Honda R&D Co., Ltd., a research and development subsidiary of Honda, has announced that it has acquired all of the outstanding shares of the California-based Drivemode, Inc. in order to further strengthen "new value creation" in the areas of digital and connected mobility products. Drivemode is a start-up that develops and operates smartphone-based connected services. Honda R&D and Drivemode have been collaborating and conducting joint development activities since 2015 through the Honda Xcelerator programme, an open innovation programme Honda has been pursuing on a global basis.
The MCIA in the UK has launched 'MCIA SECURED' - an anti-theft rating programme for Powered Two- Wheelers that awards a star for each recognised security feature fitted to a PTW. The more security features included as standard by the manufacturer, the more stars, up to a maximum of five for motorcycles and scooters of 125 cc (or 11 kW for electric power) or over.
BMW Group, BASF SE, Samsung SDI and Samsung Electronics have started "Cobalt for Development" to promote responsible artisanal cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The pilot project intends to improve working conditions at a pilot mine site and living conditions in the surrounding communities.
Ford is to transfer most of its operations in India to Mahindra & Mahindra as part of a joint venture with the Indian carmaker, BSA and JAWA brand owner, and 51% owner of Peugeot scooters. Mahindra will own 51% of the joint venture, valued at $275m. Both firms will continue to own their own brands and sell them through their own separate dealer networks.
The MCIA in the UK has announced that 'Transport for London' (TfL) has confirmed that Powered Two- Wheelers (PTWs) and other Powered Light Vehicles (PLVs) are included in the Mayor of London's recently announced ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) Scrappage Scheme. Grants of GBP £1,000 are available when scrapping a non-ULEZ compliant PTW/PLV and purchasing a new, ULEZ compliant replacement.
ISMA, the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association, is predicting that the upcoming season should be a good one for the snowmobile industry, with the winter projected to bring high snowfalls. Sales for 2018-2019 totalled 55,025 new snowmobiles in the USA, with 46,784 new units sold in Canada and over 31,000 sold in Europe.
Boston based IDTechEx Research is forecasting that electric vehicles will be a $2.6 trillion market, with several new sectors prominent by 2030. Said to be based on analysis of some 100 different sectors, IDTechEx says it has studied and forecasted EVs for over 20 years. Although the primary focus to date has been on personal mobility, IDTechEx points to the growing importance of EV in sectors such as construction, agriculture and mining (CAM), logistics and road freight, final mile delivery, Micro EVs and commuting, shuttle and school buses, trains, military, aircraft and marine.
Yamaha Motor is investing further in Autonomous Driving Technology Developer "Tier IV", strengthening development capabilities for low-speed autonomous driving vehicles through the development of Autoware (autonomous driving OS software). Through this investment, Yamaha Motor aims to strengthen development capabilities and acquire knowledge regarding low-speed autonomous driving technology. This additional investment forms part of "ART for Human Possibilities, Rethinking Solutions", one aspect of the company's long-term vision to provide multi-use vehicles and alternative mobility systems to regions where there are many elderly and other people with limited access to transportation.
BMW Motorrad was able to increase deliveries of its motorcycles and maxi-scooters in the third quarter to 43,744 units (2018: 39,818 units; +9.9%); revenue growth was +17.2% (€ 558 m). Motorcycle deliveries during the first nine months of 2019 totalled 136,932 units (+8.0%), generating revenues of € 1,871 million. October sales were down -3.1% for the month (12,645 units), but up by +7% (149,577 units) for the YTD.
