Strategy – Page 7105 – I wish I had more to offer

‘The G is a G and it needs to stay a G’ | Interview with Mercedes R&D chief Ola Kaellenius – Autoblog – Autoblog

At the Detroit Auto Show, we got a chance to sit down with Ola Källenius, the head of Mercedes research and development. The 48-year-old Swede, who was previously head of AMG and Mercedes’ Alabama manufacturing facility, discussed a wide range of Benz-related topics. On the 2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class introduced in Detroit, and how you make… Continue reading ‘The G is a G and it needs to stay a G’ | Interview with Mercedes R&D chief Ola Kaellenius – Autoblog – Autoblog

Hella and AEye Extend Strategic Partnership to Deliver Sensing and Perception Solutions for ADAS and Autonomous Driving

Cooperation Focus in the Field of LiDAR Sensor and iDAR System Development
First results will be already demonstrated at CES 2019 in Las Vegas
“HELLA is an ideal strategic partner for AEye as we look to ramp production capabilities to meet the demand of our OEM partners. HELLA has an excellent track record working with automotive OEMs, and I anticipate great synergies as we look to roll out next generation perception capabilities that meet their needs both today, and in the future.”

Lippstadt / Las Vegas, January 8, 2019 – HELLA, one of the world’s leading automotive suppliers for lighting and electronics, and AEye, a world leader in artificial perception systems and the developer of iDAR™, seek to extend their strategic partnership to deliver customized sensing and perception solutions for ADAS Automated Driving (AD) based on AEye’s iDAR technology. Both parties will combine their complementary know-how and capabilities in their respective domains.

AEye’s iDAR artificial perception system leads the industry in range and scan rate performance for automotive-grade LiDAR. iDAR is a new form of intelligent data collection that fuses 1550 nanometer (nm), solid-state agile LiDAR with a low-light HD camera and embedded AI to intelligently capture data at the sensor level. HELLA will bring in its high competence in the field of embedded software and image processing as well as its automotive experience and industrialization capabilities along the entire supply chain to leverage and extend this platform. This joint development effort will bring best-in-class Level 3 ADAS solutions to global automotive OEMs. AEye and HELLA will be demonstrating first results of their already existing cooperation at CES 2019 in Las Vegas, January 8th to 11th, 2019 (Booth #2100, Westgate Convention Center).

“HELLA is an ideal strategic partner for AEye as we look to ramp production capabilities to meet the demand of our OEM partners,” said Blair LaCorte, President of AEye. “HELLA has an excellent track record working with automotive OEMs, and I anticipate great synergies as we look to roll out next generation perception capabilities that meet their needs both today, and in the future.”

Frank Petznick, responsible for Automated Driving at HELLA, says: “HELLA is actively promoting the trend towards AD. The collaboration with AEye will provide us with additional opportunities to catalyze new functionality for ADAS and AD solutions that will redefine performance.”

In December, Hella Ventures became a major shareholder of AEye as part of its $40M Series B round of financing. The first joint development project will start immediately, with the objective of a SOP in 2022.

For more information about AEye and Hella’s partnership, please visit AEye’s CES Booth #2100 at the Westgate Convention Center in Las Vegas.

About HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaA, Lippstadt
HELLA is a global, family-owned company, listed on the stock exchange, with more than 40,000 employees at over 125 locations in some 35 countries. The HELLA Group develops and manufactures products for lighting technology and electronics for the automotive industry and also has one of the largest retail organizations for automotive parts, accessories, diagnostics, and services within Europe. With more than 7,000 people working in research and development, HELLA is one of the most important innovation drivers on the market. Furthermore, with sales of € 7.1 billion in the fiscal year of 2017/2018, the HELLA Group is one of the top 40 automotive parts suppliers in the world and one of the 100 largest German industrial companies.

About AEye
AEye is an artificial perception pioneer and creator of iDAR™, a perception system that acts as the eyes and visual cortex of autonomous vehicles. Since its demonstration of its solid-state LiDAR scanner in 2013, AEye has pioneered breakthroughs in intelligent sensing. The company is based in the San Francisco Bay Area, and backed by world-renowned investors including Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Taiwania Capital, Intel Capital, & Airbus Ventures.

