Automotive DesignLine Europe

Asymmetric encryption improves car key security
Radio-controlled entry systems are ubiquitous in today's cars, but security remains an issue. Fraunhofer Scientists now for the first time have implemented an asymmetric encryption scheme in a car key. They claim that the hardware required is comparable in price and power requirements to conventional symmetric encryption keys.

GENIVI Alliance to demonstrate first open source-based IVI platform at CES 2010
The GENIVI Alliance, an automotive industry association driving the development and adoption of an open in-vehicle Infotainment (IVI) reference platform, will be demonstrating the initial implementation of the GENIVI 1.0 platform in Las Vegas during International CES 2010, January 7th to 10th.

GENIVI Alliance gains ground in Japanese automotive industry
The GENIVI Alliance, an industry association driving the development and adoption of an open In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) reference platform, has continued expansion of its membership with the addition of five Japan-based companies — Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Alpine Electronics, Mitsubishi Electric, Pioneer Corporation and Rohm CO, Ltd.

Strong growth predicted for European car telematics
Market researcher iSuppli (Tempe, Ariz.) sees a boom in the automotive industry towards telematics. Through the year 2016, iSuppli predicts a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.5 percent in terms of units for the Western European market. But there are significant differences between automotive brands.

Aston-Martin CEO criticizes e-car hype
During a panel discussion at the Productronica trade fair, the top executive of automotive OEM Aston Martin Lagonda has found harsh words for the trend towards electric cars and the associated infrastructure developments.

iSuppli praises BMW 7-series for ergonomics, telematics
BMW's top-of-the line series 7 combines ease-of-use with a very complete electronic option list, finds market researcher iSuppli.

Hannover fair picks up e-car topic
Deutsche Messe AG, organizer of the Hannover industry fair, will dedicate a specific exhibition to the topic of electric vehicles. For the start, the 'MobiliTec' show will be embedded in the Hannover fair.

Micronas replaces top executives for automotive focus
Swiss chip manufacturer Micronas Holding AG has announced to replace its CEO and CFO. Also four of the five seats in the supervisory board will be reassigned. The move reflects the intention to focus on automotive markets.

Continental to develop Better Place head units
Automotive supplier Continental AG has been assigned to develop the infotainment systems for the e-car provider Better Place. The head units will offer functionality specific to the use of electric cars. The volume is surprisingly high.

Redox batteries: flushing instead of charging
An interesting perspective for e-car batteries has been developed by the Fraunhofer Institute for chemical technology (Fraunhofer ICT): Instead of time-killing recharging the electrolytic liquid in the batteries could be replaces in a few minutes.

Nissan/Renault alliance sign infrastructure contract with RWE
The Nissan/Renault group has signed an agreement with German electricity supplier RWE AG aiming at establishing a network of battery charging stations and thus bolstering the attractiveness of e-cars.

M+W Zander builds lithium-ion battery factory in Finland
Engineering company M+W Zander (Stuttgart, Germany) has received an assignment to design and build a lithium-ion battery factory in Varkaus (Finland). The client is European Batteries Oy; the batteries will aim at automotive and industrial applications as well as at the energy sector.

Audi to hire 100 engineers for e-car development
In order to speed up the development of electric vehicle, car maker Audi AG has announced to hire 100 additional development engineers for its 'ePerformance' project.

ST, Magneti Marelli to develop inverters for hybrid, electric engines
Long-time partners in Formula 1, STMicroelectronics NV and Magneti Marelli S.p.A have signed a memorandum of understanding in a view to develop and produce inverters for hybrid and electric engines in mass-produced vehicles.

Microsoft Auto 4.0 fine-tuned
When Microsoft will come to the IAA automotive fair in Frankfurt, it has a fine-tuned version of MS Auto 4.0 in its baggage — with a long list of features added over the past few months.

About the Automotive DesignLine Europe News Section
Automotive DesignLine's News Section provides engineers with the latest news items shaping the design and development of automotive systems. The news section focuses on the design of chassis and suspension systems, safety and security, body electronics, automotive infotainment systems, and power train design. Other key topics include Key topics covered in this newsletter include automotive motor design, automotive electronics, telematics, Bluetooth design, GPS design, hybrid and electric vehicles, sensors and MEMS, developments in fuel cell technology, automotive data bus technologies, automotive vision systems, and more.