WebProNews

Category: AutoRevolution

  • Lamborghini Rolling Out Hybrid Tech Across All Models in India in 2024

    Lamborghini Rolling Out Hybrid Tech Across All Models in India in 2024

    Lamborghini has announced it is rolling out hybrid tech across all models in India by the end of 2024.

    Automakers across the globe are racing to deploy hybrid vehicles as governments and companies try to address climate change. As one of the world’s largest economies and automotive centers, rolling out hybrid tech in India is an important step toward that goal.

    While it’s not a major player in the Indian market, Lamborghini is nonetheless working to hybridize its lineup before the end of next year.

    “The roadmap for us is that by the end of 2024 we are going to hybridise our entire model range. So this year we will have a first hybrid, the new V12, then in 2024 we will have the Urus hybrid and also a new V10 which is also going to be a hybrid,” Lamborghini India Head Sharad Agarwal told PTI.

  • GM May Bring ChatGPT to Vehicles

    GM May Bring ChatGPT to Vehicles

    General Motors may bring ChatGPT to vehicles, saying the technology is going to be in everything.”

    ChatGPT has taken the world by storm, with Microsoft working to integrate its successor into its Bing search engine. Companies across industries are following suit, looking for innovative ways to tap into the power of conversational AI.

    According to Reuters, GM sees potential in integrating ChatGPT with its vehicles. The tech could be used to help program garage door openers, access information that would normally be found in the manual, or access scheduling information.

    “This shift is not just about one single capability like the evolution of voice commands, but instead means that customers can expect their future vehicles to be far more capable and fresh overall when it comes to emerging technologies,” a GM spokesperson said.

    “ChatGPT is going to be in everything,” GM Vice President Scott Miller told Reuters.

  • 2023 Fleet and Safety Business Forecast

    2023 Fleet and Safety Business Forecast

    There are two ways to look at fleet and safety management today. On the one hand, operations are hampered by escalating costs and a dearth of brand-new, easily accessible cars. Leaders also struggle to draw in and retain the upcoming generation of drivers. On the other hand, advances in fleet and safety technologies are drastically changing the industry. Because with tools like AI and analytics, fleets of all sizes are becoming more productive and expanding more quickly. Opportunities and challenges are interacting in novel ways right now.

    What strategic areas should fleet leaders focus on in light of the growing number of high-level issues? Your fleet organization may focus on the trends and opportunities that will have the biggest impact if you take a deliberate, planned approach. Vehicles and parts supply becomes even more crucial in 2023.

    Security and Technology

    In many various industries, such as gardening, construction, and utilities, fleets are crucial to success. Drivers and the vehicle’s components itself go above and beyond to satisfy customers. Nonetheless, they are dangerous by their very nature. Fleets and their goods are dependent on safe driving conditions. Hence, one accident could have an impact on both your business and other motorists who share the road with your employees. Safety concerns have actually gotten so terrible that it looks more and more possible that legislation will compel national fleets to outlaw any non-emergency smartphone use in commercial cars. 

    But, in 2023 there is a good likelihood that safety technologies will significantly increase productivity. Basic elements that might save lives and boost earnings are lacking in many fleets already in use. Many function sensors, for instance, have become commonplace in vehicles and have been shown to reduce accident rates. Today’s  business fleets don’t all have the same standard of safety gear, though. 

    If fleet managers take the technical lead in improving commercial vehicle incident avoidance, they will be able to carry out their jobs more dependably. Companies who delay changing their safety plan will be the first to experience high-impact losses as a result of rising accident rates, insurance prices, and issues with driver retention. The number of vehicles required for fleet insurance should be reviewed by fleet managers to ensure the greatest coverage.

    Strategic Use of AI

    It has been demonstrated that implementing an AI solution in fleet management can have benefits, such as improving the traveling experience or intelligently anticipating customer needs to boost operational flexibility. Nonetheless, every company is unique. Given that AI is at the center of a complex ecosystem that also includes machine learning, predictive analytics, and a number of other technical breakthroughs, it might be challenging to know exactly what’s ideal for your fleet. 

    For instance, modern in-cab video solutions with an AI foundation may intelligently identify unsafe driving behaviors, correct the issue, and offer training for actual conduct. The average performance ratings of the driver community as a whole can be improved by applying to the entire fleet. Drivers are more likely to stay on the job if they are safe and happy. AI can also assist people who aren’t performing as well to improve. Also, this technology has the potential to attract new workers who see the sophisticated in-cab coaching help as an opportunity to better their driving game. 

