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Will the Electric Vehicle Boom Create New-Found Dependencies for Foreign Minerals?

August 24, 2020 by Tim Johnston 1 Comment

The Cobalt Supply, the DRC and EV’s Demand for Lithium-Ion Batteries

While the supply and demand of cobalt have recently been down due to the staggered economy worldwide because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the global demand for cobalt is normalizing and, thus, increasing. Cobalt is an extremely important mineral for clean energy technologies, specifically, it is a critical component in lithium-ion battery cathodes for high energy and power applications.

Approximately 42 percent of global cobalt stock is used to produce lithium-ion batteries with the remaining 52 percent used for military and industrial purposes. Lithium-ion batteries are used in electric vehicles (EV), energy storage applications, smartphones, laptop computers, and many other types of consumer and household electronic devices. While the United States is the largest consumer of cobalt, it has not mined it since 1971 or refined it since 1985. Canada, which is ranked eighth worldwide in the production of cobalt, is the only viable source for the mineral in North America producing 3,000 metric tons in 2019.

Investors are currently focused on the EV sector of the automotive industry as seen in the activity of private investors and the stock market. Shares of EV companies are soaring in 2020. Shares of Tesla’s stock increased by more than one-third in July, and its $278 billion market cap is $104 billion larger than the market cap of Honda ($45 billion), BMW ($43 billion), General Motors ($38 billion), the Ford Motor Co. ($27 billion), and Fiat ($21 billion) combined. Additionally, Tesla’s market cap is $103 billion more than Toyota’s ($175 billion) despite Toyota having sold 10.7 million vehicles in 2019 compared to Tesla’s 370,000.

Nissan announced that a midsize SUV EV priced at $40,000, the Ariya, will be released next year, and the price of its stock spiked more than 7 percent in one day. Rivian Automotive, a 10-year-old, electric pickup truck and commercial vehicle startup, backed heavily by Amazon and the Ford Motor Company, recently received $2.5 billion from private investors in its latest cash roundup, with substantial investment from the Soros Fund and Fidelity Investments. It has received $5.3 billion from investors in two rounds. The firm has plans to provide Amazon with 100,000 delivery vans in the next decade.

Obviously, the EV industry is picking up momentum during a key transition to global electrification. While it began with the production of luxury brands from companies such as Audi, Jaguar, and Tesla, the emergence of the market for everyday cars is the variable that has piqued the interest of investors to plug into this market.

Lithium-ion batteries that enable drivers to go further between charges and can be recharged up to 90 percent in 30 minutes have effectively removed major obstacles that kept EVs from going mainstream. The Wall Street Journal reported that the arrival of dozens of new EV models is expected to be in dealers’ showrooms in the next few years, including electric versions of popular vehicles such as the Jeep Wrangler, Toyota’s RAV4, and Ford’s F-150 pickup trucks along with an all-electric, SUV version of the Mustang. It has been reported that by 2022, consumers will have 78 plug-in hybrid and electric SUV options, an increase of more than 100 percent.

In reviewing the 2018 rates of production, the current level of supply for cobalt will need to increase by 460 percent to meet the rising demand for it by 2050, according to the World Bank. That would be an increase to 644,000 metric tons from the 2018’s output of 144,000 metric tons. A significant deficit in the availability of cobalt is forecasted by 2022 based on this projection when compared to today’s production level.

The rise in demand for cobalt is not the only problem regarding the coveted mineral, as there are social responsibility issues, too, regarding the working conditions of miners associated with the mining of cobalt from its number-one source, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). For years this situation has been scrutinized by major corporations that rely on cobalt such as Apple and Tesla, watchdog groups that monitor human rights and working conditions such as Amnesty International, and governments worldwide that have sought to eliminate the harmful working conditions and illegal mining practices tied to producing cobalt.

The U.S. Department of Energy has been advocating to reduce the dependence on the world’s top supplier of cobalt, dating back to 2010. It is a serious issue as the DRC produces more than three times more cobalt than the remaining top nine sources globally. Russia, the second-largest supplier, produced 6,100 metric tons compared to the DRC’s 100,000 in 2019. The DRC accounts for about two-thirds of the world’s supply of cobalt and is by far the number-one supplier in metric tons worldwide.

However, the DRC also is under scrutiny for its labor practices and mining techniques. It is an ongoing situation with a well-documented history. More than 25 percent of its production is reported to have been sourced from artisanal and small-scale mining practices; these illicit actions include subjecting miners to adverse working conditions, such as sending them into mines without appropriate personal protective equipment, forcing them to work extensive hours, and exploiting child labor. Trespassing on the mines of legitimate mining companies and stealing their cobalt is a major issue as well.

In pursuit of an upgrade of standards overall, the Responsible Minerals Initiative and RCS Global Group have formed a strategic partnership to increase their efforts to strive for improvements in the production of the artisanal and small-scale mining of cobalt in the DRC. Their objective is to establish a “more transparent, robust, and digitized cobalt due diligence system.”

