The GM-backed robo-taxi startup Cruise Automation is reportedly struggling to refine its self-driving car technology

The autonomous-driving startup Cruise Automation, which was acquired by General Motors in 2016, is facing technological issues as it seeks to launch an autonomous ride-hailing service by the end of this year, The Information’s Amir Efrati reported on Friday.Among the issues reportedly experienced by Cruise vehicles are near-accidents, according to The Information; getting stuck in the middle of a trip, taking 80% longer to complete a trip than a human driver would, and erratic braking and steering.Cruise had reportedly set a goal of lowering that rate to once every 1,000 miles by the end of 2018.

Renault/Fiat case ‘not closed’, says French transport minister

French Transport Minister Elisabeth Borne delivers a speech during the official inauguration of the CMA CGM Antoine de Saint Exupery container ship in Le Havre, France September 6, 2018. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier PARIS (Reuters) – Plans to merge carmakers Renault and Fiat Chrysler could re-emerge despite the breakdown of negotiations last week, France’s transport minister said… Continue reading Renault/Fiat case ‘not closed’, says French transport minister

Continental and Leia´s new 3D Lightfield Display bring the third dimension into Automotive vehicles

Innovative Lightfield technology generates an unprecedented 3D experience for all vehicle passengers without special eyewear Comprehensive display technology and content platform for increased safety and comfort demands within the vehicle Continental works together with Silicon Valley company Leia Inc. Babenhausen (Germany), June 11, 2019. A stop-sign, shining red hovers in front of the screen. Rows… Continue reading Continental and Leia´s new 3D Lightfield Display bring the third dimension into Automotive vehicles

Nissan CEO Saikawa Now Under Microscope In Carlos Ghosn Case – Forbes

Nissan CEO Hiroto Saikawa Nissan In an interview Sunday with the Japanese magazine Bungei Shunju, former senior Nissan executive Greg Kelly gave his account of the circumstances behind the Carlos Ghosn case and questioned why Nissan CEO Hiroto Saikawa was spared by Japanese prosecutors despite being intimately involved through the entire process. Kelly was also a… Continue reading Nissan CEO Saikawa Now Under Microscope In Carlos Ghosn Case – Forbes

Statistics – Average age of the EU motor vehicle fleet, by vehicle type

As this interactive infographic shows, the EU motor vehicle fleet is getting older year-on-year. Key observations Passenger cars are now on average 11.1 years old, compared to 10.5 years back in 2013. The vans on Europe’s roads were 10.4 years old in 2013, but now 11 years on average. Heavy commercial vehicles went from 11.7… Continue reading Statistics – Average age of the EU motor vehicle fleet, by vehicle type

France’s Ucar offers new car service as competition intensifies

PARIS, June 11 (Reuters) – French car hire service Ucar on Tuesday said users can now hire a new car with prices starting from 49 euros ($55.5) a month, amid intense competition in the sector. Ucar is one of many car-hire firms looking to challenge the dominance of companies such as ride-hailing app Uber. In… Continue reading France’s Ucar offers new car service as competition intensifies

With up to seven seats: The new Mercedes-Benz GLB: for family & friends

11.

