Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[<em>Wired</em>: Ford making Sync AppLink open source, free for any automaker to use]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/09/wired-ford-making-sync-applink-open-source-free-for-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/09/wired-ford-making-sync-applink-open-source-free-for-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/09/wired-ford-making-sync-applink-open-source-free-for-a/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ford Sync AppLink

Automakers aren't necessarily known for their sharing skills unless some sort of mutual agreement is in place, but it seems that Ford is looking to create a universal architecture based on its Sync AppLink on which other companies (including rival automakers) can run in-car apps free of charge. With the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show going on, Wired sat down with Ford's Doug VanDagens, director of connected services, who talked about what such a tech-sharing plan could do for Ford and the industry.

Giving up some of the technology behind Sync AppLink would obviously put Ford in a place to become a bigger name in cabin tech, but on the grander scheme of things, it could help bring more apps to users. Currently, each automaker uses its own technologies, which means that creating an app for each system would be expensive and time consuming - a reason why current in-car apps are limited to bigger names like Pandora and iHeart Radio. Ford's plan would not only make it easier for app developers and automakers, it would also open the door for more aftermarket head units to improve infotainment capabilities as well.

When asked by Autoblog, a Ford rep at CES said that while other automakers could potentially use their open-source software, Ford didn't necessarily expect it to happen.

To get the full boatload of details about Ford's proposed tech-sharing plan, head on over to Wired.

Wired: Ford making Sync AppLink open source, free for any automaker to use originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jan 2013 09:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ces2013 consumer electronics showcesfordford syncford sync applinkinfotainmentsyncsync applinktechnology sharingWed, 09 Jan 2013 09:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20421270/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/09/wired-ford-making-sync-applink-open-source-free-for-a/20421270/article-detail.xml 20421270 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/applink-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/applink-630.jpg <![CDATA[Zetsche reportedly says Daimler to pick new compact car partner by mid-2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/30/zetsche-reportedly-says-daimler-to-pick-new-compact-car-partner/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/30/zetsche-reportedly-says-daimler-to-pick-new-compact-car-partner/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/30/zetsche-reportedly-says-daimler-to-pick-new-compact-car-partner/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Despite rumors of Daimler and Renault collaborating on a four-door Smart model, no official tie-up between the two companies has been announced. That could change next year when Daimler will reportedly decide who its small-car partner will be. Daimler is getting even more heavily into the development of small cars, both with its Smart brand and the Mercedes-Benz A- and B Class offerings that might one day make it to America.

Renault is planning a line of ultra-cheap small cars and is putting together a range of electric vehicles that will certainly feature new, small platforms. Like Daimler, the French automaker is talking to other companies about joining forces to save money on developing small cars, so a Daimler-Renault alliance isn't a fait accompli. According to Automotive News, Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche says the company will announce its chosen partner by the middle of 2010.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Zetsche reportedly says Daimler to pick new compact car partner by mid-2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Dec 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>collaborationdaimlerdevelopmentfortwojoint ventureJointVentureJVplatformplatform shareplatform sharingPlatformSharePlatformSharingrenaultsmall carsmall carsSmallCarSmallCarssmartsmart fortwoSmartFortwotechnology sharingTechnologySharingWed, 30 Dec 2009 17:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19298240/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/30/zetsche-reportedly-says-daimler-to-pick-new-compact-car-partner/19298240/article-detail.xml 19298240 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/daimler_renault_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/daimler_renault.jpg <![CDATA[Hugo Chavez gives ultimatum to automakers: Share tech or get out of Venezuela]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/24/hugo-chavez-gives-ultimatum-to-automakers-share-tech-or-get-out/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/24/hugo-chavez-gives-ultimatum-to-automakers-share-tech-or-get-out/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/24/hugo-chavez-gives-ultimatum-to-automakers-share-tech-or-get-out/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez - notable Fidel Castro wannabe, loudmouthed buffoon of the first order and apparent Cadillac aficionado - has given an ultimatum to General Motors, Fiat (i.e. Chrysler), Toyota and Ford: Share your technology with us or get out of the country. (In Toyota's case, it sounds as if Chavez wants them to hit some arbitrary quotas, as well.) The affected parties, all of which maintain production facilities in the country, kept mum in response to Chavez's demand, according to the Associated Press, which reported the story on Wednesday.

If the automakers don't comply, Chavez basically stated that he will eject them from his socialist utopia in favor of automakers from countries he's more friendly with. AP quotes him as saying, "I invite you to pack up your belongings and leave. I'll bring in the Russians, the Belorusians, the Chinese."

At least he didn't openly threaten to nationalize them (yet), as he's wont to do with pretty much any other private enterprise he thinks he could run better. Yeah, this'll definitely end well. Thanks to Roy for the tip.

