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Maturing Industry Landscape Reshapes Autonomous Vehicle Transactions

November 7, 2018 By Tod Northman Leave a Comment

Autonomous CarsConsumers can’t yet purchase or lease a self-driving car, but Waymo’s deployment of its robo taxi fleet hints that self-driving cars may be closer to commercialization than gainsayers believe.  As a result of the progress – and the tremendous size of the potential market – corporate transactions in the autonomous vehicle technology industry have remained robust, despite the technology lagging manufacturers’ earlier forecasts.  But the types and size of transactions have shifted significantly over the past 20 months, revealing how would-be industry players assess their position in the field as they adjust their investment strategy to remain relevant.

Partnerships and Tie-Ups

AV leaders such as GM Cruise and Waymo have stayed the course, but traditional original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are teaming up with other industry participants (other OEMs, suppliers, and startups) to try to keep pace instead of focusing exclusively on building their own AV systems.  Recent examples include:

  • a potential “alliance” between VW and Ford to work together on autonomous vehicles and potentially build cars for each other;
  • Ford’s $1-billion investment in Argo AI and subsequent courting of additional partners by the pair;
  • VW’s partnership with Intel’s Mobileye and Champion Motors to bring AV ride-hailing to Israel; and
  • Ford’s recent announcement that it is working with Baidu to test AVs in China.

Waymo pioneered the joint-venture approach.  Waymo has focused exclusively on developing the AV system while partnering with traditional automotive companies to supply vehicles.  Apple, with its ultra-secret Project Titan, appears to have a similar strategy. Tesla alone has challenged the automotive industry on its own, shunning transactions and partnerships.  It even elected to remove industry-leader Nvidia’s chips from its vehicles in favor of home-grown hardware.

Autonomous Vehicle TeslaBy contrast, Honda has pledged to invest up to $2.75 billion in GM Cruise, tacitly acknowledging its own AV efforts are lagging.  Toyota – which has dual-track AV approaches with its Guardian (driver assistance) and Chauffeur (full autonomy) initiatives – likewise has jumped into partnerships, investing in Uber and Grab and establishing a venture investment fund to pursue different strategies.

In the U.S., Uber and Lyft have built the ride-hailing industry, drawing large investments from traditional automotive industry players, such as Toyota and Honda, as well as Softbank.  Globally, Southeast Asia’s Grab and Go-Jek from the Middle East each have raised more than a billion dollars to pursue ride-hailing and other tech initiatives in their regions.

Such combinations are logical, given the powerful network effects of AV technology:  The more mileage an AV system accrues, the better it operates.  The teaming approach also draws on a principle from the aviation industry: Airlines do not want to compete on safety records.  Automakers should strive to produce the safest vehicle possible, and teaming up furthers that goal.

Acquisitions Have Slowed Dramatically

As joint ventures have increased, acquisitions of AV technology companies have dropped off the map.  Before 2017, AV startups were being bought as frequently as they were the target of OEM investments.  Even before Intel’s $15.3-billion acquisition of Mobileye in March 2017, the industry’s strategy shifted to investment in startups.  Mobileye is an outlier because Intel viewed it as a launching pad for entry into automotive. Intel may never reap sufficient benefit to justify the fancy price for Mobileye, but the alternative was sitting out the mobility revolution entirely.  Using the same theory, Aptiv (formerly parts manufacturer Delphi) nabbed AV company nuTonomy for $450 million in October 2017.  Such deals are exceptional:  In addition to these joint ventures, traditional automotive companies have shifted to strategic minority-position investment in AV suppliers in venture financings.

China leads the way on venture deals.  For example, Silicon Valley-mapping startup Deep Map is indicative of the heavy investment of Chinese companies.  Deep Map raised $60 million from the trio of Alibaba, Didi Chuxing, and automaker BAIC Group last summer for an implied valuation of more than $430 million for the two-year-old business.  Similarly, Pony.ai raised $214 million (nearly all from China) in 2018 alone, implying a nearly $1-billion valuation for the two-year-old company.

As dynamic as AV technical developments are, they are matched by the pace of the business side.  Between joint ventures and strategic investments in startups, the industry is responding to continuing challenges while reducing – but not eliminating – the enormous financial investment required to keep up.

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Apple Project Titan, Ford, GM, Google Self Driving Cars, Honda, Volkswagen, Waymo

810-Horsepower Supercharged MMD by Foose 2015 Mustang GT

July 30, 2015 By Leave a Comment

Foose MustangModern Muscle Design (MMD), the leader in aftermarket Mustang styling, along with the renowned vehicle designer, Chip Foose, today unveiled a one-off 810-horsepower supercharged MMD by Foose 2015 Mustang GT at Foose Design Inc. headquarters in Huntington Beach, California.

810-Horsepower Supercharged MMD by Foose 2015 Mustang GT

Today’s reveal comes ahead of the annual AmericanMuscle Mustang Show in Pennsylvania where the custom-built Mustang will be given away. The 2015 AmericanMuscle Mustang Show is the 7th annual charity all-Mustang car show in which 10,000+ spectators and nearly 3,000 Mustangs gather to benefit this year’s charity, Make-A-Wish®.

