This article was written by Paul A. Eisenstein for TheDetroitBureau.com

DETROIT, MI (04.08.22) – Federal regulators have launched an investigation involving battery fires and other problems that have forced the recall of nearly 140,000 vehicles built by five different automakers.

The common thread is the use of lithium-ion batteries produced by South Korean supplier LG Energy Solution.

“We understand NHTSA’s latest request is a follow-up procedure to determine if the same or similar batteries involved in the recalls were supplied to other OEMs,” the battery manufacturer said in a statement. “LG Energy Solution will fully cooperate with the inquiry.”

The auto industry is in the midst of a rapid transition from internal combustion engines to all-electric propulsion. But there has been growing concern about lithium-ion batteries over their risk of catching fire. That has led to a number of recalls in recent years by manufacturers including Ford, BMW and Tesla, currently the largest BEV manufacturer.

Feds now looking into problems

But the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s new probe is focused on LG Energy Solution. It has become one of the world’s largest suppliers of lithium technology, but has been involved in several troubling recalls.

Since February 2020, a total of 138,324 BEVs and hybrids using LGES batteries have been recalled due to problems that include unexpected stalling. The bigger concern is that faulty batteries can short out and catch fire.

That led General Motors to temporarily halt production of its Chevrolet Bolt EV and Bolt EUV models late last year while recalling all models already on the road. It has been replacing their battery packs with newer ones deemed to be at lower risk of catching fire. GM only resumed production of the two Bolt models this week, also using newer batteries.

Along with GM, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis and Volkswagen have ordered recalls involving LG Energy Solution batteries during the past 26 months.

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OMAHA, NE (04.07.22) – “Last Friday Dan Bernholtz had a massive stroke and has a very LONG road to recovery ahead of him. Dan is truly one of the GOOD guys!  Dan is one of our best techs here at Stereo West Autotoys and our Install bay manager. We hope to see him as soon as possible under the dash and yelling at us to get him the right product for the car but he has a long road ahead of him. So please help out a fellow GREAT guy in the industry if you can in ANY way,” Brian Hampson, Stereo West Autotoys Chief stated.

Dan’s wife Jaime offered, “Dan is breathing on him own. He can move his head to some questions.The stroke did some damage to his brain but they are unsure right now what the long term damage will be. He is still in ICU but moving in the right direction. So many people have reached out and I am beyond thankful for all the support. Dan has a long road to recovery ahead of him.”

Contribute to Dan’s GoFundMe at https://gofund.me/a6e54e63

Continuing, “Our family truly thanks Brian at Stereo West Autotoys for taking the lead to organize the GoFundMe initiative. We sincerely thank all of those who have already shown their support for Dan and our family.”

“Dan has been with Stereo West Autotoys for 10 great years and we look forward to his return,” Hampson concluded.

Brian Hampson
Stereo West Autotoys
402-706-6097

DETROIT, MI (04.07.22) – Honda and General Motors revealed today a plan to develop a “series” of electric vehicles together based on GM’s Ultium battery technology with the first of these shared vehicles arriving in 2027.

The two automakers have engaged in a series of agreements during the past several years for alternative fuel vehicle technology, such as fuel cells, batteries and, now, full-on battery-battery electric vehicles.

Unsurprisingly, the companies said in a joint release they will keep searching for ways to collaborate on future technologies that “drive down the cost of electrification, improve performance and drive sustainability for future vehicles.”

The goal with the current agreement is to create EVs in a variety of popular segments that are currently underserved with affordable options: the current average price of a new vehicle exceeds $45,000 and that number is higher for EVs, even with tax credits.

The first vehicle coming will likely be a compact crossover, as the two sides note it is the largest in the world with annual sales of about 13 million vehicles. Toyota’s Rick Schostek, executive vice president of Corporate Operations at American Honda declined elaborate on what kind of vehicle was coming.

However, Ken Morris, executive vice president of electric, autonomous and fuel cell programs at GM, said the auto company was planning for a vehicle that would “slot below” the recently announced 2024 Chevy Equinox EV with a price point of about $30,000. He said it would be physically smaller and less expensive, although he didn’t provide any detail beyond that point.

Moving toward common goals
The two executives did agree the offerings coming from the newest deal would be focused on customer and dealer wants and needs. One of the “wants” that some may focus on would include autonomous driving capability, which GM and Honda have collaborated on previously, but it’s unlikely either of the vehicles from GM or Honda will have that technology available at launch, the pair agreed.

Aside from the new EVs, the two companies are also looking to expand their collaboration on battery technologies — especially anything that will help drive down the cost of EV batteries.

GM is already working to accelerate new technologies like lithium-metal, silicon and solid-state batteries, along with production methods that can quickly be used to improve and update battery cell manufacturing processes.

Honda is making progress on its all-solid-state battery technology which the company sees as the core element of future EVs. Honda has established a demonstration line in Japan for all-solid-state batteries and is making further progress toward mass-production.

