The California-based firm is looking on the US International Trade Commission to make Insta360 cease promoting its cameras right here.
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BMW Motorrad Is Making Its Triumphant Return to EICMA
EICMA has at all times been the gold customary of bike commerce reveals. Manufacturers of bikes, gear, equipment and gear flock to Italy yearly to showcase their newest improvements. And in recent times, EICMA has been nothing wanting stellar.
Anyone who’s anybody on this planet of two wheels makes certain to placed on a present at EICMA. But again in 2021, BMW Motorrad made an announcement that it will stop participating in any and all motorcycle trade shows till additional discover. Back then, all the world was nonetheless grappling with the Covid-19 pandemic—one thing that now looks like a distant reminiscence.
But it looks like that is all about to vary.
BMW Motorrad not too long ago introduced that it’ll certainly be making a comeback to EICMA this 12 months. And none aside from the corporate’s boss, Markus Flasch, made the assertion. “It is with great pleasure that I announce the presence of BMW Motorrad at EICMA. I can’t wait to experience this great show firsthand and share the immense passion that drives us with our entire community, two-wheel enthusiasts, and fans of our brand.”
It appears that BMW’s been experiencing a critical case of FOMO for the previous 4 years and it’s been lacking out on EICMA. Or perhaps, simply perhaps, the German producer has an enormous shock up its sleeve that it merely couldn’t let the distinguished halls of EICMA miss out on?
Whatever the case could also be, it certain is superior that one of many largest bike producers will probably be making a comeback at EICMA. Speaking of, EICMA 2024 is scheduled for November 5 to 10, 2024.
It’ll be held within the bustling fairgrounds of the Fiera Milano Rho. If you’re eager on attending the largest bike commerce present of the 12 months, it may be a good suggestion to start out reserving your flights and lodging as early as now as Milan tends to be jam packed throughout EICMA season.
Peter Lamp honoured with prestigious worldwide award for battery analysis, growth and industrialisation.
Munich / California: The North American Advanced Technology Battery Trade Association (NAATBatt) has introduced Dr. Peter Lamp with the organisation’s Lifetime Achievement Award at its annual convention.
This award recognises people who’ve made excellent contributions to the development of battery applied sciences over the course of their profession on both a enterprise, technological or regulatory degree. Previous award winners have included Dr. John Goodenough, Dr. M. Stanley Whittingham and
Dr. Akira Yoshino, who obtained the Nobel Prize for his or her contributions to the event of the lithium-ion battery, in addition to Robin Zeng, Chairman of CATL.
The recipients of the annual awards are chosen by the affiliation’s Board of Directors, comprising over 60 world-renowned battery specialists and representatives from the battery business. Peter Lamp has labored on the BMW Group for 23 years and has been a formative affect within the subject of battery cell know-how at BMW since 2008. Today he is likely one of the firm’s foremost cell know-how specialists.
“Having Peter in our ranks and being able to benefit from his exceptional expertise and passion is something very special for me. We sincerely congratulate Peter and thank him and his team for their contribution to our success. The deep expertise we have in battery cell development makes the difference now and in the future — I am convinced of that.” says Dr. Florian Preuß, Senior VP High-Voltage Battery and Charging.
Peter Lamp provides: “Winning this award in the USA is without doubt one of the highlights of my career. Even on such occasions, however, one should never forget that it is always a team effort. We have always strived to actively shape the global development of technology. In so doing, we ensure that the very best technology makes its way into our products, where it can impress and delight BMW drivers all over the world.”
The BMW eDrive know-how fitted within the BMW Group’s electrified fashions in the present day is now in its fifth era, which is testomony to the event progress achieved for the reason that BMW i3 launched in 2013. The arrival of the Neue Klasse fashions in 2025 will mark the debut of the sixth-generation tech, which is able to convey additional main advances when it comes to all customer-relevant traits, similar to vary and charging time.
Government Pauses Ban On Shady Dealership Upcharges
Late final 12 months, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) finalized a rule meant to curtail shady dealership practices and shield customers from last-minute charges. This rule, often called the Combating Auto Retail Scams (CARS) rule, was accredited unanimously by the FTC, and was written to enter impact on July thirtieth of this 12 months. But now it has been paused due to vendor lobbyists.
The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) wasn’t happy with the CARS rule’s improvement, apparently, so it and the Texas Automobile Dealers Association filed a petition with the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals difficult the legislation. The Court agreed to listen to the case difficult the FTC, and consequently, the CARS rule has been postponed.
The primary problem within the authorized battle is whether or not the legislation is definitely throughout the FTC’s jurisdiction to impose. The dealership teams, within the petition to the Fifth Circuit, referred to as it “an abuse of discretion” and search the courtroom to dam its implementation. The FTC maintains that the rule “does not impose substantial costs, if any” on law-abiding dealerships, and as a substitute merely ensures a extra even taking part in discipline for each dealerships and customers by eliminating junk charges and hidden prices.
