensor architecture, an upgraded physical AI large model, and a self-evolving data flywheel built on massive real-world scenarios.
In the cockpit, BYD introduced the DiLink AI Intelligent Cockpit, featuring the super intelligent agent. This hyper-realistic digital assistant offers proactive task execution and deep reasoning capabilities, delivering an all-scene, continuously evolving in-car experience.
BYD Self-developed 4nm Driving SoC, Gearing Up for High-Level Autonomous Driving
BYD unveiled the XUANJI A3, China’s first self-developed 4nm automotive-grade Driving SoC. It natively supports L3 and L4 autonomous driving, and a three-chip configuration can deliver over 2,100 TOPS of computing power per vehicle. With the most advanced 4nm process and the lowest power consumption per TOPS—20% lower than comparable products—the XUANJI A3 is already in mass production. When combined with BYD’s proprietary algorithms, it doubles computing utilization, significantly raising the ceiling for both safety and performance.
XUANJI A3
From Blade Battery to Intelligent Driving, BYD’s Focus on Safety and Trust Remains Constant
In the industry’s electrification phase, the Blade Battery was BYD’s answer to user concerns about safety. Now, in the era of Intelligent Driving, BYD applies the same core principle. The company’s strategy is to push the limits of ADAS capabilities with the God’s Eye – BYD Intelligent Driving System bolster user confidence through its Full Damage Coverage pledge, and shape the future of mobility with self-developed technologies like the XUANJI A3 chip.
Through this strategy, BYD reaffirms its dedication to leveraging technological innovation for a better, safer drive for all.
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About BYD
BYD is a multinational high-tech company devoted to leveraging technological innovations for a better life. Founded in 1995 as a rechargeable battery maker, BYD now boasts a diverse business scope covering automobiles, rail transit, new energy,and electronics, with over 30 industrial parks worldwide. From energy generation and storage to its applications, BYD is dedicated to providing zero-emission energy solutions that reduce global reliance on fossil fuels. Its new energy vehicle footprint now covers 6 continents, over 121 countries and regions. Listed in both Hong Kong and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges, the company is known to be a Fortune Global 500 enterprise that furnishes innovations in pursuit of a greener world. For more information, please visit www.bydglobal.com.
About BYD Auto
Founded in 2003, BYD Auto is the automotive subsidiary of BYD, a multinational high-tech company devoted to leveraging technological innovations for a better life. Aiming to accelerate the green transition of the global transportation sector, BYD Auto focuses on developing pure electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The company has mastered the core technologies of the entire industrial chain of new energy vehicles, such as batteries, electric motors, and electronic controllers. It has witnessed in recent years significant technological advancements, including the Blade Battery, DM-i Super Hybrid Technology, e-Platform 3.0 Evo, CTB Technology, e⁴ Platform, DiSus Intelligent Body Control System, DMO Super Hybrid Off-road Platform, Flash Charging, etc.. The company is the world’s first carmaker to stop the production of fossil-fueled vehicles on the EV shift and has remained top of new energy passenger vehicle sales in China for 10 years in a row. For more information, please visit www.byd.com.
Stellantis to Unveil New Mobility Vision with Nine Concept Cars, October 12-18 at Paris Motor Show
AMSTERDAM – Stellantis will showcase nine concept cars and more than 60 vehicles at the Paris Motor Show, October 12-18, underscoring its renewed growth ambitions and continued execution of the FaSTLAne 2030 strategic plan unveiled in May.
Located in Hall 4 of the Porte de Versailles Exhibition Centre, the 5,340-square-meter Stellantis booth – the show’s largest – will feature vehicles spanning from urban micromobility to long-distance travel. The display will highlight the Company’s broad range of powertrain technologies and its commitment to giving customers the freedom to choose how they move.
A Wide Range of Premieres
DS Automobiles celebrates the commercial launch of DS N°7, making its first appearance at an international motor show. New ambassador for comfort and savoir-faire of DS Automobiles, the DS N°7 will be available with both hybrid and fully electric powertrains and offers a driving range up to 740 kms.
FIAT is presenting the new Grizzly and Grizzly Fastback, two complementary SUVs that make family transportation accessible to all. Combining space, versatility and everyday practicality, they give customers the freedom to choose the silhouette that best suits their needs.
Lancia will unveil the new Lancia Gamma, marking the brand’s return to the C-UV crossover market and an important milestone in its relaunch and European development. Designed, developed and produced in Italy at the Stellantis plant in Melfi, the new Gamma embodies the brand’s distinctive interpretation of Italian elegance, combining a refined fastback silhouette with aerodynamic efficiency, generous interior space and everyday versatility.
Leapmotor continues its rapid growth among China’s leading automotive brands, backed by its joint venture with Stellantis. This momentum is reflected in the European premieres of B03, its high-tech compact B-segment EV, and the D19, the brand’s state-of-the-art flagship SUV. Both models embody Leapmotor’s commitment to innovation, showcasing the latest developments in intelligent mobility, advanced connectivity and next-generation electric vehicle technology.
Opel has an exciting lineup planned for visitors. Not only will the German brand present the final design of the Opel GSE 27FE Formula E car and the new Corsa GSE for the first time, the manufacturer has now also confirmed that it will be unveiling its latest concept car in the French capital.
Alfa Romeo will showcase the entire Alfa Romeo lineup, Junior, Tonale, Giulia, Stelvio, 33 Stradale and the iconic Spider “Duetto” from the Alfa Romeo Museum in Arese, celebrating its 60th anniversary.
Citroën returns home, where its story began. The brand arrives in Paris with a fully renewed lineup that remains true to its longstanding values of practicality and ingenious, people-focused solutions and a surprise inspired by the most iconic model in its history.
PEUGEOT will put excitement center stage with all-brand-new concept cars, its latest high-performance production models and groundbreaking innovations such as the Hypersquare and the Polygon concept car. Alongside the full vehicle range, visitors will be able to admire the 9X8 Hypercar, currently competing in the FIA World Endurance Championship, and the new E-208 GTi. PEUGEOT will unveil its French vision of technology, elegance and sportiness throughout the whole exhibition.
Design and Technology
The unveiling of nine concept cars provides further evidence that Stellantis has regained its traditional creative momentum, moving beyond pure design exercises to the tangible development of vehicles that inspire emotion and desire. Ralph Gilles, Head of Stellantis Design and Gilles Vidal, Head of Design for Enlarged Europe, will present Stellantis’ design vision and strategy, aimed at bringing together the voices of its individual brands into a single, powerful narrative.
To turn creative design into reality, technology is essential. In Stellantis’ vision, technology is made for humans to create products that improve customers’ lives. This philosophy lies at the heart of STLA One, Stellantis’ new modular multi-energy platform. Ned Curic, Chief Engineering and Technology Officer, will outline this vision during a dedicated roundtable discussion on Monday, October 12, from 9:15 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. CEST.
Thanks to these technological innovations, Stellantis is redefining the speed at which vehicles are brought to market. At the same time, Stellantis is building a multi-energy future that combines electrification, software and artificial intelligence in order to preserve customers’ freedom of choice.
To underscore the strategic importance of the event and Stellantis’ commitment to strengthening its position in the global automotive industry, the Company’s delegation will be led by Antonio Filosa, Stellantis CEO, and Emanuele Cappellano, Chief Operating Officer Enlarged Europe. Both executives will attend the comprehensive program of press conferences and panel discussions dedicated to the Group’s brands.
Below is the schedule of press conferences, all taking place at Hall 4 on the morning of October 12, the opening day of the exhibition – All times are CEST:
About Stellantis
Stellantis (NYSE: STLA / Euronext Milan: STLAM / Euronext Paris: STLAP) is a leading global automaker, dedicated to giving its customers the freedom to choose the way they move, embracing the latest technologies and creating value for all its stakeholders. Its unique portfolio of iconic and innovative brands includes Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS Automobiles, FIAT, Jeep®, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, Vauxhall, Free2move and Leasys. For more information, visit www.stellantis.com.
