Magna augments ADAS capabilities, joins 5G innovation program

Magna is enhancing its automated driving capabilities by joining NorthStar – Telia Sweden and Ericsson’s 5G innovation program for industrial enterprises. As part of the agreement, Telia and Ericsson have built a dedicated, private 5G network at Magna’s test track located in Vårgårda, Sweden, where new cutting-edge Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) solutions in vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) connectivity are being trialed.

As part of NorthStar, Magna will have access to 5G millimetre wave (mmWave) technology, enabling low latency gigabit speeds and seamless connectivity for new ADAS trials. Additionally, the use of mmWave technology enables ongoing research into joint sensing and communication systems.

"By utilizing the latest advancements in mobile networks, we are able to accelerate the automotive domain by offering sensor enhancements and as a result offer more capable and competitive ADAS products,” said Bill Snider, President of Electronics.

“Our focus is not only on meeting challenging technical requirements, but also on developing products that can help anticipate critical situations to prevent accidents, ultimately making the roads safer for all.”

Magna’s test track will feature the 5G network, delivering gigabits data speeds and ultra-low latency. Leveraging the 26GHz frequency band and 400MHz bandwidth, this network is crucial for Magna’s driving automation and driver support systems, which rely on real-time data from vehicle sensors. Fast network speeds and quick response times are essential for timely alerts to drivers, preventing accidents, and minimizing their impact.

NorthStar’s 5G network is powered by Ericsson dual-mode 5G Core, which connects to Telia’s existing public 5G network. This interconnectivity will enable Magna to benefit from high-speed connectivity across large geographical areas.

Latest advancements in mobile networks will help accelerate sensor enhancements and create more capable and competitive ADAS products.

"As an industry leader in ADAS technologies, Magna is exactly the kind of company we envisioned joining us when we started the NorthStar program,” said Magnus Leonhardt, Head of innovation and strategy at Telia Sweden’s enterprise business unit. “The solutions they develop are based on the premise that vehicles and road users can share data in near real-time. To achieve that requires ultra-fast and reliable connectivity that you can trust, and that is precisely what 5G has been developed for. This is a great opportunity to really push the boundaries of 5G and the millimeter wave technology.”

Magna’s ADAS technology supports driver safety by effectively reducing the risk of serious accidents or preventing them altogether by controlling steering, brakes, and acceleration. By integrating the driver’s needs and environment, Magna creates an exceptional driving experience. These advanced technologies pave the way for future autonomous driving and new mobility solutions.

“We are thrilled to have Magna joining NorthStar and to continue to put the power of 5G in the hands of global leaders within the automotive industry. Ericsson’s 5G mmWave technology enables a broad set of use cases with its low latency and very high speeds that will be key for new time-sensitive safety applications,” said Nora Wahby, Head of Northern and Central Europe, at Ericsson.

JCB debuts hydrogen technology and backhoe loader in India

A team of 150 JCB engineers is working to develop hydrogen combustion engines and more than 75 prototypes have already been manufactured at JCB’s UK engine plant.

JCB’S £100 million project to produce super-efficient hydrogen engines had its Indian debut on December 4 in the presence of the Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari.

In its first public showing anywhere in the world, Mr Gadkari unveiled a JCB backhoe loader powered by a purpose-engineered hydrogen combustion engine. Developed by JCB in response to the urgent need to meet carbon emissions reduction targets, this industry-leading development is a key milestone on the path to decarbonising the construction sector in India.

Speaking at the event in New Delhi, JCB India’s CEO and MD, Deepak Shetty said: “It is very fitting that this JCB 3DX backhoe loader, powered by a hydrogen combustion engine, is being unveiled in India just as COP28, the UN Climate Change Conference is getting underway in Dubai, UAE. As the world assesses its collective progress towards achieving its climate goals, JCB is showing the world that it has a practical and affordable technology already in place to decarbonise construction, here in India and across the world. We are proud that India should be the first nation in the world to show this prototype backhoe loader machine in public.”

Mr Shetty added: “India is making concerted efforts towards making hydrogen our zero-carbon fuel of the future; the National Hydrogen Mission is creating the conditions for a hydrogen ecosystem, which is essential for making a success of this cutting-edge hydrogen combustion technology. JCB India is proud to have taken the lead in introducing this technology to construction equipment in India. This has been made possible because of the vision of JCB Chairman Lord Bamford, who has been the driving force behind the development of machines that are powered by hydrogen”.

A team of 150 JCB engineers is working on the pioneering initiative to develop hydrogen combustion engines – and more than 75 prototypes have already been manufactured at JCB’s UK engine plant.

Prototype JCB hydrogen engines are already powering backhoe loader and Loadall telescopic handler machines. Separately, JCB UK has also unveiled its very own designed and built mobile refuelling bowser to take the fuel to the machines.

JCB’s existing drive to reduce fuel consumption means its diesel-powered machines use 50% less fuel today on average than those manufactured more than a decade ago. This has saved 16 billion litres of fuel – equivalent to 53 million tonnes of CO₂.

JCB Chairman Lord Bamford said: “India has a real opportunity to put hydrogen at the very centre of its net zero future – it is a clean zero carbon fuel which can be produced from renewable energy. India is endowed with sun and water resources, the two key elements required for producing hydrogen. It is a fuel that allows for fast refuelling and is a mobile fuel solution, so fuel can be taken to the machine. Our machines work long hours, particularly in India, so minimising downtime to recharge or refuel is essential. As such, hydrogen is a perfect solution for India, particularly for the earthmoving sector.”

Lord Bamford added: “Fossil fuels are not the future. The unique combustion properties of hydrogen enable the hydrogen engine to deliver the same power, the same torque, and the same efficiency that powers JCB machines today, but in a zero-carbon way. Hydrogen combustion engines also offer other significant benefits. By leveraging diesel engine technology and components, they do not require rare earth elements and critically, combustion technology is already well proven on construction equipment. It is a technology which is cost effective, robust, reliable and well known not just in the construction sector, but across the whole world.”

Mr Shetty concluded: “It’s only a matter of time before hydrogen becomes readily available in India for a variety of applications. The transition from diesel to hydrogen will be much faster than what we think, and JCB India will be ready. Our hydrogen combustion technology is already well-developed; many machines are currently under test, and JCB is the first construction equipment manufacturer to have unveiled working hydrogen combustion engines, and prototype machines powered by such engines.”