Daimler – Page 1797 – I wish I had more to offer

New Audi and Mercedes-Benz vehicles will hit the road loaded with HERE traffic data

“ Audi and Mercedes-Benz vehicles arriving in 2019 will be equipped with a new set of innovative features for their drivers: HERE Real-Time Traffic. Just one year ago, HERE CEO Edzard Overbeek wrote that Collaboration and partnerships Will pave the way to the Autonomous worldThat’s a brilliant directive, but when the time comes to take… Continue reading New Audi and Mercedes-Benz vehicles will hit the road loaded with HERE traffic data

New Audi and Mercedes-Benz vehicles will hit the road loaded with HERE traffic data

Audi and Mercedes-Benz vehicles arriving in 2019 will be equipped with a new set of innovative features for their drivers: HERE Real-Time Traffic. Just one year ago, HERE CEO Edzard Overbeek wrote that collaboration and partnerships will pave the way to the autonomous world. That’s a brilliant directive, but when the time comes to take… Continue reading New Audi and Mercedes-Benz vehicles will hit the road loaded with HERE traffic data

Daimler wants to sell self-driving trucks within ten years

Daimler wants to invest half a billion euros in autonomously driving trucks and create a good 200 jobs for it. Computers should control these vehicles predominantly. Electric trucks of the brand Freightliner from Daimler Monday, 07.01.2019 19:18 clock Half a billion euros invested Daimler in the coming years in the development of highly automated trucks.… Continue reading Daimler wants to sell self-driving trucks within ten years

Behind the wheel of Daimler’s upcoming electric trucks

Roberto Baldwin / Engadget Daimler has been very vocal that it’s moving to electrify its trucks. From short- to medium-haul delivery vehicles to school buses, the company is making no bones that its future lies in EVs. At CES, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz, Fuso, along with Freightliner and Thomas Built Buses gave Engadget the… Continue reading Behind the wheel of Daimler’s upcoming electric trucks

Charging stations from Elli: Volkswagen founds eco-electricity providers for electric cars

VW Golf is loading A car driver puts the charging cable in the front of a VW Golf Hybrid. Loading should be much easier with the help of the new Volkswagen subsidiary Elli. (Photo: AP) Düsseldorf Loading an electric car is not always easy. The standards sometimes change from city to city. Sometimes there are… Continue reading Charging stations from Elli: Volkswagen founds eco-electricity providers for electric cars

Leading the way: Tesla trounces luxury competitors in year-end sales tally

2017 Tesla Model 3
Now that Tesla has released its final sales numbers for the end of last year, we finally have a yardstick to measure the company’s sales success.

In the third quarter, Tesla made a point of noting that, with the Model 3 approaching full production, it became the fifth bestselling—non-SUV—car model in America.

On New Year’s Day, the company reported it delivered 63,150 Model 3s from October to December. That’s up 13 percent from 55,840 from July through September.

READ THIS: Tesla cuts prices $2,000, almost hit 250,000 vehicles in 2018

Taking Tesla's sales numbers at face value for the moment, the company says it sold more Model 3s in the third quarter than some entire brands, including some of its chief competitors, including Acura, Audi, Cadillac, and Infiniti.

Other rivals were also feeling the heat from Model 3 sales. In total Lexus sold 71,107 vehicles and BMW sold 85,949, according to sales numbers from Automotive News (subscription required.)

2018 Tesla Model S and 2018 Tesla Model X

Model 3 sales for Q4 weren’t that far behind entire affordable brands such as Mazda (65,203) and Volkswagen (87,836).

And that’s just one model from Tesla, versus other brands’ entire lineups.

It’s not a direct comparison, because Tesla’s numbers include Canadian sales, while those from other brands are only in the U.S. Still, in the third quarter, Tesla sold about 1,500 Model 3s in Canada, as it focused sales there to delay the expiration of its federal tax credit in the U.S. So the numbers aren’t far off.

Whole lineups

Counting the Model S and Model X (which are exported in greater proportion), the company sold 75,100 cars in the U.S. in Q4, according to Automotive News numbers, more than Lexus (71,107), Audi (55,903), Buick (51,627), Acura (44,451), Infiniti (44,031), Cadillac (41,462), Lincoln (28,307), or Volvo (24,224).

Only BMW and Mercedes sold more, at 95,710 and 101,047, respectively. Using Tesla’s own number of 90,700 sales for the quarter wouldn’t change that order, even though Tesla’s number includes sales of all three of its cars in Canada, and the Model S and Model X around the world.

Head-to-head

When it comes to direct competitors to the Model 3—upscale sedans costing $45,000 to $80,000—the Model 3 trounces all competitors, with the next closest models, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the Lexus ES coming in with about 18,000 and 14,000 sales respectively for the quarter. BMW sold 9,847 3-Series sedans, though it has sliced much of that market into niche products such as the 4-series.