    Managing Supply Chain Failure

    Business fleets will face significant challenges in 2023 because of the ongoing supply chain disruption that has been a problem in recent years. Customers and fleets have observed how the auto industry is being shaken by microprocessor shortages and how material costs are rising as crucial transit channels are subject to Covid-related lockdowns. The effects are being felt by everyone in all industries. Fleet managers and executives can take action to decrease the effect of these issues, notwithstanding the likelihood that they will continue over the course of the upcoming year. 

    In other words, in the face of unpredictable external circumstances, you will boost operational efficiency by concentrating more on the aspects of the firm you can control. For instance, you might use technology to enhance route planning or perhaps fully replace some human tasks. In the latter case, by automating administrative tasks like time sheets, fleet managers may reduce human error for a healthier, more accurate view into their organization. Hence, when as little as possible is left to chance, leaders can adapt to changing conditions more quickly.

    Motives for Hope

    Despite ongoing challenges for both large and small fleets, the climate of today is rich with potential. The elements are in place for fleets to improve their operations and offer both customers and employees better experiences. This is mostly a result of developing technology and increasing demand. So, by taking use of the opportunity presented by intelligent operations, 2023 may prove to be a fruitful year for future fleets.

  • Ford Hires Former Argo Staff for Automated Driving Company

    Ford Hires Former Argo Staff for Automated Driving Company

    Ford is doubling down on automated driving research, hiring 550 former Argo AI staff to form a new company.

    Argo AI was an automated driving startup that shut down after Ford and Volkswagen stopped backing it. While Ford may have pulled its investments in Argo, it appears the company recognized Argo’s engineering talent, hiring 550 of its former employees for its new Latitude AI subsidiary. In fact, according to a company statement, it appears Latitude’s entire workforce is made up of former Argo employees:

    Establishing Latitude supports Ford’s strategic shift last year to focus on automated driving technologies for personally owned vehicles. Ford hired about 550 employees formerly of Argo AI across machine learning and robotics, cloud platforms, mapping, sensors and compute systems, test operations, systems and safety engineering. The Latitude team has applied much of their experience in automated driving, including software development tools and infrastructure, in the pivot to work on advanced driver assist systems (ADAS).

    Ford hopes to build on the success of its BlueCruise technology, which recently took Consumer Reports’ top spot among automated driving systems.

    “We see automated driving technology as an opportunity to redefine the relationship between people and their vehicles,” said Doug Field, chief advanced product development and technology officer, Ford Motor Company. “Customers using BlueCruise are already experiencing the benefits of hands-off driving. The deep experience and talent in our Latitude team will help us accelerate the development of all-new automated driving technology – with the goal of not only making travel safer, less stressful and more enjoyable, but ultimately over time giving our customers some of their day back.”

    We believe automated driving technology will help improve safety while unlocking all-new customer experiences that reduce stress and in the future will help free up a driver’s time to focus on what they choose,” said Sammy Omari, executive director, ADAS Technologies at Ford and Latitude CEO. “The expertise of the Latitude team will further complement and enhance Ford’s in-house global ADAS team in developing future driver assist technologies, ultimately delivering on the many benefits of automation.”

  • Ford Is Working on Self-Driving Repos

    Ford Is Working on Self-Driving Repos

    Ford has a novel idea for self-driving tech, with plans to use the it to automatically repossess cars from owners that default on their payments.

    Ford originally filed for a patent in 2021 describing a system that would enable a vehicle to repossess itself. The patent, which was just rewarded last week, would allow a lender to ramp up repossession efforts, from sending notifications to limiting the vehicle’s movements to a specific geofenced area.

    In the final state of the process, when the repossession involves an autonomous vehicle, the vehicle’s computers can drive the vehicle back to the lender or repo agency.

    In some other cases, the vehicle can be an autonomous vehicle and the repossession system computer may cooperate with the vehicle computer to autonomously move the vehicle from the premises of the owner to a location such as, for example, the premises of the repossession agency, the premises of the lending institution, an impound pound, or any other pre-designated location. The address of such locations may be previously stored in a database of the repossession system computer.

    Ford’s approach is certainly an interesting use of self-driving tech, and one that will probably make more than a few customers uncomfortable.