Standardizing Automotive Connectivity
Over the last 20 years, the cost and complexity of electronics across the automotive industry has doubled.* Today a single vehicle typically requires over 200 connections—and the number of electrical connectors and types across new vehicles is only increasing.
To accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy, we are simplifying the manufacturing process and electrical connectivity requirements for all our vehicles. This includes the implementation of our Low-Voltage Connector Standard (LVCS), which allows us to reduce the large number of connector types required to just 6. These 6 device connectors are designed to meet the power and signal requirements for over 90% of typical electrical device applications. This standardization unlocks further operational efficiencies, cost reductions and manufacturing automation.
LVCS expands upon the same 48V electronic architecture used for Cybertruck. It meets the requirement for increased spacing for 48V operation and is available in industry-standard light blue. The 48V architecture is the optimal long-term choice, requiring ¼ of the current to deliver the same amount of power. Designed to enable reliable autonomous vehicles, it utilizes robust single wire sealing and independent secondary locking mechanisms while minimizing the package size.
Tesla invites all device suppliers and vehicle manufacturers to join us in this initiative. Any questions can be directed to LVCS@Tesla.com.
Clemson University Unveils Deep Orange 17, A Solar-Integrated, Energy-Positive Electric Vehicle
GREENVILLE, S.C. — Clemson University has unveiled Deep Orange 17, a solar-integrated, energy-positive electric vehicle prototype designed to generate more energy than it consumes during a typical day of urban commuting. Developed in collaboration with BMW’s research and development team, the prototype integrates solar technology, lightweight engineering and intelligent vehicle controls to demonstrate that energy-positive mobility is possible.
Deep Orange 17 is the latest concept vehicle developed through Clemson’s acclaimed Deep Orange program, where graduate automotive engineering students design, engineer and build a fully functional prototype alongside industry partners.
Rethinking Vehicle Efficiency
In the fall of 2024, BMW challenged the graduate students of Deep Orange 17 to rethink one of the industry’s biggest questions: Could a vehicle generate more energy than it consumes during everyday driving?
Rather than optimizing solely for standardized driving cycles, the team focused on how people actually use their vehicles every day. Passenger vehicles spend most of their time parked, creating opportunities to harvest solar energy throughout the day. Students also designed the vehicle to capture solar energy while driving, allowing sunlight to become a continuous source of energy generation during everyday use.
The result is Deep Orange 17, a lightweight, solar-integrated coupe designed to generate more energy than it consumes during a typical day of urban commuting. Designed around drivers who value ease of driving, energy efficiency and reduced dependence on charging infrastructure, the vehicle represents a new approach to sustainable mobility.
“This is a project we’ve wanted to pursue for years, so it’s incredibly rewarding to see this group of students come together over the last two years, overcome so many technical challenges and constraints, and bring an energy-positive vehicle to life,” said Stephan Augustin, Project Manager of Research and New Technologies at BMW.
Harnessing Solar Energy
At the heart of Deep Orange 17 is a fully integrated solar energy system. Rather than serving as an auxiliary feature, solar power is a core part of the vehicle’s propulsion strategy.
More than 1,700 photovoltaic cells are integrated directly into the vehicle’s exterior surfaces, allowing the body itself to harvest energy while both parked and in motion. The system continuously replenishes the vehicle’s energy storage using sunlight, helping offset energy consumed during daily driving.
Developed in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, the solar panels use an innovative construction that continues generating power even when portions of the panels are shaded. They are protected by a durable outer film featuring a distinctive color created through an advanced laser manufacturing process.
To evaluate real-world performance, students modeled environmental conditions and sunlight availability in Greenville, South Carolina; Frankfurt, Germany; Madrid, Spain; and Mumbai, India. Assuming a daily commute of 12 miles (20 kilometers), the vehicle generated enough surplus solar energy to provide an average of 31 miles (50 kilometers) of additional driving range across all four locations.
Engineered for Efficiency
Generating more energy than the vehicle consumes required more than solar panels alone. Students approached every aspect of the vehicle with efficiency in mind, from aerodynamics and lightweight construction to power electronics and drivetrain controls.
Weighing just 1,212 pounds (550 kilograms) Deep Orange 17 is approximately one-fourth the weight of many similarly sized production vehicles. Its multi-material chassis combines structural steel for passenger safety with aluminum components, carbon fiber structural members and 3D-printed metal joints to maximize strength while minimizing mass.
The vehicle’s exterior draws inspiration from the aerodynamic characteristics of the boxfish, whose streamlined body naturally reduces drag while maintaining interior volume. That biomimetic approach, paired with retro-modern styling, helped students create a vehicle that is both visually distinctive and highly efficient.
Additional technologies, including regenerative braking, intelligent torque distribution and optimized drivetrain controls, work together to maximize energy recovery and improve overall vehicle performance.
“This was an incredibly challenging project—not only to create a working energy-positive prototype, but to demonstrate how a vehicle can become increasingly energy independent through solar integration,” said Harsh Manghnani, Deep Orange team member and solar integration lead. “Seeing our initial research and design validated in a working prototype has been incredibly rewarding.”
Performance Meets Design
BMW challenged the Deep Orange team to prove that efficiency doesn’t have to come at the expense of emotional design.
The result is a two-door coupe inspired by BMW’s design heritage while embracing a distinctly modern identity. The model name Luminetta reflects both the vehicle’s solar-powered capability and its retro-modern design heritage.
Inside, the vehicle features a custom human-machine interface that provides real-time vehicle telemetry alongside familiar technologies including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, creating a connected driving experience that balances innovation with everyday usability.
Developing the Next Generation of Automotive Leaders
While Deep Orange 17 showcases a new approach to sustainable mobility, it also demonstrates the educational model that has made Clemson’s Deep Orange program a leader in experiential engineering education.
Unlike traditional engineering projects, Deep Orange immerses graduate students in the complete vehicle development process. Students conduct market research, define customer needs, develop vehicle concepts, engineer major systems, manufacture components and validate performance, all while working alongside industry engineers and managing real-world budgets, schedules and technical constraints.
The result is a holistic, end-to-end vehicle development experience that integrates powertrain engineering, vehicle controls, manufacturing, body design, software and emerging technologies into a single collaborative project.
“It’s rare for a master’s student to have the opportunity to experience the complete process of developing a prototype vehicle,” said Anshul Karn, Deep Orange Project Manager. “Many engineering programs include courses in areas like digital modeling or marketing, but very few give students the opportunity to begin with a vision, work through the entire development process and ultimately deliver a fully functioning prototype. That experience is what makes Deep Orange so unique.”
The 16 students who developed Deep Orange 17 will graduate on Aug. 7 with Master of Science degrees in Automotive Engineering, but Deep Orange Program Director Dr. Greg Mocko believes they’ll enter the workforce with far more than a diploma.
“I think once the project is complete and the students have had some time to reflect, they’ll truly appreciate what they’ve accomplished and how much they’ve grown—not only as engineers, but also as individuals and as a team over the past two years,” said Mocko.
Research on the prototype will continue at the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) in Greenville, South Carolina, where the vehicle will serve as a platform for continued innovation in sustainable mobility. Deep Orange 17 is also scheduled to be featured at the 2027 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
About Deep Orange
Deep Orange is a vehicle prototyping program in Clemson University’s Department of Automotive Engineering that immerses graduate students in the world of an automotive manufacturer or supplier. Working collaboratively, students, multidisciplinary faculty, and participating industry partners design, engineer and build a new vehicle prototype each year. View additional information about the program and the previous concept vehicles here.
