An unlikely new player has entered the biofuel arena. Tyson Foods, the world’s largest processor and marketer of chicken, beef and pork, and Syntroleum Companies recently announced the formation of Dynamic Fuels LLC to build the first commercial synthetic fuels plant in the United States. The plant will target the renewable diesel, jet and military fuel markets. And although Tyson might seem like an unlikely candidate, the company formed a renewable energy group in 2006 to explore ways to commercialize its supply of fat into biofuels as well as ways to generate energy from poultry litter and other byproducts.

Syntroleum has extensive synthetic fuels experience and has announced the next generation of synthetic biofuels made possible by the company’s proprietary Biofining process. Over 400,000 gallons of Syntroleum synthetic diesel and jet fuel have been successfully tested and “has opened the door for Syntroleum to utilize its Synfining product upgrading technology in a new way. The Biofining process makes use of renewable feedstocks, such as vegetable oils, fats and greases. Dynamic Fuels represents Syntroleum’s first commercial application of the Biofining process. In simplistic terms, the fuel will be created from Tyson’s fats and oils feedstocks and Syntroleum’s Biofining process.

According to Tyson, the first plant will be designed to produce 75,000,000 gallons per year of ultra-clean and high-performing renewable synthetic fuels beginning in 2010. And some additional plants are already in the planning stages. In the long run, Syntoleum plans to employ its proven Fischer-Tropsch capabilities to produce ultra-clean renewable synthetic fuels from the nation’s vast supply of biomass.

Source:  (June 25, 2007). “Tyson Foods and Syntroleum Launch Renewable Fuels Venture.” Syntroleum. Retrieved June 25, 2007, from www.syntroleum.com.

Electronics and software represent more than 20% of the cost of today’s vehicles. Analysts project growth to 35% or even 40% by 2010. So according to WardsAuto, so-called embedded computing is growing as well.

Personal computers use a high-performance 64-bit microprocessor (MPU) as the central processing unit.  But embedded computing in vehicles consists of distributed elements for every system, and the computing power comes from microcontrollers (MCUs), digital signal processors (DSPs) and digital signal controllers (DSCs). Control systems such as powertrain, body electronics and safety typically have used 8-bit MCUs. However, some of today’s newer systems, such as hybrid-electric vehicle powertrains and advanced entertainment systems require the use of 32-bit MCUs.

In spite of the growing need for 32-bit MCUs, 8-bit units are the largest and still-growing portion of embedded automotive computers, according to the WardsAuto article. The more powerful 16-bit components are satisfying system requirements between the emerging low-cost 8-bit and high-performance 32-bit units. This is information that might prove useful for anyone manufacturing aftermarket components that require the use of microcomputers. 

DSCs, primarily used for motor controls, are yet another category of embedded computing. They are often used for electronic power steering, “where the brushless DC motor’s position is calculated based on feedback from steering-wheel position, torque and speed sensors.” Some of the latest embedded computers found in vehicles use 64-bit capability in order to address the stringent requirements of several new systems.

A new technology, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), allow system designers to configure programmable logic blocks. Some of these FPGAs have an embedded MCU core and/or DSP functionality.

The following table indicates the different types of computing units, their capabilities and their various applications. As vehicle systems become more and more complex, this type of information will be very useful.

Source:  Frank, Randy. (May 23, 2007). “Vehicle Electronics Growing by Bits and Bytes.” WardsAuto.  Retrieved June 25, 2007, from www.wardsauto.com.

Filler for eNews

The urban automotive lifestyles market is a form of vehicle customization that embodies the flamboyance, culture and lifestyles of young, urban (city-dwellers) drivers. Tune into this webinar and learn how to cash in on this profitable opportunity.

Urban Lifestyle Report
Thursday, July 26, 2007
10:00 a.m. (PST)

Florida joined the growing list of states to enact SEMA-model legislation to amend the vehicle titling and registration classification for street rods and create a classification for custom vehicles. The bill was approved by the Florida State Legislature and signed into law by Governor Charlie Crist. Under the new law, a street rod is defined as an altered vehicle manufactured before 1949 and a custom as an altered vehicle at least 25 years old and manufactured after 1948.

Importantly, kit cars and replica vehicles will be assigned a certificate of title bearing the same model-year designation as the production vehicle they most closely resemble. Florida joins Arkansas, Virginia, Nevada, Washington, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Missouri, Montana and Rhode Island as states that have enacted similar bills into law.

The new law allows for the use of non-original materials, provides for special license plates and permits the use of blue-dot taillights. In addition, the measure exempts street rods and customs from a range of standard equipment requirements and emissions controls (only that equipment required in the model year that the vehicle resembles). Vehicles titled and registered as street rods and custom vehicles may only be used for occasional transportation, exhibitions, club activities, parades, tours, etc. and not for general daily transportation.

"The new law recognizes the unique nature of these vehicles as hobbyist cars," said SEMA Vice President, Government Affairs Steve McDonald. "For many vehicle enthusiasts in Florida and throughout America, building, maintaining and enjoying their vehicles is a favorite pastime. This law represents an opportunity to acknowledge their commitment to the hobby and to protect it for future generations." 