June 2019

Stuttgart/Salt Lake City

Combined fuel consumption 7.4.-5.0 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions 169-133 g/km*Stuttgart/Salt Lake City. Powerful proportions with short overhangs and off-road-oriented design as well as optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive and a special off-road light which helps detect obstacles immediately in front of the vehicle at low speeds – the new Mercedes-Benz GLB is a versatile SUV. And a spacious family car: on request it is the first Mercedes-Benz in this segment available as a seven-seater. The two seats in row three can be used by people up to 1.68 metres in height. With powerful and efficient four-cylinder engines, current driving assistance systems with cooperative support for the driver, the intuitively operable infotainment system MBUX plus the comprehensive convenience control ENERGIZING Comfort, the new family member (length/width/height: 4634/1834/1658[1] millimetres) has all the strengths of the current compact-class generation from Mercedes-Benz.
At 2829 millimetres the GLB has ten centimetres more wheelbase than, for example, the new B-Class. Together with the function-oriented greenhouse this is decisive when it comes to the generous amount of space. The headroom in the first seat row is 1035 millimetres – a best in this segment. At 967 millimetres the effective legroom in the rear of the five-seater is
at an especially comfortable level.
The load compartment capacity of 560 to 1755 litres (figures for the five-seater) boasts the qualities of an estate. On request the second seat row can be longitudinally adjusted and as standard the inclination of the backrests is adjustable in several stages. This enables the load compartment to be enlarged by up to 179 litres and put to versatile use. For more on variability see page 3.
Success story: the eighth model in the compact car family
The new GLB is manufactured at the Aguascalientes (Mexico) plant and, for the Chinese market, in Beijing. The GLB will be coming to the German sales partners at the end of this year.
One in three Mercedes-Benz cars is now an SUV, and one in four a compact model. A compact SUV like the GLB therefore combines all the success factors of the company's highest-volume segments.
With the new GLB the compact car family from Mercedes-Benz now consists of eight models: the A-Class, A-Class Saloon and long-wheelbase A-Class Saloon, B-Class, CLA Coupé, CLA Shooting Brake and the GLA are already on the market. In 2018 over 609,000 customers all over the world were able to take delivery of a compact model. Since the A-Class was launched in 1997, over 6.5 million vehicles from this segment have been sold worldwide by
Mercedes-Benz.
Ready for boarding: up to seven seats
The GLB is the first compact vehicle from Mercedes-Benz to offer a third seat row on request with two additional individual seats. The seats offer people up to a height of 1.68 metres a comfortable amount of space. The extensive safety equipment includes retractable head restraints, seat belts with belt tensioners, a side window airbag which also protects the passengers in the third seat row plus ISOFIX and TOP-Tether anchorages for suitable child seats. These can be used to attach up to four child seats in the rear.
Comfort details in the third row include two drinks holders between the seats as well as two stowage compartments with a rubberised insert on the left and right in the load compartment trim, each with a USB port. The seats can be lowered so that they are flush with the load compartment floor in order to extend the load compartment.
The variability in detail:
Variability
Five-seater
Seven-seater (option)
First seat row
Folding front passenger seat (option)
Second seat row
Seat backrest can be divided and folded in a ratio of 40:20:40
Multi-stage seat backrest inclination adjustment
Seat row can be moved 140 mm longitudinally, sitting surface can be divided in a ratio of 40:60 (option)
Seat row can be moved 140 mm longitudinally, sitting surface can be divided in a ratio of 40:60
EASY-ENTRY function
Third seat row

