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Category Archives: software defined vehicles
MBUSA Recalling EQB models for Battery Fires
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) is recalling more than 7000 model year 2022-2024 EQB 250, EQB 300 4MATIC, and EQB 350 4MATIC electric vehicles. The high voltage battery may fail internally and lead to a vehicle fire while parked or driving.
In the mandatory safety defect recall filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration this morning, MBUSA said, “Due to the combination of certain production and vehicle use conditions, an internal short circuit of a battery cell in the high-voltage battery might occur, which could lead to the risk of a fire.” The defective software supplier is Farasis Energy-Ganzhou in China. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, car sharing, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, global warming, manufacturing, news analysis, quality, recalls, software defined vehicles
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Farasis Energy-Ganzhou, Ken Zino, Mercedes-Benz USA Recalls, NHTSA 25V0500 or 25V-0500, X @KenAutoinformed
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First Look – 2026 Model Cadillac LYRIQ-V
Cadillac is adding a significant model to its high-performance V-Series family with the 2026 Cadillac LYRIQ-V – the first-ever all-electric V-Series performance vehicle. Cadillac- estimates it has 615 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft . (880 Nm) of torque, which deliver a Cadillac-estimated 0-60 time of 3.3 seconds with Velocity Max. This makes it the quickest Cadillac ever starting at $79,990. The timing is unfortunate given Trump’s emerging trade and economic policies that likely will negatively affect Lyric’s prospects in the U.S., Canada and globally. LYRIQ-V will also be sold in the Australia, New Zealand, as well as other markets to be announced. Production starts early 2025 at General Motors’ Spring Hill Manufacturing plant in Tennessee. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, engineering, manufacturing, marketing, milestones, news analysis, performance, software defined vehicles
Tagged 2026 Cadillac LYRIQ-V, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Dave Stutzman, John Roth, Ken Zino, Trump Mis-Administration, Trump tariffs, Trump trade policies, X @KenAutoinformed
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DOJ – Cruise Deferred Prosecution for Pedestrian Crash
GM’s Cruise autonomous vehicle company* based in San Francisco, fixed a criminal charge in federal court for providing a false record to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) with the intent to impede, obstruct, or influence the investigation of a crash involving one of Cruise’s autonomous vehicles. Cruise has agreed to resolve the charge through a deferred prosecution agreement and payment of a $500,000 criminal fine.
“Federal laws and regulations are in place to protect public safety on our roads. Companies with self-driving cars that seek to share our roads and crosswalks must be fully truthful in their reports to their regulators,” said Martha Boersch, Chief of the Office of the U.S. Attorney’s Criminal Division. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, autonomous vehicles, connected vehicles, litigation, mobility company, news analysis, quality, safety, software defined vehicles, software defined vehicles
Tagged 000 criminal fine, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Cruise $500, Cruise Deferred Prosecution agreement, Ken Zino, Martha Boersch, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, X @KenAutoinformed
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Software Defined Vehicles – NTT, Toyota Motor Link Together
NTT and Toyota Motor Corporation said today in Japan that they have agreed toa joint initiative in the field of mobility and AI/telecommunications with the aim of realizing a society with zero traffic accidents. (read Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on: Connected Cars – Toyota and NTT Want Standardization)
“Through their previous collaborations, the two companies have confirmed that they share common values, such as contributing to society through technological and industrial development, a people-centered approach, and global contributions that start in Japan. This time, they will further deepen their collaboration with the aim of achieving a ‘society with zero traffic accidents’ as the first step towards realizing a prosperous mobility society where safety and freedom are in harmony,” the release said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, customer satisfaction, mobility company, news analysis, public health, safety, software defined vehicles, software defined vehicles
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, human mobility infrastructure, IOWN optical communication technology, Ken Zino, Mobility AI Platform, NTT and Toyota Motor Corporation, X @KenAutoinformed, zero traffic accidents
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Volkswagen Adds New Collision Avoidance Alerts
Volkswagen of America today announced new collision avoidance alerts that can provide advance warning to Volkswagen drivers of oncoming roadside hazards and notify some oncoming vehicles that a Volkswagen vehicle is disabled. Starting later this fall, this technology will be included with VW Car-Net Safe & Secure subscriptions* at no additional charge for most MY24 and MY25 Volkswagen vehicles equipped with the proper technology. Volkswagen is the first automaker in the United States to integrate H.E.L.P. ® (Hazard Enhanced Location Protocol) and Road Awareness collision avoidance alerts within its connected vehicle services.
