Ford France prepares an advertising chatbot

In October 2018, the oval brand will launch a conversational robot that will challenge Internet users and social partners to talk to them about the new Focus, while waiting for other models. A project led with Botnik.ai. A technological approach for a technological showcase. Ford France will launch a conversational robot (chatbot), on the occasion… Continue reading Ford France prepares an advertising chatbot

ZF: automation is “difficult to depreciate on a particular vehicle”

According to ZF, automation systems will have more interest in commercial vehicles and trucks. A strategic position deciphered by Thierry Metais, vice-president of the ZF group in charge of sales and development but also managing director of ZF France, At the end of June 2018, ZF presented its strategic shift for the autonomous vehicle, during… Continue reading ZF: automation is “difficult to depreciate on a
particular vehicle”

BMW’s Launching an Uber Competitor in Seattle

In this wacky new world of bike shares, electric scooters, OneWheels, and transit apps, automotive companies aren’t quite famous for their inspired, innovative business moves. But today, BMW is sending up the industry’s latest trial balloon. And it’s headed straight for airspace currently occupied by Uber and Lyft. Starting today, the automaker’s ReachNow arm, which… Continue reading BMW’s Launching an Uber Competitor in Seattle

Travel giant Booking invests $500M in Chinese ride-hailing firm Didi Chuxing

Didi Chuxing, China’s largest ride-hailing company, has pulled in some strategic capital after Booking Holdings invested $500 million into its business. The deal will see Booking Holdings — which was formerly known as Priceline — work closely with Didi to offer its on-demand car services through its Booking.com apps via an integration. Likewise, Didi customers… Continue reading Travel giant Booking invests $500M in Chinese ride-hailing firm Didi Chuxing

Lotus under Geely – what’s the plan?

New CEO Feng Qingfeng was until recently chief technical officer of Geely Auto Group Lotus is something of a curiosity. Like Chrysler, many companies have owned it, only to eventually sell to another firm, usually having sustained substantial losses during the period of control. Will things be different under Geely? The following analysis of the… Continue reading Lotus under Geely – what’s the plan?

China is Europe in battery production consider

D The first battery cell production for electric cars on German soil is being built in Erfurt, Thuringia. But her owner is not a German automaker. The operator comes from far away China. Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) is the name of the company, which is currently emerging as the world leader in the… Continue reading China is Europe in battery production
consider

BVRLA launches ‘Plug-in-Pledge’ to increase take-up of plug-in EVs

The BVRLA has launched an ambitious ‘Plug-in Pledge’ that will see its members’ combined plug-in vehicle fleet size rise from 50,000 today to 720,000 by 2025. By that time, vehicle rental and leasing companies will be buying 300,000 plug-in vehicles per year. This represents an increase in the industry’s share of annual new plug-in hybrid… Continue reading BVRLA launches ‘Plug-in-Pledge’ to increase take-up of plug-in EVs

Valeo relies on “light” electrification of cars

In recent months, a silent revolution is under way on the Côte d’Opale. Here, in Etaples, close to the seaside resort of Le Touquet (Pas-de-Calais), since March Valeo has produced 48-volt starter-alternators, in addition to its 12-volt classics. Seen from afar, the difference is barely perceptible: the craft is just bigger than its cousin. But… Continue reading Valeo relies on “light” electrification of cars