Two retractable individual seats
Off-road orientation: the exterior design
The powerful proportions of the GLB underscore the design with its off-road orientation: the surfaces of the forms are emphasised, and reduced lines and precise seams are major features. The upright front section with its striking headlamps is clear evidence of off-road genes, as are the short overhangs at the front and rear.
The muscular and sensuously contoured vehicle shoulder dominates the side view at the height of the C-pillar, an effect reinforced by the rising waistline. The doors reach over the side bar, improving ease of access, and keep the door apertures free of soiling as well as increasing protection in a side impact. All-round protective claddings divide the overall proportions and emphasise the vehicle's off-road character, as does the simulated underride guard at the front and rear.
“Its iconic design lends the Mercedes-Benz GLB an unmistakable SUV character”, says Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer at Daimler AG. “The clear forms with reduced lines and powerful surfaces conveys our design philosophy of Sensual Purity.”
With aluminium details: the interior design
The instrument panel consists of a single piece, which has optical cut-outs in the driver and front passenger area. The driver faces a widescreen cockpit, with control and display via MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience). A new feature is the characteristic off-road tubular element in an aluminium look which rounds off the lower section of the instrument panel and houses the three round centre air vents. These give the dashboard support an impression of robustness, power and a certain fun factor. Below the nozzles is the air conditioning control panel, whose buttons create the impression that they have been milled from a solid aluminium cylinder.
The robust character of the interior continues in the centre console. Tubular elements in a machined look lend solidity to the design of the components and controls. Along the doors, the SUV character is underlined by the horizontal grab handle that, from the design and equipment line Progressive upwards, forms a robust part of the door panel structure and resembles a machined aluminium tube.
Spot on for hill and dale: the off-road light function
The LED High Performance headlamps and MULTIBEAM LED headlamps are available for the GLB on request. The latter allow extremely quick and precise, electronically controlled adjustment of the headlamps to suit the current traffic situation.
As an option there are also front fog lamps with LED technology. They distribute the light more widely than the main headlamps and thus illuminate peripheral areas better. Their low position in the front bumper helps reduce the risk of dazzling.
4MATIC models include the Off-Road Engineering Package. In combination with MULTIBEAM LED headlamps these models offer a special off-road light function. This makes it easier to see obstacles in rough terrain in the dark. With the off-road light the cornering light on the MULTIBEAM LED headlamps is continuously switched on up to a speed of 50 km/h. This results in wide and bright light distribution immediately in front of the vehicle.
From A for Assistance to W for Wearable linking: the technical details
The GLB benefits from the technical highlights of the current compact-class generation from Mercedes-Benz. These include in particular:
The four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, which were completely updated to relaunch the compact model series: Compared to the previous generation, the excel with considerably increased specific outputs, improved efficiency and lower emissions (for details see page 7). The driving assistance systems with cooperative support for the driver and functionality from the S-Class: thanks to improved camera and radar systems, the GLB can look up to 500 m ahead and can drive partially autonomously in certain situations, for example by conveniently adapting the speed before corners, crossroads or roundabouts using the Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC with recourse to maps and navigation data. As a new function of the Active Steering Assist, among other things, there is also the intuitive Active Lange Change Assist. If the Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC is additionally on board, the GLB also has the function extended automatic restart on motorways. The comfort suspension: at the front the GLB has McPherson suspension struts, at the rear an acoustically and vibrationally decoupled multi-link axle with compression springs. Adaptive adjustable damping is available on request. With this the driver can change between more comfort or particularly sporty tuning via the DYNAMIC SELECT switch. The intuitively operated infotainment system MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience): The powerful computer, brilliant screens and graphics, individualisable depiction, all-colour head-up display, navigation with augmented reality, learning-capable software and the voice control which can be activated with “Hey Mercedes” are the key advantages of the system. The ENERGIZING comfort control: it networks various comfort systems in the vehicle, and uses musical and lighting moods plus a number of massages for a wide range of feel-good programs. The ENERGIZING COACH recommends these programs according to the situation. If the Mercedes-Benz vivoactive® 3 smartwatch or another compatible Garmin® wearable is linked, personal values such as stress level or sleep quality improve the precision of the recommendation. Should a tad more traction be called for: the 4MATIC all-wheel drive
