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Category Archives: connected vehicles
Trump Tariffs – Toyota to Invest ~$10 Billion In U.S. Ops
Toyota Motor Corporation has announced an additional investment of up to $10 billion in the United States during the next five years. This will bring the company’s total U.S. investment to ~$60 billion since beginning operations in the U.S. about … Continue reading
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, electric vehicles, manufacturing, milestones, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Camry HEV, Corolla Cross HEV, Don Stewart, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, RAV4 HEV, TBMNC, Tetsuo Ogawa, Toyota Motor Corporation, X @KenAutoinformed
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Polestar to Use Google Maps Live Lane Guidance
Polestar* (Nasdaq: PSNY), the struggling Swedish electric car brand facing de-listing by Nasdaq, said today that it will become the first automotive OEM to integrate Google Maps’ new live lane guidance into the driver display in one of its vehicles. The applies to cars with Google built-in. “It will help drivers stay on course with ease while navigating complex highways and intense rush-hour traffic.”
“Over the past five years, Polestar’s collaboration with Google has delivered many new features for Polestar owners. Live lane guidance continues the path of Polestar’s driver centric UX strategy, reducing driver stress and improving safety by making missed exits and last-minute lane changes much less of a worry,” said Sid Odedra, Head of UI/UX at Polestar. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, marketing, software defined vehicles
Tagged Andrew Foster, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Google Maps, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Polestar 4, Sid Odedra, X @KenAutoinformed
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Distracted Driving – Cell Phone Manipulation Persists
An Arizona law making it illegal to hold a cellphone while driving cut handheld conversations, but other problems remain, according to a study published today by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). In Arizona, the number of warnings issued by state police fell by about a quarter and the number of citations fell by a third between 2021 and 2024.*
“These results are a bit of a reality check. ‘No holding’ laws are a positive step, but it will take more than better-worded legislation alone to combat cellphone distraction,” said IIHS President David Harkey. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, distracted driving, electronics, insurance, news analysis, public health, safety
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Cellphones and Crash risk, COVID-19, David Harkey, Ian Reagan, iihs, insurance institute for highway safety, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, safe-driving apps, Telematics data, X @KenAutoinformed
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Porsche Cayenne Electric – Resourceful Performance
“With the Cayenne Electric, we are taking e-performance to a new level,” said Dr Michael Steiner, Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board and Member of the Executive Board, Research and Development. “Our innovative high-voltage system combines maximum efficiency with the driving dynamics typical of Porsche.” Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, connected vehicles, electric vehicles, electronics, energy, engineering, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, milestones, mobility company, new vehicle, news analysis, public health, shows and events, software defined vehicles
Tagged 2026 Porsche Cayenne electric, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Dr. Michael Steiner, graphite-silicon anode and nickel-manganese-cobalt-aluminum cathode battery, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Porsche PPE, Porsche Taycan battery, Predictive Thermal Management, Premium Platform Electric, X @KenAutoinformed
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Chevrolet Bolt Returns as 2027 Model at ~$30,000
“The Chevrolet Bolt was the industry’s first affordable mass-market, long-range EV and it commanded one of GM’s most loyal customer bases thanks to its price, versatility and practicality,” said Scott Bell, vice president, Global Chevrolet. “After production ended, we heard our customer’s feedback and their love for this product. So the Bolt is coming back, by popular demand and better than ever, for a limited time. Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, connected vehicles, design and styling, electric vehicles, electronics, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, marketing, milestones, mobility company, new vehicle, news analysis, shows and events, software defined vehicles, software defined vehicles, transportation
Tagged 2027 Bolt, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Bolt and Equinox EV, DC public fast charging, Global Chevrolet, Google Maps, Google Play, Hey Google’ voice assistance, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, nacs charging port, Scott Bell, Super Cruise, U.S. Department of Energy, vehicle-to-home power, X @KenAutoinformed, X76 electric drive unit
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Milestones – Volvo Cars One Millionth Plug-In Hybrid
Volvo Cars (VOLCAR-B.STO)* said today it reached a milestone in its electrification goal in September when it delivered its one millionth plug-in hybrid. The Chinese-owned company** is transitioning to becoming a fully electrified car maker with plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) as part of the plan. Volvo posted a significant loss in Q2 2025 as it was caught in the crossfire of resident Trump’s ongoing tariff chaos.
“Volvo Cars is committed to a fully electric future, and we will get there in a pace that suits our customers,” says Erik Severinson, chief commercial officer at Volvo Cars. “Our plug-in hybrid cars are a crucial bridge towards that future for those customers who are not yet ready to go fully electric.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, blog, connected vehicles, electric vehicles, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, marketing, milestones, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Erik Severinson, Geely Holding, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, PHEVs, plug-in hybrids, Volvo Cars, X @KenAutoinformed, XC60 and XC90 PHEVs
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Mercedes-Benz Opens Robotic Lighting Test Center
Mercedes-Benz said today that it has opened Europe’s most advanced light-testing center with robots at the wheel at its Global Proving Ground in Immendingen in Baden-Württemberg. The Immendingen site is a one-hour drive from the Group headquarters in Stuttgart. It has 53 miles of road amid its 1285 acres.
