Category Archives: connected vehicles

Kia Shows Modular EV and Autonomous Driving Concepts

Posted on 9 January 2024 by Ken Zino

Kia has revealed its so-called Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) future strategy at a trade show in Las Vegas. Kia’s PBV business will start around the introduction of an all-new, modular vehicle, previewed by the Kia Concept PV5. This was presented … Continue reading →

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Significant 2023 Automotive Stories and Trends

Posted on 1 January 2024 by Ken Zino

Our aspirations of becoming a more useful part of our society comprised of “We the People” is under daily news-cycle assault with an insurrection of can’t do characters and their apologists and power-hungry enablers who are our enemies within. They are the greatest threat to our upwardly mobile, inclusive democratic society. These illiterate book banners and burners are threatening our genuine American optimism and can-do past that still propels the best of us to keep moving forward with or without drums and fifes. Continue reading →

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Japan Inc – Automakers Start Advanced SoC Research

Posted on 29 December 2023 by Ken Zino

ASRA aims to establish in-vehicle chiplet technology by 2028 and to install SoCs in mass-produced vehicles from 2030 onward. By combining Japan’s technological capabilities and experience in automotive, electrical components, and semiconductors, ASRA will work with industry, government, and academia to promote domestic and international collaboration as a world-leading technology research group, the socially and environmentally awakened firms said. Continue reading →

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Audi, Porsche, Scout Motors and VW EVs to offer NACS in 2025

Posted on 19 December 2023 by Ken Zino

“This is great news for our electric vehicle customers in the North American Region,” said Pablo Di Si, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. “This potentially provides them with access to more than 15,000 additional charging points as well as the current near-4,000 DC fast charging outlets operated by Electrify America.” Continue reading →

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Mercedes-Benz – Turquoise Autonomous Driving Marker Lights

Posted on 19 December 2023 by Ken Zino

Mercedes-Benz said today that it has approvals for turquoise-colored automated driving marker lights in California and Nevada. The exemption permit for California is for testing vehicles and initially limited to two years. The Nevada permit applies to Mercedes-Benz Model Year 2026 production vehicles. Thus a marketing component – styling with lights – is now part of the ongoing debate about the effect of autonomous vehicles on the safety of other road users and pedestrians. Continue reading →

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Preorders Open for Acura 2024 ZDX Performance EV

Posted on 18 December 2023 by Ken Zino

The 2024 ZDX A-Spec is forecast to start in the $60,000 range with a single-motor (rear-wheel-drive) powertrain. A more powerful dual-motor (all-wheel-drive) configuration is also available. ZDX Type S has a performance tuned dual-motor AWD powertrain producing ~ 500 horsepower and is expected to start in the $70,000 range. Continue reading →

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Tesla Recalls 2,031,220 Autopilot Equipped Vehicles

Posted on 14 December 2023 by Ken Zino

Tesla (Nasdaq: TSLA) is recalling 2,031,220 vehicles with Autopilot. Included are 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the versions that contain the recall remedy, according to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration yesterday.

“In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature’s controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature,” Tesla said in the required NHTSA filing. Continue reading →

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Cadillac VISTIQ Three Row SUV to Join EV Lineup

Posted on 14 December 2023 by Ken Zino

“VISTIQ adds another compelling EV to the Cadillac lineup, reinforcing our commitment to an electric future,” said John Roth, vice president of Global Cadillac. “Our brand now has an EV entry in most luxury segments, offering customers a range of choices, and Cadillac EVs will cover most luxury SUV segments across critical global markets in the next two years.” Continue reading →

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Bosch Puts Entertainment and Driver Assistance on One Chip

Posted on 7 December 2023 by Ken Zino

Robert Bosch has debuted integrated functions from previously separate vehicle domains on a computer chip. Now it has infotainment and driver assistance functions on one chip. So-called software-defined automobility goes hand in hand with a centralized vehicle and electric/electronic (E/E) architecture.

“Central vehicle computers are the heart of software-defined cars,” said Dr. Markus Heyn at a trade show. Continue reading →

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Fossil Fuel Powered Vehicles Plagued with Connectivity Bugs

Posted on 7 December 2023 by Ken Zino

“Smartphone apps remain a highly problematic vehicle feature, even as manufacturers continue to focus on resolving connectivity-related issues,” said Jason Norton, senior manager of global automotive consulting at J.D. Power, “It’s clear that customers will have a better overall ownership experience if they have a better smartphone app experience.”   Continue reading →

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The Quantum Mobility Quest from Airbus and BMW Group

Posted on 6 December 2023 by Ken Zino

This could be a first-of-its-kind attempt to develop applications to harness quantum technologies for real-world industrial applications. The companies said it has the potential to forge more efficient, sustainable and safer solutions for the future of transportation. This nascent technology could play a key role in simulating various industrial and operational processes, opening up opportunities to shape future mobility products and services. Continue reading →

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Pilot Travel Centers, GM, Evgo Open Fast Charging Network

Posted on 5 December 2023 by Ken Zino

Pilot Travel Centers, GM, and EVgo, along with many public agencies and utilities, have worked together to increase the nation’s public fast charging infrastructure. They claim this creates a model for how public-private collaboration can make measurable progress in accelerating broader access to EV charging. The three companies have worked to provide current and future EV drivers “with a thoughtful, practical and accessible charging experience for long distance travel.” Continue reading →

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Ford Pro and Xcel Energy to Install 30,000 Fleet EV Chargers

Posted on 5 December 2023 by Ken Zino

Most initial costs will be offset by Xcel for qualifying business fleet customers in the limited areas it operates in. Starting in 2024, 30×30 will be available through Xcel Energy’s Electric Vehicle Supply Infrastructure (EVSI) program in Colorado and Wisconsin. Xcel will seek expansion in future states during the next six years within Xcel Energy’s service territories, pending regulatory approvals, including Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota and Texas. Continue reading →

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The US’s first public EV-charging Roadway Unveiled in Detroit

Posted on 30 November 2023 by Ken Zino

This project for a zero-emission mobility future where EVs are plentiful is endorsed by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who announced the pilot initiative in September 2021 to develop the nation’s first wireless charging infrastructure on a public road in Michigan. MDOT and Electreon have entered a five-year commitment to develop the electric road system (ERS), using the technology on Michigan roads. Continue reading →

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EV Pickups Least Reliable Says Consumer Reports at APA

Posted on 29 November 2023 by Ken Zino

New Electric vehicles (EVs) have on average 79% more problems than (ICE) vehicles with internal combustion engines(ICE). Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) are even worse with an average of 146% more problems, according to  the Annual Auto Reliability survey* from Consumer Reports Continue reading →

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