DON'T MISS: Tesla Model 3 is fifth bestselling car in U.S., production still short of profitability goal

For the quarter, the Model 3 outsold such mainstays of American roads as the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, the Subaru Forester and Outback, and the Honda Pilot. It almost conquered the Toyota Highlander, which had 63,812 sales, and wasn't far behind the Toyota Corolla (68,564) and the Honda Civic (70,724) for the quarter. With its slow production ramp-up early in the year, however, it couldn't approach those top-selling cars for the full year.

Annual sales

Tesla’s slow ramp-up to full Model 3 production was one of the major stories of the year, and the car didn’t start posting big sales numbers until Q3, so many of its sales look less impressive on an annual basis.

For the full year, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Lexus, and Audi—even Mazda and VW—sold more cars than Tesla. Many of those brands, though, sell full lineups of cars and SUVs in multiple sizes and formats (front-wheel drive/rear-wheel drive; sporty, luxurious, car- or truck-based, for example.) Tesla sells three models: two luxury cars and a crossover SUV.

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Sachs Torque Converter for 6 HP Transmissions is Newest Addition to ZF Product Portfolio

In addition to its extensive portfolio for Mercedes Benz vehicles, ZF is now offering its established Sachs torque converters for 6HP transmissions for vehicles produced by Audi, Aston Martin, BMW, Jaguar, Land Rover, Porsche, Skoda and the VW Group. “Our torque converters,” says Richard Adgey, head of Product Management at ZF Aftermarket, “are the ideal… Continue reading Sachs Torque Converter for 6 HP Transmissions is Newest Addition to ZF Product Portfolio

Via Demonstrates the Future of Autonomous Vehicle Ridesharing at CES

Published January 7, 2019 9:00 am, Via NYC
Via Demonstrates the Future of Autonomous Vehicle Ridesharing at CES
Via, Comet Mobility and Aurrigo debut PodZero AV mobility project

Via, the leader in dynamic, on-demand shared ride technology, is building the operating system for mobility and the future of Autonomous Vehicles (AVs), showcasing its smart solutions at CES 2019 alongside Aurrigo, Comet Mobility and an AI technology provider for AV demonstrations. AV technology is maturing, and Via is building and deploying solutions that will enable AVs to function in real-world situations as part of optimized, shared transportation systems. This is the first time Via’s AV technology and Aurrigo’s PodZero will be demonstrated together.

“We are delighted to showcase Via’s dynamic autonomous vehicle technology at CES with change-makers Aurrigo and Comet Mobility,” said Oren Shoval, co-founder and CTO of Via. “If autonomous vehicles are to reach their full potential for providing low-cost, efficient rides, they need to be shared by multiple passengers. Via’s sophisticated systems are able to power, in real-time, the movement of millions of connected autonomous shuttles and their passengers.”

Via has provided more than 45 million dynamically-routed rides around the globe, and has applied this experience in shared mobility to AVs. CES attendees can experience Via’s AV technology by booking a PodZero ride using the Via app at the on-site visitor center. Via will seamlessly book and route the autonomous vehicles on-demand, provide customers with a vehicle location and ETA, and use its advanced Augmented Reality (AR) functionality for easy identification.

Here’s how it works, all through Via’s mobile app:

The rider will select the number of passengers, pick-up and drop-off locations
The app will provide the rider with a notification of the next Aurrigo PodZero available, and an accurate ETA
The rider will receive updated ETAs and vehicle location during the wait
The rider will easily identify the Aurrigo PodZero upon arrival using Via’s AR technology, which displays a Via icon above the PodZero within the app

During the journey, visitors will be routed around a 1,500 ft. “cityscape” track to New York, the UK or Las Vegas in the South Platinum Parking Lot, while interacting with voice-activated technology. In addition to rider-focused AV technology, Via will also demonstrate its AV driver technology, including key functionalities that intelligently select the fastest routes for each shuttle using real-time traffic data from multiple sources; direct shuttles to optimal pick-up locations to avoid detours; and accurately predict how demand patterns will unfold throughout the day and smartly position shuttles to anticipate that demand.

“Deploying an efficient fleet of AVs for shared rides is no easy feat, and requires products that reach far beyond simply the ability to drive autonomously. Via’s technology has to replace all of the functions of the traditional driver — from helping riders board, to ensuring they have the right vehicle, to solving real-time issues in the vehicle, and acting as ‘eyes and ears’ on the road by reporting important changes like street closures,” said Shoval.

