Alexa St. John Reporter [email protected] 313-446-6013 See All Staff Page Recent Stories FCA first automaker to integrate new Amazon Alexa Custom Assistant Amazon's new custom assistant lets manufacturers use the Alexa technology to create their own in-car assistants with customized wake words, voices and capabilities. At CES, Magna touts new deal with LG "There is a lot of opportunity that exists" with LG Magna e-Powertrain, Magna CEO Swamy Kotagiri said. Magna among suppliers revealing new directions at CES Major suppliers will talk electrification, sustainability and autonomous vehicle technologies at this year's virtual CES. Here's a sample of the expected buzz. All-digital format puts CES to the test Automakers, suppliers and startups that have often revealed innovations in electrification and autonomy at the nation’s signature technology show will now demonstrate their latest technologies virtually. Connected vehicles vulnerable to major hacks, Upstream Security says Technology that allows cars to communicate with each other, the infrastructure and the cloud increases opportunities for hackers. Amazon Web Services, BlackBerry partner on vehicle data Amazon Web Services and BlackBerry created Ivy, a vehicle data platform that will generate predictive insights for automakers and third-party developers. Magna swings to profit in Q3, raises 2020 sales outlook The Canadian supplier said key customers ramped up production in the quarter following coronavirus-related shutdowns earlier in the year while cost savings also helped the bottom line. As Magna holds strong, it sizes up the future Outgoing CEO Don Walker and incoming chief Swamy Kotagiri agree: The key will be treading carefully into the future. Magna names Kotagiri CEO; Don Walker to retire at year's end Swamy Kotagiri, president of the Canadian auto supply giant, will assume the top position Jan. 1. Current CEO Don Walker will retire at the end of the year. How suppliers and automakers saved the industry amid a pandemic When the pandemic hit, auto industry leaders knew two things: The supply chain was in danger of crashing, and that couldn't happen. Automakers, suppliers tackle new crises together The need for a communicative relationship between automakers and their parts makers is crucial in times of crisis, GM says. Mercedes-Benz and Nvidia join forces on 2024 fleet Mercedes-Benz will develop a "software-defined" vehicle system with Nvidia that will enable updatable, automated driving features and other safety and convenience applications across M-B's fleet beginning in 2024. Honda, Toyota most preferred by suppliers Supplier relations at the six biggest automakers in North America did not noticeably deteriorate in the face of the COVID-19 disruption this year. But they also did not improve much. Linamar's Q1 net earnings fell 41% amid crippling pandemic Canadian supplier Linamar Corp. reported steep drops in first-quarter sales and net earnings as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the company said Wednesday evening. Industry inches its way back to production Parts suppliers are striving to become production-ready for their automaker customers to resume business — whenever that is. Load More
