Lyft designers are the driving force behind how we frame the consumer experience and tackle problems like shaping behavior change and reimagining cities. We’re excited to continue that momentum as we welcome a new group of talented and expert designers to the Lyft family. Directors Brian Ng, Jessica Rosenberger, Renato Valdés Olmos, Nick Barrett, and… Continue reading Lyft Builds Out its Design Team by Adding 5 New Directors
Tag: Apple
Apple hires designer Andrew Kim away from Tesla
Andrew Kim, the designer who first rose to prominence with a fan-made reimagining of Microsoft’s design language, has left his role as a senior designer at Tesla to join Apple. His LinkedIn profile says that he joined the company in December of this year, while his Instagram confirms that his first day working at Apple… Continue reading Apple hires designer Andrew Kim away from Tesla
Toyota struggles to save breakthrough Prius hybrid
Source: Toyota
2019 Toyota Prius AWDde
In an automotive industry that offers American buyers hundreds of different options, few models have the immediate name recognition of the compact Toyota Prius.
When it debuted in Japan in 1997, it became the world's first mass-market hybrid electric vehicle and demand exploded when it reached the U.S. three years later.
The Prius delivered around 50 miles a gallon and had far more interior space than the typical fuel-saving minicar — all at an affordable price. That made it the best-selling car of any form in California, and the best-selling hybrid vehicle worldwide earlier this decade.
But, as an updated 2019 version of the Prius gets ready to roll into U.S. showrooms, Toyota is facing a difficult situation. Sales of the Prius have been tumbling for several years and were down 23.2 percent for the first 11 months of 2018. The new version delivers updates Toyota hopes will revive the hybrid's momentum, including a new all-wheel-drive system that could improve its appeal in the Snowbelt. But whether that will be enough is uncertain and company officials admit they're struggling to figure out what to do next.
First look
“For the next Prius we have to think about how to … separate [it] from the rest of the Toyota line-up,” Deputy Chief Engineer Koichi Kaneko said in an interview in Kohler, Wisconsin where the automaker was giving journalists a first chance to drive the 2019 model last week.
There are a variety of reasons why Toyota sold just 3,180 of its Prius hatchbacks in November. Sales of the entire Prius “family,” including a plug-in hybrid version, are running barely a quarter of its peak.
The sharp downturn in fuel prices has scuttled sales of all mileage-minded vehicles. But, as Kaneko alluded to, Toyota has also diluted the appeal of the Prius by now offering hybrid powertrain options on a variety of its more conventional models, such as the Corolla sedan and RAV4 crossover-utility vehicle.
The RAV4 is now Toyota's best-selling American model, last year nudging past the familiar Camry sedan. And some observers believe the hybrid version of the cross-over utility vehicle could out-sell Prius in 2019. As a result, many are questioning whether Toyota even needs the Prius anymore.
“Toyota can say the Prius did everything they needed,” said Stephanie Brinley, principal automotive analyst for IHS Markit, helping burnish the Japanese automaker's green credentials and proving there's a market for gas-electric drivetrain technology.
“But what do they need Prius for” anymore? Brinley quickly added. “It's difficult to walk away from a nameplate with so much equity, but it may make sense to drop it.”
For now, at least, that's not something Toyota plans to do. And the 2019 model shows that the automaker is looking for ways to revitalize the hybrid hatchback's appeal. That includes some modest tweaks to interior and exterior design responding to wide criticism of the fourth-generation model after its 2016 model-year debut.
More technology
There's also a lot more technology, something that appears to appeal to buyers of a vehicle using a high-tech powertrain. There's a tablet-sized 11.6-inch touchscreen, lots of USB ports, Apple CarPlay and the Toyota Safety Sense suite of advanced driver assistance systems, such as forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.
But the biggest addition for 2019 is an electric all-wheel-drive system that markedly improves the Prius hatchback's grip on slick roads, as Toyota set out to demonstrate during its media preview in frigid Kohler.
The system is a simpler version of the all-wheel-drive technology found on some products, and works only at relatively low speeds, but it helps Toyota maintain Prius's position as “an affordable hybrid.” A base model starts at just $23,770, and versions with all-wheel-drive start at $26,380.
Still, Toyota officials concede that the 2019 updates aren't going to be enough to keep Prius a viable player going into a future where, as Brinley points out, virtually all products will use some form of electric drive. General Motors and Volkswagen are planning to eliminate gas and diesel drive technology entirely.
“Toyota has to be ready to respond to these trends” reshaping the automotive market and might even have to consider the possibility of either shifting to a crossover body style or adding a CUV to the broader Prius family that today also includes the small Prius C and bigger Prius V.
“I don't think Prius can be the same as before,” said Kaneko, looking forward to the gen-5 model that is just now beginning to enter the development process. “Our role is to figure out what we can do with it. We need to find a new direction.”
Though Toyota won't discuss the timing of that next model, its traditional product cadence would suggest it should reach market by around the 2022 model year. That is, of course, assuming Prius remains part of the brand's line-up. But considering how much Toyota has invested in the world's first hybrid, it clearly will be reluctant to give up on Prius without trying out every possible approach to keeping it viable.