BMW and Clemson University Collaboration
Clemson University’s partnership with BMW spans more than two decades. BMW was a founding partner of the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) in 2007, helping to establish Clemson’s Department of Automotive Engineering and the world’s first PhD program in automotive engineering. Since then, BMW has remained a longstanding supporter of the Deep Orange program, serving as the primary sponsor for five projects, including Deep Orange 17. Earlier collaborations include concepts focused on Gen-Y mobility (DO1), human-machine interface innovation (DO2), a next-generation SUV design (DO4), and a reimagined MINI experience (DO7). Beyond Deep Orange, BMW has invested in student scholarship and fellowships, collaborated on numerous research initiatives and established its Information Technology Research Center on the CU-ICAR campus in Greenville, SC.
Nissan and Honda Conclude Joint Development Agreement to Standardize ECUs and Software for Next-Generation SDVs
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. have entered into a joint development agreement to standardize multiple electronic control units (ECUs)* that form the core of next-generation software-defined vehicles (SDVs), along with the in-vehicle operating system and key parts of the middleware, and vehicle control software that run on these ECUs.
The E/E architecture incorporating the jointly developed ECUs and software is planned for application in both companies’ next-generation SDVs from fiscal year 2029 onward.
As part of their strategic partnership, Nissan and Honda continue to explore opportunities for collaboration across a range of areas to accelerate progress toward carbon neutrality and help realize a future with zero traffic fatalities involving their vehicles. In particular, the software domain centered on SDVs, which is key to vehicle intelligence and electrification, has been identified as an important area of collaboration, given the rapid pace of technological innovation and the need to strengthen competitiveness through improved R&D speed and investment efficiency.
Recognizing the need to strengthen competitiveness through faster development cycles and more efficient investment, the two companies have conducted extensive studies on potential collaboration in the software domain. As a result of these discussions, Nissan and Honda have agreed to jointly develop and standardize the core ECUs and software that underpin next-generation SDVs.
Under the agreement, the companies will work together to establish common specifications for multiple core ECUs within the E/E architecture of next-generation SDVs, as well the in-vehicle operating system and key parts of the middleware and vehicle control software.
By standardizing these foundational technologies, Nissan and Honda aim to leverage their combined engineering expertise and development resources to improve efficiency, accelerate innovation, and enhance competitiveness through reduced development costs and greater economies of scale.
Going forward, Nissan and Honda will continue to build on their respective strengths, explore opportunities to create new value, and deepen collaboration to bring tangible benefits to customers and society.
* High-performance main ECUs (High Performance Computers) that use SoCs, and zone ECUs that oversee each area of the vehicle.
GM Defense Canada Receives Contract Award from Canadian Armed Forces for Modern Light Tactical Vehicles
OSHAWA, Ontario — GM Defense Canada, a subsidiary of GM Defense, has been awarded a C$35.8 million contract by the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) for 90 light tactical vehicles (LTVs), with an option to procure up to an additional 18 LTVs. GM Defense Canada will also deliver training, technical manuals and additional vehicle content sourced from Canadian companies.
As part of the contract, GM Defense Canada is providing both nine-passenger LTVs and a new utility variant of the LTVs that leverage the design of a proven solution currently fielded with the U.S. Army. GM Defense Canada’s LTVs will support the NATO Enhanced Forward Presence Multinational Battlegroup in Latvia. The vehicles will enable Soldiers to move with increased speed, range and safety across complex terrain.
“We are providing this critical capability to the Canadian Armed Forces within a timeline that meets their urgent operational requirement,” said Steve duMont, president of GM Defense. “We see this contract award as the beginning of a long strategic partnership with the Canadian Armed Forces to provide enhanced tactical mobility for Soldiers today, and into the future. As we further expand into Canada and with other allied nations around the world, we will continue to leverage the vast resources of General Motors to ensure our global defense and government customers have the best capability to accomplish their mission.”
“General Motors’ support of the Canadian Armed Forces with this contract is a prime example of the meaningful contributions GM makes in Canada,” said Kristian Aquilina, president and managing director of GM Canada. “Whether it’s the supply of light tactical vehicles through GM Defense Canada, or the contributions of our Canadian Technical Centre in supporting the development of those vehicles, we are pleased GM can also make an impact in the defense space.”
GM Defense Canada’s light tactical vehicle solutions are based on the mid-size architecture of the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, featuring a high percentage of Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) parts, including Chevrolet Performance components for enhanced off-road capability. Weighing less than 5000 pounds / 2232 kilograms, the light and agile tactical vehicles offer air transportability, in addition to ease of maintenance and sustainment with parts that may be accessed through GM’s global supply chain. Reliable and easy to operate, the light tactical vehicles also include active and passive safety features, meeting CAF requirements for performance and safety.
For more information, please visit www.gmdefensellc.com or follow us on LinkedIn.
About GM Defense LLC
GM Defense delivers integrated vehicles, power and propulsion, and autonomy and connectivity solutions to global defense, security and government markets. The exceptional reliability of GM Defense’s technologies results from decades of proven performance and billions of dollars spent in independent research and development by its parent, General Motors, a world leader in global design, engineering and manufacturing capabilities. For more information, please visit www.gmdefensellc.com.
Harley-Davidson Announces BUILD Moto Sponsorship
MILWAUKEE, July 15, 2024 — Harley-Davidson, Inc. (“Harley-Davidson”) (NYSE: HOG) today announced their new sponsorship of BUILD Moto (“BUILD”) starting with the 2025 season.
Harley-Davidson has signed on as the new sponsor of BUILD Moto for the next three years. The sponsorship includes donated items like motorcycles, parts and accessories, as well as access to motorcycle manufacturing experts and additional support for program operations.
BUILD provides high school students an opportunity to learn technical skills including design, welding, fabrication, repair, machining, media, and more, through motorcycle construction. In addition to acquiring technical skills, teams also participate in marketing and fundraising efforts and host local events showcasing their work. BUILD program elements also emphasize the development of strong teamwork and interpersonal skills.
Teams of students from local high schools are organized to design and rebuild a motorcycle to American Motorcycle Association (AMA) flat track racing standards. Each team is matched with at least one faculty advisor from their school and up to three mentors who act as coaches and team leaders. Teams are required to document their progress with photos and videos posted to social media. Teams are judged on design, execution, and completion of milestones throughout the build timeline, culminating in a bike reveal and awards event at the end of the program.
The bike builders from the 2024 season also received a special invitation to show off their motorcycles at the Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival opening ceremony at Davidson Park in Milwaukee on July 25, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.
“Our involvement with BUILD Moto represents our commitment to STEAM learning and helping to teach the next generation of designers, engineers, and trades experts. Working with high schoolers who are empowered to create a bike that is race-ready is really rewarding. It’s a thrill to see their confidence grow during the build and showcase what they’ve learned as the pit crew on race day,” commented Shanna Beanan, STEAM Program Manager, Harley-Davidson.
BUILD is a 501(c)3 organization that operates through contributions from volunteer board members, mentors, faculty advisers, local businesses, volunteers, students, and parents. There are several ways to get involved.
Become a mentor. By mentoring a team, you’ll be working directly with the students to build a motorcycle.
Work a booth. Supplies are provided to host a BUILD booth at any event that reaches students and motorcycle enthusiasts to promote awareness of the program.
Lend your expertise. As a subject matter expert, provide one-time assistance to teams on a specific skill, in-person or virtually.
Volunteer at an event. Help with parking, selling merchandise, set up, and/or tear down.
About BUILD
Founded in 2011, BUILD is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to pairing teams of high school students with bike-building mentors in a collective effort to learn valuable life and interpersonal skills while working on motorcycles. Learn more at http://buildmoto.com/.
About Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company of Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Our vision: Building our legend and leading our industry through innovation, evolution and emotion. Our mission: More than building machines, we stand for the timeless pursuit of adventure. Freedom for the soul. Since 1903, Harley-Davidson has defined motorcycle culture with an expanding range of leading-edge, distinctive and customizable motorcycles in addition to riding experiences and exceptional motorcycle accessories, riding gear and apparel. Harley-Davidson Financial Services provides financing, insurance and other programs to help get Harley-Davidson riders on the road. Learn more at www.harley-davidson.com.
