AD #2623 – BMW’s M Division Looks Into the Future, Ford’s New Technology is a Tattletale, Chevy Silverado HD Impressions

This is Autoline Daily reporting on the global automotive industry.

OLD LEAF BATTERIES COULD POWER SOCCER STADIUMS
Eaton, a company which makes hydraulics, truck transmissions and other industrial products, is finding new life for used Nissan LEAF batteries. It’s taking battery cells and repacking them into new units to store power in both industrial and residential buildings. Reuters reports that Eaton is in talks with six European soccer teams, to power their stadiums with them. While it’s a relatively small market for now, Eaton says these used EV battery units could represent a $2.3 billion market by 2025 in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

PARIS CONSIDERS FLYING TAXIS FOR 2024 OLYMPICS
We’ve talked about how some automakers and suppliers are getting involved in passenger drones and now the city of Paris is working with Airbus to study the feasibility of using them during the 2024 Olympics. The flying taxis would transport passengers from Charles de Gaulle airport into the city, a trip that normally takes an hour by bus or train. Traffic congestion is only going to get worse in the future and passenger drones could be the perfect solution to avoid traffic jams.

BMW’S M DIVISION LOOKS INTO THE FUTURE
BMW unveiled its vision of a future that’s just around the corner with a concept car it called the Vision M NEXT. It showcases new technology, new design and new ways to use materials. It’s a cleaner, pared down version of the BMW i8, with a distinctive wedge shape. Splashy colors and textures created with recycled carbon fiber, anodised titanium, and woven synthetic materials are used throughout the car. The designers clearly had some fun, too. Check out the taillights that look like the BMW roundel logo, but read BMW when you step on the brake. Inside the instrument cluster is displayed on an array of floating, see-through screens, and it’s framed by a Formula One inspired steering wheel. There’s also an augmented reality, head-up display, and note the exposed roof structure. BMW says the Vision M NEXT offers two driving modes, one called Boost when the driver is in control and one called Ease, when the car is driving semi-autonomously. This is a PHEV with a total of 600 horsepower on tap and a total EV driving range of 62 miles. There is a ton more of information about this car and you can get it by clicking on the headline in the show notes that you can find on our website.

BARN FIND REVEALED
We’ve been getting a lot of good feedback on the Barn Find pictures we showed yesterday. There were a number of guesses that it’s a Packard, but the shape of the front window opening and the how running boards flow into the fenders is not right. Some of you said it’s a LaSalle, but the C-pillar rake and headlights that are incorporated into the fenders take the LaSalle off the list. For a while we thought it was 1939 Buick 90 sedan, but viewer Gary Blakely put us on the right track. He says, “The Barn Find is NOT the same as the Buick shown. I would venture it is a Cadillac limo.” And sure enough, when we started searching for Cadillacs, it’s pretty clear that this Barn Find is a 1940 Cadillac Series 72. This is a rare car. 1940 is the only year it was made. And kind of makes you wonder how it ended up on a back road in Arizona. We’d love to hear that story. But a big thanks to Dan McCammon for taking the time to send these pictures in and if you run across anything cool, wild or weird, snap a shot and send it our way to viewermail@autoline.tv

FORD’S NEW TECHNOLOGY IS A TATTLETALE
Most vehicles have some sort of annoying sound if passengers forget to buckle up, but now Ford is turning its attention to passengers who unbuckle. The Belt Monitor system alerts the driver, via a message in the instrument cluster, if someone unbuckles and what seat they’re in. Now kids may think parents actually do have eyes in the back of their heads. Belt Monitor is available on Explorer, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator; standard on the Ranger; and will roll out to the rest of Ford’s North American lineup over the next two years.

QUICK IMPRESSIONS OF CHEVY’S NEW SILVERADO HD
When Chevy revealed the new Silverado Heavy Duty pickup last year, reaction to its styling was a bit polarized, to say the least. But customers will likely be more than satisfied once they get behind the wheel of one. We recently got to drive the truck and came away quite impressed. Here’s a quick recap of the engines. The 6.6L V8 gas engine, which was purpose built for the HD models, is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and can tow up to 17,400 pounds. And the 6.6L V8 turbo diesel is mated to a 10-speed auto and has a whopping 910 lb-ft of torque. Its max towing capability is 35,500 pounds. We got a chance to tow with each engine and the diesel really stood out. For someone who doesn’t have a lot experience towing it really made the job easier. We were also impressed with how quiet it is in the cab for both engines but especially the diesel. The new transparent trailer camera system also took a lot of stress out of towing. It provides up to 15 camera views, including the side of the trailer and a view that lets you see right through the trailer, so you know if there’s any traffic behind you. The new Silverado HD trucks go on sale this summer.

Be sure to join us for Autoline After Hours this Thursday for some of the best insights as to what’s going on in the automotive industry.

But that’s it for today, thanks for watching and please join us again tomorrow.