While this is a step in the right direction, the ultimate solution for the EV industry may be to find alternative solutions to meet its need for cobalt to power lithium-ion batteries. Cobalt is a necessary stabilizer in lithium-ion batteries, and the mineral is not something that can be artificially created or readily supplanted by another. While efforts are being made to produce a cobalt-free lithium-ion battery, it currently is nothing more than a work in progress.

The rising costs of cobalt coupled with its limited supply and the ever-increasing demand of the surging EV market make the recycling of lithium-ion batteries an excellent alternative for effective supply chain management. Unless a substitute for cobalt becomes available immediately, the recovery of the mineral from recycled lithium-ion batteries is going to be vital, especially for EV automakers in North America that must either comply with the stricter provisions of the new trade act, the USMCA, or pay costly tariffs, or for EV automakers worldwide seeking to reduce their dependence on the ever-volatile DRC.

Recycling lithium-ion batteries is the best two-fold solution currently available. It reduces the current reliance on the DRC and mitigates the worldwide shortage of cobalt reserves. Since cobalt is projected to be in short supply by 2022, the ability to recycle and recover the mineral is a must for the EV industry as well as for other commercial and industrial usage. Currently, most of the lithium-ion batteries in the market are thrown away, and this wastefulness is counterproductive. Eleven million tons of lithium batteries will be discarded by 2030, according to the World Economic Forum. An increase in recycling efforts would lower that amount significantly.

Recycling is a sustainable solution that reduces the environmental impact of lithium-ion batteries and maximizes the usage of cobalt. The U.K. consulting firm Creation Inn estimates that about 24 percent of cobalt will be recycled by 2025. In 2018, China’s largest EV manufacturer, BYD, began constructing a lithium-ion battery recycling plant in Shanghai. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) created its first lithium-ion battery recycling center in 2019. The DOE also launched the $5.5 million Battery Recycling Prize to encourage the development of innovative solutions to collect, store, and transport lithium-ion batteries to recycling centers.

Maximizing the recovery of cobalt and other critical materials through the recycling of lithium-ion batteries is contributing to supply chain diversification for EV manufacturers today and will continue to do so in the future. It is an effective solution that will enable a transparent and ethical supply chain management for the EV industry.

Photo supplied by Menno de Jong via Pixabay.

About Bollinger Motors, EV Startup

August 19, 2020 by admin 3 Comments

The Bollinger Motors B1 being put through winter testing and ABS calibration
in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in February 2020.

The list of upstart automakers continues to expand thanks to vehicle electrification. Indeed, it is due to such advances in electric technology that’s led to several companies throwing their hats into the ring.

Tesla Motors is, of course, the pioneer here. In more recent years we’ve seen other companies such as Coda, the original Fisker, Detroit Electric, and Bright Automotive launch, then fail. But others are in the pipeline, with perhaps Rivian the best known of the current list of burgeoning EV startups.

Introducing Bollinger Motors

Bollinger Motors is another name to keep an eye on. Founded in 2015 by Robert Bollinger, a one-time industrial design student and later a grass-fed beef farmer according to The Detroit Bureau, Bollinger is headquartered near Detroit with plans to build trucks based on its Chass-E design.

That platform underpins Class 3 vehicles, which represents models with a gross vehicle weight range of 10,001 to 14,000 pounds. In other words, this class covers the top-end of light-duty pickup trucks and is just below the lower-end of medium-duty commercial trucks.

While Rivian and Tesla have orders or sales in place to deliver hundreds of thousands or even millions of electric vehicles, Bollinger Motors is decidedly small, with plans to build about 2,500 vehicles annually from the start. Two models are in the pipeline – the B1 sport utility truck and the B2 pickup truck. A B2 chassis cab variant and the Chass-E chassis are other designs that should follow. The B1 and B2 models are reservable with a $1,000 deposit; production should begin by the first half of 2021.

Unlike Tesla with its outlandish triangular design, Bollinger’s models have a much more traditional look. In fact, its square-edged canvas is very familiar, one that its founder says is reminiscent of the old International truck.

Bollinger B1

Bollinger describes its B1 sport utility truck as an all-electric, all-wheel drive, all-terrain vehicle. It represents a dual-motor system with motors on each axle. It comes with a two-speed high/lo range gearbox along with front and rear locking differentials. This truck has 15-inch ground clearance, 10 inches of suspension travel, a 5,201-payload capacity, and a 7,500-pound towing capacity. It has a 52-degree approach angle, a 30-degree breakover angle, and a 43-degree departure angle.

The B1 sits on a 118.8-inch wheelbase and is 171.5 inches long, 77.2 inches wide, and 72.7 inches tall. It comes with front and rear cargo capacity and seats four. On the performance front, the B1 develops 614 horsepower and 668 pound-feet of torque. Bollinger claims a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 100 mph. It has an estimated 200-mile range and is chargeable in about 75 minutes with Level 3 (DC Fast) charging.

The Bollinger Motors B2 pickup truck pulls up to 7,500 pounds.

Bollinger B2

As for the B2, most of the numbers are the same as the B1, although this model has a 139-inch wheelbase and is 207 inches long. The towing capacity is also the same, although the payload drops slightly to 5,001 pounds. Other features include a standard 6-foot bed and a front trunk (frunk) measuring 14 cubic feet (8.6 cubic feet in the B1).