About Via:

Via is re-engineering public transit, from a regulated system of rigid routes and schedules to a fully dynamic, on-demand network. Via’s mobile app connects multiple passengers who are headed the same way, allowing riders to seamlessly share a premium vehicle. First launched in New York City in September 2013, the Via platform currently operates in the United States, and in Europe through its joint venture with Mercedes-Benz Vans, ViaVan. Via’s technology is also deployed worldwide through partner projects with public transportation agencies, private transit operators, taxi fleets, private companies, and universities, seamlessly integrating with public transit infrastructure to provide the most cutting edge on-demand mobility innovation.

Tesla factory and screen interface, Byton back at CES: Today’s Car News

Byton M-Byte concept
Patent filings show new features that may be coming to updated Model S and Model X cars later this year. Chinese startup automaker Byton makes another appearance at CES. And our latest Twitter poll asks readers which electric pickup they think may hit the roads first. All this and more on Green Car Reports.

On Sunday night, Musk took to Twitter to announce that the company would break ground on its much-needed second factory on Monday. The new plant in China will produce “affordable” Model 3s and Model Ys for the Chinese and surrounding markets.

A patent filing late last year shows a new Windows-like control interface that may be coming to updated Model S and Model X cars later this year. The screen will allow drivers to see four functions at once.

Chinese startup automaker Byton will make its second appearance at the CES show in Las Vegas this week, after giving rides in its M-byte SUV last year. This year, an updated M-byte that's closer to production will have a curved screen across the dashboard, more screens for rear passengers, and even a few actual buttons for driver controls.

If 2019 is the year of the electric SUV, it's also the year of electric pickup concept announcements. Our latest Twitter poll asks readers which company they think will get an electric pickup on the market first: Rivian, Tesla, Ford, or Bollinger.

A spy photographer in Germany caught photos of the upcoming BMW iX3, due out in 2020, testing on public roads. Lest there be any doubt that it was the electric version of the X3, the test car had signs emblazoned on the front doors proclaiming, “Electric Test Vehicle.”

Finally, Jay Leno got a chance to test drive the new Mercedes-Benz EQC 400 prototype and released a new video on “Jay Leno's Garage” to rave about the experience.

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Porsche Claims Tesla Owners Are Leading A Taycan Sales Stampede

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Published on January 7th, 2019 |

by Steve Hanley

Porsche Claims Tesla Owners Are Leading A Taycan Sales Stampede

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January 7th, 2019 by Steve Hanley

At the LA Auto Show last month, Klaus Zellmer, president of North American operations for Porsche, had some interesting things to say to Tim Stevens of CNET Road Show. His company has had a “pretty amazing” level of interest in its upcoming Taycan 4 door electric sports car, he said.

In particular, the number of people willing to plunk down a $2,500 deposit to pre-order one has exceeded all expectations. “If all the people [who preordered] buy this car, then we are sold out for the first year,” Zellmer said, and 20,000 sales would make the Taycan one of Porsche’s best selling models. However, it would not approach the ~50,000 Tesla Model S sedans sold each year.

“More than half of the people that are signing up for the Taycan have not owned or do not own a Porsche,” Zellmer added, which led to this question: What car do they own? “Typically, if we look at our source of business — people coming from other brands — it’s Audi, BMW, or Mercedes. The no. 1 brand now is Tesla. That’s pretty interesting, to see that people that were curious about the Tesla for very good reasons obviously don’t stop being curious.”

Is that surprising? Maybe not. Most existing Tesla owners are early adopters. If they jumped on the Tesla bandwagon early, why wouldn’t they want to try the new new thing? Especially in California, where car culture has been dominant ever since Harry Truman took the train back to Independence, well heeled buyers are always on the hunt for what’s next.

Green Car Reports speculates that current Tesla owners may be attracted to the Taycan’s 800 volt drivetrain, which can reportedly recharge in half as much time as a Tesla (assuming you can find an ultra-fast charger). Or they may think the Porsche will offer a more luxuriously appointed interior.

Is Porsche worried that the Taycan — and its soon to appear first cousin, the Cross Turismo — will compete head to head with Audi models that are based on the same chassis? Not really. The Audi e-tron GT will share a chassis with the Taycan, but people will be able to tell the difference by the way the two cars drive.

“When it’s about being competitive,” he said, “it’s something that really has to fully speak Porsche. If you drive a Macan, you know that we share a platform [with Audi], but it’s a completely different car. And that’s exactly what has to happen and I’m sure Audi has followed a same path.”

Should Tesla be worried that some of its current owners may make the switch to an all-electric Porsche? Probably not. There are tens of millions of people who would give their eye teeth to own a Tesla. The other upside is that if some of those Tesla owners do change horses midstream, that will mean more pre-owned Teslas for sale to those who don’t have the resources to buy a new one.

When it comes to the electric car revolution, the more competitive cars available — new and used — the better for us and for the Earth.

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 take him. His motto is “Democracy is socialism.” You got a problem with that?

You can follow him on Google + and on Twitter.

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