Automotive News

Plante Moran study: Auto suppliers in dark on EV plans

The study captures North American automaker-supplier relations as parts makers navigate financial pressures stemming from inflation, unstable automaker production schedules, the shortage of microchips and rising interest rates. Those pressures, which began in late 2019 with the onset of COVID-19 and the UAW’s strike at GM, have tested relations between suppliers and their customers. Suppliers said there needs to be greater and more timely communication and transparency on short-term supply chain disruptions and on any changes in forecasting, Plante Moran reported. And it was found that many parts companies are frustrated by what they see as a disconnect between what…

Automotive News

Kia and Hyundai Break-Ins On the Rise in Kent

Social media challenges, which have steadily increased since 2020, range from silly and benign to downright dangerous and harmful. One of the latest harmful challenges to hit social media this summer is the “Kia Challenge”—and it continues to gain momentum across the country. The Kia Challenge is a TikTok trend that encourages social media users to steal Kias manufactured between 2011-2021 and Hyundais made between 2015 and 2021. These models are being targeted because they don’t come with an engine immobilizer, which is a piece of hardware that prevents the engine from starting if the matching chip in the key…

Automotive News

What Happens if ADAS Calibration Isn’t Done?

Automotive design and technology are constantly evolving; each year, vehicles become increasingly advanced and reliable on electronic and computerized features to deliver better safety, performance, and comfort.Windshields are no exception. Although the windshields of newer vehicles may look like they’re just a piece of glass, most of them contain sensors, cameras, and other advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) equipment that play a large role in how your car functions. Unfortunately, this makes the process of replacing windshields more complex—and costly. Understanding ADAS Calibration ADAS refers to a wide range of automated features that assist or alert drivers while they’re…

Automotive News

Nikola battles for scarce funding as it launches its first truck

Like every other startup, Nikola is in search of funds to continue its mission to deliver zero-pollution cargo-moving trucks. Last week, it floated a $100 million stock offering that underwhelmed Wall Street. The company’s cash is being spent in three major areas: building trucks, creating a network of hydrogen fueling stations and developing software for autonomous driving. Any one of those pursuits would be a huge project for a startup. Perfecting all three seems like a moonshot. But Lohscheller has been able to sign up partners to help defray some of the costs. And thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act,…