Bollinger prices both models from $125,000, which is clearly outside of the range of what most consumers can afford. Likely, these vehicles will target top-tier customers, including perhaps those attracted to the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. For this price, the Bollinger models come with removable glass, windshield, doors, roof panels, and rear seats.

Standard features include air conditioning, Bluetooth, and up to 10 110-volt outlets. Heated seats are extra. Additional automotive specs are forthcoming.

In the News

Bollinger may not be getting as much attention as its rivals, but it is making news. In August 2020, the company moved its headquarters to a larger facility in Oak Park, Michigan, near Detroit. It serves as the primary base of the company’s operation, replacing the previous Ferndale location.

This EV maker is also expanding its staff as it expects to double its current team of 40 employees by year’s end. The company is self-financed but it is looking for outside financing through strategic partners.

Will Bollinger Motors succeed? Anything is possible, although its cash position is not known. Its high price point is an obvious deterrent as its unimpressive range, but its promise to build vehicles that will last a lifetime is interesting. What they need are investors – perhaps GM might jump in where it hesitated too long as Ford beat it out for a stake in Rivian.

Fun Facts About The Porsche GT2 RS

July 28, 2020 by Gabe Nelson Leave a Comment

Porsche GT2 RS. Photo copyright Porsche AG.

The Porsche GT2 RS, just like its sports car cousins, is a car anyone would love to take for a spin. It is the most powerful 911 version ever produced, benefitting from an enhanced flat-six engine and a track-focused, rear-drive chassis. It’s a winning combination, one that guarantees efficient performance.

Porsche Beauty

The first thing of note is its appearance: it’s a beautiful car. No doubt that it is a 911, but the GT2 RS’ bodywork is more dramatic than the usual 911s. The body is aerodynamic and fitted in the rear with fender cooler ducts, NACA ducts and a park-bench rear wing that makes the car easier to handle.

This rear wing is an important part of the car’s design because it helps the driver control the 700 horsepower and rear-wheel drive vehicle effectively. When combined with the rear diffuser, the rear wing is capable of generating about 900 pounds of downforce. That’s quite a lot for a sports car.

Another notable thing about this car is its sound. A Porsche 911 isn’t the same without a tough sound to match its performance. This one doesn’t disappoint with its aural excitement and appeal, endearing many people to fall in love with this beautiful machine. The engineers examined generations of Porsche cars to get the right sound, finding the proper balance. Fans of the iconic 935 would want a GT2 RS.

The lightweight features of the car stand out from those of a regular car, are state-of-the-art, and better than what you’d find in many places. This exotic car is designed with a carbon rear wing, carbon hood, and carbon fender, a magnesium roof, and lighter glass. These lightweight features contribute to its top speed (est. 211 mph) and optimized engine performance. It does 0-60 mph in just 2.6 seconds and hits the quarter-mile in a blistering 10.3 seconds.

See Also — Luxury Car Rentals

Engineering Marvel

The Porsche GT2 RS features a lot of engineering greatness and expertise that is built-in.

Theoretically, the car was designed to be awesome but it still has to drive well on a track. This luxurious vehicle offers you lots of power and you’ll find responsive steering and an impressive throttle. The Porsche deserves a transmission box that is capable of handling raw power and it does so with a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch box. There’s no need for a manual gearbox with this car.

The power and torque generated by this vehicle’s powerful engine routes to the rear wheels by the gearbox. The tires are staggered: 245/35R20 up front and 305/30R20 on the rear axle.

The best part of the Porsche 911 GT2 RS is its engine, often described as “brutal,” with mind-blowing performance numbers. The car has a maximum power output of 700 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque which is powered by a 3.8-liter twin-turbo flat-six engine, bettering the heralded Turbo S. The extra power is generated from larger turbochargers, a new carbon fiber air inlet, and a free-flowing exhaust system.

Water Spray System

All the extra power generated by the turbochargers are cooled by a water spray system that
impacts the intercooler and helps reduce engine temperature. You’ll find radiators and oil coolers behind the front intakes to cool the engine and drivetrain. The vents are made from carbon fiber and are more prominent than those on the Turbo S. They direct air to the intercoolers while the NACA ducts send air to the front brakes.

Porsche has committed a lot of work to bolster the chassis with a stability system in place to help manage power.

Exquisite Interior

The interior quality matches the exterior and doesn’t disappoint. The Porsche 911 GT2 RS features Red Alcantara material on the steering wheel and roof. As expected, you’ll find the standard Porsche racing bucket seat design in bright fabric trim. The rest of the interior comprises carbon fiber trim pieces and a GT trademark fabric door.

The GT2 RS has all the top features you’d expect for one costly nearly $300,000, but is worth the price to the diehard enthusiast with deep pockets.

Traffic School Programs for Driving Record Point Reduction

July 24, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

If you’re pulled over, know your rights.