  • Jaguar Land Rover Goes All-In On Self-Driving

    Jaguar Land Rover Goes All-In On Self-Driving

    Jaguar Land Rover appears to be going all-in on self-driving tech, with plans for three new European engineering hubs.

    Self-driving tech is the next big thing for the automotive industry, with virtually every automaker working to develop it. According to Reuters, Jaguar Land Rover is building three new engineering hubs in Europe as part of its partnership with Nvidia, a firm that is at the heart of the AI revolution.

    The new hubs will be located in Munich, Bologna and Madrid, and were chosen because of their proximity to concentrations of digital engineering specialists.

    The company expects to create at least 100 jobs focused “on developing driver assistance systems and artificial intelligence for self-driving cars of the future.”

  • Ram 1500 REV Is a Major Hit As Reservations Sell Out

    Ram 1500 REV Is a Major Hit As Reservations Sell Out

    The Ram 1500 REV electric truck appears to be a major hit, with reservations for the first shipment sold out in less than a week.

    The 1500 REV represents Ram’s first all-electric pickup truck. The company showed it off in a Super Bowl ad and users could reserve one for a $100 deposit. The reservation program is called “Ram REV Insider+.” According to the company’s website, reservations are now closed:

    Due to high demand, the Ram REV Insider+ membership is now closed. You can still be the first to know when the doors open up again.

    The 1500 REV will not be available till 2024, so it’s unclear when reservations will open once again.

    https://youtu.be/6iaUoJUdTk4
  • EV Automakers Bring A Range Of Exciting Developments In Q1

    EV Automakers Bring A Range Of Exciting Developments In Q1

    Despite ongoing macroeconomic challenges and supply chain obstacles, the global EV market is gearing itself for yet another banner year of performance and growth. Ongoing consumer demand, against the backdrop of government support and sustainable legislation, is helping to fuel the global industry, as household names in the automaker industry seize the opportunity to release their version of the battery electric vehicle. 

    Data revealed that global sales for EVs and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) doubled in Q1 2022 compared to the same period a year before, and this year is looking no different. 

    Shipment for passenger battery electric vehicles grew 90% year-over-year, and by the end of 2022, global shipment saw more than 1.95 million units transported across the world. 

    With growing consumer demand, traditional automakers have seen a valuable opportunity to enter the market, with big-league names such as Volkswagen, Ford, Toyota, Hyundai, and BMW, among others all releasing their own EV version. 

    Other household names in the EV industry, including Tesla, Rivian, Lucid Group, and BYD have been fighting to remain on top, as new contenders enter the market with more affordable options that give them better charging range, and value for money. 

    The first quarter of the year is already looking promising, as droves of new EVs are set to launch this year, with some already in production. 

    A range of new EVs is coming to the roads in the Americas, with a new Lucid Studio opening in Montreal, Canada. Transport Canada statistics show that 14,593 federal EV purchase rebates were issued nationally in Q4 2022, bringing the total for 2022 up to 58,000 rebates claimed. 

    Citroen, Hyundai, Kia, and Mercedes are launching new EVs in February, making it one of the exciting months in Q1 for electric car enthusiasts and buyers looking to enter the market. French automaker Peugeot is also giving its 208 a bit of an update, with an all-electric version being released in late February. The e-308 will have a range of 248 miles on a single charge and a larger 51kWh battery. 

    Chinese EV automaker BYD is also set to launch its premium luxury electric car brand within the first quarter of the year. Back in August 2022, the company announced that it will be launching a premium EV brand, only to reschedule the initial launch to this year. 

    There has yet to be news on the type of premium EVs buyers can expect, but the company is enthusiastic that it will be positively received, as it looks to compete with other high-end brands such as Mercedes, BMW, Tesla, and Audi. 

    Over in the United Kingdom, BYD has also announced several British-based car dealers that will be key representatives of the brand in and around the UK. This will open new doors for the EV company, as it looks to tap into western consumer markets. 

    Then there is the Mumbai-based automaker, Mahindra, which late last year announced that it will be launching its all-electric SUV in the first half of 2023. Mahindra has been steadily growing its sustainability mobility business, hoping to compete with other local big automakers such as MG and Tata Motors. 

    Citroen is also now throwing its hat in the ring after the company announced the launch of the Citroen C3 Electric, set to be released in Q1 2023. Though the C3 Electric will be manufactured in India, it’s set to be exported globally in the coming months. The move to go electric is part of the company’s C-cubed programme, which aims to launch several affordable and sustainable vehicles in the years to come. 

