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Waymo’s robot taxi service is improving, but riders still have complaints

Waymo is operating its self-driving ride-hailing service in two cities: Phoenix, with some paying customers and some riding for free, and San Francisco and the surrounding towns, with just employees as passengers. A majority of riders leave positive feedback about their experiences riding in Waymo’s robot taxis, but there are still some notable complaints, according… Continue reading Waymo’s robot taxi service is improving, but riders still have complaints

Volkswagen ID 4X spy shots reveal production direction for Crozz electric crossover

The model that’s leading Volkswagen’s electric-car push—and what Volkswagen has called the replacement for the e-Golf, the city-focused ID 3 hatchback, isn’t coming to America.

Instead, the U.S. will be getting the second model, a rugged-themed, somewhat taller crossover hatchback based on the ID Crozz concept from 2017.

We’d previously expected the production Crozz—now potentially called the ID 4X—to be an ID 3 that was simply lifted an inch or two and fitted with some body cladding and rugged cues, a la Golf Alltrack or Subaru Crosstrek. But a new set of spy pictures published at our companion site Motor Authority underscores that there may be more of a difference between the two models.

Both models have a “cab-forward” design that takes advantage of how the platform doesn’t allow for an engine or transmission in front. A steep windshield and rounded roofline look good for aerodynamics. It also doesn’t borrow the ID 3’s unique segmented front window.

Volkswagen ID 3 and ID 4 (crop) – S. Baldauf/SB-Medien

Otherwise from these camouflaged prototypes, it appears that the production Crozz is “scaled up” a size from both the ID 3 and the Hyundai Kona Electric it was spotted testing with. The production ID 3 is 161.4 inches long, with a wheelbase of 108.3 inches, whereas the ID Crozz concept measured 182.1 inches long and had a wheelbase of 109.2.

Size-wise, it’s one of the most popular segments of the market, comparable to the Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4, or Honda CR-V—or the Tesla Model Y.

While the ID 3 will offer three different battery packs—48, 62, and 82 kwh (45, 58, and 77 kwh usable capacity)—we expect only the top two to be offered in the ID 4X. U.S. rated range has not been estimated as of yet, but both will have 100-kw CCS DC fast charging.

A new ID concept car that will sketch out the Volkswagen brand’s sixth production-bound vehicle on the MEB platform is likely headed to the LA auto show, in November.

The ID-4X is due to reach the market in summer or fall 2020, for the 2021 model year.

Audi AI:Trail concept teased: Are off-road and autonomous mutually exclusive?

Audi has provided an early tease of a completely new electric concept vehicle it plans to reveal at the upcoming Frankfurt auto show next month. Called AI:Trail, it appears to be a nod to the idea that technology-advanced autonomous vehicles may not entirely be bound to the normal maze of streets and highways.

The concept, Audi says, shows “an electrically driven off-roader of the future,” and completes a quartet of visionary vehicles that started in 2017 with the Aicon and Elaine. This one appears to have rugged lower-body cladding like an SUV—and, perhaps, additional ground clearance—while offering a low beltline and a good view out for passengers. True to vehicles built on a “skateboard” electric-vehicle platform, the AI:Trail appears to push the cab forward, without the typical SUV engine bay.

The most recent of these “AI” concepts was the AI:ME, revealed at the Shanghai auto show earlier this year as how the brand sees urban mobility in the future. It featured a less-advanced version autonomy, with a steering wheel and pedal set that retract into the dash when not needed.

Audi Aicon Concept

The Aicon revealed at the 2017 Frankfurt show provided a cohesive look at how innovations could combine in a fully autonomous vehicle that amounted to a very high-end (well-performing) lounge on wheels. It went to the eventual extremes that futurists might anticipate in autonomous vehicles, beyond just removing the steering wheel—doing away, for instance, with long-range headlamps, adding a wrap-around haptic interface, and using eye-tracking.

Even in a time when autonomous modes become the norm, it would seem that people will still want to go on vacation, explore, and go off the main (and paved) highways. We'll have to wait a few weeks to see exactly how Audi addresses this more rugged trail to the future.