You have just been handed a ticket, your third traffic violation of the year. One more ticket and your license will be revoked, never mind the increased insurance premiums and fines that will follow immediately. Careful driving will help you avoid future tickets and the completion of a traffic school course can remove some points from your driving record. Not all driving courses qualify, therefore do your research before investing your time and money in a program.

State Jurisdiction

Each state, territory, and district has complete jurisdiction over its drivers by issuing licenses, vehicle registrations, and tags to qualified individuals.

Your state’s department of motor vehicles assigns points for various moving violations, therefore an accumulation of points can cost you your license. Your driving information is also available to insurance companies with your premiums adjusted accordingly.

State-Approved Programs

Many states oversee programs that allow drivers to take defensive driving and refresher courses to improve their driving skills. These courses are typically available through private companies or corporations, businesses that are known as “course sponsors” in the state of New York.

New York’s Point & Insurance Reduction Program removes four points for drivers that successfully complete an approved program. Contact your state’s DMV for qualifying program information and point reduction guidelines.

Example Courses

Qualifying courses last at least 320 minutes in New York. In North Carolina, driving clinics last for four hours and are completed in one session. In Nevada, one-day traffic programs are taken online, courses that may take up to five hours to complete.

Approved programs in each state review driving knowledge and are geared toward improving driving skills.

State DMV Notification

Once you successfully complete and pass a driving course, the approved driving school forwards that information to your state. Your state determines how many points are removed and how soon those points come off of your driving record.

In New York, it can take up to 10 weeks to remove your points. In Idaho, drivers are issued a certificate of completion and must send their certificate to Boise for handling and the subsequent reduction of three points from their driving record. In California, the driving school notifies the state when a student has successfully passed its course.

Points, Fines, and Fees

The completion of a driver education program may reduce your points, but it may not reduce your fine. Moreover, you can expect to pay a fee for your class and you may also be charged a separate fee for your certificate.

To reinstate your license, your DMV will also charge a fee. States restrict how often drivers can take a traffic school course and how many points may be removed within a certain amount of time. In New York, drivers can lose up to seven points over five years, in Idaho drivers can have up to three points removed annually.

Reducing the number of points on your driving record may preserve your driver’s license. If your license is revoked, the successful completion of traffic school may restore your privileges, but fines, court costs, and lawyer fees will remain.

How COVID-19 is Affecting International Vehicle Shipping

July 11, 2020 by Jordan McDowell 2 Comments

In the age of COVID-19, international vehicle shipping has undergone an unprecedented transformation. Travel and tourism have both been hard-hit industries when it comes to the movement of passengers from one location to another. But what about the impact on moving vehicles internationally? Here are some ways the industry is evolving to meet challenges and still meet consumer demand.

How Are Shipping Companies Mitigating the Risk?

The shipping industry has taken many similar measures as other sectors to help mitigate risks for their employees. In the midst of ever-evolving border restrictions, the risks are hugely dependent by geographical area and how you plan to move your vehicle. Shipping via sea, air, and land all have their own caveats and considerations. Additionally, each local situation will hugely impact the delivery speed and logistics on the purchases of new vehicles.

Shipping Vehicles By Sea

Shipping by sea has traditionally been the most affordable and smoothest way to transport a vehicle between continents. During the COVID-19 epidemic, the industry has taken a huge hit, with reduced global demand for some products and many interrupted routes. Shipping a vehicle by sea vessel is still possible, but keep these things in mind:

Expect to do your research, or hire a company to do it for you.
Be flexible with your timeline and anticipate possible delays.
Consider insurance, doorstep delivery and the sanitization of your vehicle when it arrives.

In some regions, shipping by sea and entry into local ports is business as usual. But in countries or states where COVID-19 spread is successfully under control, strict screening measures or barred port entry is possible.

Transportation by sea is particularly affected due to the tremendous volumes of cargo generally carried by each ship. An ocean-based shipping service that may typically quote 10-12 weeks for delivery may now take 16 weeks or longer.

Shipping Vehicles by Air

Typically, shipping your vehicle by air would come at a premium regardless. Historically, this type of transit means fewer interruptions, quicker shipping times, and a greater range of destinations.

The current pandemic situation has brought with it some interesting transitions in the air industry and in shipping protocols. With fewer passengers flying internationally for leisure, one may conclude that shipping a vehicle via air is the way to go. Don’t make assumptions too quickly:

Due to the demand of PPE, air freight capacity has dropped, leaving prices sky-high for shipping by air.
Expect to pay a premium for this type of transport as passenger planes are being converted into cargo planes at additional expense.
Many other buyers like yourself have opted to switch from ocean to air transport – increasing demand for space.

Shipping by air could mean fewer interruptions, but may come at an even steeper cost than before.

Shipping By Land

COVID-19 has forced a mass migration of people back to their ‘home’ countries or states, attempting to reunite with family; college students, military workers, snowbirds, and employees on extended business trips all fall into this category. Many quick departures have forced people to leave vehicles at their previous residences in hopes of transporting them back safely later on. Shipping by land seems simple enough, but borders still stand in the way.

What About Land Border Closures?