“The Immendingen Test and Technology Center is the first digitized Mercedes-Benz proving ground – here, real and virtual vehicle testing merge seamlessly. By digitally mapping the proving ground, using automated test programs and employing state-of-the-art sensor technology, we are making vehicle development more efficient, faster and more sustainable than ever before,” said Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer, Development & Purchasing. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, autonomous cars, connected vehicles, electronics, engineering, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, road test, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Heide Durability Circuit, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Light Testing Center, Markus Schäfer, Mercedes-Benz Immendingen Test and Technology Center, X @KenAutoinformed
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Toyota Starts a Strategic Investment Subsidiary
Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE: TM, 7203T) today announced the establishment of Toyota Invention Partners Company, Ltd. (TIP), a new strategic investment subsidiary with ¥100 billion yen (~$670 million) in capital. TIP will focus on accelerating collaborations between Toyota, Woven by Toyota (WbyT), Toyota Group companies, their affiliates, and external partners as part of Toyota’s ongoing transformation into a mobility company. Woven Capital, Toyota’s venture investment arm, has established Fund II with $800 million (~¥120 billion), matching the size of Fund I launched in 2021.*
“To ensure that mobility continues to bring smiles to people and remains vital to society, the Toyota Group has embraced the vision of ‘Inventing our path forward, together’. This vision places a particular emphasis on ‘Invention’, which has always been the foundation of the Group” said Kenta Kon, Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Toyota and CFO and Director of WbyT. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, environment, global warming, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, shows and events, software defined vehicles, transportation
Tagged ai, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automation, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, climate technology, energy, George Kellerman, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Kenta Kon, sustainability, Toyota Invention Partners Company, toyota motor, Toyota Motor Corporation, Woven by Toyota, Woven Capital, X @KenAutoinformed
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EV Breakthrough? Peugeot with Embedded Inverter, Charger
Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA) said today that in partnership with Saft (a TotalEnergies subsidiary) it has started prototype testing of a Peugeot E-3008 EV that eliminates the need for separate charger and inverter components. This could be a substantial breakthrough for both mobile and stationary energy applications.
“This project reflects our belief that simplification is innovation. By rethinking and simplifying the electric powertrain architecture, we are making it lighter, more efficient, and more cost-effective. These are the kinds of innovations that help us deliver better, more affordable EVs to our customers,” said Ned Curic, Chief Engineering and Technology Officer at Stellantis. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, milestones, news, news analysis, public health, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, CNRS, Hervé Amossé, Institut Lafayette, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ned Curic, NYSE: STLA, Saft, STLA Medium platform, Université Paris-Saclay, X @KenAutoinformed
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Togg Türkiye Debuts Two Models at IAA Mobility
Mobility brand Togg said today that it is celebrating its market entry in Germany at IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich, alongside the world premiere of its production-ready T10F fastback sedan. With the all-electric SUV T10X and the T10F, Togg is introducing two models to the German market, both of which achieved the top rating of five stars in the independent Euro NCAP safety assessment.
“With the T10X and T10F, we are entering the European market with confidence. Achieving five stars from Euro NCAP underlines that safety has been a top priority for us from the very beginning” said CEO Gürcan Karakaş. Starting September 29, 2025, both models will be available for online orders exclusively via Trumore, the in-house service and ordering platform of Togg. More than 70,000 users in Türkiye are already driving the flagship T10X. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, design and styling, electric vehicles, manufacturing, marketing, milestones, mobility company, new vehicle, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Fuat Tosyali, Gürcan Karakaş, IAA Mobility 2025 Trumore, Ken Zino, Togg T10X and T10F, X @KenAutoinformed
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Porsche to Debut Wireless Charging on 26 Cayenne!
Porsche said today that it will offer an 11-kW charging system with a one-box base plate for wireless charging on its upcoming battery-electric vehicles. This at the moment appears to be breakthrough. If things go as planned, Porsche will be the first automaker to offer a convenient recharging system already in widespread use in cellphone apps.
“Ease of use, suitability for everyday use and charging infrastructure are still the decisive factors when it comes to the acceptance of electric mobility,” said Porsche Board Member for Development Dr. Michael Steiner. “We are proud that inductive charging will soon be available in series production at Porsche. Charging an electric car at home has never been so easy and convenient.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, environment, global warming, milestones, mobility company, new vehicle, news analysis, public health, shows and events, software defined vehicles
Tagged 2026 Porsche Cayenne electric, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Dr. Michael Steiner, IAA Mobility, Ken Zino, Porsche E4, wireless charging, X @KenAutoinformed
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Genesis Adds In-App EV Charging, and Plug And Charge
Genesis today announced the availability of two new charging features for public charging. Along with the Genesis Home marketplace, these intuitive public charging features give owners increased flexibility and new options on charging. The announcement arrives in the midst of the Trump Administration’s war on EVs, imported cars and incentives for clean transportation.
“With the introduction of in-app charging and plug and charge, we are making it even easier for customers to recharge their electric vehicles while on the go,” said Tedros Mengiste, chief operating officer of Genesis Motor North America. “These new features reinforce our commitment to an elevated ownership experience for every customer.” Continue reading
Posted in connected vehicles, customer satisfaction, electronics, global warming, marketing, news analysis, public health, shows and events, software defined vehicles, software defined vehicles
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, ChargePoint, In App-Charging, IONNA, Ken Zino, MyGenesis app, Tedros Mengiste, Tesla Supercharger, X @KenAutoinformed
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New Mercedes-Benz Electric CLA to start at $47,250
Mercedes-Benz USA said the week that its all-new electric CLA sedan will start at $47,250 (footnote 1) when the first vehicles appear on U.S. roads in December, with the available volume progressively ramping up through the first quarter of 2026.
“The compact sedan sets new standards with intuitive technologies, striking design, enhanced comfort and up to 374 miles (EPA) of electric range,” Mercedes-Benz claimed. Continue reading →