    European buyers and motorists can soon expect to see another EV automaker brand enter their market this spring. The Chinese-based BEV automaker, NIO is set to launch its new ET 5 mid-size sedan on the European market. The vehicle was released late last year in December, and NIO is already active in Norway but is now seeking ways to broaden its reach into other European countries. 

    A lot is happening and taking place in the early months of 2023, it only shows the exciting year that’s still lined up. Automakers, big and small are now rushing to get in on the action, hoping to scoop up would-be EV buyers, as demand continues to grow.

  • Ford Is Dropping Mustang Mach-E Prices Across the Board

    Ford Is Dropping Mustang Mach-E Prices Across the Board

    Ford is cutting prices across the board for the Mustang Mach-E in an effort to remain competitive following similar price cuts from Tesla.

    The Mustang Mach-E has emerged as one of Tesla’s main competitors, even topping Tesla in Consumer Reports rankings. In mid-January, Tesla announced major price cuts across its lineup, and Ford is now following suit.

    “We are not going to cede ground to anyone. We are producing more EVs to reduce customer wait times, offering competitive pricing and working to create an ownership experience that is second to none,” said Marin Gjaja, Chief Customer Officer, Ford Model e. “Our customers are at the center of everything we do – as we continue to build thrilling and exciting electric vehicles, we will continue to push the boundaries to make EVs more accessible for everybody.”

    The price drops are fairly substantial, with GT Extended Range models seeing as much as a $5,900 reduction.

    Ford Mustang Mach-E Price Drop – Credit Ford

    Customers who purchased after January 1, 2023, or those still awaiting delivery, will automatically receive the adjusted price.

    “Part of our mission at Ford is to treat customers like family,” said Gjaja. “We want our customers to know they made the right decision by choosing a Mustang Mach-E, and we’ll continue to play a proactive role in doing the right thing for those joining the Ford family.”

    Ford is clearly going all out in its efforts to take the EV crown from Tesla, and these price reductions will certainly help.

  • Ford’s BlueCruise Beats Tesla’s Autopilot—By a Wide Margin

    Ford’s BlueCruise Beats Tesla’s Autopilot—By a Wide Margin

    Consumer Reports has ranked the top automated driving systems, and Ford has come out on top, beating Tesla by a wide margin.

    Tesla is often in the news for its automated driving tech, and not always for the right reasons. To see which manufacturer is currently winning the battle for the best automated driving suite, CR tested options from Tesla, Ford, GM, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Toyota, Volkswagen, Rivian, Nissan, Honda, Volvo, and Hyundai.

    Overall, Ford BlueCruise/Lincoln Active Glide came out as the clear winner by a significant margin. CR rated the system across five categories, with Ford scoring the following:

    • Capabilities and Performance: 9/10
    • Keeping Driver Engaged: 9/10
    • Ease of Use: 6/10
    • Clear When Safe to Use: 9/10
    • Unresponsive Driver: 6/10

    Interestingly, while BMW, Tesla, and Toyota matched Ford in the Capabilities and Performance category, only Mercedes-Benz scored a 10/10.

    Overall, however, Ford’s scores across the board were higher, giving BlueCruise a total score of 84.

    “Systems like BlueCruise are an important advancement that can help make driving easier and less stressful,” says Jake Fisher, CR’s senior director of auto testing.

    “But they don’t make a car self-driving at all,” Fisher says. “Instead, they create a new way of collaboratively driving with the computers in your car. When automakers do it the right way, it can make driving safer and more convenient. When they do it the wrong way, it can be dangerous.”

    In contrast, Tesla came seventh place with a score of only 61, which Fisher attributes to the EV maker not evolving their software to keep up with advances in technology.

    “After all this time, Autopilot still doesn’t allow collaborative steering and doesn’t have an effective driver monitoring system,” Fisher adds. “While other automakers have evolved their ACC and LCA systems, Tesla has simply fallen behind.”

  • BMW Brings Its Feature Subscription Service to the US

    BMW Brings Its Feature Subscription Service to the US

    BMW is bringing an unpopular service to the US, locking features behind a subscription fee despite vehicles already being equipped with them.

    Automakers have been looking for ways to make even more money off of their customers and subscription services have — unfortunately — been the option of choice. While a subscription is understandable for a service that requires ongoing maintenance and updates, such as mapping software and satellite radio, automakers are beginning to charge subscriptions to unlock hardware features that are already built into the vehicle.

