Category Archives: connected vehicles

Autonomous Vehicles – Skepticism Rules Consumers

Posted on 30 May 2025 by Ken Zino

Virtually all automakers now have some type automated driving system categorized as Level 2 or Level 2+ on the SAE Autonomous Driving Levels standard. These include General Motors’ Super Cruise; Tesla Autopilot; and numerous Mercedes, BMW and Stellantis systems in Europe and Nio in mainland China. More options are becoming obtainable each year.

“The choice between Level 3 automation [conditional] and Level 2/Level 2+ systems [partial automation] often divides the industry, resulting in notable differences in strategies among autonomous vehicle companies,” said Vivek Beriwal of S&P Global Mobility, a distinct part of S&P Global. “A key assumption of Level 3 systems is that the automaker assumes liability for its safe operation in “autonomous mode.” This has caused some automakers to focus on expanding functionality within Level 2+ while delaying any potential Level 3 upgrades,” Beriwal observes. Continue reading →

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EV App Gap Frustrates Growing Number of Users

Posted on 29 May 2025 by Ken Zino

“The report includes apps from the top 28 award-eligible brands that sell EVs in the United States; 10 profiled EV brands in China; and eight profiled EV brands in Europe. Brands from China and Europe are included in this report given their expanding presence in the EV marketplace. Additionally, 1966 EV owners in the United States were surveyed in March-April 2025 to gather insights on app usage; feature desirability; and app overall execution for the 2025 report,” said Power. Continue reading →

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Toyota Debuts 2026 RAV4 Compact SUV

Posted on 21 May 2025 by Ken Zino

The 2026 RAV4 also joins Toyota’s list of exclusively electrified models. It will be available with Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) or Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) powertrains. RAV4 also launches new technologies for Toyota, including the Arene software development platform, a new version of the Toyota Audio Multimedia system, and updates to the Toyota Safety Sense active safety suite. Toyota might say customer choice is paramount, but it comes with a bewildering array of options and packages to climb over that are the antonym of the once famous Honda tagline “We Make it Simple.” Continue reading →

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BMW Testing an i7 with Solid State Batteries

Posted on 20 May 2025 by Ken Zino

“Our BMW i7 ASSB test vehicle on the road is a perfect example of the BMW Group’s technology-open mindset. We are continuously advancing the development of new battery cell technologies and are constantly expanding our know-how with valuable partners such as Solid Power,” claimed Martin Schuster, Vice President Battery Cell and Cell Module at the BMW Group. Continue reading →

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Nostalgia Marketing – 2026 Corolla Hatchback FX Edition

Posted on 6 May 2025 by Ken Zino

Toyota (NYSE:TM) said today in Texas that for the 2026 model year, the Corolla Hatchback will have an FX edition, which has been dormant in the model since the 1987 FX16. Based on the SE grade Corolla, it should appear in Toyota Dealerships during fall of 2025. The new Hatchback FX Edition will be available in three color choices: Inferno, Ice Cap, and Blue Crush Metallic. There will be 1600 Corolla Hatchback FX Editions assembled for the U.S. Additional details and pricing for the full Corolla lineup will be shared later this year.

“The Corolla Hatchback FX adds a black vented sport wing for aggressive flair and improved aerodynamics. The 18-inch gloss white-finished alloy wheels with black lug nuts give an unexpected wow factor,” Toyota said. Power of the Corolla Hatchback FX Edition is a 2.0-liter Dynamic-Force direct-injection inline four-cylinder engine with claimed ratings of 169 horsepower at 6600 rpm and 151 lb.-ft. peak torque at 4800 rpm. It has a Toyota-estimated 33 combined MPG rating. Continue reading →

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Stellantis – Notable Progress in Solid State Batteries

Posted on 24 April 2025 by Ken Zino

Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA) and Factorial Energy today announced the successful validation of Factorial’s automotive-sized FEST® (Factorial Electrolyte System Technology) solid-state battery cells. This feat claims to be  a significant step forward on the path to bringing next-generation electric vehicle (EV) batteries to market.

“Reaching this level of performance reflects the strengths of our collaboration with Factorial,” said Ned Curic, Stellantis Chief Engineering and Technology Officer. “This breakthrough puts us at the forefront of the solid-state revolution, but we are not stopping there. We continue working together to push the boundaries and deliver even more advanced solutions, bringing us closer to lighter, more efficient batteries that reduce costs for our customers.” Continue reading →

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Nissan Launches Next Gen Autonomous Drive in FY 27

Posted on 10 April 2025 by Ken Zino

Nissan (7201T and NSANY ADR) said today it will launch the next generation of autonomous driving technology in the Japanese fiscal year of 2027 (1 April 2026 and ends on 31 March 2028).*

“The system, featuring Nissan Ground Truth Perception technology with next-generation Lidar and Wayve AI Driver software, will set a new standard for autonomous driving with advanced collision avoidance capability,” Nissan claimed. Continue reading →

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Toyota 2025 Mirai Fuel-Cell Sedan Due in Spring

Posted on 28 March 2025 by Ken Zino

“Mirai has an EPA-Estimated Driving Range Rating of 402 Miles running on hydrogen from onboard tanks and oxygen from the outside air to generate power for the vehicle,” Toyota said. “In essence, the Mirai is a ‘plug-less’ electric vehicle. A Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) generates its own electricity onboard from hydrogen, with water as the only tailpipe emission. The fuel cell system combines stored hydrogen, along with oxygen from the air, and then a chemical reaction produces electric current and water, which drops out of a vent pipe beneath the car.