The new law is the product of months of consultation with state legislators, regulators and the local hobbyist and business community.

"It was a pleasure to work with Steve McDonald and his staff at SEMA, and I am delighted to know motorsports enthusiasts have people like them on their side,” said Florida State Senator Bill Posey, the Senate bill's sponsor. “We've managed to craft and pass a piece of legislation that inserts common sense into titling and registration for customs and street rods to the benefit of the hobbyist community statewide."    

House sponsor State Representative Pat Patterson commented, "From day one I have been amazed at the number of people who participate in this hobby. Nearly every day I've had someone stop me and thank me because they found out I was sponsoring this legislation. It's been a great pleasure to support an industry that I know plays such an important role in Florida's economy."
 
McDonald added: "Backed by the hard work and perseverance of Senator Posey and Representative Pat Patterson, we are extremely gratified that Florida has joined the list of states that recognize street rods and customs as distinct classes of vehicles. The new law offers the benefit of also including qualifying replicas and kit cars in these specialty vehicle titling and registration classifications."

The model bill will continue to be pursued by SEMA in states that either don't have registration classifications for these vehicles or have laws that are lacking in some way.

The U.S. Senate approved sweeping energy legislation last week that includes a provision to dramatically increase the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards. Passenger cars and light trucks would be required to meet a combined fuel economy average of 35 miles per gallon by 2020. That represents an increase of about 40% over the current standard of 27.5 mpg for passenger cars and 21.6 for light trucks and SUVs. Lawmakers rejected an alternative pushed by the auto industry, including SEMA, for a more moderate and technologically realistic CAFE increase. Nevertheless, lawmakers removed a requirement to continue raising CAFE levels by 4% a year from 2021 to 2030 in favor of a “maximum feasible” standard to be set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Attention now turns to the U.S. House of Representatives, which is preparing its version of an energy bill. Several House committees are working on the legislation at this time. The bill’s CAFE provision is expected to be debated on the House floor later this summer. The auto industry will once again seek an achievable CAFE target. At issue is putting together an energy policy on CAFE that saves fuel but also preserves jobs, sales and customer choice to purchase the most appropriate vehicles (and specialty equipment to accessorize the vehicle). Once the House passes its version, a House/Senate conference committee will convene to negotiate a single energy bill.

Questions? Contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org
 

Whether you don’t know the difference between a tee time and daylight savings time, or you can drive to the pin with the PGA’s best, it's easy to support your favorite SEMA council by making a charitable pledge online to the Council Cup – Cash for Kids golf tournament. Click here to pledge anywhere from $10–$100 or the amount of your choice.

If you want to tee up to help Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp's charitable activities, you can form your own team. If you've already formed a team, please send us the details. For information on the SEMA Charity Golf Tournament, contact Arlene Wood at arlenew@sema.org or 909/396-0289 ext. 110.

The Council Cup-Cash for Kids is just one event representing SEMA's charitable efforts to benefit two worthwhile organizations that have become favorites of our member companies: Childhelp and the Victory Junction Gang Camp. This year, SEMA includes charitable fundraising activities in conjunction with its traditional Installation Banquet to form the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser. Proceeds from the gala event will be contributed to these two organizations. For information on the event and activities, visit www.sema.org/gala.

Attention SEMA manufacturer members! Make plans to attend the Chrysler Group’s July 11 measuring session in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The session will feature the newest Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep sheetmetal that enthusiasts will soon clamor to accessorize. Cameras ARE allowed at the all-day session, which is open from 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m., with a formal presentation beginning at 8:30 a.m.

2008 vehicles featured at the session include:
-Jeep Liberty 4x4
-Jeep Patriot (new)
-Dodge Avenger (new)
-Dodge Charger/Magnum (refreshed exterior/interior)
-Dodge 4500/5500 cab chassis (new)
-Dodge Viper V10 (new engine and hood)
-Chrysler minivan (new)
-Chrysler 300C
-Chrysler Sebring convertible     

The registration deadline is FRIDAY, JULY 6. E-mail response with name(s), company name, address, phone number and e-mail addresses(s) to: measuringsession@sema.org.  

Location:
QEK (formerly MSX)
4400 Purks Rd.
Auburn Hills, MI 48326

Date and time:
Wednesday, July 11
7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (formal presentation at 8:30 a.m.)

Questions?
Bill Wolf, (909) 396-0289 x177
Sandy Conolly, (909) 396-0289 x155.

Good news for those in the brake business: performance enthusiasts ponied up $112,600 on brake parts and accessories last month, according to data from Terapeak, a developer of market-focused research software that monitors online sales and auctions.

Discs, rotors and lines comprised the bulk of sales, accounting for $71,300 (figures rounded to the nearest $100). Calipers and caliper parts followed with sales of $6,000, with pads and shoes ($1,700) and master cylinders ($1,300) falling in behind. Sales were spread out across a full range of vehicle applications, from Honda, Subaru and Mercedes, but models like Corvette, late 1960's Camaro, and Mustang proved some of the most popular items.

Terapeak's Motors P&A Research provides sellers with access to in-depth research on the past year of online auction data and allows users to get in-depth research reports on the competition and themselves. More at www.terapeak.com/motors.