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Michigan awards $260,000 in grants to mobility technology companies

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The state of Michigan has announced that three companies will receive $260,000 in total funding through the Michigan Mobility Funding Platform (MMFP) to test and deploy mobility projects across the state.

With these grants, Michigan will enable new mobility solutions that help address challenges related to school bus emissions, decaying mobility infrastructure and last-mile deliveries, all while reducing on-road miles, emissions, traffic, accidents and noise.

Lt Governor Garlin Gilchrist II says: “Shaping the next generation of mobility solutions means developing more than just automobiles. It means future-proofing our roads and bridges, as well as ensuring that our alternate and last-mile mobility solutions can support the areas where we live, work, visit and play. [Read more…] about Michigan awards $260,000 in grants to mobility technology companies

GM confirms discussions to sell Lordstown Complex to Workhorse

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General Motors has confirmed that it is in discussions with Workhorse Group and an affiliated, newly formed entity to sell the company’s Lordstown Complex in Lordstown, Ohio.

The move – which was informally announced by US President Donald Trump earlier –  has the potential to bring significant production and electric vehicle assembly jobs to the plant, says GM.

Upon final agreement, the entity, led by Workhorse founder Steve Burns, would acquire the facility. Workhorse would hold a minority interest in the new entity. [Read more…] about GM confirms discussions to sell Lordstown Complex to Workhorse

Workhorse might be taking over GM’s massive facility in Ohio

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Workhorse, the electric vehicle developer, could be about to take over General Motors’ Lordstown, Ohio facility in a deal which may see the two companies form a joint venture.

This is according to a tweet by US President Donald Trump, whose comments appear to have pre-empted the deal and caught the two companies by surprise.

Trump tweeted: “GREAT NEWS FOR OHIO! Just spoke to Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors, who informed me that, subject to a UAW agreement etc., GM will be selling their beautiful Lordstown Plant to Workhorse, where they plan to build Electric Trucks. GM will also be spending $700,000,000 in Ohio…

[Read more…] about Workhorse might be taking over GM’s massive facility in Ohio

UPS completes testing of drone delivery system developed by Workhorse

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UPS says it has successfully tested a drone that launches from the top of a UPS package car, autonomously delivers a package to a home and then returns to the vehicle while the delivery driver continues along the route to make a separate delivery.

UPS conducted the test on Monday in Tampa, Florida with Workhorse Group, an Ohio-based battery-electric truck and drone developer. Workhorse built the drone and the electric UPS package car used in the test.

Mark Wallace, senior vice-president of global engineering and sustainability at UPS, says: “This test is different than anything we’ve done with drones so far. It has implications for future deliveries, especially in rural locations where our package cars often have to travel kilometres to make a single delivery.

“Imagine a triangular delivery route where the stops are kilometres apart by road. Sending a drone from a package car to make just one of those deliveries can reduce costly kilometres driven. This is a big step toward bolstering efficiency in our network and reducing our emissions at the same time.” [Read more…] about UPS completes testing of drone delivery system developed by Workhorse

Electric car industry sparks into life

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2017-chevrolet-volt-electric-car

Two of the world’s biggest automakers have made moves which would suggest electric cars will become mass-market vehicles much sooner than perhaps some may have expected. 

General Motors has decided to bring forward its production of the all-electric Chevy Volt, according to a report in Manufacturers’ Monthly, which quotes a report on Associated Press.

The vehicles will go on sale towards the end of this year for around $30,000.  [Read more…] about Electric car industry sparks into life

Logistics automation: Mercedes looking to capitalise on growing e-commerce market

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mercedes-vision-van-logistics

Mercedes has revealed a futuristic van which it says will feature at the centre of an autonomous, or at least, highly automated delivery system. 

The “Vision Van”, which apart from its shape looks nothing like your usual van, is equipped with drones which integrate into the system through the internet of things.

Volker Mornhinweg, head of Mercedes-Benz vans, says: “The Vision Van embodies the intelligent, clean and fully connected van of tomorrow – with electric powertrain, fully automatic cargo space, integrated delivery drones and innovative communication features.”  [Read more…] about Logistics automation: Mercedes looking to capitalise on growing e-commerce market