“Instead of having to charge a large battery pack like in a battery–electric vehicle, which can take several hours, the Mirai’s driver fills the vehicle’s tanks with hydrogen. With an FCEV, the fuel is non-toxic, compressed hydrogen gas rather than liquid gasoline,” Toyota said. Continue reading →

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Porsche Adding Wider Range of Apps and Services

Posted on 28 March 2025 by Ken Zino

Porsche AG (P911.DE) said this week that  it is optimizing its hardware for improved performance so that its App center offers  a wider range of services, including Dolby Atmos® for an immersive sound,  the integration of the Amazon Alexa® voice assistant among other things. It will also be offering Porsche Connect at no charge for 10 years on the purchase of new Porsche models. Thus Porsche known for its automotive performance technology is finally updating its digital age technology.*

“With the start of the new model year, the 911, Taycan, Panamera and Cayenne model series will benefit from significant improvements in infotainment technology and an expanded range of new functions in this area,” Porsche said. Continue reading →

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Electric Vehicle Sales Outpacing Public Chargers

Posted on 26 March 2025 by Ken Zino

Electric vehicles sold in the US during Q4 of 2024 comprised ~11% of all light duty vehicle sales. This is the highest quarter on record.* This also represents a 0.3% percentage-point market share increase from the 3rd quarter of 2024, according to an analysis released today by the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, a trade and lobbying group for automakers. There were about 433,843 EV sales from 144 different electric vehicle models sold in the 4th quarter alone of last year. Battery electric vehicles make up the majority of those, but plug-in electric as well as hybrid vehicle sales have been growing as well. Continue reading →

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Genesis Offers Free NACS Adapters

Posted on 25 March 2025 by Ken Zino

Genesis today announced that current U.S. EV owners who purchased their vehicle on or before 31 January 2025 will begin receiving emails inviting them to redeem their complimentary North American Charging Standard (NACS) adapters starting the week of 7 April. This Genesis authorized adapter gives Combined Charging System (CCS1) port GV60, Electrified GV70 and Electrified G80 owners access to an additional 20,000 NACS DC fast chargers in the U.S. at the Tesla Supercharger Network. Continue reading →

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Renesas Electronics Shows New Bluetooth Chip

Posted on 25 March 2025 by Ken Zino

Renesas Electronics Corporation (TSE: 6723) today introduced a new Bluetooth chip that combines a radio transceiver, an Arm® M0+ micro-controller, memory, peripherals and security features in a compact SoC (system on a chip) design.*

“The DA14533, the first automotive-qualified device in the company’s Bluetooth® Low Energy system-on-chip (SoC) family, includes advanced power management features to simplify system integration and reduce power consumption,” Renesas said. Continue reading →

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Autonomous Driving Systems – Magna and NVIDIA

Posted on 20 March 2025 by Ken Zino

“Combining NVIDIA accelerated compute and AI capabilities with Magna’s extensive automotive expertise and innovation, we aim to explore new standards for next-generation software-defined vehicle intelligence and autonomy,” said Steven Jenkins, Vice President of Technology Strategy at Magna Electronics. “Our collaboration allows us to develop market applications for AI-powered solutions that could redefine the driving experience and address the evolving demands of the automotive industry.” Continue reading →

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Mercedes-Benz Debuts New CLA in Rome?

Posted on 14 March 2025 by Ken Zino

The all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA (MBGAF) was launched in Rome yesterday, a surprising site for a German automaker. Mercedes said a launch of this magnitude deserves a backdrop of equal prestige…, which is why it chose Rome – a metropolis defined by timeless elegance, flair and progressive vision. Amidst the hype and hoopla some details of what is and has been a significant Mercedes car emerged.

“The premiere of the new CLA in Rome – a city just as iconic and timeless as Mercedes-Benz – was more than just another car launch. It marks the beginning of a new era for Mercedes-Benz and for our customers: The CLA will be the most efficient and the most intelligent Mercedes we’ve ever made. It’s the one-liter car for the electric age – and at the same time will also be available as a highly efficient hybrid version. It is the first in a series of new models we’re adding to the Mercedes-Benz family,” said Ola Kaellenius, Chief Executive Officer, Mercedes-Benz Group AG. Continue reading →

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Toyota C-HR+, bZ4X and Lexus RZ European Debuts

Posted on 12 March 2025 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor Corporation announced in Japan today that it will be expanding its battery electric vehicle (BEV) lineup in Europe as part of its multi-pathway approach toward achieving a carbon-neutral society. Continue reading →

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