The closure of the Canada-U.S. border is one example of a hurdle caused by the emergence of COVID-19. Luckily, transportation is deemed an essential service in many countries, and border closures like this often have exceptions to the rules for truck transit and other essential services like picking up a car or other personal items. In short:

It’s still possible to ship your car, truck, RV or motorcycle across borders in many places, even during a COVID-19 outbreak
Precautions will need to be taken both in terms of sanitizing your vehicle and protecting workers who may be helping you move it via truck or other transport
Small delays should be expected, but be patient as each area is different

As the situation unfolds, many of these groups are trying to access their vehicle safely and transport it to their new location. You are not alone.

Is there an Upside?

We reached out to contacts at Enjuku Racing Parts for an impression on how COVID-19 has been affecting their business and shipping. Here is what they had to say:

“The demand for automotive parts has increased tremendously during the epidemic. We’re busier than ever and constantly trying to keep up. The growth has allowed us to build stronger relationships with our suppliers and dealers. It has been a learning opportunity as we fine-tune our internal processes to better assist customers,” explained Ramón Russe, Enjuku Racing Parts.

Should You Hire a Professional for Vehicle Shipping?

During regular times, dealing with customs laws and legal documents when you ship a vehicle can be overwhelming. Luckily, an experienced international auto importer could be just what you need.

COVID-19 will continue to affect international vehicle shipping for some time. Some countries have completely shut down auto manufacturing and shipping while others proceed as though nothing happened. Be prepared.

Buying and Shipping Internationally: The New Normal

While some manufacturers and dealerships are in big trouble, others have found a hidden opportunity, leaving shoppers with some interesting choices as they embrace a new normal in the auto industry.

Expect a huge movement to online car sales and some massive changes in how manufacturing and shipping of cars evolves in the future.

Photo Credits:

IMG 1: Link

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IMG 4: Link

NAPA AUTO PARTS Supports Intrepid Fallen Heroes with $1.5 Million Donation

May 28, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

Special to Auto Trends Magazine.

NAPA AUTO PARTS announced this week that it has completed its eighth annual “Get Back and Give Back” Campaign. Launched in 2012, NAPA’s “Get Back and Give Back” Campaign supports the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund (IFHF), a not-for-profit organization and national leader in supporting the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families.

In 2019, NAPA’s military month promotions raised over $1.5 million for the cause. Since 2012, NAPA AUTO PARTS has raised, and donated, over $13 million in funds to build regional Intrepid Spirit Centers that can diagnose and treat Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) in active duty service members.

NAPA AUTO PARTS stores and NAPA AutoCare Centers partnered in multiple promotional programs in 2019 to raise money for the IFHF. This included campaigns selling “We Believe in Heroes” t-shirts and a Hero Hat program in stores, where proceeds from NAPA’s generous customers were contributed to the campaign. In addition, dedicated NAPA suppliers participated in several programs to help raise funds.

“NAPA has a very large military family, including our employees and our customers who have served or are actively serving in the armed forces,” said Jason Rainey, VP of NAPA AutoCare, NAPA AUTO PARTS. “One of our top priorities is ensuring this family has the support it deserves, especially in raising awareness for injuries such as PTS and TBI that are often underfunded, unrecognized, and untreated. In this unique and challenging time with the worldwide pandemic, we are proud to extend the funds that were raised in 2019 without interruption. Furthermore, we’re proud to partner with the IFHF again in 2020 even in these unprecedented times. The 2020 “We Believe in ALL Heroes” campaign focuses on our military as well as those who have served on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“We want to thank NAPA AUTO PARTS for their years of supporting the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund and ensuring that the men and women who are injured while defending our nation will have access to the best care available,” said Arnold Fisher, honorary chairman of the IFHF. “With partnerships like this as well as public donations, we are able to help our armed services members who suffer from TBI, PTS, and other psychological health conditions recover from their injuries and return to their lives.”

About Get Back Give Back Campaign

The “Get Back and Give Back” Campaign makes NAPA one of the single largest donors to the Fund. The proceeds go towards the IFHF’s mission of building ten Intrepid Spirit centers around the country that diagnose and treat Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) in U.S. service members.

About NAPA AUTO PARTS

NAPA (www.NAPAonline.com) was founded in 1925 to meet America’s growing need for an auto parts distribution system. Today NAPA has grown to nearly 6,000 NAPA AUTO PARTS stores, 57 distribution centers with more than 400,000 part numbers in inventory, and more than 17,000 NAPA AutoCare and AutoCare Collision Centers nationwide.

ABOUT INTREPID FALLEN HEROES FUND (IFHF)

The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund (IFHF) is a leader in supporting the men and women of the United States armed forces and their families. Established in 2000, IFHF has provided over $200 million in support for the families of military personnel lost in service to our nation, and for severely wounded service members and their families.

Today IFHF is leading efforts to help service members suffering the terrible effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) by building a series of ten specially-designed treatment facilities, called Intrepid Spirit Centers, at military bases around the nation. Within these centers, service members receive the most advanced and proven care to address the complex symptoms of TBI, with the goal of returning these men and women to their duties in the armed forces.

