Matt M. Myftiu
Matt Myftiu has been a journalist for two decades with a focus on technology, NASCAR and autos.
5G Automotive Association showcases C-V2X deployment in the U.S., touts safety benefits
The 5G Automotive Association (5GAA) hosted a virtual showcase to underline the strong momentum around recent deployments of Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) technology in the United States. Members Audi and Applied Information announced a new joint initial C-V2X deployment in Alpharetta, Georgia, sealed by a memorandum of understanding.
C-V2X, which allows vehicles to “talk” with other vehicles and the infrastructure on the roadways, is an essential enabler for a safer and more efficient transportation system. Combining both low-latency direct communications in the 5.9 GHz ITS spectrum band (not requiring network coverage) and mobile network communications, C-V2X deployment is now a reality in multiple locations across the United States. “C-V2X is the vehicle communication technology most capable of making America’s roads safer, smarter and more efficient,” said John Kwant, Global Director, Government Relations, Mobility and Advanced Technologies, Ford Motor Company. “Its performance, evolution, and deployment advantages are critically important to the future of mobility and will result in numerous safety benefits for American drivers.”
Stylish 2021 Volvo V90 helps keep the luxury wagon alive
There’s a lot to like about a good wagon. Even in an era when the majority of buyers prefer SUV and crossovers, a wagon can still offer you the level of storage space an SUV can, while offering a less bulky frame and easier entry and access to materials.
Throw in a bit of luxury, and you have the 2021 Volvo V90, a stylish and well-designed wagon that is one of few vehicles keeping the luxury wagon segment alive. (Benz and Audi have some offerings, and Volvo also offers the smaller V60)
I can’t stress enough that these are not your 1970s or 1980s wood-paneled type of wagons either. For one, they don’t have the rear-facing “wayback” seat (though that would be a pretty cool thing for someone to bring back). But these high-end wagons are also now high-tech, beautiful machines that rival anything on the roadways.
I recently spent some time in a 2021 V90, and I’m back with a full report.
Stylish, powerful 2021 Mazda CX-9 wows in midsize SUV segment
Too often drivers must choose between having a reliable, family-oriented vehicle, and having a car they can enjoy driving. This is especially the case with SUVs of the three-row variety.
Thankfully, the Mazda CX-9 does not fit that mold, as you can actually fulfill both desires. I recently tested the 2021 Mazda CX-9, which receives some upgrades in its design and technology setup, and I’m back with a full report.
LOOKS
The exterior design of the CX-9 remains sharp on the 2021 model, with a familiar overhang in the front that distinguishes Mazda, and an overall svelte shape for a three-row SUV.
The vehicle I tested featured a Soul Red Crystal metallic paint job, a very sharp-looking red color associated with Mazda that lets you instantly identify the vehicle.
Mazda continues to be one of the very best of the nonluxury brands in terms of overall interior quality. The look and feel of all the materials used in the CX-9 is near-luxury level. My test vehicle featured seating for six passengers, 2 in each row, but there are versions with a bench seat in the middle that will seat 7 people.
Popular Honda CR-V aims to grow further with hybrid option
In an automotive world dominated by SUVs, there are a few models that consistently rank at or near the top of sales charts. One of those is the Honda CR-V, which has sold more than 5 million units since its introduction 25 years ago.
But not content with the status quo, Honda has introduced a hybrid option for 2020, with the goal of boosting its numbers as it competes with Toyota’s RAV4, Nissan’s Rogue and others in this competitive landscape.
I recently drove a 2020 CR-V hybrid, and I’m back with a full report.
LOOKS
While Honda is generally known more for its reliability than its design acumen, I must say that the 2020 updates to the CR-V are impressive.
The 2020 CR-V lineup gets a newly designed front bumper and front grille, a sharp headlight redesign, a new center console with increased storage space, and new wheel design. A power moonroof is also featured.
2020 Volvo XC40 delivers safety innovations, sharp design
For a newer vehicle to succeed, it must check multiple boxes.
For the 2020 Volvo XC40, one of those boxes is filling the demand on the smaller end of the SUV scale, a segment for which demand has grown tremendously in the past handful of years.
The other key box it checks is that, like all Volvo offerings, it offers an extremely impressive amount of safety features to luxury car buyers.
But in a crowded category with plenty of excellent offerings from multiple leading brands, is it enough to stand out? Read on for a full review.
ARaymond brings innovation, efficiency to solar panel installation
ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. — Demand for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems is on the rise globally, in part due to the need to provide more electrical power at a lower cost and low CO2 emission.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) forecast for 2024, Renewable power capacity is set to expand by 50% between 2019 and 2024, led by solar PV that will alone account for almost 60% of the growth. Groud mount and rooftop PV installation is expected to grow from 630 GW to 1,500 GW globally by 2024.
One barrier to market growth is the high cost of panel installation. Standard mounting with typical nuts and bolts can stress the PV modules, leading to maintenance cost increases and durability concerns. Other challenges are:
- Carrying heavy tools around during assembly
- Installation time
- Safety issues caused by climbing on top of modules as well as potential damage to panel
- Loosening of panels requiring re-torque
ARaymond delivers solutions for solar
ARaymond’s panel clips simplify PV module assembly. They provide fast, easy installation in field operations, resulting in significant labor cost reduction compared to nuts and bolts.
The fastener installation requires no heavy tools and takes place underneath the system, eliminating the need to climb above the modules, reducing potential for employee injury and damage to the module. Clips have proven, long-term performance, and have been tested in both static and dynamic loading.
“With our clips, a customer in Australia recently set the world record for the fastest installation; a 130-Megawatt installation at 690 panels per person and per day (team of 3), with a slide and clip structure,” said Jean-Baptiste Chevrier, V.P. Sales & Marketing for ARaymond Energies.