[Source: AP via Yahoo! News | Image: AFP/Getty]

Hugo Chavez gives ultimatum to automakers: Share tech or get out of Venezuela originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automaker ultimatumAutomakerUltimatumhugo chavezHugoChaveztechnology sharingTechnologySharingultimatumvenezuelaThu, 24 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19293147/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/24/hugo-chavez-gives-ultimatum-to-automakers-share-tech-or-get-out/19293147/article-detail.xml 19293147 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/hugochavez_cadillac_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/hugochavez_cadillac.jpg <![CDATA[REPORT: Peugeot also wants ties with BMW that go beyond engines and platforms]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/report-peugeot-also-wants-ties-with-bmw-that-go-beyond-engines/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/report-peugeot-also-wants-ties-with-bmw-that-go-beyond-engines/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/report-peugeot-also-wants-ties-with-bmw-that-go-beyond-engines/#commentsFiled under: ,



A couple of years ago, BMW said it wanted out of the joint engine game with Peugeot. Today, not only are the two companies still sharing powerplants - the PSA engines that go in the Mini and Pugs like the 207 - but BMW's head has recently stated that the automaker is considering sharing small car platforms with PSA. To that, PSA head Phillipe Varin has gone a step further, saying he'd also like to extend the agreement to things like purchasing, transmissions, and HVAC units.

The quest for Peugeot is to find a way to remain independent to continue to make money doing it. The French automaker expects an operating loss of up to €1.5 billion ($2.25B U.S.) this year, which is less than expected. But the company foresees a return to black next year, and part of the strategy for that would be lowering costs through tie-ups, such as its deal to sell rebranded Mitsubishi i-Mievs.

Nevertheless, it will be BMW that needs to see sense in a stronger PSA union. Items like HVAC units and transmissions - when they work - are anonymous; no one knows or really cares where they come from. As for powertrains, the German firm has spoken before of wanting to lower development costs, especially in the area of small engine development which could help it with its numerous small car initiatives.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd.]

REPORT: Peugeot also wants ties with BMW that go beyond engines and platforms originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Times are tough all over the auto industry, but the situation at Chrysler seems to be far more dire. Chrysler's sales numbers are significantly worse than they are elsewhere in the industry, with January sales plunging by 55%. In December, the Pentastar received $4 billion from the U.S. government to keep from going insolvent. Very little good news has trickled out of Auburn Hills as of late, and that isn't changing today.

Chrysler and Nissan have decided to freeze their product sharing program indefinitely, citing a need to make sure profit targets can be met. Chrysler was to receive its own version of the Nissan Versa, and in exchange, Nissan was to receive its own version of the Dodge Ram. As disappointing as this news is for Chrysler and Nissan, few are likely surprised. Nissan, while healthier than Chrysler, is going through its own rough patch, with a loss expected for the year and 20,000 job cuts on the way.

Chrysler's potential tie-up with Fiat could also complicate matters, as Chrysler stands to have access to several of the Italian automaker's small cars. Chrysler said in a statement that the tie-up is reportedly on hold until the end of the first quarter, when a further announcement will be made. Considering the woeful market conditions around the world, we're not at all hopeful that the Nissan/Chrysler tie-up will be revived. We're still holding out hope for a Dodge Hornet, though, with either Fiat or Nissan underpinnings. Thanks for the tip, Brian!

[Source: CNN Money]

Chrysler/Nissan partnership frozen, Ram-based Titan and Chrysler small car in jeopardy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerdodge ramDodgeRamfiatmergernissanram pickupRamPickuptechnology sharingTechnologySharingtieupversaFri, 13 Feb 2009 09:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1459030/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/02/13/chrysler-nissan-partnership-frozen-ram-based-titan-and-chrysler/1459030/article-detail.xml 1459030 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/02/dodge_hornet_580_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/02/dodge_hornet_580.jpg <![CDATA[BMW to sell engines to Mercedes, others]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/24/bmw-to-sell-engines-to-mercedes-others/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/24/bmw-to-sell-engines-to-mercedes-others/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/24/bmw-to-sell-engines-to-mercedes-others/#commentsFiled under: , ,


BMW, the Munich-based German automaker, is reportedly in discussion with other automakers -- rivals in some cases -- to sell their engines and transmissions. Klaus Draeger, BMW's head of development, told Auto Motor und Sport that the automaker is in advanced talks with Mercedes-Benz about licensing engines to its Stuttgart-based competitor.

Specifics have not been announced, but one likely candidate would be BMW's new V-12, set to debut in the new 7 Series and baby Rolls-Royce sedan. Mercedes would drop it under the hood of their flagship S-Class and Maybach. There was no mention about the possibility of BMW's twin-turbo inline-six finding itself under the hood of a Mercedes (while BMW continues to refine their award-winning inline-six powerplant, Mercedes dropped their popular straight-six in the mid-1990's and replaced it with a V6), but Draeger did hint that other automakers have approached the company about diesel engine technology. Engine and transmission sharing isn't uncommon in the industry, but such a move would be a first for the two companies, each longstanding rivals with products selling in the identical segments.

[Source: Autocar]

BMW to sell engines to Mercedes, others originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Oct 2008 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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