“Putting these collision avoidance alerts into Volkswagen vehicles advances our commitment to the safety of both our drivers and all others who are on the road,” said Rachael Zaluzec, Senior Vice President of Customer Experience and Brand Marketing at Volkswagen of America. “Volkswagen continues to democratize access to features that help both enhance vehicle safety and exceed the expectations of our vehicle owners.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, marketing, mobility company, news analysis, safety, shows and events, software defined vehicles, software defined vehicles
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, connected vehicle-to-everything CV2X, Frank Weith, Hazard Enhanced Location Protocol, Ken Zino, Rachael Zaluzec, VW Car-Net Safe & Secure, X @KenAutoinformed
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Ford Recalls Mach-E Models for Power Brake and other Failures
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling 2021 Mach-E vehicles because An Over-The-Air (OTA) update to the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) may result in a loss of power brake assist, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, and driver assistance features. The instrument cluster will display several ABS-related warning lamps and text messages at vehicle startup, according to the required filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today. Continue reading
Posted in connected vehicles, customer satisfaction, manufacturing, news analysis, quality, recalls, safety, software defined vehicles
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ford recall 24S65, ford recalls, Ken Zino, Mach-E recalls, NHTSA recall 24V777, Over-The-Air (OTA) update recalls, software recalls, X @KenAutoinformed
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Dodge Charger Daytona Cars to use Solid State Batteries
Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA) and privately held Factorial Energy said today that their partnership to accelerate the development and deployment of next-generation electric vehicles (EVs) powered by Factorial’s solid-state battery technology* will begin with the launching of a demonstration fleet of all-new Dodge Charger Daytona vehicles based on the STLA Large platform incorporating solid-state batteries in 2026. Critics of solid state batteries maintain the thus far valid assertion that there is no clear path to mass production. Perhaps this will alter that perception at some pint in the future. But demonstration fleets are not mass production. Read AutoInformed.com on – Solid-State Cell Technology – All Hype No Production Way? Continue reading
Posted in connected vehicles, electric vehicles, energy, global warming, milestones, news analysis, software defined vehicles, software defined vehicles
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Factorial FEST® solid-state battery technology, Ken Zino, Ned Curic, Siyu Huang, Stellantis and Factorial, X @KenAutoinformed
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Toyota to Invest in Joby Aviation EV Taxis!
In a quiet, overlooked announcement earlier this month, Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE: TM) and Joby Aviation( NYSE: JOBY), a company developing electric air taxis for commercial passenger service, announced that Toyota will invest an additional $500 million to support the certification and commercial production of Joby’s electric air taxi. The investment will be made in two equal tranches, with the first targeted to close later this year and the second during 2025. This is part of a trend of traditional automobile companies transitioning to mobility companies on land, the seas, air or space.
“Today’s investment builds on nearly seven years of collaboration between our companies,” said JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO, Joby Aviation. “The knowledge and support shared by Toyota has been instrumental in Joby’s success and we look forward to deepening our relationship as we deliver on our shared vision for the future of air travel.” Continue reading
Posted in autonomous vehicles, aviation, economy, electric vehicles, engineering, environment, global warming, milestones, news analysis, shows and events, software defined vehicles, transportation
Tagged akio toyoda, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, electric air taxis, JoeBen Bevirt, Ken Zino, NYSE: JOBY, NYSE: TM, Tetsuo Ogawa, Toyota Ventures, X @KenAutoinformed
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NISSAN ENERGY Charge Network Launches
Nissan announced today an “enhancement “to the MyNISSAN app that claims to simplify EV ownership by consolidating vehicle management and public charging into one app. Users store a default payment method in the MyNISSAN app, then once at a compatible charging station, simply tap an on-screen button to start a charging session within the NISSAN ENERGY Charge Network. This new app will be available to MyNISSAN app users by November 2024.