On request the GLB is equipped with the permanent all-wheel system 4MATIC, with fully-variable torque distribution. This sporty all-wheel drive configuration allows the driver to use the DYNAMIC SELECT switch to influence the characteristics of 4MATIC. Three characteristic maps are available to control the all-wheel drive clutch, though the system responds flexibly to the current driving situation in any mode. In regular driving operation, the drive program “Eco/Comfort” is based on an 80:20 distribution (front axle:rear axle), while in “Sport” it is 70:30. In off-road mode the all-wheel drive clutch acts as an inter-axle differential lock, with the basic distribution a balanced 50:50.
4MATIC components include the power take-off to the rear axle, which is integrated into the automated dual clutch transmission, and the rear axle differential with an integrated multiplate clutch. This is electro-mechanically operated. Via a crown wheel and a ball ramp, an electric motor exerts an axial force on the clutch pack to open or close the plates. The rear axle differential compensates the different paths/rotational speeds of the rear wheels. The advantages of this control system are above all non-rpm-dependent operation across the entire actuation range, pilot control of the clutch while still stationary and higher efficiency thanks to the ball ramp concept.
Useful in easy off-road terrain: the Off-Road Engineering Package
In addition to off-road light (see page 4), the Offroad Engineering package has an additional driving mode. It adapts the engine's power delivery and the ABS control to easy off-road terrain away from tarmac roads. It can be activated via the DYNAMIC SELECT switch.
Other elements of the Off-Road Engineering Package:
An animation of the driving situation can be called up in the media display. The realistic presentation of gradient, inclination angle and technical settings helps the driver to judge manoeuvres correctly. The hill-start assistance system Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) automatically adheres to a preselected, slow speed between approx. 2 and 18 km/h, it can be read out in the instrument cluster and in the optional head-up display. With targeted brake applications the assistant helps retain control during steep downhill driving. Powerful and efficient: the engines
The new GLB places its trust in the four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines which were completely updated to relaunch the compact model series. In comparison to the previous generation, they are characterised by significantly increased power, improved efficiency and emissions.
The gateway to the petrol-model range is the M 282 with a displacement of 1.33 litres in the GLB 200 (combined fuel consumption 6.2-6.0 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions 142-137 g/km)[2]. This engine has cylinder shutoff for efficient operation in the partial-load range.
The two-litre M 260 engine in the GLB 250 4MATIC (combined fuel consumption 7.4-7.2 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions 169-165 g/km)1 has cast-iron cylinder liners in its engine block of diecast aluminium, widening at the lower end as per the CONICSHAPE® principle. In-house the cylinder bore process is descriptively known as “trumpet-honing”. This minimises piston friction and cuts consumption. In the aluminium four-valve cylinder head, the CAMTRONIC variable valve timing system allows two-stage adjustment of the valve lift on the intake side.
Thanks to further extended exhaust gas aftertreatment the two-litre diesel (OM 654q) in the GLB 200 d/GLB 220 d with the 8G-DCT dual-clutch transmission (combined fuel consumption 5.0-4.9 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions 133-129 g/km)1 already meets the RDE (Real Driving Emissions) level 2 not obligatory until 2020 and is certified in accordance with Euro 6d.
The models at a glance:
GLB 200
GLB 250 4MATIC
Transmission
7G-DCT (automatic)
8G-DCT (automatic)
Displacement (cc)
1332
1991
Output (kW/hp)
120/163
165/224
at rpm
5500
5800
Max. torque (Nm)
250
350
at rpm
1620 – 4000
1800 – 4000
Combined fuel consumption
(l/100 km)[3]
6.2-6.0
7.4-7.2
Combined CO2 emissions (g/km)1
142-137
169-165
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s)
9.1
6.9
Top speed (km/h)
207
236
GLB 200 d
GLB 200 d 4MATIC
GLB 220 d 4MATIC
Transmission
8G-DCT (automatic)
8G-DCT (automatic)
8G-DCT (automatic)
Displacement (cc)
1951
1951
1951
Output (kW/hp)
110/150
110/150
140/190
at rpm
3400 – 4440
3400 – 4440
3800
Max. torque (Nm)
320
320
400
at rpm
1400 – 2600
1400 – 2600
1600 – 2400
Combined fuel consumption
(l/100 km)1
5.0-4.9
5.5-5.2
5.5-5.2
Combined CO2 emissions (g/km)1
133-129
144-136
146-138
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s)
9.0
9.3
7.6
Top speed (km/h)
204
201
217
[1] Height information for five-seater. Seven seater: 1662 mm
[2] Figures for fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are provisional and were determined by the Technical Service for the certification process in accordance with the WLTP test method and correlated into NEDC figures. EC type approval and a certificate of conformity with official figures are not yet available. Differences between the stated figures and the official figures are possible.
[3] Figures for fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are provisional and were determined by the Technical Service for the certification process in accordance with the WLTP test method and correlated into NEDC figures. EC type approval and a certificate of conformity with official figures are not yet available. Differences between the stated figures and the official figures are possible.

