Motorsport-derived gearbox technology delivers fuel economy and durability benefits to truck, bus and scooter manufacturers

A gearbox technology originally developed for the world’s most successful rally cars is being applied to a surprising range of vehicles, from scooters to buses, to meet the demanding challenges of developing markets. Variable levels of driver skill mean that vehicle purchasers are attracted to the convenience and ease of operation offered by automatic transmissions but the associated fuel consumption penalty and increase in vehicle cost is not acceptable in developing markets dominated by small, economical vehicles. Technology consultancy, Prodrive, has demonstrated a range of automated manual transmission (AMT) solutions that can be scaled to suit a variety of applications, are thoroughly proven and require very little capital investment beyond existing manual gearbox production lines.

New modular approach offers highly effective hybrid solution for mainstream applications with low investment, low risk and minimal impact on existing vehicle hardware. 

Widespread adoption of hybrid technology has been held back until now by the high investment and piece costs involved, coupled with uncertainty over future demand. To help address these challenges and make hybrid systems commercially viable for high volume application, a consortium led by powertrain engineering consultancy Integral Powertrain is developing a modular hybrid system that offers a technology ladder from micro hybrid to full plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) while minimising investment in either new hardware or new vehicle architecture. Integral Powertrain’s partners in the project include Jaguar Land Rover, electronics specialist Smart Power Solutions and transmission specialist Drive System Design. Funding has been provided as part of the Technology Strategy Board’s Integrated Delivery Programme by both the Department for Transport and the Technology Strategy Board.  Work on the Ultra Cost-Efficient Hybrid Powertrain (UCEHP) project began in July 09, based around a conventional transverse engine and gearbox layout.

Over 500 Delphi Service Centres Appointed Since Introduction

Warwick, UK — Delphi Service Centres have been established in 15 countries around the world, including key markets in Western and Eastern Europe such as the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Turkey, Poland, Czech Republic and Hungary. With over 500 service centre appointments since its introduction, and more in the pipeline, the programme continues to gain momentum and expand its support elements.

Delphi’s flexible diagnostic solutions help meet the needs of Ministry of Transportation (MOT) and National Car Tests (NCT) throughout Europe

Warwick, UK — At Equip’Auto 2009 Delphi is showcasing a number of its customised versions of its standard Delphi diagnostic platform, including dedicated diagnostic solutions for Ministry of Transport (MOT) & National Car Tests (NCT) across Europe, including the UK (VOSA), Belgium (GOCA) and Denmark. In all of these cases, Delphi has adapted its diagnostic platforms to satisfy the precise legal requirements of mandatory car tests in each country while still using its standard hardware and communication platforms.

Caterpillar Inc, parent company of Caterpillar Logistics and XPart, has been named among the world’s most efficient and sustainable companies for the ninth year in a row

Parts distribution specialist XPart is cutting picking times, reducing emissions and upholding an enviable health and safety record as its parent company, Caterpillar Inc, is named among the world’s most efficient and sustainable companies for the ninth consecutive year. The manufacturing and logistics giant has been recognised in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes (DJSI) and retained Gold Class position in the Industrial Engineering Sector. Launched in 1999, the annual DJSI process involves a rigorous appraisal of a company’s approach to areas such as risk management, environmental policy, supplier management and occupational health and safety. In line with Caterpillar’s drive for sustainability, XPart is actively streamlining its global parts distribution operation with ongoing efficiency improvement at its Caterpillar Logistics warehouse in Desford, Leicestershire. 

Göteborg, Sweden – Mecel Betula is a comprehensive software product that enables the addition of Bluetooth functionality to vehicles. Mecel Betula provides an easy way for manufacturers to adapt to the ever-changing market of consumer devices. Since April, 2009, Mecel Betula has been available in a PC-version at no cost. The PC-version comes as a simulated head unit with an attractive HMI and allows key features to be tested. In addition, the Mecel Betula Interoperability program helps vehicle manufacturers ensure that more cell phones are compatible with their vehicles.

Göteborg, Sweden – Mecel AB, a subsidiary of Delphi Corporation, announces the launch of its Picea Software Suite supporting AUTOSAR 3.1.  Mecel Picea contains both tools and embedded software and covers the AUTOSAR 3.1 standard. The Mecel Picea Suite comes with full implementation of CAN, LIN and Flexray. The tool chain provides an efficient and seamless configuration framework for creating AUTOSAR-compliant software. Mecel Picea will help to strengthen automotive suppliers’ competitiveness with enhanced quality, shorter time-to-market and reduced cost.

Göteborg, Sweden – Mecel AB, a subsidiary of Delphi Corporation, releases its Populus Suite in version 3.0. Mecel Populus is a complete software solution that gives vehicle manufacturers more flexibility, shortens time-to-market and drastically reduces the cost of designing Human Machine Interfaces (HMI) for vehicles.

British motorsport specialist, Prodrive has developed a new exhaust silencer, which should help keep speedway racing alive.

In recent years, noise complaints have increasingly led to the closure of speedway tracks.  As a result, the sports governing body, the FIM (International Motorcycling Federation), has introduced a noise limit of 115 db from 1 January 2010.

Product Portfolio Focused on Innovation for Customer Challenges

Commitment to Technology and Strong Portfolio Among Top Priorities

Troy, Mich., — Delphi Holdings LLP announced today it had completed the acquisition of substantially all of Delphi Corporation's global core businesses as part of the consummation of the Delphi Corporation Modified Plan of Reorganization.