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Category Archives: software defined vehicles
Connectivity Snags Haunt Improvements in New-Vehicle Quality
“As more technology is introduced into vehicles, keeping the experience simple matters more than ever,” said Frank Hanley, senior director of auto benchmarking at JD Power. “The biggest gains in quality come from features that are easy to use—simple controls, less-intrusive driver assistance and software that works the way customers expect. When technology becomes too complicated, the likelihood of customers experiencing a problem rises considerably.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, awards, connected vehicles, customer satisfaction, distracted driving, electronics, news analysis, quality, safety, shows and events, software defined vehicles
Tagged Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, body panel fit and finish, driving assistance alerts, electric vehicle range, Frank Hanley, J.D. Power 2026 IQS, JD Power 2026 IQS, Ken Zino, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, road noise, X @KenAutoinformed
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First Look – 2027 Porsche Taycan EV. Values Crisis?
Porsche (P911.DE) said yesterday that it is enhancing the driving experience of all Taycan models. Some of the changes arise from what AutoInformed thinks is an identity crisis caused by long-held Porsche technology and marketing values facing new-age electronics and … Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, new vehicle, news analysis, opinions, shows and events, software defined vehicles, software defined vehicles
Tagged 2027 Porsche Taycan EV, AI-supported Voice Pilot, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Kevin Giek, Lars Kern, Manthey Kits, Porsche Digital Interaction, Porsche Electric Sport Sound, the Nürburgring Nordschleife, Weissach package, X @KenAutoinformed
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Ralph Nader Arises Again in Uber Legal Accountability Bout
Consumer advocate Ralph Nader has released an open letter to Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi condemning the company’s efforts to limit legal accountability for crashes involving rideshare drivers and autonomous vehicles. It objects to Uber’s push for federal legislation sponsored by Representative Vince Fong (Republican – Bakersfield, CA) that would limit the company’s legal exposure for crashes involving drivers using its platform. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, autonomous vehicles, connected vehicles, litigation, mobility company, news analysis, opinions, people, safety, software defined vehicles, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Consumer Watchdog President Jamie Court, House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ralph Nader, Representative Vince Fong, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, Unsafe at Any Speed, X @KenAutoinformed
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Stellantis, Jaguar Land Rover Sign MOU on Tech Development
Stellantis (NYSE: STLA. STLAM.MI) and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore opportunities to collaborate on product development in the United States. Under the terms of the non-binding MOU, Stellantis and … Continue reading
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, customer satisfaction, design and styling, electronics, engineering, news analysis, software defined vehicles, software defined vehicles
Tagged amazon, Antonio Filosa, apple, artificial intelligence, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, google, jaguar land rover, jlr, JLR USA technology hub in Portland, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, NVIDIA, Revenge of the RAJ, Tata Sons, V2X, X @KenAutoinformed
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Lexus ES to Debut AT&T 5G Network Connectivity in 2026 ES
Lexus (NYSE: TM, 7203 T) said today it debuting the first integration of AT&T 5G Network Connectivity in the Lexus lineup. The enhanced version of the Lexus Interface multimedia system will make its debut in the 2026 ES before rolling out to future models in the Lexus lineup.
“We are excited for guests to experience something truly special,” said Brian Inouye, chief engineer, Connected Experiences Division. “We’ve made bold updates to Lexus Interface that deliver both function and performance, with every detail meticulously designed to delight, inform and entertain.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, customer satisfaction, electronics, engineering, marketing, mobility company, news analysis, software defined vehicles, software defined vehicles, vehicle personalization
Tagged AT&T 5G Network, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Brian Inouye, Digital Key, Drive Recorder clips, EV Charge Management, EV Routing, Ken Zino, Lexus Voice Assistant, siriusxm, Spotify, Toyota Connected, vehicle personalization, X @KenAutoinformed
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Bosch Supplied Cloud-Based Driving Safety Alerts is Growing
A cloud-based service that uses continuously updated data from numerous sources to quickly warn drivers of potential hazards on their route, such as sudden fog or black ice is now being used in millions of different cars and commercial vehicles … Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electronics, engineering, mobility company, news analysis, public health, safety, software defined vehicles
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, BMW iX1, Bosch Group, Dr. Markus Heyn, iX2, iX3, Ken Zino, Robert Bosch GmbH, X @KenAutoinformed, X3
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Nissan in Survival Mode Sheds Models for Next Gen Products
“This is the right moment to articulate Nissan’s long‑term vision as we move beyond the Re:Nissan recovery plan and set a clear path for the future. Our vision defines where Nissan is headed, with customer experience as our guiding priority. By advancing mobility intelligence, we will deliver intuitive, advanced, and reliable products and technologies that offer outstanding value and enrich how mobility is experienced,” said Ivan Espinosa, the latest President and CEO of Nissan. [With this role of the Company dice, loss-making Nissan is betting on the come line. Wagering that new products in the future will be profitable enough to ensure survival – AutoCrat.] Continue reading
Posted in auto news, energy, engineering, financial results, labor issues, manufacturing, marketing, mobility company, shows and events, software defined vehicles
Tagged 2027 Infiniti QX65 SUV, AI-Defined Vehicles, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ivan Espinosa, Juke EV, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Rogue and X‑Trail Hybrid, Skyline, X @KenAutoinformed, Xterra
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Chinese Owned Volvo Cars to Import Lynk & Co Cars in Europe
“With this new arrangement, we will leverage our commercial system to support Lynk & Co’s growth ambitions in Europe,” said Erik Severinson, chief commercial officer at Volvo Cars. “At the same time, it enables Volvo Cars and our retail partners to address a wider customer base. With the support of our retailers and our commercial organization, Lynk & Co can achieve its true potential in Europe.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, engineering, labor issues, manufacturing, marketing, milestones, mobility company, news, news analysis, software defined vehicles, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Erik Severinson, Geely Auto, Geely Holding, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Lynk & Co, Lynk & Co 01 SUV, Volvo Cars, X @KenAutoinformed
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California Ballot Scheme Limiting Robocar Liability Criticized
Uber announced today a partnership to put 50,000 Rivian Robotaxis on the road, including in San Francisco, the site of the Cruise AV crash with a pedestrian and Fire Truck. This comes as powerful corporate and legal interests are embattled in a fight over an upcoming California ballot initiative in November limiting victims’ medical recovery in all accident cases. Opponents claim it will prevent the seriously injured from finding contingency fee attorneys, making it difficult to sue robocar operators, manufacturers, or any reckless driver or automaker.