Source: Toyota
2019 Toyota Prius AWDde
Stratim, formerly known as valet startup Zirx, sues co-founder for theft
Stratim, the mobility services company formerly known as Zirx, is suing its co-founder and now-former COO Shmulik Fishman for breach of fiduciary duties, civil conversion, criminal conversion, theft, criminal mischief, deception, unjust enrichment and fraud. The lawsuit’s co-plaintiff is Adesa, a subsidiary of KAR Auction Services, which acquired Stratim earlier this year. Stratim powers fleet management… Continue reading Stratim, formerly known as valet startup Zirx, sues co-founder for theft
DeepMap Signs Deal to Provide HD Mapping Technology to Ridecell & Einride – FutureCar
author: FutureCar Staff Silicon Valley startup DeepMap, a provider of high-definition (HD) mapping and localization technology for autonomous vehicles, has announced licensing deals with San Francisco-based mobility platform provider Ridecell and Sweden-based Einride. As part of the deal, Ridecell and Einride will integrate DeepMap’s HD mapping software in their autonomous fleets. DeepMap was founded… Continue reading DeepMap Signs Deal to Provide HD Mapping Technology to Ridecell & Einride – FutureCar
2019 VinFast Fadil city car – rebadged Viva, RM76k – Paul Tan’s Automotive News
At the Paris Motor Show last month, newborn Vietnamese automaker VinFast unveiled two premium cars, the LUX A2.0 sedan and LUX SA2.0 SUV. The company also revealed plans to make a battery-electric car developed by EDAG, and an electric bus with the support of Siemens, as well as a city car based on a GM.… Continue reading 2019 VinFast Fadil city car – rebadged Viva, RM76k – Paul Tan’s Automotive News
Accelerating Time-to-Safety for Autonomous Vehicles: Our Investment in Parallel Domain
Accelerating Time-to-Safety for Autonomous Vehicles: Our Investment in Parallel Domain Jim AdlerBlockedUnblockFollowFollowingDec 6 The future of autonomous mobility is bright — and as I’ve written before — we’re backing startups that have launched self-driving shuttles in certain restricted, Operational Design Domains (ODDs), on public roads. Still, there are significant roadblocks to clear for broad Level 4 and 5 autonomy with… Continue reading Accelerating Time-to-Safety for Autonomous Vehicles: Our Investment in Parallel Domain
Mahindra launches the Alturas G4, a luxury SUV to redefine the high-end SUV segment
Mahindra launches the Alturas G4, a luxury SUV to redefine the high-end SUV segment
Attractive launch price starting at Rs. 26.95 lacs for 2WD (ex-showroom) across India
Synopsis
Bold & Imposing design with chrome front grille, HID headlamps with LED DRLs, 45.72 cm (18”) diamond cut alloy wheels, LED fog lamps with cornering lamps, LED tail lamps and dual tone roof rails
Luxurious tan and black interiors with quilted Nappa leather upholstery, award-winning ergonomic seat design, Easy Access Mode, Memory Profile for Driver seat & ORVM, Dual Zone Fully Automatic Temperature Control, Ambient Mood Lighting, Ventilated front seats and Electric Sunroof
Advanced high-tech features like 3D Around View Camera system, Smart Powered Tailgate, 20” Touchscreen Infotainment system with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, a 7” 3-mode TFT LCD cluster, Electronic Parking Brake with auto-hold and auto-tilting ORVMs when in reverse.
Powerful 2.2 litre, 4-cylinder engine producing 133.1 kW (178 BHP) of power and 420 Nm of torque. It comes with the Mercedes-Benz 7- speed Automatic Transmission in both variants.
Unmatched safety with features like 9 Airbags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Active Rollover Protection (ARP), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Descent Control (HDC). High-strength steel quad frame structure which offers an added layer of protection.
Available in 2 variants – 2WD and 4WD, and 5 colours – Napoli Black, Pearl White, Dsat Silver, Regal Blue and Lakeside Brown
To be available in a separate high-end showroom within the Mahindra ‘World of SUVs’, and with exclusive Relationship Managers
Launch of Purple Club+, an exclusive loyalty program that would enable customers to earn and redeem points based on engagements with the Mahindra brand
November 24, 2018, Jaipur: Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M), a part of the US $20.7 billion Mahindra Group, today launched its eagerly awaited high-end SUV , the Alturas G4. From its imposing exteriors to its premium interiors, every detail in the Alturas G4 has been finely crafted. With advanced high-tech features and unmatched safety equipments, the Alturas G4 is all set to create a new benchmark in the high-end SUV segment. It will be available at Mahindra dealerships across India starting November 26, 2018 at an attractive launch price of Rs. 26.95 lacs (ex-showroom) for the 2WD variant.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Pawan Goenka, Managing Director, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd said, “The launch of the Alturas G4 is a significant moment in the automotive journey of Mahindra which will take the brand to the next level. With the Alturas G4, we have decided to adopt an endorsed brand strategy which will heighten brand desirability & aspiration. The product is the epitome of luxury in every sense. Therefore we believe the Alturas G4 aptly redefines royalty which is also its positioning.”