Press Contact

Steffen Schierholz

Manager Communications C-Class, E-Class, CLS

steffen.schierholz@daimler.com

Tel: +49 711 17-75852

Fax: +49 711 17-98646

Koert Groeneveld

Head of International Product & Technology Communications

koert.groeneveld@daimler.com

Tel: +49 711 17-92311

Fax: +49 711 17-94365

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Fiat Chrysler blames the French government as it withdraws its offer to buy Renault

VIDEO5:4005:40Kevin O'Leary explains what the Fiat-Renault deal collapse means for investorsSquawk BoxFiat Chrysler has withdrawn an offer for a merger-of-equals with Groupe Renault, and people close to the negotiations between the two companies are pointing the finger at what they described as meddling by the French government.
The sudden move was announced in a statement released by the Italian-American automaker shortly after midnight European time that said that, while Fiat Chrysler management remained “firmly convinced” of the rationale behind the proposed merger, “it has become clear that the political conditions in France do not currently exist for such a combination to proceed successfully.”
Fiat Chrysler's decision to withdraw the proposal came suddenly: The two companies, less than three hours earlier, were preparing to issue a joint statement that said the merger plans were going to move ahead after receiving approval from the Renault board, according to a senior-level source closely briefed on the talks between the two companies.
“We went in different directions very rapidly,” that person explained to CNBC. “It turned on a dime.”
Renault shares slid more than 6% by around 10 am ET, while Fiat was little changed.
Fiat Chrysler made its original merger proposal on May 27 following months of discussions between the two companies. They had initially started discussing more limited measures, including the joint development of new product platforms, CNBC previously reported. But, as the contacts escalated, it became apparent to top managers — including FCA CEO Mike Manley and his Renault counterpart Jean-Dominique Senard — that they had an opportunity to take the ultimate step and combine forces.
There was relatively little overlap in product lines and each company had strengths that could compensate for the other's weaknesses, many analysts said after studying the proposal. Fiat Chrysler, for one, had the powerful Jeep and Ram brands, while Renault is a leader in the development of autonomous and electrified vehicles.
The French automaker's board quickly expressed initial interest in the merger proposal, something analysts said was of little surprise since they had been talking to one another for months. It was widely expected to give more formal approval on Tuesday, according to industry observers, but the initial board meeting went by without a resolution, extending into Wednesday.
From the start, several potential obstacles emerged. That included Renault's long-standing alliance with Japanese automakers Nissan and Mitsubishi. The relationship has been strained since former Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance chief Carlos Ghosn was arrested last November on financial corruption charges, with a number of observers questioning whether that was actually the result of Nissan's desire to gain more control in the three-way partnership.
There have been some concerns about the merger raised by the Japanese, an auto industry veteran with lengthy ties to Chrysler, Nissan and Renault said by email, but that was not likely to scuttle the deal.
If anything, said the person closely briefed on the negotiations who spoke with CNBC, Nissan had expressed interest in the deal and the potential benefits to the Japanese automaker. In its original merger proposal, Fiat Chrysler outlined 5 billion euros in potential synergies, 1 billion of that set to accrue to Nissan and Mitsubishi.
'Cumulative demands and pressures'Instead, Fiat Chrysler's proposal began to break down as a result of “cumulative demands and pressures” from the French government, said the insider briefed on the talks. That began just hours after the original proposal was announced, with France's finance minister laying out three key demands, including the need to preserve all of the Renault jobs and plants in France.
That expanded to include demands covering the location of the merged company's headquarters and the make up of its board, the insider explained, adding that “the final one” came late Friday at the extended Renault board meeting.
After several efforts to wrap things up, the French CGT Union voted “no” on the merger plan, according to Reuters. Nissan, which some had expected also would give a thumbs down, instead abstained. All other directors gave the proposal their approval, but for the government representatives who demanded that a final decision be delayed for another week as they flew to Tokyo for further consultation with Nissan.
“There was a clear, growing realization that this is not an environment in which the proposal can come together,” the Fiat Chrysler source said, noting the irony that there remains “a very cordial relationship” between the two companies, and, in particular, between CEOs Manley and Senard. Renault's 66-year-old chief executive is now finding himself “in a very difficult position,” said the industry veteran who has been linked to several of the carmakers.
Senard was pushed into the post by the French government — which holds a 15% stake in the automaker — after former Renault CEO Ghosn tendered his resignation, but now finds himself on the outs as a strong supporter of the merger proposal.
“It's unfortunate this proposal failed so quickly,” said Karl Brauer, an analyst with Kelley Blue Book, “though it's better than having it drag on for weeks or months and then fail.
What will happen next is uncertain, the Fiat Chrysler insider said one should “never say never,” and it is possible that clearer heads could prevail, though it is unlikely the merger proposal would quickly be revived.
Fiat Chrysler could also look at other merger possibilities — news reports earlier this year suggested the company might want to tie up with the other major French automaker, PSA. CEO Manley, meanwhile, said he was more than willing to continue operating independently during a media round table at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit last January.

China Merchants Capital-backed LiDAR startup Innoviz closes Series C at $170m

Innoviz Technologies, the Israel-based company that develops cutting-edge LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology, has closed its Series C funding round with an additional $38 million to bring the total series funding to $170 million. In March, the tech firm announced that it has raised $132 million in the Series C round, with Chinese investment… Continue reading China Merchants Capital-backed LiDAR startup Innoviz closes Series C at $170m