Advanced driver assistance tech in cars today won’t pass IIHS’ new safety rating

Not a single advanced driver assistance system offered in today’s new vehicles would meet pending safety criteria being developed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, according to the organization. The nonprofit that is funded by auto insurance companies said Thursday that its new rating program will evaluate the safeguards that vehicles with “partial automation”… Continue reading Advanced driver assistance tech in cars today won’t pass IIHS’ new safety rating

Honda CEO says Toyota’s strategy to pursue hydrogen cars ‘doesn’t seem feasible’

Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe recently spoke to proposals of hydrogen combustion cars by rivals like Toyota, stating his company studied hydrogen’s potential ten years ago. Mibe went on to say that unlike Toyota, Honda doesn’t see hydrogen combustion as feasible for cars. That doesn’t mean the Japanese automaker is abandoning the chemical element, however. Both… Continue reading Honda CEO says Toyota’s strategy to pursue hydrogen cars ‘doesn’t seem feasible’

GM is actually making EVs: Pre-production Cadillac Lyriq rolls off assembly line, deliveries to follow

Following a turbulent 2021 in terms of EVs, General Motors is moving full-speed ahead in trying to make good on its promise to deliver 20 new electric models by 2023. According to GM’s President, its highly anticipated Cadillac Lyriq will be one of the first to arrive, as pre-production models have been assembled ahead of… Continue reading GM is actually making EVs: Pre-production Cadillac Lyriq rolls off assembly line, deliveries to follow

Tesla Roadster and Cybertruck are most popular EVs by search despite delays

A new survey of searches shows that the Tesla Roadster and Cybertruck are the most popular upcoming electric vehicles despite the delays. You have to go down to fourth place for a vehicle available on the market this year. One of Tesla’s biggest market advantages is its mind shares in the EV market – when people… Continue reading Tesla Roadster and Cybertruck are most popular EVs by search despite delays

Mercedes-Benz acquires stake in lidar maker Luminar, will use its sensors for future autonomous vehicles

Mercedes-Benz announced it will integrate Luminar’s lidar sensors into future production vehicles to enable autonomous driving capabilities. The German automaker is also taking an equity stake in the Orlando, Florida-based company, acquiring a total of 1.5 million shares. Based on Luminar’s share price of $13.45 at market close January 19th, Mercedes-Benz is purchasing approximately $20.2… Continue reading Mercedes-Benz acquires stake in lidar maker Luminar, will use its sensors for future autonomous vehicles

Koenigsegg gets into Tesla tuning through a partnership with Unplugged Performance

A new collaboration between hypercar company Koenigsegg and Tesla tuner Unplugged Performance will lead to the former manufacturing aftermarket parts for Tesla vehicles. Unplugged Performance is one of the most popular Tesla tuners and aftermarket accessory makers. It’s also the one with the closest relationship with the automaker. Car tuners and modification companies are not… Continue reading Koenigsegg gets into Tesla tuning through a partnership with Unplugged Performance

Agtonomy Raises $5M in Seed Funding

Agtonomy, a San Francisco CA- and Sonoma County-based hybrid autonomy and tele-assist service platform, raised $5M in Seed funding. Backers included Toyota Ventures, Flybridge, Hampton VC, E²JDJ and Momenta, as well as existing investors GV (formerly Google Ventures) and Grit Ventures. The company intends to use the funds to accelerate development and trials of its… Continue reading Agtonomy Raises $5M in Seed Funding

Volkswagen and Bosch set up JV to push European battery production

Volkswagen and Bosch have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore a joint venture dedicated to providing Europe with battery equipment solutions. The two companies aim to supply integrated battery production systems and on-site ramp-up and maintenance support for battery cell and system manufacturers, Volkswagen said. The JV is expected to help VW reach its… Continue reading Volkswagen and Bosch set up JV to push European battery production

Toyota Ventures leads seed extension into Agtonomy, turning tractors into autonomous vehicles

Agtonomy co-founder and CEO Tim Bucher was born and raised on a farm and was deep into his own farming business when he took a computer course while at UC Davis and got hooked. It was that parallel agriculture/technology career that led him to start Agtonomy, a hybrid autonomy and tele-assist service startup that turns… Continue reading Toyota Ventures leads seed extension into Agtonomy, turning tractors into autonomous vehicles

How Volkswagen can reinvent itself as an EV company, with CEO Herbert Diess

Today, I’m talking to Volkswagen Group CEO Dr. Herbert Diess. Volkswagen is one of the two biggest carmakers in the world — there’s a battle every year between VW and Toyota for the top spot; they both sell around 10 million cars a year. To put that in perspective, Ford sells around 4–6 million cars… Continue reading How Volkswagen can reinvent itself as an EV company, with CEO Herbert Diess