OEM NEWS

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December 15, 2023

GETTING TECHNICAL

asTech, has announced asTech Insights, a generative-AI product designed to enhance OEM compatible scans. According to Repairify’s media release: “through the power of AI, asTech Insights uses the results from an asTech OEM-Compatible pre-scan to automatically generate custom collision repair recommendations that are specific to the vehicle and identified DTC codes. All within seconds after completing the pre-scan.” The media release finished with the assertion that “for shops, asTech Insights will be like having a certified technician at their side wherever and whenever they need them. Within seconds, they’ll get collision specific repair recommendations to enable them to complete the repair correctly. Combined with asTech OEM-Compatible scans, shops will be able to perform an OEM-quality scan and generate a complete repair plan in under seven minutes.”

SERVING UP SOLID STATE

Toyota continues to be abuzz with EV updates. Toyota provided a press release for its plans for upcoming battery development, including a specified roadmap for the future production of solidstate batteries. According to Toyota’s updated battery release, the automaker has five next-generation battery designs, including both liquid and solid state electrolytes. The automaker has been continuing its research into battery production with Panasonic and expects the batteries to be “ready for commercial use” by 2027 or 2028. In the past, Toyota has said that affordability, not range, would be its priority for upcoming EVs. However, this turn in battery production marks a turnaround in mindset. The automaker plans for 1.7 million of their future 3.5 million EVs (to be sold by 2030), to be made with their new battery models.

MOLDING MYCELIUM

Screen Shot 2023 12 15 At 11 41 54 AmThe Kia EV3, or at least a concept version of the incoming electric small car, has interiors made of mushrooms, hemp, corn and sugarcane. These grown materials are part of what Kia is calling its “10 must-have sustainable items” in its cabin construction. In reference to the use of mushrooms, Kia notes that “it can be grown in any shape you want using a mold.” One goal that the OEM sees as a priority is to make its cars feel “closer to nature.” Kia says these natural fibres can also be used to help reduce vehicle weight and to add a natural tone to vehicle interiors. While it may be difficult to achieve customer approval for some of these natural manufacturing materials in the near future, future adoption may be possible because “fashion can change,” according to Jochen Paesen, Vice President of Interior Design at Kia.

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