SOURCE Harley-Davidson, Inc.
INVESTING IN AMERICA: Biden-Harris Administration Announces $11 Billion in Grants and Financing for Nation’s Most Complex Infrastructure Project, the Hudson River Tunnel
NEW YORK – Today, one of the largest infrastructure projects in American history took a huge step forward with billions of dollars in support from the Biden-Harris Administration and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The Hudson River Tunnel project will construct a critical new rail tunnel between New York and New Jersey along a vital economic corridor – just one area of focus for investment across the country as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s $66 billion investment in passenger rail. It represents the largest project in the history of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT).
Today in New York, USDOT officials:
Signed a Full Funding Grant Agreement through the Federal Transit Administration’s Capital Investment Grants (CIG) program, allowing FTA to invest close to $6.9 billion to help build the tunnel and rehabilitate the existing North River Tunnel, representing the largest grant ever signed by FTA.
Announced that U.S. Transportation Secretary Buttigieg approved three Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing (RRIF) loans through DOT’s Build America Bureau totaling $4.1 billion, which will provide financial support at below-market interest rates.
“For decades, Americans watched one of the most heavily-used train tunnels in the hemisphere deteriorate and become a bottleneck that affected travelers from New England to the Mid-Atlantic and beyond,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “Today, President Biden is making good on his promise to fix that and build the Hudson Tunnel Project. Using funds from the President’s infrastructure law, we are building a new tunnel that improves train travel for millions of Americans and revitalizes a rail corridor that is essential to so much of the nation’s economy. And as one of the cathedrals of American infrastructure, this project can demonstrate America’s capacity to build big things together in the 21st Century.”
“Today the Biden-Harris Administration and USDOT are delivering on a promise to the riders of New York, New Jersey, and along the entire Northeast Corridor to invest $11.7 billion in the Gateway Project, and an additional $4.1 billion in federal loans,” said U.S. Deputy Transportation Secretary Polly Trottenberg. “Today represents a major milestone in a years-long effort to build a new Hudson River crossing that has included USDOT, Congress, two states, Amtrak, the Port Authority, local officials, labor partners, and more. Together we are investing in a project that will continue to move Americans forward and contribute to the economic vitality of the nation.”
The Hudson Tunnel Project encompasses a range of components, including a new double-track tunnel between the Bergen Palisades in New Jersey and Manhattan in New York City, rehabilitating the North River Tunnel damaged by Superstorm Sandy in 2012, and creating a concrete casing at Hudson Yards to allow the new tunnel to connect to New York-Penn Station. These elements will collectively enhance service, improve reliability, modernize design, and mitigate the impact of future natural disasters, ensuring a seamless rail network.
“It is important to realize that as we improve New Jersey Transit and Amtrak service in and out of Manhattan, we will improve train and transit service for a region that impacts more than 20% of the nation’s economy,” said FTA Acting Administrator Veronica Vanterpool. “FTA is proud to invest in the Hudson Tunnel project so these rails can continue to carry millions of people who keep the American economy humming.”
“Today’s announcement is a testament to the remarkable progress we can achieve when we work together,” said Bureau Executive Director Morteza Farajian. “The true partnership between both states, the Gateway Development Commission, Port Authority, New Jersey Transit, Amtrak, and various agencies within the federal government secured the last piece of the funding and finance puzzle necessary to deliver this mega project that will serve the region and the nation for generations to come.”
When the new tunnel and the rehabilitated tunnel open, estimated by 2038, the project will provide four modern rail tunnels for Amtrak and NJ Transit trains. In addition, the project will provide the capability to significantly expand capacity in the future.
Additional project benefits include building resiliency and safeguarding rail operations against future extreme weather events, managing floods on both sides of the Hudson River, and creating a safer environment for first responders, maintenance workers, and the public, especially in the event of an evacuation.
In addition to FTA funding and today’s announcement from the Build America Bureau, other sources of USDOT support for the project include:
$3.8 billion through the Federal Railroad Administration FY 2022-2023 Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program for the Northeast Corridor Program.
$1 billion through Amtrak annual grant funding.
$25 million through the United States Department of Transportation 2023 Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program for the Tonnelle Avenue Bridge Project.
$292.1 million through the USDOT 2022 MEGA Grant program for the Hudson Yard Concrete Casing Phase 3 project.
GOODYEAR Asia Pacific Wins Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards 2024
Shanghai, China July 1, 2024 – Goodyear is proud to receive two recognitions during the Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards (AREA) ceremony for championing sustainable and responsible business practices. The ceremony was held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 28, 2024.
The company was awarded in the Green Leadership category for its largest solar panel installation to date at its Pulandian manufacturing facility in Dalian, China. With more than 29,700 solar panels installed, the panels will power the plant, as well as office and warehouse buildings. This project is estimated to reduce carbon emissions from purchased electricity by 17,000 metric tons per year over 25 years.
In addition, Goodyear was honored in the Social Empowerment category for its “Goodyear Good Care” Campaign. This initiative, now in its fourth consecutive year, involves the donation of 244 “Goodyear Cargo Max” tires to hospitals throughout Thailand, which has significantly enhanced the safety of inter-hospital patient transfer.
Nathaniel Madarang, President, Goodyear Asia Pacific emphasized the significance of the two awards in the pursuit of the company vision. “We are honored that our efforts are being recognized by industry observers and external organizations.” He said. “These awards serve as testament to our company’s commitment to our Goodyear Better Future framework, an extension of our business ethos. The framework’s four pillars — Sustainable Sourcing, Responsible Operations, Advanced Mobility and Inspiring Culture — continue to guide our work and focus. We remain steadfast in our commitment to the Asia Pacific region, driven by the vision to be recognized as the best mobility enabler in luxury, sport utility and electric vehicles.”
AREA recognizes and honors deserving Asian businesses for championing sustainable and responsible business practices in the following categories: Green Leadership, Social Empowerment, Health Promotion, Investment in People, Corporate Governance, Circular Economy Leadership, Corporate Sustainability Reporting and Responsible Business Leadership. The program also serves as a platform where you can share, educate and further inspire others to take up environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards and corporate social responsibility initiatives and help improve the world we live in.
About The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
Goodyear is one of the world’s largest tire companies. It employs about 71,000 people and manufactures its products in 55 facilities in 22 countries around the world. Its two Innovation Centers in Akron, Ohio, and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg, strive to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the technology and performance standard for the industry. For more information about Goodyear and its products, go to www.goodyear.com/corporate.
Advance Auto Parts Announces Merchandising Leadership Changes; Names Bruce Starnes Executive Vice President, Chief Merchant
RALEIGH, N.C.– Advance Auto Parts, Inc. (NYSE: AAP), a leading automotive aftermarket parts provider in North America that serves both professional installer and do-it-yourself customers, today announced that Ken Bush, senior vice president, chief merchant, will retire from the company after nearly 20 years and be succeeded by Bruce Starnes, who has been named executive vice president, chief merchant, effective June 24, 2024.
Mr. Starnes, 48, who will lead all aspects of merchandising strategy, joins Advance from the Target Corporation where he spent nearly 20 years in a variety of product management roles of increasing responsibility. Most recently, he served as senior vice president, merchandising capabilities and operations, where he was responsible for the strategy, capability and execution of Target’s merchandising operations, including price and promotions, in-store presentation, sales plans, negotiations, partnerships and vendor experience. Previously, he served as president of Target India and vice president, digital solutions and partnerships.
“We are very grateful for the many contributions Ken has made to our industry over the past 37 years. He has helped strengthen our merchandising operations and built a talented team within the merchandising organization, making it an optimum time to make a leadership transition. We wish him all the best in his upcoming, well-deserved retirement,” said Shane O’Kelly, Advance’s president and CEO. “I’m excited to welcome Bruce to the Advance family. As a seasoned and accomplished merchandising executive with more than 25 years of experience, Bruce brings a deep understanding of successful merchandising operations and vendor partnerships as well as a proven track record of results at one of the world’s leading retail organizations. I look forward to working closely with him to take our merchandising operations to the next level.”