    According to Motor Authority, BMW is bringing the business model to the US after first rolling it out overseas. Remote engine start is one such example of a subscription feature, costing users $10 per month for access. A one-year subscription costs $105, three years $250, and lifetime access costs $300.

    While its nice that BMW is offering a lifetime option, it’s only a good deal if the company doesn’t also charge for the feature upfront. Charging for the feature upfront and then charging a monthly fee smacks of nothing but an unmitigated attempt to nickel-and-dime customers.

    New Jersey lawmakers seem to agree, introducing a bill that would make subscription services illegal for anything that isn’t a true ongoing service. In other words, charging a fee simply to unlock existing features would not be allowed.

    Assemblymen Paul Moriarty and Joe Danielsen outline their goals:

    This bill prohibits a motor vehicle dealer or manufacturer of motor vehicles sold in this State from offering to a consumer a subscription service for any motor vehicle feature that utilizes components and hardware already installed on the motor vehicle at the time of the vehicle’s purchase or lease; and would function after activation without ongoing expense to the dealer, manufacturer, or third-party service provider. The provisions of this bill do not apply to any third-party service provider that offers features such as satellite radio or in-car Wi-Fi.

    Hopefully more jurisdictions pass similar legislation and prevent automakers from preying on their customers.

  • Tesla Cannot Use ‘Full Self-Driving’ Name in California

    Tesla Cannot Use ‘Full Self-Driving’ Name in California

    Tesla can no longer use “Full Self-Driving” (FSD) to describe its self-driving software in California, following the passage of a new law.

    Tesla has repeatedly come under fire for its FSD, with the software falling short of customers’ expectations. Despite Tesla’s best efforts, FSD is still a ways off from being fully autonomous and California wants to make sure customers understand that.

    According to Teslarati, California passed a law specifically to ensure Tesla’s description of its software is more realistic, after the Department of Motor Vehicles accused Tesla of “false advertising.”

    Below is an excerpt from the legislation, provided by Teslarati:

    “A dealer or manufacturer shall not sell any new passenger vehicle that is equipped with any partial driving automation feature or provide any software update or other vehicle upgrade that adds any partial driving automation feature, without, at the time of delivering or upgrading the vehicle, providing the buyer or owner with a distinct notice that provides the name of the feature and clearly describes the functions and limitations of the feature.”

    “A manufacturer or dealer shall not name any partial driving automation feature, or describe any partial driving automation feature in marketing materials, using language that implies or would otherwise lead a reasonable person to believe, that the feature allows the vehicle to function as an autonomous vehicle, as defined in Section 38750, or otherwise has functionality not actually included in the feature. A violation of this subdivision shall be considered a misleading advertisement for the purposes of Section 11713.”

  • Canada to Require 20% Zero Emission Vehicle Quota by 2026

    Canada to Require 20% Zero Emission Vehicle Quota by 2026

    Canada is one step step closer to phasing out fossil fuel vehicles, requiring 20% of vehicles to be zero emission by 2026.

    Governments around the world are beginning to take steps to address climate change, with a transition to electric vehicles being one of the biggest measures. According to Engadget, Canada is moving aggressively to spur such a transformation, requiring 20% of all vehicles sold to be zero emission by 2026.

    “We’re moving forward with a regulated sales target that requires at least 20 percent of new vehicles sold by 2026 to be zero emission, increasing that to 60 percent by 2030 and 100 percent by 2035,” said Julie Dabrusin, parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

    The move is one of the more aggressive moves by any country, with many others targeting 2030 and beyond for such an ambitious goal.

  • Apple Delays Release of Apple Car to 2026, Limits Scope

    Apple Delays Release of Apple Car to 2026, Limits Scope

    Apple is dealing with an unusual setback, delaying the launch of the long-rumored Apple Car and reigning in the scope of the project.

    Apple has been rumored to be working on its Apple Car, code named Project Titan, for several years. The project has seen changes of leadership, as well as changes in the direction of the project. The last change saw Project Titan focus on delivering a fully autonomous solution, rather than a more modest option that would be similar to other automakers.

    See also: LG May Produce the Apple Car

    According to Bloomberg, Apple executives have come to the realization that current technology does not allow for the fully autonomous approach the company was hoping for, one without steering wheel, pedals, or other traditional means of control. Apple hoped to sell such a vehicle for $120,000, but will now scale back its aims.