Seven Intrepid Spirit Centers are already open and serving America’s brave service members, and the care provided has allowed more than 90% of patients to continue their service in the armed forces. Construction on the eighth Center began in May 2019. For more information about this effort, visit www.fallenheroesfund.org.

Pandemic Times: Car Disinfecting Tips

May 9, 2020 by admin 1 Comment

Interior cleaning, such as in the cabin of this Nissan Titan pickup truck, takes on a whole different meaning in pandemic times.

These are extraordinary times. America, indeed the entire world, is currently under siege by a pandemic known as COVID-19. This coronavirus has upended life as we know it and the reverberations are likely to last a long time.
The illness has taken many lives and we haven’t witnessed the end of it yet. At the same time, people need to go about their business, including driving to work, heading to the park, and shopping, among other pursuits.

Our vehicles may not have been used much over these past few months, but that’s soon to change. And with the increased driving time, another concern has arisen: how to disinfect car safely and without doing damage to the interior.

Nissan Disinfecting Tips

Nissan is offering tips on how to disinfect your vehicle to thwart the spread of COVID-19. Frequent hand washing as directed by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a crucial part of staying healthy, but so is disinfecting surfaces, including those in your car.

“Most people are still using their vehicles, whether they are essential employees commuting to work or someone running to the grocery store while in quarantine,” said Ryan Fulkerson, director, New Model Engineering, Nissan North America. “We want to make sure they’re informed on how to best keep their vehicle disinfected.”

The CDC recommends wearing disposable gloves for cleaning and then disinfecting surfaces. If a surface appears dirty, it should be wiped down with soap and water before disinfection. For vehicle cabins, a soft or microfiber cloth dampened with soap and water may be used to wipe down hard surfaces.

Alcohol-Based Wipes

While most common household disinfectants are effective, some are not ideal for use on a vehicle including bleach, hydrogen peroxide, benzene, thinners or other harsh and abrasive cleaners. These chemical products can damage your vehicle’s upholstery and/or interior surfaces. Instead, alcohol-based wipes or sprays containing at least 70% alcohol are effective against the coronavirus according to the CDC and can be safely used in your vehicle.

The infotainment screen is tricky because it’s a high-touch area that should not come in contact with aggressive cleaners. Use screen wipes or a soft cloth dampened with soap and water to clean the screen surface. Wipe dry with a clean, soft cloth. Ammonia-based cleaners should not be used on infotainment screens, as they can damage the anti-glare and anti-fingerprint coatings. If the vehicle is equipped, using voice commands can help avoid touching the center screen altogether.

Your Disinfecting Checklist

The following is Nissan’s checklist to help you remember vehicles surfaces to regularly disinfect:

Steering wheel
Key and remote fob
Exterior door handles, both sides
Trunk lid or lift gate grab areas
Interior door pulls, both sides and interior door panels
Start button, if equipped
Rearview mirror: back and edges
HVAC vents
Gear selector
Turn signal lever
Windshield wiper controls
Center stack knobs
Center console and armrest
Seat belt and buckle. Avoid harsh cleaners on the belt itself, they can degrade the fibers and the belt’s strength
Parking brake handle, parking brake or release lever
Deep Cleaning, Automotive Dealership Style

If a vehicle requires more attention, remember that automotive dealerships and their service departments are deemed essential services while many businesses around the country are closed in response to government mandates aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19.

As a result, many service departments remain open and are available to assist with vehicle service and repairs. Many also offer no-contact drop-off or at-home pick-up and delivery, including your Nissan facility.

Photo copyright Auto Trends Magazine. Chart copyright Nissan North America.

4 Safe Driving Tips For Teens, Parents

April 18, 2020 by admin 2 Comments

Obtaining a driver’s license is a rite of passage for youngsters, one of the first major life privileges available to teenagers. Teens, however, are considered high-risk drivers with insurance companies charging correspondingly higher rates to reflect that elevated risk.

Safe Driving Tips

Teens and their parents should have a discussion about safe driving practices including the following four tips to help improve their behind-the-wheel skills.

You can help your teen driver by setting the example.

1. Set an Example For Your Teen

You may be entirely comfortable behind the wheel of a car, but your teen likely is not. In fact, he or she may be terrified and part of that terror may have something to do with the way that you drive.Be honest with yourself: if you do not wear your seat belt, have a lead foot and are prone to racing other drivers, these are habits that your teen might pick up. Consider how your driving habits might impact your teen and set the example by always driving responsibly yourself.

2. Supply Extra Behind-the-Wheel Time

Most states require novice drivers to first pass a preliminary test and obtain a permit before they will issue teens a driver’s license. With a permit, teens may only drive a car with a licensed adult present, an individual that can help the youngster learn the rules of the road and hone his or her driving skills.

The more time a parent or other licensed adult spends time with a teen behind the wheel, the more comfortable and confident that new driver will become. You can take this one step further by enrolling your child in a student driving course. Some high schools offer them, while private driving schools are also available. A professional instructor can go over the many nuances of responsible driving including road manners, how to respond in a skid, and other safety factors.