At the heart of MMD by Foose is a 5.0 liter V8 engine producing more than 810 horsepower at the crank courtesy of a specially tuned version of Bama Performance’s 2.9-liter twin scroll Whipple supercharger. After being routed through the transmission, a custom carbon fiber driveshaft and upgraded axles from The Driveshaft Shop, 650 horsepower reaches the custom 20” Foose Design wheels wrapped in Pirelli tires. Additional performance enhancements include a Magnaflow Competition Cat-back exhaust system built to optimize exhaust flow and performance for the MMD by Foose 2015 Mustang, as well as Vogtland Sport Suspension; assuring the perfect stance and handling to cope with the car’s increased acceleration.

Foose 2015 Mustang GT

Starting first as a simple sketch months prior, Foose incorporated his signature design aesthetic into every aspect of the Mustang, complementing the car’s high performance and bringing eight new MMD by Foose components to life which will be available as stand-alone parts to order later this year. Using an advanced system of sculpting and prototyping, MMD and Foose developed the new parts to become seamless additions to the Mustang’s factory design. Each new part was further refined to ensure world-class OE-spec fitments and customer satisfaction when they go on sale in the fall, sold exclusively through www.AmericanMuscle.com.

Foose Mustang -810-Horsepower Supercharged MMD

“We are very excited to work together with MMD and legendary designer Chip Foose to debut the MMD by Foose Mustang to the world,” said Justin Dugan of AmericanMuscle. “We are thrilled to be able to offer fans a chance to win such a unique Mustang at our car show this summer.”

810-Horsepower Supercharged MMD by Foose 2015 Mustang GT
The new MMD by Foose products installed on this 2015 Mustang GT include:

  • MMD by Foose Chin Spoiler: A sleek chin-spoiler that takes cues from the factory design and adds a cleaner, lower appearance to the front bumper.
  • MMD by Foose Hood Scoop: The dual ram-air styled hood scoop fills out the factory hood’s center channel and continues the sharp crease marking the center of the vehicle, adding an aggressive look to the front end of the car.
  • MMD by Foose Rocker Panels: The MMD by Foose rocker panels elegantly match the side profile of the vehicle when combined with the MMD by Foose chin spoiler, providing the whole vehicle with a lower overall look.
  • MMD by Foose Side Scoops: The MMD by Foose side scoops accent the vehicle’s factory body lines and draw inspiration from the performance pony cars of the 1960s and 70s. Working in conjunction with the MMD by Foose ¼ window louvers and hood scoop, these accessories add a unique look to the car that underscores its raw 810-horsepower performance.
  • MMD by Foose Quarter Window Louvers: Following the seam of the factory quarter window and adding just enough depth to nod at a retro/scooped design, MMD by Foose Quarter Window Louvers look as though they could have been added at the factory. In keeping the theme of all of the MMD by Foose parts, the subtle creases in the window louvers perfectly compliment the creases found in the hood scoop, side scoops, etc.
  • MMD by Foose Rear Spoiler: Playing off of the factory roof lines, license plate surround and lower bumper, this rear spoiler looks sleek and elegant enough to be original equipment, yet aggressive enough to turn heads.

Foose Mustang

“I am so excited about the parts that MMD and I have been working on for the 2015 Mustang. They really enhance the factory styling while keeping that classic Mustang look. We started by looking at the factory design language of the car itself and I really wanted to translate that into all of the parts that I designed. I didn’t want them to look like an afterthought or obviously an aftermarket part, but something you could get right from the factory.” – Chip Foose
810-Horsepower Supercharged MMD by Foose 2015 Mustang GT
Starting today and through August 3, 2015, fans can enter online up to once a week to win the MMD by Foose. AmericanMuscle will fly the winner to its 2015 Mustang Show in Mohnton, PA. Chip Foose will be on-hand to deliver the keys to the lucky winner on August 15. The show benefits the Make-a-Wish® Foundation and is expected to draw more than 10,000 spectators and more than 2,500 Mustangs. Must be 18 or older to enter and a resident of the United States. For more information about the sweepstakes, please visit: http://www.americanmuscle.com/foose.

810-Horsepower Supercharged MMD by Foose 2015 Mustang GT

About AmericanMuscle
Starting out in 2003, AmericanMuscle quickly rose to be one of the leading aftermarket Mustang parts providers in the business. Catering to the needs of late-model Mustang owners and enthusiasts, AmericanMuscle provides the most desirable parts at the best prices. Located just outside of Philadelphia, AmericanMuscle is dedicated to offering the Mustang community with the highest quality of parts and service. Please visit http://www.AmericanMuscle.com for more information.

