Technology News

Two-stroke engines have always been a favourite of motorcycling enthusiasts around the world. Unfortunately, their unreliable, fuel-thirsty and pollution-heavy character led them to being phased out. But KTM and Honda are working on fuel-injected two-stroke engines that could be used on regular bikes. KTM will be launching the world's first ever regular production bikes with fuel-injected two-stroke engines in a couple of months from now.

British start-up Zona has unveiled a rear view camera that may be the one of the first steps towards the future of how motorcycle riders check their rear view. The 'intelligent rear view system' fits any motorcycle and any helmet and will give motorcyclists full rear view vision in just one quick glance in the helmet's visor.

Milan-based start-up, Italian Volt has introduced its first electric motorcycle - the Lacama. Italian Volt was set up by three partners, out of which two - Nicola Colombo and Valerio Fumagalli - hold a Guinness Record for the longest distance travelled on an electric motorcycle. In 2013, the duo travelled 12,379 km from Shanghai, China to Milan in 44 days, purely on electric power.

California, the largest U.S. car market, plans to allow testing on public roads of self-driving vehicles without human backup drivers by the end of the year, state officials said. The state's Department of Motor Vehicles is seeking public comment on proposed regulations for driverless testing and public use of autonomous vehicles that will no longer be required to have conventional manual controls such as steering wheels and pedals.

Connected technologies maker, Harman is looking at a solution which will do away with the wire altogether. Through a combination of Wi-fi and Bluetooth, customers can soon pair their iPhone wirelessly with CarPlay for the first time.

The Skoda plant at Mlada Boleslav recently rolled out the 13 millionth engine from its assembly lines. And, as if that was not reason enough to celebrate, Skoda also announced that it has commenced production of the all-new 3-cylinder 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine at the same plant. This new engine belongs to Skoda's EA 211 family which has 4 variants of different displacements.

Honda Motor Company and Hitachi Automotive Systems have announced plans for a joint venture to build electric motors for vehicles. The companies signed a memorandum of understanding and they plan to announce concrete plans in March 2017, with the new company established in July. Fifty one per cent of the new company will be owned by Hitachi Automotive Systems and 49 per cent by Honda, with the partners investing $44.5 million in the project.

Mahindra-owned SsangYong is one among them. The carmaker is currently readying an industry-first touch-operated electrical window system for its vehicles. SsangYong claims the new touch-operated electrical windows will be introduced to the public before the end of 2017.