“This is a naked power grab by Uber to remove liability for its robotaxis and accelerate their rollout without accountability when their robotaxis harm or kill pedestrians and other drivers,” said Jamie Court, president of Consumer Watchdog, a non-profit that issued a report, “License To Kill: How Uber’s Rush To Close Courthouse Doors And Roll Out Robocars Threatens Public Safety.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, autonomous vehicles, customer satisfaction, electronics, mobility company, news analysis, public health, safety, software defined vehicles, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, California ballot initiative on limiting liability for robotaxis and Robocars, Consumer Watchdog, Dara Khosrowshahi, Jamie Court, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, NASDAQ: RIVN, Rivian R2 robotaxis, RJ Scaringe, X @KenAutoinformed
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First Look – Genesis GV60 Magma Performance EV
“In a very short period of time, our engineers achieved something truly remarkable,” stated Manfred Harrer, President and Head of Hyundai Motor Group’s R&D Division. “They created a car that is not only fast, but truly Genesis; a car that inspires confidence and provides a true emotional connection.” Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, connected vehicles, electric vehicles, engineering, global warming, marketing, mobility company, software defined vehicles, software defined vehicles
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Genesis GV60 Magma, Hyundai Motor Group, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Manfred Harrer, Taejun Kang, X @KenAutoinformed
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Sudden Power Loss – Ford Motor Recall Parade Persists
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling ~48,000 model year 2025 Ranger, Mustang, Maverick, and Lincoln Nautilus vehicles. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve may fail, resulting in an unexpected loss of drive power. Affected vehicles are equipped with suspect Korean-made EGR valves installed in the 2.0-liter Gas, and 2.0-liter Hybrid Engines.
“Customers may initially experience weak acceleration, engine vibration, a no start condition, or a check engine light,” Ford said in the mandatory safety defect filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration this morning. Ford is operating under a consent order from NHTSA because of its previous handing of recalls Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, engineering, mobility company, news analysis, public health, quality, recalls, safety, software defined vehicles
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ford stalling recall 26S10, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Korens Republic of Korea EGR valve recall, NHTSA Ford Motor Safety Defect recall 26V122 or 26V-122, X @KenAutoinformed
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Volvo Cars – 2.5 Million Software Upgrades Are Now Free
“This update is one of the largest over-the-air updates in automotive history, leveraging years of investment in Volvo Cars’ tech stack to improve life with their cars for millions of people,” says Anders Bell, chief engineering and technology officer at Chinese-owned Volvo Cars. “Our new user experience delivers significant updates and improvement in areas most used by drivers, and directly addresses the needs and desires of our customers.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, customer satisfaction, electronics, marketing, mobility company, news analysis, software defined vehicles, software defined vehicles
Tagged Anders Bell, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, C40, EC40, EX40, Geely Holding, google, Google Gemini, Google Maps, Google Play, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, S60, S90, V60, V60 Cross Country, V90, V90 Cross Country, Volvo Cars, X @KenAutoinformed, XC40, XC60, XC90
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Sudden EV Power Loss – Toyota BZ, Lexus RZ, Subaru Solterra Recalled
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (NYSE: TM, 7203T) is recalling ~21,000 model-year 2026 Toyota BZ, Lexus RZ, and Subaru Solterra battery electric vehicles. The Denso-supplied electronic control unit (Battery ECU) that controls the high-voltage battery may experience a fault, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power.
“Toyota observed certain diagnostic data during development testing of a new Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) model. After investigation, Toyota found that the memory in the battery ECU can fail an operation check because a part of the memory address location utilized by the battery control IC overlaps with a part utilized by the monitoring IC. The monitoring IC could repeatedly overwrite data at the same memory address used by the battery control IC when the memory operational check cycle matches the monitoring IC’s write operation cycle,” Toyota said in the mandatory safety defect recall filling made published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this morning. Continue reading →