Cable management is also a factor that may impact the overall installation and maintenance cost. Incorrect practices can lead to undesirable consequences, such as overheating.
Faulty PV wiring management practices are one of the leading technical failures encountered in PV projects, causing significant financial impact, sometimes more than 15 percent of the initial investment, according to Solar Bankability, a project funded by the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 program.
ARaymond’s dedicated selection of robust metal and plastic clips, cable straps and adaptors avoid mechanical stress and strain, excessive heat when bundled, and water intrusion when attaching cables over, or on the side of module edges or structure rails.
They ensure a long-term solar installation, and in turn reduce potential risk to PV project investment.
About ARaymond Energies
ARaymond Energies believes in the importance of renewable energies for our future and is committed to developing breakthrough technologies in order to make the assembly process easier, faster, cheaper. The headquarters of ARaymond Energies are in Grenoble, France, with sales offices around the globe. We take pride in being able to leverage the 150 years of expertise of the ARaymond Network to develop unique and meaningful solutions, while being able to produce them in large quantities and standardize them.
About ARaymond
With more than 7,000 employees in 25 countries around the world, the ARaymond Network designs, manufactures and markets assembly and fastening systems. Founded in 1865, this family business based in Grenoble, France, and inventor of the press stud, has always put human values at the heart of its success. ARaymond, based on the conviction that the wellbeing and empowerment of its collaborators is essential to its continued success. Guided by innovation and value creation, the ARaymond Network is today one of the global leaders in fastening and assembly solutions for many market segments.
— Press release courtesy of ARaymond
AAMP Global’s EchoMaster Fleet Solutions Division Unveils Telematics Products
Intuitive hardware and software solutions are designed to boost fleet safety, efficiency and profitability
CLEARWATER, Fla. (October 6, 2020) — AAMP Global, an advanced vehicle technology company offering solutions for consumer and commercial vehicles, and its EchoMaster Fleet Solutions division have entered the Telematics space with a new line of products incorporating hardware, software and support.
Featured products and services include asset and fleet trackers, an intelligent dash cam, live streaming video, real-time tracking, and nationwide customer service. The Telematics line expands AAMP Global’s current vehicle technology and driving experience solutions for on-road, off-road, and off-shore vehicles.
The new Telematics products will allow companies to better monitor their fleets and make more informed and precise strategic business planning and fleet management decisions to increase margins, improve safety and better manage assets. By monitoring heavy equipment, trailers and other assets in real-time, companies will also be able to improve security, utilization, maintenance and uptime.
“AAMP Global and EchoMaster Fleet Solutions are excited to enter this new market with our comprehensive Telematics platform. Our solution will give fleet managers the data and analytics to make the best use case of assets in real-time and for future planning and growth, allowing them to deliver maximum efficiency and profitability,” said Brad Chapple, AAMP Global Executive Vice President/General Manager of Commercial/Fleet. “These tools have the capability to improve everything from driver safety to a company’s bottom line.”
Kill the yellow line rule; DiBenedetto deserve the 21 ride; 2021 Cup schedule is a welcome change; Congrats to Bubba for Jordan-Hamlin ride
There’s so much going on in the sport of NASCAR right now, it’s hard to keep up.
Silly Season is in full effect, with rides being announced. The playoffs are in full swing, with no shortage of controversy, and we got the 2021 schedule announced with more changes that we’ve seen in many years — perhaps ever.
Before anything else pushes these issues off the front page, here are my takes on the hot issues of the day:
Yellow-line rule
This one is easy: Get rid of it, at least on the last lap. The simple fact that NASCAR had to revise its ruling against Chase Elliott after initially ruling against him is proof that it’s too complicated and subjective. It’s deciding too many finishes and that’s not what we need happening in the sport. Let them race to the end.
Redesigned 2020 Hyundai Sonata shines in looks, performance and tech
For sedans to remain a strong competitor in the battle for customer interest, they have to keep things sharp. So, many are undergoing redesigns. One of those is the Hyundai Sonata, which gets a brand new look for the 2020 model year.
In baseball terms, sometimes automakers hit a double or a triple when they unveil these remodels, but Hyundai has knocked it out of the park here. The 2020 Sonata looks brilliant, drives wonderfully and has a tech bonanza inside. Read on for my full thoughts on the vehicle, which is bound to do wonders for Hyundai and the sedan category as a whole.
LOOKS
First let's talk about the paint job. The vehicle I tested was a stunning color called Glowing Yellow. I've never quite seen this color on another car and was extremely impressed with the look.
The overall design of this redesigned Sonata is truly eye-catching and had heads turning when I drove it. With a low and lean profile and a sharp-looking panoramic moonroof, this Sonata looks like a vehicle of the future, not of the past.
2020 Lexus RX 450h gets a new look, keeps smooth ride
The Lexus RX 450h is the rare combination of a ride that is smooth, quiet and even a bit powerful when you need it to be.
The RX line is the best-selling luxury SUV in America, so its following is already quite strong, but it sees a refresh for the 2020 model year. Did it get even better? Read on and find out.
LOOKS
The exterior design of the 2020 Lexus RX sees some significant changes, including an even larger spindle grille and changes to the front bumper and headlight designs, and updates to rear bumper and taillight. It also updates the suspension hardware to improve the ride quality.
On the interior, the experience for both the driver and passengers is very comfortable. Lexus always delivers on their interiors, and this one is tremendously crafted and high-end throughout. Head and leg space is ample for everyone inside, though the one knock I have is that the cargo capacity is a bit limited compared to other luxury SUVs of this category.
The RX 450h features 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, LED headlamps and tail lamps, dual-zone automatic climate control with rear vents, extremely comfortable power NuLuxe trimmed front seats, power Tilt and telescopic steering column.
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