The petition in opposition to the CARS rule was filed for expedited consideration, which implies that it is probably {that a} resolution will come from the courts throughout the 12 months. If the courts resolve in favor of the FTC, the FTC believes that the CARS rule will likely be delayed by just a few months at most, which implies it is attainable it would nonetheless be enacted earlier than the top of 2024.
Even if the FTC wins this battle, there could also be extra forward, as dealership teams have additionally pursued Congress to make legal guidelines instantly curbing the FTC’s means to manage automobile gross sales. The potential prices of breaking the CARS rule would possibly give perception as to why: violating a commerce regulation rule prices $50,120 per offense.
Apple Watch Sales Ban Paused: Here’s What We Know
Back in October 2023, the United States International Trade Commission dominated that Apple had infringed upon a patent owned by Masimo, an organization concerned within the improvement and manufacturing of medical units. Masimo alleged that the expertise utilized by Apple’s newest smartwatches for detecting the blood oxygen stage used their patented expertise. While Apple denied this, the U.S. International Trade Commission discovered that Masimo’s declare had credence and handed over a ban in opposition to the import and gross sales of the latest Apple watch fashions — the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra.
With the gross sales ban scheduled to go dwell in December, Apple was left with no possibility however to tug each the affected Apple Watch Models from all its official gross sales channels, together with bodily retail areas. As a end result, Apple first pulled each these watches from its on-line shops on December 21, then eliminated these fashions from Apple Stores on December 24. Another last-ditch try to halt the gross sales ban failed when President Joe Biden declined to veto the ban earlier this week.
There isn’t any denying that this latest improvement permitting Apple to renew gross sales of the affected Apple Watch fashions will supply the corporate a vital reprieve and supply the corporate with respiratory room to navigate the authorized proceedings and doubtlessly search a everlasting answer.
World’s First AWD Ford S550 Mustang GT Is A Truly Mind-Boggling Build
Tim Roman is a mechanical engineer by commerce and an all-wheel-drive fanatic by alternative. Years in the past, he modified a Merkur Xr4Ti to spin all 4 tires—and later put in a turbocharged Ford V8. He was quickly hooked, and now he is ending up a extra bold challenge: making an AWD 2017 Mustang. Naturally, he selected a Coyote V8-powered GT model.
This was no straightforward activity, and Roman has been at it for a very long time. We’re lastly seeing the ultimate outcomes. After documenting your entire course of on his modest YouTube channel, No Production Value Garage his Mustang is now on the bottom and sending energy to each nook. The components to make this occur got here from all around the automotive world, and the customized fabrication concerned does not intervene with the automobile’s day by day drivability or outward look in any respect. “The whole point of the car is to make it act like an OEM made it,” Roman says. “Completely daily-drivable, smooth, AC, not [crazy].”
Roman purchased the Mustang within the fall of 2019 and spent the primary few years of possession poking across the automobile’s drivetrain and researching whether or not his concept was even achievable. There has clearly by no means been a manufacturing all-wheel-drive Mustang, so making one might not have even been potential. If the house wasn’t there for all the additional components—or extra room could not be made—then the entire challenge would’ve fallen flat on its face. That, fortunately, is just not what occurred.
The AWD setup Roman got here up with is mechanically similar to one thing you’ll discover in different longitudinal-engined sedans. There’s a standard transmission with a switch case on the again of it that sends energy as much as a differential mounted subsequent to the oil pan. One axle travels by a tunnel within the pan whereas the opposite goes straight to the spindle. This is the way it’s achieved on autos like xDrive-equipped BMW 3 Series.
Shady Dealership Upcharges Are Now Illegal
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has finalized its new rule designed to fight nefarious vehicle dealerships utilizing shady techniques when promoting vehicles. Called the Combating Auto Retail Scams (CARS) Rule, it can get rid of junk charges which can be generally added to buy agreements and current prospects with a clearer up-front image of what the ultimate worth will likely be. In concept, anyway.
According to the FTC, the rule will prohibit sellers from misrepresenting pricing on autos, reminiscent of promoting a worth for a particular trim that might not be accessible for buy. Dealers will likely be required to tell prospects of add-ons that are not required, reminiscent of prolonged warranties. Toyota was recently fined $60 million for a plethora of infractions by way of Toyota Motor Credit, together with allegedly telling prospects some elective add-ons have been required.
The rule additionally goes after bogus add-ons, which the FTC describes as charges for gadgets or companies that serve no objective or deliver no added worth to the desk. Extended warranties that mirror a producer’s guarantee, or built-in service visits for oil adjustments on electrical vehicles are listed as examples. Dealers will likely be required to get customers’ consent for any fees paid which can be a part of the acquisition. And the FTC particularly mentions youthful members of the navy, whom the company believes are focused by unscrupulous sellers greater than most.