Lexus electric car, Audi AI concept, Tesla and LG Chem: Today’s Car News

Audi teases a rugged-looking autonomous-driving concept. Tesla hooks up with LG Chem. And the first of the new Volkswagen EVs we see in the U.S. should hit a sweet spot in the U.S. market. All this and more on Green Car Reports.

Lexus is reportedly set to reveal a new, production-bound electric vehicle—a tall, boxy hatchback—at the Tokyo motor show in November.

The Volkswagen ID 3 urban electric hatchback—the model that won’t be coming to the U.S.—is due for a full debut at the upcoming Frankfurt auto show. But we found a set of spy shots particularly informative about showing us what’s next—in the upcoming electric crossover inspired by the ID Crozz concept.

Audi has teased a new concept vehicle for the Frankfurt auto show next month. Called the AI:Trail, it appears to navigate the gray area between fully autonomous operation and our need to explore and go beyond the well-charted path.

Panasonic is no longer the exclusive supplier for Tesla. The EV maker has chosen LG Chem to be its supplier for its upcoming Shanghai factory, in what’s reported to be a non-exclusive deal.

And the Porsche Taycan electric sedan has pounded the pavement at Germany’s Nürburgring—and with a time of 7 minutes 42 seconds, it’s now the fastest EV ever to take on the circuit.

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Tesla Scouting New Factory Locations In Germany

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Published on August 26th, 2019 |

by Steve Hanley

Tesla Scouting New Factory Locations In Germany

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August 26th, 2019 by Steve Hanley

German newspaper Rheinische Post reported on August 25 that representatives from Tesla have been scouting locations for a possible European factory in the state of North Rhine–Westphalia, which is located in western Germany and shares a border with the Netherlands and Belgium. NRW is that nation’s most populous state and home to three of its major cities — Düsseldorf, Köln, and Bonn. An extensive network of roads and railways connect the region to the rest of Europe.

Screenshot from Google Maps.

Unnamed officials of NRW say initial inspections have already taken place. Although, precisely where in the state is not known. Representatives of the government and of Tesla have declined to elaborate further on the subject.

Just north of NRW is the state of Lower Saxony, which also shares a border with the Netherlands and is a little bit closer to the Scandinavian countries which — particularly in Norway — have embraced the transition to electric cars.

The newspaper also quotes Bernd Althusmann, economics minister for Lower Saxony, as saying Tesla has expressed an interest in his state as well, particularly the port city of Emden and the area known as Emsland. More than a year ago, Elon Musk tweeted the Germany was a strong contender for Tesla’s first European factory.

With Gigafactory 3 in Shanghai on pace to begin building cars before the end of this year, it makes sense for Tesla to turn its attention to Europe. Several European cities, provinces, and countries have been vying for Musk’s attention for years, including Spain, France, Sweden, Poland, Belgium, and more. The cost of shipping cars from California to European destinations must be quite high, and not all of that cost can be passed on to consumers.

Europe is also experiencing a surge in new battery factory construction. Tesla is planning to utilize battery cells made by LG Chem in Nanjing for its Chinese vehicles, so it is logical to assume it would consider using cells made by an outside supplier for any European-built cars.

It will be interesting to find out where Tesla ultimately decides to build its first European factory and why. But no matter the location, the company is clearly not worried about finding enough customers for its cars. Lack of demand? Forgetaboutit!

About the Author

Steve Hanley Steve writes about the interface between technology and sustainability from his home in Rhode Island and anywhere else the Singularity may lead him. His motto is, “Life is not measured by how many breaths we take but by the number of moments that take our breath away!” You can follow him on Google + and on Twitter.

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The Tesla/Walmart Rooftop Solar Fire Spat — Part Deux, & Enter Amazon

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Published on August 26th, 2019 |

by Steve Hanley

The Tesla/Walmart Rooftop Solar Fire Spat — Part Deux, & Enter Amazon

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August 26th, 2019 by Steve Hanley

Last week, we ran two stories about a dispute between Tesla and Walmart over fires that have occurred on the roofs of Walmart stores with Tesla rooftop solar systems. For our trouble, we were accused of being Tesla lovers, Tesla haters, and possibly accomplices to the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand in Sarajevo.