    According to the report, Project Titan will now have a steering wheel and pedals, only offer fully autonomous driving on the highway, and will cost less than $100,000. The car’s launch will also be delayed to 2026.

    There’s no doubt Apple will one day release a fully autonomous vehicle, but current technology will have to catch up to the company’s ambitions.

  • Want Faster Acceleration in Your Mercedes? That Will Cost $1,200 Annually.

    Want Faster Acceleration in Your Mercedes? That Will Cost $1,200 Annually.

    Mercedes is the latest automaker to jump on the most deplorable trend in the industry, charging $1,200 annually for faster acceleration.

    Automakers looking for ways to nickel and dime their customers have turned to subscriptions as their method of choice, locking access to existing features unless customers pay the subscription price. Mercedes is the latest to adopt this practice, with plans to charge $1,200 for customers that want faster acceleration.

    Mercedes EQ electric vehicles (EVs) will come with reduced horsepower and torque, which will be increased if customers pony up the extra cash annually. The overall performance of the vehicle will increase as well.

    “Fine tuning of the electric motors increases the maximum motor output (kW) of your Mercedes-EQ by 20 to 24%, depending on the original output from factory,” Mercedes explains on its website. “The torque is also increased, enabling your vehicle to accelerate noticeably faster and more powerfully. This shortens the time it takes to accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH by around 0.8 to 0.9 seconds. This additional output is available in all DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs.”

    Mercedes’ move follows similar ones by other automakers. For example, BMW announced plans to charge $18 per month to unlock the heated seats already present in the vehicle.

    The problem has become so bad that New Jersey lawmakers have introduced a bill that would ban automakers from charging a subscription for features that are already built into a vehicle.

    As we have stated before, it is completely understandable to charge a subscription fee for services that require ongoing updates, such as GPS mapping services. It is certainly understandable to charge for other subscription services, such as satellite radio.

    On the other hand, it is nothing but unmitigated greed and absurdity to charge customers to use features that are already included in the vehicle and that do not cost the automaker anything. If a user purchases a vehicle with a certain set of features, ALL of those features should be available and unlocked.

  • Waymo Will Start Offering Free Rides to Some Passengers

    Waymo Will Start Offering Free Rides to Some Passengers

    In its next step toward full operation, Waymo is preparing to offer passengers free rides in San Francisco.

    The Alphabet-owned driverless car company has been steadily working toward full, driverless operation. The company started offering rides to employees, along with some members of the public that were willing to sign NDAs.

    According to Engadget, Waymo is taking the next step, having earned a Driverless Pilot permit to allow passengers to take driverless rides on a wider scope. The new permit allows the company to offer passengers driverless rides, although it still can’t charge for them.

    The company still has to acquire a Driverless Deployment permit, which will allow it to charge for rides. In the meantime, however, select passengers will be able to try out the company’s driverless operations for free.

  • Zoom Is Coming to a Tesla Near You

    Zoom Is Coming to a Tesla Near You

    In the ‘what could possibly go wrong?’ department, Tesla and Zoom are working together to bring video conferencing to the automaker’s vehicles.

    Zoom is one of the leading video conferencing platforms and became a poster child for remote and hybrid work during the pandemic. The platform’s adoption skyrocketed across the workplace, education sector, and people’s personal lives.

    Zoom is expanding to its next frontier, making it possible to video conference from your car, in a collaboration with Tesla. According to Drive Tesla Canada, the collaboration was announced at the Zoomtopia 2022 event by Nitasha Walia, Zoom’s Group Product Manager, Meetings.

    While the announcement was light on details, the video provides a preview of the feature in action.

  • Google and Renault Working on an Automotive Software Platform

    Google and Renault Working on an Automotive Software Platform

    Google and Renault are working on a software platform for future vehicles that is based on Google’s platforms.

    The two companies are building on their four-year-old relationship and are looking to redefine automotive software by utilizing the power of Google Cloud and Android Automotive. According to The Verge, the companies want to create a “software-defined vehicle,” one that will send a steady stream of data to Google’s cloud servers for analysis.

    As part of their expanded partnership, Renault is making Google its “preferred cloud provider,” although that only applies to the automaker’s Renault, Dacia, Alpine, and Mobilize brands.

    While the two companies already worked together to bring Android to the automakers vehicle, this new deal will add far more advanced capabilities. For example, the software will create a “Digital Twin” of a vehicle using AI “for an easier and continuous integration of new services into the vehicle and the creation of new onboard (In-Car Services) and offboard applications.”