“When Americans set out to buy a car, they’re routinely hit with unexpected and unnecessary fees that dealers extract just because they can,” stated FTC Chair Lina M. Khan. “The CARS Rule will prohibit exploitative junk fees in the car-buying process, saving people time and money and protecting honest dealers.”
The rule handed by a vote of 3-0 and is ready to enter impact July 30, 2024. As you would possibly anticipate, the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) will not be in the slightest degree glad about it.
“This regulation is heavy-handed bureaucratic overreach and redundancy at its worst, that will needlessly lengthen the car sales process by forcing new layers of disclosures and complexity into the transaction,” NADA President and CEO Mike Stanton stated in an announcement. “The FTC made up data to support its claims, then rejected calls to slow down the process and test the effectiveness of its proposal with real consumers. We are exploring all options on how to keep this ill-conceived rule from taking effect.”
Motor1 contacted NADA to ask particularly concerning the made-up information to which Stanton referred. A spokesperson defined it was listed within the ruling, claiming “the FTC clearly states that it assumed – not ‘determined,’ ‘calculated,’ or even ‘estimated;’ assumed – that the regulation would save consumers $30 billion a year by somehow reducing time during the vehicle shopping process.”
Perusing the 372-page FTC CARS Rule, the one point out of $30 billion comes on this part on web page 303:
The Commission’s preliminary evaluation estimated that the proposed rule would permit customers to spend 3 fewer hours finishing every motorized vehicle transaction and end in (quantifiable) total time financial savings valued at between $30 billion and $35 billion.
It’s price noting that NADA’s 364-page document submitted to the FTC in the course of the remark section claims that legal guidelines exist already relating to the problems in query. NADA additional claims that the rule violates the FTC’s already established procedures, and violates the First Amendment, and even then, automobile consumers are “generally very happy” with the method as it’s now:
Despite many unfounded stereotypes on the contrary, the general public file comprises ample information demonstrating that customers are typically very proud of their experiences buying cars. For instance, the Sales Satisfaction Index (SSI) compiled by famend market analysis agency J.D. Power exhibits that total buyer satisfaction with all sellers (each these the place they purchased and people they interacted with however didn’t purchase from) is excessive, scoring 789 on a 1,000-point scale in 2021.
With 736 mixed pages between the FTC and NADA, clearly, all sides has one thing to say. We suspect there could possibly be extra to return on this earlier than July 20, 2024, arrives.
FAME Subsidy For EVs Should Be Extended For Another 5 Years: FICCI
The commerce affiliation states that the scheme will assist in attaining the goal of 30 % EV penetration in India
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The FAME-II scheme was launched in April 2019 and is efficient as much as March 2024.
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FICCI suggests together with non-public EV patrons within the new FAME-III scheme.
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Penetration of EVs within the Indian market stands at 5 % at present.
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Also suggests contemplating hybrid automobiles as a part of the scheme.
The reputation of electric vehicles (EVs) has been on a pointy rise in our market over the previous couple of years, which can also be right down to many manufacturers having launched totally different fashions. Before this surge, the central authorities had rolled out a pan-India incentive scheme known as the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric automobiles (FAME). An up to date model, FAME-II, was rolled out in 2019 with a goal to maintain the momentum of mass adoption of EVs. However, with the FAME-II scheme ending in March 2024, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) has put forth a proposal suggesting that the Indian authorities carry ahead the FAME scheme for one more 5 years.
What Has FICCI Suggested?
FICCI says sudden withdrawal or discontinuation of the incentives will result in as much as 25 % value enhance of EVs, dissuading potential patrons and even affecting funding within the discipline. As per the organisation, EV penetration within the Indian market at present stands at solely 5 %.
If the inducement schemes proceed for the subsequent 5 years, roughly 30.5 million electrical automobiles could possibly be adopted throughout segments, serving to electrify 30 % of India’s transportation as focused. FICCI said that the subsidies could possibly be lowered and finally discontinued as soon as the value hole between EVs and combustion engines develop into negligible. This shall be achieved because the battery prices proceed happening and costs of EV elements lower over the subsequent 3-5 years.
Other Recommendations By FICCI
Besides the above solutions, FICCI has additionally shared a couple of different inputs:
- It has talked about that every one sorts of hybrid automobiles (together with strong- and plug-in hybrids) and hydrogen-powered automobiles have to be included below the FAME-III scheme.
- FAME-III ought to deal with extending the advantages to non-public patrons selecting an electrical automotive as nicely.
- It additionally highlighted that the calculation of the subsidy ought to proceed to be primarily based on the battery dimension (per kWh) as at present talked about within the FAME-II scheme.