3. Consider Graduated Driving: Mandated or Not

Some states have incorporated graduated driving programs that allow for progressively more privileges as drivers gain experience. In Michigan, for instance, the state requires teens to pass through two segments of driver education instructions and three licensing levels before they are permitted to drive on their own without restriction. Students must maintain a clean driving record and obtain parental approval to advance to a full license. Once the teen turns 18, the graduated driver’s license (GDL) program ends, with full driving rights granted.

Even if your state does not have a GDL program, you can implement one of your own. Talk with your teen about his or her driving privileges and what it takes to gain additional privileges. Avoid your child’s pressure to give him something before he is ready: it may be his life or the life of another person that you save.

4. Remember: Distracted Driving Kills

There is no easy way to say this, but your youngster faces an increased likelihood of serious injury or even death if he or she is distracted while driving. Distracted driving takes the lives of more than 3,300 Americans each year according to the NHTSA. These distractions include texting while driving, personal grooming, eating, watching a video, adjusting the audio system and using the navigation system.

Many states have put laws on the books to restrict or forbid teen use of cell phones while driving. The NHTSA has found that 21 percent of drivers aged 15 to 19 involved in fatal crashes were distracted by the use of cell phones. Regardless of the laws where you live, talk with your teen about distracted driving and insist that they practice the same safe driving habits that you carefully uphold.

The Privilege of Driving

Driving is a privilege and not a right, something that may be lost on many Americans. Your teen should understand the gravity of controlling two tons of machinery and the consequences that poor driving habits can have on himself and others.

See Also — Tips for Teens Buying a First Car

Image by Pexels from Pixabay

How to Find Affordable Car Rentals

February 17, 2020 by admin 4 Comments

Whether for work or pleasure, there are car rentals companies just waiting to serve you. Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Alamo, National, and Budget are among the national brands to consider, along with smaller and regional brands such as Dollar, Thrifty, Payless and a handful of independent car rental companies. Finding affordable car rentals can take some work, so keep these tips in mind as you begin your research.

Affordable Car Rentals

1. Consider the Vehicle Needed

Before you begin shopping for a car rental, consider the type of vehicle needed. Know that car rental prices are based on vehicle size and type with a subcompact car such as the Nissan Versa Note costing the least and a luxury SUV such as the Lincoln Navigator usually costing you the most. You should also know that you may be offered a free upgrade especially if your vehicle type is not available. Accept the upgrade if you want, but also consider that you may be offered a less fuel-efficient model.

2. Use Internet Sites to Your Advantage

Consumers can compare rates between car rental companies by using travel sites such as Priceline, Expedia, Orbitz, Kayak, and Travelocity. Compare the rates on these sites and then go directly to the car rental company pages to find the best rate. Rates may vary due to special arrangements travel sites make with one or more companies.

3. What Discounts May Apply

You may be entitled to discounts and not even know it. Most car rental companies automatically provide a rate reduction for AAA and AARP members. They also extend discounts to certain credit card holders, national clubs, and frequent flier program members. If you are not sure that you are due a discount, then just ask.

4. The Long and Short of Car Rentals

Consumers should know that car rental terms are sometimes cheaper for longer rental periods. For instance, if you need to rent a car for four or five days, you may pay more than the person that rents a car for a week. If you need a long-term rental, such as for a month, your daily rate may be the lowest available. For short term rentals, consider renting for a week and returning the car early to enjoy the lower rate.

5. Why Location Matters

Not all rental car locations are the same. For instance, if you rent your car from Hertz and are considering an airport location, then you will pay a higher rate than for a rental that is not at the airport. Airport vendors pay airport management high rent for the convenience of the location. That extra cost is passed on to consumers. If you are flying and need to rent a car upon arrival, take a shuttle bus or taxi to an off-airport location. Daily rate savings of $5 to $10 are possible off-site.

6. Fees, Taxes, Insurance, and Special Charges

That $24.99 daily rate quoted for a midsize sedan may sound too good to be true. Well, it may be true, but it can also come with other charges that can increase your final cost. Among the fees charged are airport concession, parking, reimbursement, and a drop-off fee if you are returning your vehicle to a different location. Be mindful that a peak season surcharge may be passed on to you, as well as regional, local, and state taxes. You’ll also be charged for car insurance, but you may be able to get this charge waived if your insurer covers car rentals. Special charges may also be added, including for a child’s safety seat or a ski rack. Make whatever special arrangements you need in advance and find out what fees apply.

7. Fill the Fuel Tank Before Returning

One of the most insidious charges car rental customers may face is when they return a car without first topping off the fuel tank. Take a few minutes to stop at a service station nearest the rental car outlet and fill the tank. If you do not, then you will be charged the rate the car rental company charges, which can cost two to three times per gallon the local pump rate.

Shop Around

Savvy consumers can save money on their car rental by shopping around and asking for discounts. If you aren’t finding a deal, contact the car rental company directly and ask for their best price. Loyalty can help you too, so if you are a regular user of one rental company, tap that loyalty to procure further discounts.