    The expanded deal is a big win for Google as the company works to gain traction as the industry’s third-largest cloud provider. Many other automakers have gone with Google’s larger rivals.

    At the same time, it remains to be seen if users will be comfortable with yet more of their data making its way to Google servers.

  • FTC Cracking Down on ‘Junk Fees’ and ‘Bait-and-Switch’ Auto Sales

    FTC Cracking Down on ‘Junk Fees’ and ‘Bait-and-Switch’ Auto Sales

    The Federal Trade Commission is preparing to crack down on unsavory auto sales practices amid skyrocketing prices.

    The price of automotive purchases in the US has been exploding as a result of supply chain issues and rising inflation. The result has been record prices, often made worse by dealerships adding on “junk fees.” The FTC is preparing to crack down on these practices, proposing new rules to address the problem.

    “As auto prices surge, the Commission is taking comprehensive action to prohibit junk fees, bait-and-switch advertising, and other practices that hit consumers’ pocketbooks,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “Our proposed rule would save consumers time and money and help ensure a level playing field for honest dealers.”

    The FTC is proposing rules that would address four specific types of dishonest, exploitative behavior:

    • Ban bait-and-switch, wherein customers are lured in with deceptive promises, only to be saddled with more expensive options, worse financing terms, and more.
    • Ban fraudulent junk fees, such as services and options that offer no value or benefit.
    • Ban surprise junk fees and prohibit dealers from charging additional, undisclosed fees without the customer’s written consent. The rule would also require the dealer to inform the customer what the vehicle would cost without the add-on fees, giving the customer the ability to make an informed decision.
    • Require full disclosure of costs and conditions upfront. This would require the “offering price” to be the full and total price, with only government taxes and fees excluded.

    The FTC’s rules should help address some of the more egregious issues plaguing car buyers, especially since the beginning of the supply chain issues impacting the industry.

    With inventory in short supply, some dealerships have taken to gouging customers. Others have even reserved the right to price-adjust up to six months after purchase, charging the customer more depending on current pricing.

    The FTC’s new rules should be a boon for consumers and reign in the dishonest, predatory behavior some dealerships are engaging in.

  • Hyundia Plans to Build EVs From Georgia Factory in 2024

    Hyundia Plans to Build EVs From Georgia Factory in 2024

    Hyundai broke ground on a new plant near Savannah, Georgia and plans to begin production as soon as 2024.

    Automakers are investing in new factories, as well as re-tasking existing ones, in an effort to ramp up EV production. According to Reuters, Hyundai’s upcoming Georgia plant will build 300,000 vehicles annually.

    Hyundai global chief operating officer Jose Munoz held out the possibility of eventually hitting an even larger annual target.

    “This plant is ready to get up to 500,000 if the demand is there,” Munoz said.

    The news follows an announcement by BMW that it would invest $1.7 billion in US-based EV production.

  • New Jersey Bill Would Ban Automotive Feature Subscriptions

    New Jersey Bill Would Ban Automotive Feature Subscriptions

    New Jersey lawmakers are taking aim at automakers that charge customers a subscription to unlock features.

    Feature subscriptions have become an increasingly popular tactic among automakers looking to nickel and dime their customers. New Jersey lawmakers are looking to ban the practice with a bill that has been introduced by Assemblymen Paul Moriarty and Joe Danielsen.

    Read more: Want to Use Your BMW’s Heated Seats? That Will Cost $18 Per Month.

    The bill specifically targets subscriptions to activate hardware that is already installed:

    This bill prohibits a motor vehicle dealer or manufacturer of motor vehicles sold in this State from offering to a consumer a subscription service for any motor vehicle feature that utilizes components and hardware already installed on the motor vehicle at the time of the vehicle’s purchase or lease; and would function after activation without ongoing expense to the dealer, manufacturer, or third-party service provider. The provisions of this bill do not apply to any third-party service provider that offers features such as satellite radio or in-car Wi-Fi.

    BMW is one of the worst offenders, charging users in some countries as much as $18 per month to have heated seats. To be clear, the cars ship with heated seats, but BMW charges customers the subscription for the “privilege” of accessing a feature they have already paid for.

    Hopefully, the bill will pass and inspire similar efforts throughout the US, sending a clear message to automakers to stop trying to rip off their customers.