Sulajja Firodia Motwani, chairperson, FICCI EV committee, mentioned, “Favourable insurance policies and particularly the FAME-II scheme of the Government of India has performed a key position in spurring demand by serving to to scale back the upfront costs of EVs. This has helped create a optimistic momentum and encourage EV adoption within the nation. However, whereas we have now nicely begun, we’re nowhere near being half performed. Let us not overlook that the present value premium of EV vis-à-vis ICE with none subsidy continues to be substantial, starting from 40 % to as excessive as 130 % for numerous segments. Given this actuality, the continuation of demand incentive or subsidy is crucial and important to assist scale back this value hole. Fame-III is required to spur continued curiosity from prospects in EVs and enhance penetration over the subsequent few years.
Also Read: All The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Buying A New Car At The End Of A Calendar Year
A Recap Of FAME-II Scheme
The FAME-II scheme was launched in April 2019 and was initially supposed to finish by March 2022 however the Indian authorities pushed again the deadline by two years (on account of COVID-19) to March 31, 2024. It covers hybrids and electrical automobiles, however largely tilted to favour the latter.
It had a funds of Rs 10,000 crore to subsidise the price of shopping for an electrical automobile. This would cowl subsidising 55,000 electrical 4-wheelers having Li-ion batteries, 10 lakh electrical 2-wheelers, 5 lakh 3-wheelers and seven,000 buses had been additionally eligible for the inducement over a interval of three years. In the case of 4-wheelers, incentives have majorly been supplied to business automobiles and people used for public transportation.
While these are solely a number of the solutions made by FICCI, it stays to be seen which of those shall be considered by the Indian authorities whereas formulating the FAME-III scheme. Which of those do you suppose must be included within the last incentive scheme? Drop your solutions within the feedback.
Where Have We Seen The Changjiang V 750 Defender Before?
The 2023 China International Motorcycle Trade Exhibition took place from September 15 through 18 at the Chongqing International Expo Center, and manufacturers of course brought their latest and greatest bikes to display. One of those bikes is particularly stirring international interest so far, though, and that’s the latest from Changjiang.
Changjiang is well known for its sidecar motorcycles, which it’s been producing for decades. Fans of the BMW R71-based vintage Ural and Dnepr sidecar rigs are likely also familiar with the CJ750—and the CJ, in that case, was short for Changjiang. It’s continued to make other sidecar models besides that one, including the Dynasty and Pekin Express. So far, boxers and parallel twins have been the brand’s primary engine types.
We’re not here to talk about either of those today, though. Instead, we’re here to talk about the newest sidecar rig that Changjiang just unveiled at the 2023 CIMA show. It’s called the V 750 Defender and it, uh—it bears a striking resemblance to something. From the V-twin at its heart to the styling, it looks an awful lot like a Moto Guzzi V85TT that’s been outfitted with a sidecar.
Claimed power is 48 kilowatts (about 64 horsepower) at 6,300 rpm, alongside 60 newton-meters (about 44 pound-feet) of torque at 4,900 rpm. It’s mated to a five-speed gearbox that also offers a reverse gear, which is extremely helpful when you’re piloting a sidecar rig.
This machine is ride-by-wire, and comes with features including cruise control, ABS at all three wheels, traction control, a 7-inch TFT display up front, USB charging, and a 12V outlet in the sidecar. Shocks are by KYB, and the brakes are by J. Juan.
While Changjiang does sell some of its motorbikes—including its sidecar rigs—outside of China, it’s not yet clear what the company’s plans are for the V 750 Defender. As of late September 2023, the company has a robust presence in multiple countries across Europe, including Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Portugal, Spain, the UK, Ireland, Italy, and France.
It’s also worth noting that Moto Guzzi currently offers its full line of motorcycles for sale in China—including the V85TT. In the past, the Piaggio Group has vigorously and assiduously defended its copyrights in courts of law—including pursuing scooter designs that it felt infringed upon Vespa designs. We don’t know what’s going to happen in this case, but it might be worth keeping an eye on in the future.
Airstream Trade Wind Debuts Featuring Big Batteries, Costs $129,400
Airstream has launched its latest travel trailer, the 2024 Trade Wind, which boasts the largest battery bank and solar array in the company’s history. Positioned between the International and Globetrotter model lines, the Trade Wind starts at $129,400 and is available for purchase now.
The Trade Wind is equipped with three lithium Battle Born batteries, each offering 270-amp-hours. This totals to an impressive 810 amp hours of battery capacity. On the roof, there are 600 watts of solar panels, allowing for efficient recharging of the batteries. The cabin includes a monitoring system that enables users to keep track of the solar setup’s output.
For added convenience, the Trade Wind features a 3,000-watt inverter/charger. This powerful device allows for simultaneous use of the microwave and 15,000 BTU air conditioner. Additionally, there is a SmartPlug 30-amp shore power hookup, which ensures the batteries can be conveniently recharged.