Devon Janse van Rensburg

The Recent, Worrisome Spike of Software-Based Defects in Vehicles

February 10, 2020 by Cole McKeon Leave a Comment

More and more technology is being integrated into vehicles in today’s world. Much of this technology is complex, leading to significant problems, as seen in the skyrocketing number of software-related vehicle recalls in the past few years. These problems were especially pronounced in 2018, which was a record year for software-based defects in vehicles.

The new Stout Automotive Defect and Recall Report, released in late 2019, suggests the increase in software-based electronic defects was “the most significant trend of 2018.” The report also reveals that 2018 had a record-breaking number of vehicle recalls based on software defects, for a total of 8 million–a higher total than the five previous years combined. 2018 also saw electronic defects accounting for the largest percentage of vehicles recalled, which was 26-percent or 6.3 million of all vehicle recalls.

How Stout defines software problems

Stout looked at a variety of sources, including National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall data, Part 573 letters, quarterly completion reports and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs). They’ve compiled the data from those sources and divided it into four digestible groups. The first three groups have defined the data based on a common failure/defect, while the last group, where the failure/defect could not be pinpointed precisely, is defined by its remedy.

1. Integrated Electronic Components (IECs): Failures involving electrical components that failed because of physical defect–from water intrusion to wiring failure.

2. Software Integration: Failures that occur because the software fails to properly interface with a vehicle’s components or systems.

3. Software Defect: Failures relating to a defect in the operating software.

4. Software Remedy: Failures where a software defect has not been found, but a software flash or replacement has remedied the failure.

2018: The worst year for software-based recalls

Software-based problems–of which software integration, software defects, and software remedy categories are all a part–increased for the second year in a row. One recall, in particular, was responsible for this increase, namely, the FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) vehicle speed control system recall involving 4.8 million vehicles.

According to Stout’s data, software-based defects/recalls have skyrocketed and, conversely, IECs–which aren’t caused or fixed by software–have plummeted. The report expects this inverse relationship to continue, as it anticipates software-based systems and components will dominate the car market. Software remedies will become more commonplace than traditional methods of delivery.

Overall, the number of vehicles recalled in 2018 due to software issues (8 million) was three times greater than the vehicles recalled in any other previous year. This figure also involved about one-third of all the vehicles that were part of non-Takata recalls for the year. The Takata airbag recall was the biggest safety recall in American history, according to the NHTSA.

When Software Defects Are Likeliest to Occur (Emergence Patterns)

In general, software-based defects occur within the first two years of a vehicle’s life, while non-software issues appear later and can be a potential risk throughout a vehicle’s life. This happens because software issues are more likely to be present from the start of a vehicle’s life. Conversely, non-software issues may emerge only after physical components are exposed to wear and tear or environmental exposure.

Since software integration is relatively new, this emergence pattern is subject to change, as consulting firms like Stout continue to monitor the data in coming years.

The Remedy Procedures in Detail

Stout looked at 10 years of data involving the narrative remedy descriptions for every electronic component recall to make the following findings.

Remedy Procedures

Depending on the issue, the remedies for IEC component defects may vary greatly from remedies used for software-based defects:

IEC repairs are performed at dealerships, while remedies for software-based components can be delivered remotely.
Costs for IECs are determined by the cost of materials, retail mark-ups, handling costs, labor and the number of vehicles involved, while costs for software remedies are dictated by the cost of developing a remedy for the software issue.

IEC remedy procedures involve the traditional process of inspection, repair or replacement of failed components, and software-based component defects could be remedied with the replacement of a component, but may also be fixed with an update to the software associated with the defective component.

Remedy Time

Software-based remedies are more standardized than IECs. For that reason, the Stout report has designated a general timeframe of 0.2 to 2 hours–with an average time of 0.6 hours–as the remedy time for software-based defects.

Non-software-related defects are less standardized, as they vary based on static factors such as the nature of the defect and location of the component. The Stout report listed average remedy times for various component defects, including airbags (0.8 hours) and engine & engine cooling (1.1 hours).

Remedy Delivery

Most software-related defects still require taking the traditional route of traveling to a dealership to meet with a technician. However, with software remedies, more options for delivery exist, including:

1. USB Flash Drives

These remedies are delivered via removable media, either sent to the vehicle owner on a USB flash drive or available for a vehicle owner to download onto their own removable media drive.

2. Over-the-Air Remedies

These remedies are delivered to vehicles via wireless transmission.

The Final Takeaways

If the findings of the Stout report hold true, an increase in software-based defects/recalls and a decrease in non-software problems will continue to trend in the future. This trend can be analyzed through Stout’s method of grouping the IEC, software integration, software defects and software remedies in separate categories.

By looking at this data, Stout determined that, in 2018, the number of software-related defects (software integration, defects and remedies) climbed astronomically, while the number of IECs dropped dramatically.

Stout’s data also reveals that software-related defects are often found within the first two years of the life of the vehicle, while non-software-related defects can be exposed much later on in a vehicle’s life. The remedy process for software-based component defects is generally more streamlined than the remedy procedure for IECs: By the use of removable storage devices and Wi-Fi, a trip to the dealership may not even be required.

Photo supplied by Free Images.