Every week we compile recent industry news and interesting reads that shouldn’t be missed. Here’s the digest for September 10th to 16th.
VW hopes new electric concept will be as industry changing as the Beetle
Volkswagen has gotten a lot of bad press recently– much of it well deserved. They are hoping however to turn some opinions of them back around with a renewed commitment to becoming an industry leader in electric automobiles. According to the company, their latest concept, the MEB, is going to be as revolutionary and industry shaking as the Beetle was 70 years ago.
Read more about their new electric concept over at Autoblog.
Dealership streamlines service department by creating assembly line
Wanting to speed up the express maintenance system in their service department, a Cleveland, Ohio dealership has created an assembly line to move vehicles through more quickly. There are several different assembly lines, and they are used to perform regular maintenance items such as oil changes, tire rotations, and detailing. After a successful showing, the dealership hopes to sell the system to other dealerships in the future.
Learn more about the assembly line service department on Wards Auto.
Jaguar Land Rover working on an innovative new eight speed transmission
Jaguar Land Rover is developing an eight speed transmission that combines the best of hybrid drive, dual clutch shifting, and low range gearing all in one convenient package. Designed for rear wheel drive and all wheel drive vehicles, the transmission will excel for off-road use thanks to an extra wide 20:1 gear ratio. They also claim it will be lighter and more fuel efficient than existing eight speed transmissions, though it’s not likely to be seen in production for a few years.
You can find out more about the new transmission over at Motor Authority.
Comma.ai introduces device to make vehicles semi autonomous
Comma.ai has introduced a device that will turn your late model Honda or Acura with lane assist into a semi-autonomous vehicle– and they say it will be available for sale by the end of the year. The very approachable price of only $999 gives the owners of these vehicles an affordable way to have autonomous features on a regular car budget. It remains to be seen whether they will extend the technology to work on other models, though it’s very likely they will if it succeeds on current models.
Read more about this intriguing new product over on Autoblog.
New heat induction tool helps make removing seized nuts and bolts easier
The Bolt Buster Heat Induction Tool allows you to have the benefits of working with a torch, with significantly reduced risk. The innovative new tool applies up to 1800 watts to get a stuck nut, bolt, or anything metallic red hot in seconds.
Get more info on the Bolt Buster Heat Induction Tool over at Vehicle Service Pros.
Snap-On introduces new thermal imaging diagnostic tool
Snap-On’s new diagnostic thermal imaging tool is making the invisible– visible. Thermal imaging will allow technicians to find hot spots in electrical systems, engine cooling systems, braking systems, A/C systems, and much more.
Learn more about how Snap-On’s new imaging tool can help you over at Import Car](http://www.import-car.com/snap-on-diagnostic-thermal-imager/)