“Owning and charging a Nissan EV will become simpler and more seamless with the launch of the NISSAN ENERGY Charge Network. The new network allows Nissan Ariya and future Nissan EV drivers to use their MyNISSAN app to find charging stations, see real-time charger availability and pay for charging – all in one streamlined experience,” Nissan said in a release. Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, customer satisfaction, electric vehicles, electronics, energy, global warming, marketing, news analysis, shows and events, software defined vehicles
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, MyNISSAN app, NISSAN ENERGY Charge Network, Nissan Leaf EV, X @KenAutoinformed
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Man vs Autonomous Machine Race Coming to Suzuka
The Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL)* said today that a “Man vs Machine Showdown” is coming to the Suzuka Circuit in Japan next month. The exhibition race will be the first time Japanese spectators can see a head-to-head race between human drivers and AI technology. It will take place on the Super Formula double-header season finale on November 9-10.
“In partnership with Japan Race Promotion, A2RL’s ‘Man vs Machine’ challenge will pit two Super Formula race cars against each other in a head-to-head competition. One car will be piloted by former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat, A2RL’s development driver, while the other will be entirely controlled by advanced autonomous algorithms and robotics, showcasing cutting-edge technology,” A2RL said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, marketing, milestones, news analysis, performance, racing, shows and events, software defined vehicles
Tagged A2RL, Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League, Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology and Research Council, AI technology, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Dallara SF23, Daniil Kvyat, Juju Noda, Ken Zino, Stephane Timpano, X @KenAutoinformed
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Yawn or Yikes? Hyundai, Waymo Link on Autonomous SUVs
Hyundai Motor Company and Waymo today said they have entered into a multi-year, strategic partnership that will integrate Waymo’s sixth-generation fully autonomous technology, dubbed the Waymo Driver, into Hyundai’s all-electric IONIQ 5 SUV, which will be added to the Waymo One fleet over time.*
“We are thrilled to partner with Hyundai as we further our mission to be the world’s most trusted driver,” said Tekedra Mawakana, co-CEO, Waymo. “Hyundai’s focus on sustainability and strong electric vehicle roadmap makes them a great partner for us as we bring our fully autonomous service to more riders in more places.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, autonomous vehicles, mobility company, news analysis, shows and events, software defined vehicles
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Chang Song, Hyundai and Waymo autonomous vehicles, Hyundai IONIQ 5, José Muñoz, Ken Zino, Tekedra Mawakana, X @KenAutoinformed
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Prius Prime Changes its Name to Prius Plug-in Hybrid for 2025
Toyota (NYSE:TM) said today that the 2025 model year version of Prius Prime will be rebranded as the Prius Plug-in Hybrid. The change to the Prius Plug-in is intended to help consumers easily identify the powertrain choices among Prius models. The 2025 Prius Plug-in Hybrid will also adopt a “PHEV” badge on the rear, indicating its Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle powertrain. It will be available in three grades: SE, XSE and XSE Premium. Pricing was omitted. Back in 2022 when a new Prius Prime model was introduced, with a manufacturer estimated EV range of up to 44 miles and a 6.6-second 0-60 time, it was a flexible vehicle short and longer trips. The 2025 with a 13.6 kWh lithium-ion battery, the SE grade has a manufacturer-estimated 44-mile all-electric driving range rating. While the XSE and XSE Premium have a manufacturer-estimated 40 mile all-electric driving range rating. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, environment, global warming, marketing, new vehicle, news analysis, software defined vehicles, software defined vehicles
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, M20A-FXS, prius plug-in hybrid, Toyota Safety Sense, ToyotaCare, X @KenAutoinformed
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Volvo Car USA Recalls EX90s for Headlight Failures
Volvo Car USA is recalling 2025 EX90 electric full-size SUVs. Due to a software error in the low power controller (LPC), the headlight shutters may close over the high and low beams while driving, according to the mandatory safety recall filing made public today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. A Temporary DIM message is displayed for 2-3 seconds during the safety defect. Continue reading →