About Advance Auto Parts
Advance Auto Parts, Inc. is a leading automotive aftermarket parts provider that serves both professional installer and do-it-yourself customers. As of April 20, 2024, Advance operated 4,777 stores and 320 Worldpac branches primarily within the United States, with additional locations in Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The company also served 1,152 independently owned Carquest branded stores across these locations in addition to Mexico and various Caribbean islands. Additional information about Advance, including employment opportunities, customer services, and online shopping for parts, accessories and other offerings can be found at www.AdvanceAutoParts.com.
GM Energy Rolls Out New Product Suite, Offering Customers the Ability to Transfer Power Between EVs and Homes
DETROIT – As EV technology continues to evolve, GM is working toward elevating the overall ownership experience by introducing new ways for customers to unlock additional value and gain access to the expanded benefits of an all-electric future.
Available for the first time as part of its expanding product ecosystem, GM Energy’s initial offerings for residential customers will enable the use of vehicle-to-home (V2H) bidirectional charging technology to provide power from a compatible GM EV to a properly equipped home, helping to mitigate the negative impacts of weather-related outages and integrate with future clean energy products for even greater personal grid resiliency.
The GM Energy product suite will be offered through a set of unique bundle options, providing residential customers with the ability to select solutions that align with their specific energy needs, budget and preferences, all online. GM Energy representatives will be on hand to connect customers with preferred installer, Qmerit, who can help with obtaining necessary permits and connect with utilities to ensure a seamless guided experience.
At launch1, customers will be able to purchase GM Energy’s V2H bundle, which includes necessary equipment to enable the transfer of energy between a customer’s compatible EV and a properly equipped home. GM Energy will make additional residential solutions, including stationary energy storage and solar integration, available for purchase later this year.
“GM Energy is committed to making the transition to an all-electric lifestyle an even more compelling option by simplifying all aspects of personal energy management,” said Wade Sheffer, vice president of GM Energy. “With the introduction of these new offerings, it has never been easier for our customers to access the expanded benefits of a holistic EV ecosystem, helping to mitigate the impacts of power outages and having the ability to offset certain energy costs over time.”
GM Energy’s products will be accessible through current GM mobile brand apps, allowing customers to seamlessly manage the transfer of stored energy between applicable and connected GM Energy assets, for a fully integrated and convenient experience.
The first vehicle in GM’s portfolio of EVs to be compatible with the GM Energy home product suite is the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV First-Edition RST2, which will be equipped with V2H bidirectional charging technology. Moving forward, GM will continue to expand V2H bidirectional charging technology across its retail portfolio of Ultium-based EVs by model year 2026.
Customers who have questions can visit GM Energy Live, where product specialists can help provide more information and showcase GM Energy’s solutions through an immersive digital experience.
Pricing, installation cost and timeline for delivery for each of GM Energy’s initial product bundles will vary. Additional information about GM Energy and its ecosystem of available product and service offerings is available at gmenergy.gm.com.
1Product availability at launch will be limited to California, Florida, Michigan, New York and Texas, with plans to expand over time.
2Actual production will vary. The GM Energy PowerShift Charger and GM Energy V2H Enablement Kit shown requires an adequately charged and properly equipped GM EV (anticipated 24MY Silverado EV RST, 24MY Sierra EV Denali, 24MY Chevrolet Blazer EV, 24MY Chevrolet Equinox EV, 24MY Cadillac LYRIQ) having bidirectional charging capabilities, a properly equipped home, and proper grid interconnection. Some eligible 24MY EVs will require a dealership or over-the-air update to enable bidirectional charging. Weather conditions, life of the battery, vehicle variation and usage, and other external factors may impact the duration of power supply. Power supply may be interrupted.
GM Energy, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Motors, is focused on expanding and accelerating a holistic energy ecosystem through new products, software and services, including broadening access to EV education and resources, expanding public charging infrastructure, and developing new energy management solutions for commercial and residential customers. For more information, visit gmenergy.gm.com.
Autoliv and XPENG AEROHT Collaborate to Pioneer Future Safety Solutions for Flying Cars
Autoliv China, a division of Autoliv, Inc. (NYSE: ALV and SSE: ALIVsdb), the worldwide leader in automotive safety systems, and XPENG AEROHT, Asia’s leading flying car innovator, have signed a strategic cooperation agreement to pioneer safety solutions for future mobility.
Flying cars have long been a vision, but thanks to advanced technology, significant progress has been made within the field. Based on a shared commitment to future mobility safety, Autoliv and XPENG AEROHT will collaborate on a range of initiatives to develop safety solutions for flying cars.
“Autoliv is constantly exploring new innovative safety solutions for future needs and the development of flying cars is an interesting area for us. XPENG AEROHT is at the forefront in this field, and we are excited to explore new opportunities for making this new type of vehicle safe. By combining their advanced technology with our expertise in safety solutions, I believe together we can play an important role in making flying cars a reality,” says Sng Yih, President of Autoliv China.
XPENG AEROHT, an affiliate of XPENG Inc., is the leading innovator of flying cars in Asia. By integrating intelligent vehicle and aviation technologies, the company is dedicated to provide the safest electric flying car for individual users.
Deli Zhao, Founder & President of XPENG AEROHT, stating, ” XPENG AREOHT and Autoliv share the same cultural DNA, which has facilitated a series of close collaborations. This strategic partnership elevates the relationship between the two parties to a new level, representing a comprehensive upgrade of XPENG AREOHT’s supply chain. We look forward to jointly creating flying cars with ultimate safety through the solid cooperation of both parties.”
By harnessing the power of innovation and collaboration, the two companies are poised to deliver market-leading solutions capturing new mobility opportunities.
Inquiries:
Media: media@autoliv.com, Gabriella Etemad, Tel +46 (70) 612 64 24
Investors & Analysts: ir@autoliv.com, Anders Trapp, Tel +46 (0)8 587 206 71
Investors & Analysts: Henrik Kaar, Tel +46 (0)8 587 206 14
About Autoliv
Autoliv, Inc. (NYSE: ALV; Nasdaq Stockholm: ALIV.sdb) is the worldwide leader in automotive safety systems. Through our group companies, we develop, manufacture and market protective systems, such as airbags, seatbelts, and steering wheels for all major automotive manufacturers in the world as well as mobility safety solutions, such as pedestrian protection, connected safety services and safety solutions for riders of powered two wheelers. At Autoliv, we challenge and re-define the standards of mobility safety to sustainably deliver leading solutions. In 2023, our products saved 35,000 lives and reduced more than 450,000 injuries.
Our 70,000 associates in 25 countries are passionate about our vision of Saving More Lives and quality is at the heart of everything we do. We drive innovation, research, and development at our 14 technical centers, with their 20 test tracks. Sales in 2023 amounted to US $ 10.5 billion. For more information go to www.autoliv.com.
AutoZone Vendor Summit Recognizes Contributions of Top Suppliers
MEMPHIS, Tenn., June 05, 2024 — AutoZone (NYSE: AZO) recognized 17 of its top suppliers at their annual Vendor Summit. The awards honor companies that provided exceptional performance and demonstrated a strong commitment to customer satisfaction during the past year.
AutoZone awarded JK Fenner the 2024 Vendor of the Year, the highest vendor honor from the company. JK Fenner is a leader in Mechanical Power Transmission products and was praised for providing outstanding customer service, prioritizing customers, and executing flawlessly, while entering into a new business at AutoZone’s request. JK Fenner invested in new tools and equipment, adopted new processes, increased their capacity, and started the production process to ensure products would be ready and available for Customers. As an AutoZone partner, JK Fenner demonstrated a strong commitment to delivering the best merchandise at the right price without disruption to our Stores and Customers.