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN (04.06.22) – Slamology Presents B2 Audio as the Title Sponsor of the Audio Portion at Slamology 2022, being held at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis, Indiana on June 11^th and 12^th, 2022.

“B2 Audio has been a supporter of Slamology for a long time and we’re thrilled to have them back as the Title Sponsor for the Audio Section of Slamology this year., said Donnie Babb, President of Gauge Magazine.com and Slamology. “This year, their support allows us to bring in some of the biggest names in car audio competition, including MECA, IASCA, USACi and Bass Wars, plus a full section for Demos, so for those who like it loud, this is definitely the place to be in 2022!”

“B2 Audio is beyond excited to be the Title Sponsor for the Audio Section at Slamology 2022. We’ve been patiently waiting for this opportunity to open up so we could be an integral part of the event,” said Andrew Showers, Director of Operations at B2 Audio Incorporated. “B2 has been a proud supporter of Slamology for over 10 years now and it is amazing to see how much the event has grown, and how year after year it continues to be the best Car Audio event in the industry.”

B2 Audio was founded with one major principle; to make better car audio. Their goal was simple, not to be the cheapest, but aim to be the best. A group of audiophiles and industry enthusiasts from Denmark had been doing their homework for numerous years prior to founding what would be known as B2 audio and in 2008 entered the car audio market globally.

“B2 Audio will be unveiling some new upcoming products and demo vehicles at the event; for us there has never been such an open friendly event that welcomes as many different aspects of the automotive scene and brings them together for one action packed, affordable, and always memorable weekend like Slamology. What a great show to release new products!” Showers continued,  “There’s not a better place to engage with our customers, fellow automotive enthusiasts, and industry partners than at this event. See you in Indianapolis for Slamology 2022!”

For more information on Slamology, contact Slamology at info@slamology.com or visit https://slamology.com/car-stereo-contest/. For more info on B2 Audio, visit their web page at https://www.b2audio.com/. For more info on the car audio organizations hosting competitions at Slamology 2022, visit MECA at https://mecacaraudio.com/ IASCA at https://iasca.com/ USACi at https://usaciworldwide.org/ and Bass Wars at https://www.basswars.org/ .

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (04.06.22) – Car audio is about to transform with power that is mean and extreme all in a smaller footprint. No matter the installation size or space available in your vehicle, ALL-NEW for 2022, Autotek MEAN MACHINE amplifiers deliver an experience that brings out higher sound quality with minimum distortion levels while maintaining a more compact and slimmer size. Embrace clear sound that brings out every detail of any song from any genre of audio. Showcased in a sleek, black finish – MEAN MACHINE amplifiers make a bold statement wherever placed in audio installations.

Sam Dattalo, Vice President of Sales at Maxxsonics, said, “This ALL-NEW MEAN MACHINE car audio line of amplifiers is for the audio enthusiasts who want the biggest power in their vehicle installations. Making the biggest power that any line of Autotek amplifiers has ever created while giving you even more space in your vehicle installation, MEAN MACHINE amplifiers deliver sound that’s crisp, clean, and LOUD. Your expectation of car audio will raise when you hear your music transform into vibrant adrenaline of clarity, power, and attitude in every listening session.”

ABOUT THE MEAN MACHINE AMPLIFIERS LINE
Featuring a much smaller footprint in size that creates extreme power with PRO-FI™ high-speed MOSFETS and high sound quality, with minimum distortion levels, audio becomes fueled with new levels of playback. Heavy-duty aluminum alloy heatsink with illuminated logo adds a vibrant display and showcase, while an efficient D-Class topology drives additional power to frequencies while remaining a small footprint.

FEATURES INCLUDE:
• LOW NOISE PREAMPLIFIER CIRCUIT
Maximum low voltage signal from the source unit comes into the amplifier through a low voltage circuit
• RCA INPUTS
RCA inputs and outputs provide the highest sound quality connection
• ELECTRONIC EQUALIZER
Electronic equalizer provides control of amplifier output with onboard electronic crossover to tailor frequencies to speakers and subwoofers
• OUTPUT CONNECTIONS
Nickel-plated brass connection with hex set screw terminals allows for secure connection while resisting erosion

“Autotek engineers have made a focused effort to develop high-end technology that delivers high-powered music.Powering music with low output distortion and low-noise electronic crossovers to direct the right amount of critical midrange and high frequency to speakers, every MEAN MACHINE amplifier gives your audio an entirely new listening experience that places you in the center of your music. The time is now to secure your order – so you don’t miss out on this MEAN listening opportunity,” concluded Dattalo.

Audio deserves power that is clean, compact, and ready for any machine. With Autotek MEAN MACHINE amplifiers, sound will perform at the highest playback quality while bringing out MEAN power in the tightest vehicle installations.

Make sure to contact your sales representative or customer service at 847-540-7700 immediately to secure your order.

Visit autotekcaraudio.com for more.