Virgin Hyperloop: First New Mass Transport in 100 Years?

Virgin Hyperloop: First New Mass Transport in 100 Years?

March 2, 2021
Lisa M. Spencer

Jay Walder, CEO of Virgin Hyperloop, is in the news again, this time pitching the idea of a 43-minute commute from San Francisco to Los Angeles.

A new concept video accompanies images of what customers of the future can expect.  Walder envisions this technology being used primarily for “short haul” routes for both passengers and cargo, and touts it as the first new form of mass transportation in 100 years.

Video Spotlight: 

This post is based on the Fox Business article, Virgin Hyperloop reveals passenger experience on high-speed trains, by Ann Schmidt, February 3, 2021, and the YouTube videos in the Spotlight. Image source: Amy Johansson/Shutterstock

Discussion Questions:

1.  In what phase of the product life cycle are hyperloops?

Guidance: Hyperloop technology is in the earliest introductory phase. This is a time when a lot of money needs to be invested in developing the product, introducing it and its uses, and marketing its potential.

A number of different companies and business leaders are in a race Continue reading →

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GM and Navistar Partnership Is Fueled by Hydrogen

GM and Navistar Partnership Is Fueled by Hydrogen

March 1, 2021
Anita Lee-Post, Ph.D.

GM is providing hydrogen fuel cells for a fleet of Navistar Inc.’s semi trucks.

J.B. Hunt Transport, Inc., will run the fuel-cell powered trucks on dedicated routes in 2022. The hydrogen is sourced from One H2 Inc.  These companies’ collaboration is making zero-emission long-haul transportation a reality.

Video Spotlight: 

This post is based on the Detroit News article, GM partnering with Navistar on hydrogen fuel cell semi trucks, by Kalea Hall, January 27, 2021, and the YouTube video in the Spotlight. Image source: Comstock Images / Alamy

Discussion Questions:

1.  Why are GM, Navistar, One H2, and J.B. Hunt collaborating in developing fuel-cell powered semi trucks?

Guidance: The fuel-cell powered semi truck represents an ecosystem solution for zero-emission long-haul transportation.  It also demonstrates the companies’ commitment to environmental sustainability as a collective effort.

2.  What supply chain roles do GM, Navistar, One H2, and J.B. Hunt play in developing fuel-cell powered semi trucks?

Guidance: GM will supply the Hydrotec fuel cell power cubes as well as thermal and power management systems for Navistar’s semi trucks.  One H2 Continue reading →

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Samsung Plans to Manufacture Semiconductors in the US

Samsung Plans to Manufacture Semiconductors in the US

March 1, 2021
Anita Lee-Post, Ph.D.

Samsung is investing $13 billion in a chip-making factory in the US, which would employ 1,900 people by October 2022.

Three location alternatives are being considered: Texas, Arizona, and New York.

Samsung will be competing with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. for the top leadership position in the $400 billion chip-making industry in the US.

Video Spotlight: 

This post is based on The Hill article, Samsung considering investing billions in US chip plant, by Lexi Lonas, January 23, 2021; the KVUE article and video, Samsung reportedly considering $10B chip-making plant in Austin, by KVUE News Staff, Jan 22, 2021; and the YouTube video in the Spotlight. Image source: MS Mikel/Shutterstock

Discussion Questions:

1.  How does Samsung compete operationally in the chip-making industry of the US?

Guidance: To achieve the goal of becoming the top chipmaker in the US by 2030, Samsung needs a local presence to catch up with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.. Having a chip-making factory based in the US is the first step towards that goal.

2.  What are the location factors being considered by Samsung in building Continue reading →

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