810-Horsepower Supercharged MMD by Foose 2015 Mustang GT

About MMD (Modern Muscle Design)
Modern Muscle Design (MMD) sources the highest quality materials and using the most advanced 3D rendering technology available to craft next-generation styling parts for any vehicle at a fraction of the traditional cost. Offering superior and durable parts that have better than factory fitment, MMD makes customizing vehicles simple. AmericanMuscle is the sole outlet for Modern Muscle Design’s parts and customization options. View MMD’s full selection of products at http://www.AmericanMuscle.com and for more information, please visit http://www.modernmuscledesign.com.

Foose Mustang GT  810-Horsepower Supercharged MMD

About Foose Design Inc.
Founded in 1998, Foose Design is an automotive and product development company directed by legendary designer and fabricator Chip Foose. Headquartered in Huntington Beach, Calif., the company specializes in illustration, graphics, ideation model making, surfacing and the complete construction of automobiles and automobile-related products, including its unique line of Foose Design wheels. Its products and creative services are available to private individuals, television and film companies and automotive manufacturers. Visit the company Web site at http://www.chipfoose.com for more information.

Foose Mustang GT

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Ford

MMD Is Giving Away, Muscle Mustangs & Fast Fords Cover Car

May 19, 2014 By Leave a Comment

Muscle Mustangs

MMD and AmericanMuscle teamed up to custom design Project MMD. Featuring over $30,000 in aftermarket parts and the sleek, modern design MMD is known for, this is a one-of-a-kind Mustang that can serve as the perfect show car or daily driver.

muscle_cars_mustangs

One person will get to drive home from the annual AmericanMuscle Car Show —one of the largest Mustang car show around—in their newly acquired magazine cover car—Project MMD. Not only is this Muscle Mustangs and Fast Ford’s (MM & FF) May 2014 Cover Car, it’s also the same build that was featured at Forgestar’s booth for the 2013 SEMA Auto Show. The winner will be selected on 8/4/2014 and will be handed the keys at the AmericanMuscle car show on 8/16/2014.

2014-mustang-white

The Car – SEMA 2014

Sometimes you plan out an entire build before you ever pick up a wrench—this was not how Project MMD began. This car started out as a way to showcase some of MMD’s most popular modifications, but once the opportunity to showcase a car at the 2013 SEMA Auto Show came along, the guys at MMD went back to the drawing board. They commissioned AmericanMuscle to handle the performance aspects of the car while they gave it an appearance overhaul. The end result was a successful appearance at Forgestar’s SEMA booth and a few neck snapping trips in Las Vegas and the surrounding countryside.

2014-ford-mustang

Muscle Mustangs & Fast Fords Cover Car – May 2014

Project MMD was designed and built to be a SEMA car, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a fully functional street machine—the guys at MMD actually drive it around town and to shows. That’s what pegged the interest of the crew over at MM & FF and once they finally saw Project MMD in person at SEMA, they knew they were looking at a cover car.

ford-mustang-car-white-2014

Project MMD – Styling

What began as your run-of-the-mill 2014 Oxford White Premium GT received the perfect synergy of classically inspired styling mixed with a bold, attention demanding modern twist. The car takes inspiration from the late ’60s
Mustangs, such as the GT350 style spoiler and hood scoop. It also employs more recent aesthetics such as a matte white vinyl wrap and an adjustable air ride suspension that lets you drop the car to the ground when parked or at a show, all while still delivering the performance of coil overs. With the fog light deletes, page was taken from the BOSS 302’s playbook, along with the matte black roof decal.

muscle_car_2014_ford_mustang

Of the more modern styling, the MMD windshield and side decals offer a stark color contrast while the matte while tail light covers make for a more fluent paint scheme. The rear diffuser is an MMD prototype developed for this car and accounts well for the Ford Racing exhaust dumps.

  • 589 RWHP / 480 TQ @ 10 PSI on a Dynojet 224xLC

mustang-cars

Mods

Performance

  • Air Lift Suspension Kit
  • The Driveshaft Shop Carbon Fiber One Piece Driveshaft
  • Vortech Supercharger System – Black
  • Snow Performance Stage 3 Boost Cooler
  • Ford Racing Boss Style H-Pipe and Side Exhaust
  • JLT Replacement Air Box Intake – Blow Through Supercharger
  • The Driveshaft Shop Carbon Fiber One Piece Driveshaft

Styling

  • MMD 551C 20 Inch Staggered Wheels
  • Matte Black Boss Style Roof Decal
  • MMD GT350 Style Window Covers – Pre-Painted
  • MMD Hood Scoop – Pre-painted
  • MMD Headlight Splitters – Pre-Painted
  • MMD Ducktail Spoiler – Pre-painted
  • Carbon Fiber Dash Overlay Kit
  • MMD Retro Mirrors – Unpainted
  • MMD Side Scoops – Pre-painted
  • MMD Tail Light Trim – Pre-Painted
  • MMD Boss Style Fog Light Deletes
  • MMD Satellite Radio/GPS Antenna Cover – Pre-painted

32v-tivct-motor

picture-ford-mustang-2014-motor

ford-mustang-exhaust-system

Muscle Mustangs

ford-mustang-car


Filed Under: News Tagged With: Ford

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