Rajan Wadhera, President – Automotive Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., mentioned, “The Alturas G4, with its excellent proposition of imposing design, exquisite interiors, state-of-the-art technology, exhilarating performance and unmatched safety, all at an attractive price point, is poised to redefine the high-end SUV segment. It is our most luxurious offering and comes with a host of technology & safety features such as the 3D Around View Camera system, Easy Access Mode, Ventilated Seats, many of which are not available in vehicles at a similar price range.”
The Alturas G4 would be exclusively available through separate high-end showrooms within the existing Mahindra ‘World of SUVs’ dealerships. These outlets will be equipped with ultra-modern digital technology to provide an enhanced and immersive high-end experience for customers. All Alturas G4 customers will have access to exclusive Relationship Managers to cater to their requirements, which is another segment first.
With the Alturas G4, Mahindra will also introduce a new premium loyalty program, Purple Club+. This will be a first-in-category loyalty program that will enable customers to earn and redeem points, based on engagements with the Mahindra brand.
About the Alturas G4
Bold & Imposing Design: Rugged front lines combined with a dynamic character line along the sides provide the commanding appearance of an authentic SUV. The Alturas G4 emerges as an absolute head-turner with its
Best-in-class* width, height and wheelbase
Chrome Front Grille
HID Headlamps with LED DRLs
45.72 cm (18”) Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels
LED tail lamps
LED fog lamps with cornering lamps
Silver and black roof rails
Chrome window surrounds
Luxurious Tan and Black Interiors:
Quilted Nappa leather upholstery
First-in-class* Ventilated Front Seats
First-in-class* Easy Access Mode
8-way adjustable powered driver seat with memory profile
Dual Zone Fully Automatic Temperature Control (FATC)
Electric sunroof with Anti-pinch feature
Ambient Mood Lighting
Award Winning ergonomically designed seats (Grand Prize at the Ergonomic Design Awards 2017, Korea)
*Compared to high end SUVs between Rs. 26-35 lacs (ex-showroom price)
Exhilarating Performance:
The Alturas G4’s powerful 2.2 litre 4-cylinder engine produces 133.1 kW (178 BHP) power and 420 Nm of torque. Performance is maximized by the cutting-edge electrical variable geometry turbocharger (E-VGT). The Advanced Compressor Wheel lowers noise and maximises efficiency.
It comes with the Mercedes-Benz 7-Speed automatic transmission and is available in both 2WD and 4WD variants
State-of-the-art Technology Features:
First-in-class * 3D Around View Camera system: 4 cameras (front, rear, both ORVMs) for a 360 degree view
Smart Powered Tailgate that opens automatically provided the key is in your pocket and you stand behind the rear of the vehicle for just 3 seconds
17.78 cm (7”) TFT LCD Cluster with a 3-mode setting- Regular, Animation and RPM-Linked
20.32 cm (8”) infotainment touchscreen with Bluetooth, AUX and USB connectivity
Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold feature
Cruise Control
Steering mounted controls with audio, cruise control and instrument cluster settings
Auto-Tilting ORVMs when in reverse gear
6-speaker audio system
Unmatched Safety:
The Alturas G4 offers a unique package of safety features
9 airbags including driver seat, passenger seat, driver’s knee protection, side airbags in 1st & 2nd rows, and curtain airbags
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with its top of the line features like Active Rollover Protection (ARP), Brake Assist System (BAS), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Traction Control System, ABS + EBD and Emergency Stop Signal
Hill Descent Control (HDC)
Ultra-high strength steel quad frame structure
Side impact beams & front crumple zones
ISOFIX mounts for child seat
Immobilizer
Social Media Handles:
Please visit: https://www.alturasg4.com for more details and images.
Facebook: @AlturasG4
Twitter: @alturasg4
Instagram: @alturasg4
Official Hashtag: #AlturasG4
Other Hashtags: #RoyaltyRedefined
About Mahindra
The Mahindra Group is a USD 20.7 billion federation of companies that enables people to rise through innovative mobility solutions, driving rural prosperity, enhancing urban living, nurturing new businesses and fostering communities. It enjoys a leadership position in utility vehicles, information technology, financial services and vacation ownership in India and is the world’s largest tractor company, by volume. It also enjoys a strong presence in agribusiness, aerospace, commercial vehicles, components, defense, logistics, real estate, renewable energy, speedboats and steel, amongst other businesses. Headquartered in India, Mahindra employs over 2,40,000 people across 100 countries.
Learn more about Mahindra on www.mahindra.com / Twitter and Facebook: @MahindraRise
Media contact information
Mohan Nair
Vice President (Communications)
Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.
Landline – + 91 22 28468510
Email – nair.mohan@mahindra.com
Free2Move launches its car sharing service in Paris
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Go-Jek releases beta ride-sharing app to kick off Singapore launch
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