Seven vendors were selected for the AutoZone Extra Miler award: Baofeng, Bearing-Tech, Encore, Gold, Highline Warren, True Parts Inc. and Valvoline. The Extra Miler award honors those vendors who are “unfazed by obstacles, go above and beyond the call of duty, committed to phenomenal customer satisfaction and consistently do more than expected.”
A new award, The Ray of Hope, was bestowed upon Great Neck Saw Manufacturers, Inc. for Going the Extra Mile in the community and their generous donation of tools and equipment to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Memphis.
Reach Cooling was honored with the International Vendor of Excellence Award for their valuable international market insights, investments that enhanced AutoZone’s ability to say Yes! We’ve Got It and training programs that will allow AutoZoners to provide Trustworthy Advice globally.
Seven vendors received AutoZone WITTDTJR® awards (“What It Takes to Do the Job Right”): hitt BRANDS, Motorcar Parts of America, Moveras, Robert Bosch, LLC, Stryten Energy, Technical Chemical Company and The NOCO Company. These vendors put Customers first by improving the customer journey both in-store and online through product innovations, catalog and packaging upgrades and training investments.
“Our 2024 Vendor of the Year, JK Fenner, and all our Vendor Summit award winners exemplified our Pledge and Values. They worked together, created new solutions, and helped AutoZone achieve its goals,” said Bill Hackney, Executive Vice President, Merchandising, Marketing and Supply Chain, Customer Satisfaction.
About AutoZone (NYSE: AZO)
During the quarter ended May 4, 2024, AutoZone opened 32 new stores in the U.S., 12 in Mexico and one in Brazil for a total of 45 net new stores. As of May 4, 2024, the Company had 6,364 stores in the U.S., 763 in Mexico and 109 in Brazil for a total store count of 7,236.
AutoZone is the leading retailer and distributor of automotive replacement parts and accessories in the Americas. Each store carries an extensive product line for cars, sport utility vehicles, vans and light duty trucks, including new and remanufactured automotive hard parts, maintenance items, accessories, and non-automotive products. The majority of stores have a commercial sales program that provides prompt delivery of parts and other products and commercial credit to local, regional and national repair garages, dealers, service stations, fleet owners and other accounts. AutoZone also sells automotive hard parts, maintenance items, accessories and non-automotive products through www.autozone.com, and our commercial customers can make purchases through www.autozonepro.com. Additionally, we sell the ALLDATA brand of automotive diagnostic, repair, collision and shop management software through www.alldata.com. We also provide product information on our Duralast branded products through www.duralastparts.com. AutoZone does not derive revenue from automotive repair or installation services.
Contact Information:
Financial: Brian Campbell at (901) 495-7005, brian.campbell@autozone.com
Media: David McKinney at (901) 495-7951, david.mckinney@autozone.com
Primary Logo
Source: AutoZone, Inc.
Ford Is America’s Automaker Again, With Most Vehicles Assembled, Most Vehicles Exported, Most Hourly Autoworkers
DEARBORN, Mich., – Ford Motor Company again solidified its position as the No. 1 American automaker in terms of vehicles assembled1, vehicles exported from America to other countries3 and hourly workers employed.
Ford earned the top spot for the sixth consecutive year, the latest data from S&P Global Mobility shows.
“Ford is a uniquely American company,” said Andrew Frick, Ford Blue president. “We are proud to serve our customers with vehicles that embody the best of American innovation and ingenuity.”
Ford employs about 57,000 hourly manufacturing workers in the U.S., more than any other automaker, and training is underway for the new third crew that will assemble Bronco and Ranger vehicles at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant, including nearly 900 new hires.
Also, Ford and Lincoln combined have more than 2,800 dealerships in the U.S., which create additional jobs in the communities they serve.
In 2023, Ford assembled more than 1.8 million vehicles in the U.S. – 130,000 more than any other auto manufacturer.1 This includes the best-selling F-Series truck franchise of gas-powered, hybrid and electric pickup trucks, each assembled in America at plants in Michigan, Missouri, Kentucky and Ohio.
Overall, more than 79% of what Ford sells in the U.S. are assembled in the U.S., more than any other automaker.2
In 2023, Ford exported 260,000 American-assembled vehicles – including F-150, Bronco and Mustang – to other countries, more than any other auto manufacturer.3 Approximately one in every seven vehicles Ford assembles in the U.S. is exported to international markets including Canada, Mexico, China, Puerto Rico and South Korea.4
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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services. The company does that through three customer-centered business segments: Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough EVs along with embedded software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs. Additionally, Ford provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 176,000 people worldwide. More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.
Biden-Harris Administration Selects 99 Communities for Grants Aimed at Making Local Roads Safer; Invites Applications for Future Rounds of Funding
Washington, DC – Today, on National Bike to Work Day, the U.S. Department of Transportation is announcing over $63 million in grants from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program. The funding will go directly to 99 local, regional, and Tribal communities to improve road safety and help prevent deaths and serious injuries on their roads, including safety for bicyclists. The investments come at a key moment for road safety in America. While road fatalities have decreased over the past seven quarters, approximately 40,000 people die on U.S. roads each year and a growing share of those lives lost are outside of motor vehicle such as by bicyclists.
“Bicyclists, pedestrians, and drivers should be safe on our roads and streets, and the Biden-Harris Administration is taking action across the country to make our roads safer for everyone who uses them,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “Thanks to our Safe Streets for All grants, communities across the country are improving their roads so they can be safely shared by bikes, cars, and pedestrians, and this latest round of funding will make it possible for 99 communities to implement roadway safety measures that help save more lives.”
“Cycling is a low cost and healthy mode that burns no gas, emits no carbon, makes our streets safer, and connects people to their communities. And as I know from personal experience, it can spark joy every day,” says USDOT Deputy Secretary Polly Trottenberg. “USDOT is committed to helping communities invest in complete streets and connected trail networks that make bicycling safe, comfortable, and convenient for all riders.”
In total, President Biden’s infrastructure law makes billions of dollars available across multiple programs to improve safety for all road users. Safe Streets and Roads for All grants help communities address roadway safety through a comprehensive approach aligning DOT’s National Roadway Safety Strategy, including the development of road safety action plans and implementing effective interventions that are proven to dramatically reduce crashes. For example, separated bicycle lanes can cut crashes by more than half. Funding can also be used to test, or demonstrate, safety features such as separated bicycle lanes or curb extensions at intersections. In 2023, the program provided $1.7 billion in direct funding to over 1,000 local communities, supporting roadway safety for around 70% of the nation’s population and on some of the most dangerous roads.
Today’s Safe Streets and Roads for All awards represent the first of three rounds of awards that will be made in 2024. The grant program is still actively accepting applications through August 29th, and communities are encouraged to apply as funding remains available for the third and final round.
A few of the communities and projects receiving funding, particularly those highlighting bicycle transportation, include:
Mount Holly, NJ: This $400,000 award will be used by Mount Holly and Burlington County to identify and prioritize crash trend locations of vulnerable road users where physical bicycle and pedestrian improvements can increase safety and access. In addition, the county plan will identify opportunities to create safe and accessible multimodal infrastructure where none exists to reduce conflicts between motorists and bicyclists/pedestrians and provide safe mobility choices to all.
Palacios, TX: This $320,000 award will be used by the City of Palacios to develop a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan and conduct a demonstration activity for bicycle and pedestrian safety improvements to determine how to best implement future roadway and sidewalk construction projects.
Goodyear, AZ: City of Goodyear Road Safety Plan & Demonstration Project - This $624,000 award will be used by the City of Goodyear to develop a Road Safety Action Plan and to conduct a demonstration activity evaluating the effect of bike lane materials on safety.
York, AL: This $145,200 award will be used by the City of York to pilot quick-build safety activities to assess their effectiveness. If these temporary demonstration activities are successful, they will be added to the city’s future Action Plan.
