Frame by Frame: Tesla Cybertruck ‘crash test’ video broken down by crash safety engineers
Toronto, Ontario — Tesla’s attempt at April Fool’s Day humour this year involved a Cybertruck “crash test” video that must have been shot by the crew of “Taken 3”—luckily some automotive safety engineers have taken the time to dissect what can be gleaned from the very goofy teaser. Tesla CEO Elon Musk must have thought […]
Helping Out, Literally: Sask. launches nation’s first gov.-funded auto extrication training program
Regina, Saskatchewan — In the first government-funded initiative of its kind in Canada, the province of Saskatchewan announced that it is now accepting applications for fire departments that would like to take part in the debut Transportation Rescue Extrication (TREX) program. Run through Saskatchewan’s Public Safety Agency (SPSA), this new program aims to educate the […]
Junk in the Trunk: Images leaked of massive Tesla Cybertruck rear megacast at Giga Texas plant
(Photo by Kim Java/Twitter) Toronto, Ontario — Observers of Tesla’s Texas Gigafactory were seen doing dramatic double-takes after images of the yet-to-be-released Cybertruck’s massive single-piece rear megacast were leaked earlier this month. The images, which found their way online in the days following Tesla’s recent Q3 earnings call, depict several versions of the huge part; […]
Parts Publisher: Upcoming Cadillac CELESTIQ to contain 115 3D printed parts, no added repair challenges
Toronto, Ontario — As Cadillac prepares to take its first all-electric offering to market, the luxury OEM is assuring collision repair shops that the 3D printed parts on the upcoming CELESTIQ will cause no disruption to what it is calling a “truly bespoke experience” for drivers. The brand’s new flagship model, set to enter production […]
Civic Structure: Honda project lead talks Civic steel content, laser brazing at GDIS
Novi, Michigan — More OEM material strategy tidbits are emerging from the Great Designs in Steel (GDIS) symposium that took place in mid-May, including a presentation from a Honda project leader that delved into some of the decisions made on the 2022 Civic’s unique body structure. New model local project leader at Honda Development and […]
Rogue’s Gallery: Nissan engineer delves into Rogue body material strategy
Franklin, Tennessee— A senior engineer at Nissan pulled back the curtain on the body materials that drive the third-generation Nissan Rogue SUV at this year’s Great Designs in Steel (GDIS) symposium in Novi, Mich. Repairers may already know this, but the third-generation Rogue, first introduced in 2021, contains a great deal more advanced high-strength steel […]
A Steel for Ford: OEM wins Automotive Excellence Award for innovations in advanced high-strength steel
Southfield, Michigan — The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) has awarded this year’s Automotive Excellence Award to Ford for its advanced high-strength steel innovations in the all-electric 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E. The award was presented by John Catterall, vice president of AISI’s automotive program, at the 20th annual Great Designs in Steel (GDIS) in-person […]
Platform Pioneers: Polestar 5 will feature bonded aluminum platform
Toronto, Ontario — Welders beware; Swedish automaker Polestar has announced the Polestar 5 electric vehicle which features a bonded aluminum platform. The company says the new feature will help streamline the manufacturing process, allowing vehicle bodies and platforms to be produced in unison. Polestar says the technology was developed in-house by more than 280 engineers […]
Trimming Down: 2021 Escalade revamps body for higher-strength steel and lighter weight
Toronto, Ontario — Collision repairers and rappers alike will be excited to hear that the 2021 Cadillac Escalade will be undergoing a body revamp to integrate higher strength material into the new model’s structure, General Motors announced in May. GM lead upper structure engineer Jeff McCormick told the virtual 2021 Great Designs in Steel on […]