The story behind the story has turned into a massive public relations disaster, not only for the two companies but for the broader clean energy revolution. There’s nothing the fossil fuel industry likes better than being able to point and say, “See? Those newfangled solar panels are a threat to society and should be banned!”

Apparently, the glare of the media spotlight got a little too intense for both companies. A few days after the flareup between them began, they issued a joint statement meant to bridge the troubled waters their dispute has created. Here is the statement in its entirety as supplied to CleanTechnica by a spokesperson for Tesla.

“Walmart and Tesla look forward to addressing all issues and re-energizing Tesla solar installations at Walmart stores, once all parties are certain that all concerns have been addressed. Together, we look forward to pursuing our mutual goal of a sustainable energy future. Above all else, both companies want each and every system to operate reliably, efficiently, and safely.”

Walmart’s suit is still pending in New York state court according to Tech Crunch, but the parties have decided to lower the temperature of their rhetoric in order to create an atmosphere where reasonable discourse may have a chance to take place.

So, Is This Over?
Not Quite
Now Amazon has stepped into the fray, telling Bloomberg that its warehouse in Redlands, California, also experienced a fire on a roof where a SolarCity/Tesla solar system was installed. Gizmodo reached out to Tesla about the Amazon claim and got this response from a spokesperson:

“All 11 Amazon sites with solar from Tesla are generating energy and are proactively monitored and maintained. Last year, there was an isolated event that occurred in an inverter at one of the Amazon sites. Tesla worked collaboratively with Amazon to root cause the event and remediate. We also performed inspections at the other sites, which confirmed the integrity of the systems. As with all of our commercial solar installations, we continue to proactively monitor the systems to ensure they operate safely and reliably.”

That statement is all well and good, but Amazon tells Bloomberg it currently has zero plans to install any more Tesla systems at its facilities. It may add more rooftop systems, but they won’t be from Tesla — as things stand now.

Say what you will, Tesla’s solar panel business is facing some troubles, and Amazon was more than willing to pile on the bad news. In my opinion, it all makes Tesla’s the decision to purchase SolarCity in the first place seem unwise, at least in retrospect.

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AI based freight platform by Kuehne + Nagel to shape the future of the overland shipments in Asia Pacific

SINGAPORE, 9-Jul-2019 — /EuropaWire/ — Kuehne + Nagel announced it is rolling out an AI-based digital freight platform in Asia Pacific, first starting off with Thailand. With this launch, the company is expanding its suite of online services. The AI freight platform is called etrucKNow.com and will bridge the supply and demand of overland logistics via a digital marketplace. etrucKNow will offer a faster way for customers to book trucks and an easier way for carriers to unlock business opportunities.

Thailand has been selected for the launch of the new freight platform due to its market where the road freight industry is projected to grow to a market size of over USD 31 billion by 2023. Kuehne + Nagel’s digital platform will eventually be rolled out in India, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, New Zealand and Australia in 2019 and 2020.

Simplified quotation and comparison process features are part of the new digital platform etrucKNow for the convenience of the shippers. The most competitive quotation is achieved by relying on an AI-enabled engine that takes the shipment details provided by the customer and automates the quotation comparison process by validating multiple data points. Simply put, proprietary rate engine will make a use of an AI to match shipper’s requirements with carrier availability while eliminating the manual processes.

During the launch period, customers will get additional savings through promotion codes.

The AI freight platform etrucKNow boasts real-time visibility, which is an important concern to customers and carriers. Shippers and carriers will always know in real-time where their shipments or drivers are through the etrucKNow’s real-time track and trace capabilities. They will also receive pro-active service alerts on delivery milestones.

Approved carriers on the etrucKNow platform will be given the opportunity to convert their empty space or trips into potential revenue through the marketplace platform which provides them with access to a network of shippers requiring road freight services. Truck operators can register for an account on etrucKNow.com and will be subject to a vetting and onboarding process.