See the full list of today’s awards here: https://www.transportation.gov/grants/ss4a/2024-awards
The second round of SS4A grants is expected to be announced in August. For more information on the SS4A program, including information on applying for the open third round, click here: https://www.transportation.gov/grants/SS4A
National Bike Month each May is a celebration of bicycling and what it contributes to human and community well-being. National Bike to Work Day is marked annually in communities across the United States to encourage people to try bicycling for transportation and to reward those who do with prizes, morning breakfast pit stops, T-shirts, and more. You can read more about the Department’s commitment to active transportation here: https://www.transportation.gov/mission/office-secretary/office-policy/active-transportation/active-transportation
General Motor Journey To Zero Emissions
DETROIT — General Motors released its 2023 Sustainability Report today, showcasing the company’s commitment to building an equitable zero-emissions future and working toward its carbon-neutral goal. The report highlights GM’s initiatives to accelerate electric vehicle adoption, forge strategic partnerships to enhance supply chain sustainability, and support the development of a future-ready grid powered by renewable energy.
GM is striving to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in pursuit of a zero-emissions future. The report provides comprehensive insights into GM’s initiatives across key areas of focus, including environmental stewardship, innovation, social responsibility and governance.
“Sustainability is not just good policy. It’s good business — good for the company, for employees, and for recruiting and retaining the best people, people who will help us achieve our vision,” said GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra. “We’ve made tremendous strides through our investments and innovations in electric and autonomous technology, and we’re going to expand our reach, especially with many important EV launches across a wide range of price points and segments this year.”
Key highlights from the new report include:
Joining the ZEROgrid Initiative alongside other industry leaders and the Rocky Mountain Institute to drive progress toward a less carbon intensive, more reliable and affordable grid
Planning to integrate the North American Charging Standard (NACS) into future GM EVs, while also enabling access to more than 15,000 superchargers in 2024
Expanding GM’s commitment to the First Movers Coalition to be inclusive of steel, aluminum, concrete and cement
Providing $64 million in grants to nearly 400 U.S.-based nonprofits to help create inclusive solutions to social issues
“At GM, we are taking important steps toward supporting the transition to a more sustainable, zero-emissions future for everyone,” said Kristen Siemen, GM chief sustainability officer. “We continue to make progress integrating sustainability into our business from the initial design and selection of materials, through product development and manufacturing, to innovative solutions for end of life. While there’s more work to do, we are proud of our progress and are moving with purpose.”
This report has been prepared in reference to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) 2021 Standards and includes responses to the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) framework. The 2023 Sustainability Report, available for viewing and download at GMsustainability.com, provides stakeholders and the public with comprehensive insights into GM’s sustainability journey and its commitment to an equitable, all-electric future.
General Motors (NYSE:GM) is a global company focused on advancing an all-electric future that is inclusive and accessible to all. At the heart of this strategy is the Ultium battery platform, which will power everything from mass-market to high-performance vehicles. General Motors, its subsidiaries and its joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Baojun and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in safety services and connected vehicle technology, can be found at https://www.gm.com.
Honda Plans to Establish Comprehensive Electric Vehicle Value Chain in Ontario, Canada
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced that it plans to build a comprehensive EV value chain in Canada with an approximate investment of CAD$15 billion (USD$11 billion), including investment by joint venture partners, to strengthen its EV supply system and capability to prepare for a future increase in EV demand in North America. Honda has begun evaluating the requirements to build an innovative and environmentally responsible Honda EV plant and a stand-alone Honda EV battery plant in Alliston, Ontario. The proposed Honda EV value chain will also include a cathode active material and precursor (CAM/pCAM) processing plant through a joint venture partnership with POSCO Future M Co., Ltd. and a separator plant through a joint venture partnership with Asahi Kasei Corporation, with announcements to follow in their respective Ontario communities.
Honda expects that electric vehicle production will begin in 2028. Once fully operational, the EV plant will have a production capacity of 240,000 EVs per year and the EV battery plant will have a capacity of 36 GWh per year. In addition to securing the current employment level of 4,200 associates at its two existing manufacturing facilities in Ontario, Honda estimates it will add a minimum of 1,000 new associates for the EV and EV battery manufacturing facilities. The investment in the new facilities will also create significant spinoff jobs across all sites, including in the construction sector.
Honda has begun the process of evaluating the scope of its investment and completing negotiations with its joint venture partners. This work is expected to be finalized during the next six months and more details will be shared at that time.
To support this project, Honda is collaborating with the governments of Canada and Ontario to drive innovation in low-emissions manufacturing by accessing performance-based initiatives available through the federal government’s new Investment Tax Credits and provincial direct and indirect incentives.
North American EV strategy
Striving to realize carbon neutrality for all its products and corporate activities by 2050, Honda has set a goal to make BEVs and FCEVs represent 100% of vehicle sales by 2040. To achieve this goal, Honda will continue offering attractive products in this electrified era globally, including its largest market of North America.
As the first step in achieving this electrification goal in North America, Honda positioned its existing auto production plants in the state of Ohio in the U.S. as its EV Hub for production, including the retooling of existing plants, an investment of USD$700 million, and the construction of a joint venture EV battery plant with LG Energy Solution, with an expected investment of USD$4.4 billion.
The Ohio EV hub will serve as the foundation for future EV and EV battery production, sharing knowledge and expertise with other Honda plants in North America, including the new EV assembly and battery plants in Ontario, Canada. Honda expects EV production to begin at the Marysville Auto Plant in late 2025.
As a second step in this initiative, Honda will strive to establish a comprehensive EV value chain that includes all aspects of EV production in Canada, from the procurement of raw materials mainly for batteries, to the production of finished EVs. Honda will leverage EV production knowledge learned at the Ohio EV Hub, combined with the abundant resources and clean energy available in Canada, to establish a stable supply system for batteries, the key component of EVs, and increase cost competitiveness of its EVs as a whole.
Furthermore, with an eye toward secondary use and the recycling of batteries, Honda will realize low-carbon value creation throughout the entire battery life cycle, through which Honda will establish a highly profitable business foundation and contribute to the realization of a carbon-neutral society.
For more information, photos and future updates, please visit www.hondanews.ca.
Comments by Toshihiro Mibe, Global CEO of Honda:
“Honda is making progress in our global initiatives toward the realization of our 2050 carbon neutrality goal. In North America, following the initiative to establish our EV production system capability in the U.S., we will now begin formal discussions toward the establishment of a comprehensive EV value chain here in Canada, with the support of the governments of Canada and Ontario. We will strengthen our EV supply system and capability with an eye toward a future increase in EV demand in North America.”
Comments by Jean Marc Leclerc, President and CEO of Honda Canada Inc.:
“Honda of Canada Manufacturing is one of the premier automotive manufacturing facilities in the world and for nearly forty years, our work has been guided by determination, innovation, and a relentless drive to evolve.Today’s announcement is a historic investment by a manufacturer in the Canadian auto industry. It proudly honours the highly skilled associates who have earned a global reputation for manufacturing excellence and represents Honda’s recognition of the long-term attractiveness of the Canadian electric vehicle manufacturing ecosystem.”
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About Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. is responsible for the development, production and sales of automobiles, motorcycles, power products and aviation products worldwide. Honda now delivers over 28 million products annually through its three product lines. Honda and its partners build products in more than 60 manufacturing plants in 27 countries, employing about 197,000 associates globally. On a global basis by 2050, Honda is striving to achieve carbon neutrality for all products and corporate activities, as well as zero traffic collision fatalities involving Honda automobiles and motorcycles.
About Honda Canada Inc.
Honda Canada Inc. was founded in 1969 and is the parent company for both Honda and Acura vehicle brands in Canada. Since 1986, the company has produced Honda engines and more than 10 million cars and light trucks at its Alliston, Ontario manufacturing facilities, where Honda Civic and Honda CR-V are currently built. Honda has invested over $6.5 billion in Canadian operations, and each year sources over $3 billion in goods and services from Canadian suppliers. Since its inception, Honda Canada has sold over five million Honda and Acura passenger cars and light trucks in Canada through a dealer network of more than 280 dealerships across the country. For more information, please visit www.hondacanada.ca.
