G. David Felt

Honda Press Release: The new $124 million Honda Automotive Laboratories of Ohio (HALO) facility, located at the independent Transportation Research Center Inc. (TRC) in Central Ohio, is the world's most advanced wind tunnel, with three separate state-of-the art testing functions — aerodynamics, aeroacoustics, and racing — in one location. Honda created the multifunctional HALO facility to reinforce its commitment to developing fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive vehicles. One of the most advanced of its kind anywhere, the wind tunnel uses a unique interchangeable modular ground plane system capable of aerodynamic vehicle testing of production vehicles and race machines. With a five-belt rolling road system designed for production vehicle development and a second single wide-belt system for testing both high-performance sports cars and purpose-built race vehicles, the tunnel can generate wind speeds of more than 190 miles per hour. Even more, the wind tunnel can quickly enable a sophisticated acoustic test system for an aeroacoustic testing mode that utilizes a powerful system of acoustic arrays, made up of microphones and cameras, able to collect real-time data and precision measurement. This becomes even more important as an element of vehicle design as Honda moves toward its electrified future. As Honda continues to move toward its electrified future, noise reduction becomes an even more important element in vehicle design. Absent engine and exhaust sounds, wind noise will be more noticeable inside the cabin of an electric vehicle. Using the acoustic test system, Honda engineers will be able to identify the precise locations of both interior and exterior noise issues more quickly than ever before. "Honda's product development capabilities will advance to new heights thanks to this investment in our Ohio research operations," said Jim Keller, executive vice president of Honda Development & Manufacturing of America, LLC (HDMA), and leader of the company's North American Auto Development Center. "With this new facility, Honda is not simply investing in an advanced technology facility but in the future of the Honda engineers and other researchers who will work here." The new wind tunnel, coupled with the company's advanced safety research center, provides Honda's R&D engineers with two world-class facilities in Ohio; both supporting the design and development of products built in America using domestic and globally sourced parts. This also is an opportunity for Honda engineers to build relationships with other companies interested in aerodynamic and aeroacoustic research, support STEM activities, and sustain the general aerodynamic community's testing needs. Additionally, the wind tunnel's aerodynamic test capabilities will help increase the range and performance of the company's future full-electric vehicles, supporting Honda's efforts to continually advance its current position as America's most fuel efficient and lowest CO2 full-line automaker. The HALO wind tunnel is Honda's latest major investment in Ohio, where the company has been advancing its ability to develop and build products for over 40 years – now totaling $14 billion. Many talk about how quiet BEVs are, many do not realize the noise current auto's make and how much noise is drowned out by the ICE and Exhaust. As the auto industry moves forward, it will be interesting to see how each auto company addresses noises that are currently not noticeable or do not gain owner/passenger attention due to sounds that are currently produced by the engine and exhaust. Dialing in an EV in the wind tunnel will become critical to the success of how these autos are accepted.   Honda Opens New World-Class Wind Tunnel in Ohio (hondanews.com)  

F-150 Lighting customers will have some benefiting from an increase in range for the spring launch showing Ford's continuous efforts to improve over time. Fleet customers have the option of purchasing the extended range battery on the Lighting Pro which now has an EPA-estimated range of 320 miles. Quote Ford: “We are laser focused on continually improving our energy consumption efficiency for Lightning and the team is really happy to deliver these results for our customers,” said Linda Zhang, chief program engineer, F-150 Lightning. F-150-Lightning-EPA-estimated-range.mp4     Ford Confirms F-150 Lightning Final EPA-Estimated Range for All Models Ahead of Customer Deliveries in the Spring | Ford Media Center

GM is a global company focused on advancing an all-electric future that is inclusive and accessible to all. The heart of their strategy is their Ultium Battery Platform, powering everything from mass-market to high-performance and Luxury vehicles. GM is rolling out EVs under its various subsidiaries of Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Baojun and Wuling brands. Yet the focus here is Cadillac. GM President Mark Reuss, Cadillac Vice President Rory Harvey, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, UAW representatives, plant employees and other officials will hold a live stream event on Monday March 21st 2022 at 11am CT available: HERE As expected, March 21st is the start of the Cadillac LYRIQ production at Spring Hill, Tennesse. GM CEO Mary Barra had stated in the past that Cadillac would originally only produce 3,200 for 2022 of the Cadillac LYRIQ. Since then Cadillac has announced that due to demand, Cadillac will now build 25,000 LYRIQ for calendar year 2022. Cadillac has confirmed that they have received 216,000 customer inquires while not confirming how many confirmed pre-orders. Cadillac will open for regular customer orders on May 19th for regular, series production versions of the battery-electric crossover. The 25,000 LYRIQ to be built in 2022 will feature a single motor, rear-wheel-drive powertrain, rated at 340 horsepower and 324 pound-feet of torque with a 100.4 kWh Ultium Battery Pack rated for an estimated 300 miles of range on a full charge. All-wheel-drive versions will enter production starting in 2023 The live stream is expected to cover this production start and a more detailed plan on the commitment to Cadillac's all-electric future. GM has invested $2 billion in the Spring Hill Assembly plant to support production of Cadillac EVs. The facility is also expected to build under contract for Honda Motor Corporation their first luxury Electric Acura Crossover also on the Ultium platform. Cadillac to Celebrate Major Milestone at Spring Hill, Tennessee, Assembly Plant (gm.com) Honda and General Motors Sign MoU Toward Establishing a Strategic Alliance in North America (gm.com) Q1 2021 Letter to Shareholders (gm.com)