Commenting on the freight platform launch, Chellan Ganesan, Vice President of Overland for Kuehne + Nagel South Asia Pacific, said:

“etrucKNow.com is an easy-to-use web application designed and developed based on customers’ needs and market trends. We are very excited to be able to shape the future of the overland business here in Asia.”

KPMG Digital Village assisted with the development of etrucKNow.com.

The etrucKNow freight platform is part of Kuehne + Nagel’s digital transformation strategy.

Media contacts:

Angela M. Schmidt
Corporate Communications
angela.schmidt@kuehne-nagel.com
+41 447869656

Geraldine Teo
Communications South Asia Pacific
geraldine.teo@kuehne-nagel.com
+65 330 0631

SOURCE: Kuehne + Nagel

MORE ON KUEHNE + NAGEL, OVERLAND SHIPMENTS, FREIGHT, LOGISTICS, ETC.:
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SEAT appoints new executive Vice-president for Purchasing

ALFONSO SANCHA, NEW SEAT EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT FOR PURCHASING

MARTORELL, 22-Aug-2019 — /EuropaWire/ — SEAT announces the appointment of Alfonso Sancha as new executive Vice-president for Purchasing. He will assume his position on September 1st and will be a part of the SEAT Executive Committee. He will be replacing company Executive Committee member Klaus Ziegler who will become Head of Purchasing for connectivity, e-mobility and driver assistance systems for the Volkswagen Group worldwide.

Sancha joins the company at a time when Purchasing has expanded its responsibilities with the Volkswagen Group. He will provide additional momentum to the figures of Purchasing. Sancha aims to develop SEAT’s electric strategy within the Purchasing division, enhance its leadership in North Africa, where the company is leading supplier relations in the region, in China where SEAT is present in the framework of the joint venture between Volkswagen Group China and JAC, and support SEAT’s expansion in Latin America. In 2018, Purchasing managed a volume of 7.137 billion euros, up by 5.6% compared to the previous year (6.758 billion). The volume of purchases managed by SEAT has gone up by 23.2% in the past five years.

SEAT has also been in charge of coordinating the Volkswagen Group’s general purchasing activities since 2017 in the Iberian Peninsula for all procurements that are not directly related to vehicles, with the aim of identifying synergies and contributing to cost optimisation.

Prior to joining SEAT, Alfonso Sancha has worked extensively in the Volkswagen Group, where he previously carried out responsibilities in the areas of external Purchasing and new projects. He has also held internationally relevant positions in Germany, Mexico and China. He was the executive Vice-president for Purchasing at Volkswagen Group China from 2011 to 2014. Currently, Sancha is the Head of Purchasing of metal parts for the entire Volkswagen Group, until he joins SEAT in September.

Luca de Meo, SEAT President, said: “Alfonso Sancha’s long trajectory in the area of Purchasing, at the Volkswagen Group and in strategic projects and markets for SEAT, such as China, will be decisive for reaching the future goals of the company and boosting the results achieved until now. We are very happy to welcome a Spanish executive with extensive international experience to the SEAT Executive Committee.”

Commenting on Klaus Ziegler’s new role as Head of Purchasing for connectivity, e-mobility and driver assistance systems, Luca de Meo added: “Klaus Ziegler has been a cornerstone in managing the network of suppliers for the product offensive we launched beginning in 2016 and has contributed to successfully attaining key projects such as managing general purchases in the Iberian Peninsula and being the lead brand in North Africa.”

Contact SEAT Communications:

Cristina Vall-Llosada
Head of Corporate Communications
M/ +34 646 295 296
cristina.vall-llosada@seat.es

Blanca Marco
Corporate Communications
M/ +34 699 158 887
Blanca.marco@seat.es

SOURCE: SEAT, S.A.

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Auto, the obliged way to alliances. Investments push mergers

Servicethe intersections of the automotive sector Essential alliances between large groups that aim to reach the target of 15 million sales. The crux of the modular platforms: the Vw model and the Fiat Chrysler delay by Alberto Annicchiarico and Mario Cianflone 26 August 2019 5 ‘of reading Quota 15 million cars sold. This seems to… Continue reading Auto, the obliged way to alliances. Investments push mergers