About Honda of Canada Mfg.
Honda of Canada Mfg. (HCM) began production in Alliston, Ontario in November 1986 and is Honda’s only manufacturing facility in Canada. HCM’s plants sit on 890 acres, encompass approximately 4 million square feet, and employ 4,200 associates. The plants have the capacity to produce more than 400,000 vehicles each year combined. HCM manufactures two of Honda’s best-selling models, the Honda Civic and the CR-V, and produced its 10 millionth vehicle in 2023. For more information, please visit www.hondacanadamfg.ca
BMW of North America Streamlines Electric Vehicle Charging Experience for Customers with Launch of BMW Charging, Powered by Shell Recharge Solutions.
Woodcliff Lake, NJ – March 13, 2024… BMW of North America announced today the addition of Shell Recharge Solutions as a second eMobility provider, giving customers easy access to Shell Recharge, ChargePoint, EVgo, EVConnect, and Blink charging stations via the My BMW App. BMW drivers can now find, access, and charge at all affiliated locations via their My BMW app, with payments for all five providers automatically processed via the app. With this new agreement, BMW Charging now offers electric vehicle drivers easy and convenient access to one of the largest charging networks in North America with over 100,000 public charging points in the U.S. and Canada.
Shell Recharge Solutions’ virtual Mobility Service Provider (vMSP) not only streamlines the charging experience for BMW customers, but also eliminates the need to create separate accounts, and use separate apps, for each individual charging provider. Through the My BMW app, customers can now enjoy the benefits of both complimentary charging with Electrify America, and the networks of multiple providers across North America with Shell Recharge Solutions.
“Charging is an important part of creating a positive customer experience for the owners of electric vehicles,” said Shaun Bugbee, Executive Vice President, Operations, BMW of North America. “As a premium automaker, BMW’s goal is to also create a premium ownership experience for our customers, which means making the charging process as simple and convenient as possible.”
Shell Recharge is a pay-as-you-go program, so signing up is easy; customers simply need to add a credit card to their account. Charging at all locations is easy as well; park in front of the charging station, open the My BMW app, click ‘Charge Here’, and all relevant information for the specific charging station will be displayed, including ratings, reviews, and photos provided by Plug Share.
BMW’s current electric vehicle lineup includes the BMW i4 Gran Coupe, BMW i5 Sedan, and BMW i7 Sedan, as well as the BMW iX Sports Activity Vehicle. The company also offers five plug-in hybrid electric models including the BMW 330e Sedan, BMW 550e Sedan, BMW 750e Sedan, BMW X5 xDrive50e Sports Activity Vehicle and the BMW XM.
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BMW Group in America
BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; Designworks, a strategic design consultancy based in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is the BMW Group global center of competence for BMW X models and assembles the X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7 Sports Activity Vehicles as well as the BMW XM. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 349 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers,145 BMW motorcycle retailers, 104 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.
GM Hires Globally Recognized Battery Expert
DETROIT – As GM accelerates toward its vision of an all-electric future, the company continues to invest in the infrastructure and attract world-class talent to make that a reality. In the latest move, GM has hired Kurt Kelty, a globally recognized battery expert and former Tesla executive, to be vice president of Batteries, reporting to GM President Mark Reuss.
In this newly created role, Kelty will be charged with GM’s battery cell strategy and a new end-to-end approach. This will include the use of raw materials, research, developing and investing in new technology, commercialization of cells and packs, and end of life opportunities. His team will be responsible for a critical piece of GM’s electrification strategy, bringing together the company’s already robust battery development resources with industry expertise to more quickly deliver profitable, lower-cost, higher performing electric vehicles to customers at scale.
“The foundation that GM has established coupled with Kurt’s exceptional battery expertise in leading battery chemistry development, establishing partnerships, building out supply chains and partnering closely with teams that have developed leading battery systems will help us achieve our electrification goals and position GM as a leader in EV technology,” said Reuss.
Kelty’s appointment and the elevated focus on battery cell technology builds on years of investment and the establishment of infrastructure that is already allowing GM to identify and prototype next generation technology and manufacture cells at scale. With Kelty joining the team, this will expand and accelerate those efforts and position GM as the EV leader in the future.
“For more than 30 years, I’ve been focused on helping develop and commercialize battery technologies that will aid in the transition to electric transportation. Joining GM creates an even bigger opportunity to help the industry make the switch and have a lasting impact on our planet,” said Kelty.
Most recently, Kelty was a vice president at Sila, where he was responsible for sales, business development, battery cell manufacturing partnerships and battery engineering involved in the adoption of Sila’s silicon anode material in EVs requiring high energy density and fast charge.
Prior to Sila, Kelty led the Tesla battery development team for 11 years. At Tesla he was responsible for the technical exchanges and commercial negotiations with battery cell suppliers and early-stage battery cell developers. He was a key driver in the creation of Tesla’s first Gigafactory, the largest lithium-ion battery and EV component factory in the world. He began his work in lithium-ion batteries in 1993, working for Panasonic, where he created alliances and joint development programs to advance lithium-ion rechargeable batteries for portable applications.
General Motors (NYSE:GM) is a global company focused on advancing an all-electric future that is inclusive and accessible to all. At the heart of this strategy is the Ultium battery platform, which will power everything from mass-market to high-performance vehicles. General Motors, its subsidiaries and its joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Baojun and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in safety services and connected vehicle technology, can be found at https://www.gm.com.
GM Promotes Executives to Lead the Next Phase of the Company’s Growth Strategy
DETROIT – General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) is making several changes to its product development team and creating a new role to oversee its global regions. These moves will streamline the organization, allow for faster implementation of new vehicle and technology programs, and accelerate the company’s go-to-market strategies.
This realignment is driven by the retirement of Doug Parks, GM executive vice president of Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain, after a nearly 40-year career at the company. Parks started at GM in 1984 and led various engineering teams responsible for the development of dozens of vehicles across all GM brands and regions, including the foundation of our current generation EVs.
“We’ve spent years preparing GM to transition to an all-electric future, and Doug’s leadership has been pivotal. We are grateful for his many contributions to GM’s success,” said GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra. “The changes we are announcing today will continue to drive technical excellence and deliver groundbreaking vehicles to our customers around the world.”
Global Product Development Leadership
Ken Morris, currently vice president, Global Vehicle and Propulsion teams, will be promoted to senior vice president, Product Programs, Product Safety and Motorsports. Morris retains his current responsibilities leading global vehicle programs and will add global product safety, launch excellence and motorsports product development.
Josh Tavel, currently global vice president of Customer Care and Aftersales, will be promoted to senior vice president of Energy Storage and Propulsion, R&D, and Manufacturing Engineering. This role will integrate GM’s products and processes in key areas critical to accelerating the company’s electrification strategy, including battery development and manufacturing engineering activities.
Global Market Leadership
GM also announced leadership changes to increase collaboration across its global markets.
Rory Harvey, currently executive vice president and president, GM North America, will move to a newly created role as executive vice president and president, Global Markets. Harvey will work with the global regional teams to bring the right vehicles, software and technologies to customers around the world.
Marissa West, currently president and managing director, GM Canada, will join the Global Markets leadership team as senior vice president and president, GM North America, reporting to Harvey.
All leadership changes will take effect on Jan. 2, 2024.
General Motors (NYSE:GM) is a global company focused on advancing an all-electric future that is inclusive and accessible to all. At the heart of this strategy is the Ultium battery platform, which powers everything from mass-market to high-performance vehicles. General Motors, its subsidiaries and its joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Baojun and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in safety services and connected vehicle technology, can be found at https://www.gm.com.