Category Archives: safety

Beware of Self Interest in Mobility Promotion says NADA

“I get it. You can’t go to an automotive or a tech conference these days without hearing about the end of personal vehicle ownership,” he said. “But I’m asking you: Question the hype, ask for proof, and find out what they’re not telling you. The future will work itself out regardless. I just want us to be informed in the meantime.” Continue reading

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Critical TechWorks JV with BMW Group and Critical Software

Critical TechWorks represents an addition of unknown importance to the BMW Group’s global innovation network in IT and software development. With increased involvement in the field of digitalization, BMW Group is pursuing its transformation into a mobility-tech company and actively shaping the digital shift in the automotive industry. Continue reading

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Autonomous Vehicle Tower of Babble Growing

So, it’s no surprise that Ford Motor is calling for a “Standard Self-Driving Car Language to Communicate Intent.” Think of this as more sophisticated turn signals – perhaps the most underused safety item on current cars and brake lights. Only here the intent is to signal to pedestrians what the car is going to do and to the hapless passengers inside the Autonomous Vehicle, who are literally along for the ride. Continue reading

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ClimaCell Raises $45 Million to Map the World’s Microweather

ClimaCell is the first microweather technology company, finding and forecasting location-specific, short-term weather that others can’t see. While traditional weather companies forecast at the city level, ClimaCell forecasts at the street level. Continue reading

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Autonomous Car Road Bumps – Mercedes Lane Keeping Recall

The software calibration for the Active Lane Keeping Assist in the top of the line S-class may be incorrect. As a result, the system may not intervene in the event of an unintended lane departure while traveling faster than 65 miles an hour. Continue reading

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GM Recalls 2014-16 Cadillac CTS Vehicles for Seat-Heater Fires

In cold ambient temperatures, the seat heaters in these vehicles can turn on automatically when the vehicle is remotely started. If a damaged seat heater is turned on while no one is inside the vehicle, the damaged seat heater can overheat, increasing the risk of a fire. Continue reading

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FAA Targets UAS or Drone Violators for Enforcement

In July 2016, Congress authorized the FAA to impose a civil penalty of not more than $20,000 for anyone who operates a drone and deliberately or recklessly interferes with wildfire suppression, law enforcement, or emergency response efforts. Continue reading

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Porsche Increases Investment in Start-Ups by €150 Million

Porsche says it is focusing on investments in business models relating to the “customer experience, mobility and digital lifestyle,” as well as on future technologies such as “artificial intelligence, blockchain and virtual and augmented reality.” Through its venture capital activities, the aging sports car manufacturer is seeking to invest in new companies that are in the early and growth phases. Continue reading

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Versata, Not Ford, Owns Trade Secrets says Federal Judge

Versata declared publicly that the jury verdict could result in hundreds of millions of dollars of damages to Ford and could result in an injunction from using the “copycat” substitute software Ford secretly created behind closed doors that infringes on Versata’s property rights. Continue reading

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Joys of Crossover Trucking? Largest Subaru Ever

Ascent, with a 113.8-in. wheelbase, is the largest Subaru ever built. With 153.5 cubic feet of passenger volume, plus cargo space, the Ascent provides room for every passenger and their gear. Continue reading

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Hack Attacks – Connected Vehicle Cyber Security Lags

Then the payoff comes, but not for the car owners who have lost the rights to their own data, Smart mobility unlocks myriad selling opportunities for both the OEMs as well as so-called value-added service creators. It also brings with it a range of cybersecurity risk that never existed before. Continue reading

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BMW i Ventures Takes Stake in Vera

Recently Vera has focused on scaling its data security platform to protect both email and enterprise content with dynamic encryption and granular control. The company recently introduced its Vera for Mail offering and browser-based editing capabilities, enhancing users’ ability to access and collaborate on secure files across devices and operating systems. The new capital – unspecified – will help broadly to fuel Vera’s next phase of growth and scale its workforce globally. Continue reading

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Ford Using Inspection Drones at Dagenham Engine Plant

Now, controlling drones equipped with GoPro cameras allow maintenance staff to inspect each area in just 12 minutes. The whole production facility can be covered in a day, looking at hard-to-reach areas to ensure they are well-maintained and comply to safety standards. Continue reading

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Toyota Motor and Uber Expand Collaboration

To accomplish this, technology from each company will be integrated into purpose-built Toyota vehicles to be deployed on Uber’s ride-sharing network. Separately, Toyota is investing $500 million in Uber. Continue reading

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Ford Issues Two Safety Defect Recalls for Fires

Ford admits that it is aware of “some fire reports.” Continue reading

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