Author: The Verge Online News

BMW and Mercedes-Benz will also try out subscription plans for new cars

Not to be left out by rivals, BMW and Mercedes-Benz appear to be joining the world of automotive subscription models that cover all of the fees required with car ownership or leasing under one payment. Both BMW and Mercedes are expected to announce pilot programs for a subscription service that covers not only car payments,… Continue reading BMW and Mercedes-Benz will also try out subscription plans for new cars

Ford teases an all-electric performance car called the ‘Mach 1’

Ford just rolled out a new Ranger pickup truck, Edge crossover, and Bullitt Mustang here at the North American International Auto Show, all of which were either rumored or expected. But the company teased something totally out of the blue at the very end of its press conference: an all-electric performance car called the “Mach… Continue reading Ford teases an all-electric performance car called the ‘Mach 1’

This timelapse shows how NASA puts a giant telescope into a deep freeze

NASA’s next big space observatory, the James Webb Space Telescope, has a little over a year before it launches — and until then, the spacecraft has been going through rigorous amounts of testing to prepare for its journey. It recently finished up its latest testing round at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, where it… Continue reading This timelapse shows how NASA puts a giant telescope into a deep freeze

I rode in the Mercedes concept car that shut down the Las Vegas Strip

Self-driving cars are a long way from the hands of customers, but the race to get there is fierce, and no company wants to look like it’s been left behind. The biggest automakers seem especially eager to remind us constantly that they’re just as focused on the future as Silicon Valley. That’s why Mercedes-Benz shut… Continue reading I rode in the Mercedes concept car that shut down the Las Vegas Strip

Ford plans to develop a connected car open-source platform

If there’s a common theme in Ford Motor Company’s approach to the future of transportation, it’s that there needs to be some rules. Perhaps it’s that it was caught flat-footed when numerous other automakers were investing in self-driving technology or partnering up with Silicon Valley tech companies left and right. Today, Ford thinks it’s on… Continue reading Ford plans to develop a connected car open-source platform

Uber hires Tesla’s lead battery expert to help power its ‘flying car’ service

Celina Mikolajczak, a senior manager for battery pack development at Tesla, has been hired by Uber to help the ride-hail company’s “flying car” project get off the ground. It’s an important hire because it signals that Uber plans to get more involved in the engineering aspects of this outlandish-sounding project. For six years, Mikolajczak served… Continue reading Uber hires Tesla’s lead battery expert to help power its ‘flying car’ service