 For additional information please contact:
Dr. Markus Richter
Company spokesman
HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaA
Rixbecker Straße 75
59552 Lippstadt, Germany
Germany
Phone: +49 2941 38-7545
Fax: +49 2941 38-477545
[email protected]
www.hella.com

AEye Media Contact
AEye, Inc.
Jennifer Deitsch
[email protected]
925-400-4366

Hella and AEye Extend Strategic Partnership to Deliver Sensing and Perception Solutions for ADAS and Autonomous Driving — LG Electronics and AEye Announce Strategic Partnership to Address Sensing and Perception Needs of ADAS MarketThe Future of Autonomous Vehicles: Part I – Think Like a Robot, Perceive Like a HumanAEye’s iDAR Shatters Both Range and Scan Rate Performance Records for Automotive Grade LiDARAEye Announces Industry Leading Family of Perception Sensors for ADAS SolutionsAEye’s $40M Series B Includes Numerous Automotive Leaders Including Subaru, Hella, LG, and SKAEye Granted Foundational Patents For Core Solid-State MEMs-Based Agile LiDAR And Embedded AI TechnologyAEye Introduces Next Generation of Artificial Perception: New Dynamic Vixels™AEye Introduces Advanced Mobility Product for the Autonomous Vehicle MarketGartner Names AEye Cool Vendor in AI for Computer VisionThe Future of Autonomous Vehicles: Part II – Blind Technology without Compassion Is Ruthless

Electrify America and Hubject collaborate to advance the future of EV charging

Will Bring Plug&Charge to More Than 2,000 High-Power Public Chargers by Year End LOS ANGELES, CA. (January 8, 2019) – Electrify America and Hubject, a recognized leader in electric vehicle (EV) charging interoperability and “Plug&Charge” technology capabilities, today announced a strategic agreement that will allow people to pay for their electric vehicle charging simply by… Continue reading Electrify America and Hubject collaborate to advance the future of EV charging

VW & GM Exec Statements on Electric Vehicles & Tesla Leave Me Dizzy, Confused, Laughing

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Published on January 9th, 2019 |

by Matt Pressman

VW & GM Exec Statements on Electric Vehicles & Tesla Leave Me Dizzy, Confused, Laughing

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January 9th, 2019 by Matt Pressman

Originally published on EVANNEX.

Big Auto’s executives have a long history of taking shots at Tesla. Now, two industry giants, VW and GM, have decided to dismiss the Silicon Valley automaker altogether and claim they’ll (instead) lead the EV revolution. Yet, their braggadocio, somehow, doesn’t seem to add up.

Two of the industry’s biggest heavyweights, VW and GM, have dialed up their bold claims surrounding electric car efforts. VW has lineup of fully electric vehicles coming in next few years.

Larry Vellequette reported in November (via Automotive News Europe) that Volkswagen’s rhetoric about electric vehicles is “the direct result of a strategy shift that came after getting caught cheating on diesel-emissions testing.” Deflecting attention from the dieselgate scandal and recent cartel allegations, VW’s corporate communications vacillate wildly from reluctant to boastful when it comes to the company’s EV plans.

In a puzzling interview with VW’s Herbert Diess shared in that article, the company’s CEO downplayed the viability of the electric car, explaining, “if you are still driving far distances, 20,000 or 30,000 miles [per year], it’s probably not the right car.” And with EVs, Deiss adds, “you’re driving on coal instead of oil, and it doesn’t make sense.” [Editor’s note: What????] That said, he concedes, “Renewable energy is a must… [so] we will be very big in electric cars worldwide because we are very strong in China.”

A look back at VW’s dieselgate scandal, which likely sparked the company’s recent PR offensive touting its “support” for EVs (YouTube: The Verge)

Deiss admits, “[Electric car] sales are picking up. It’s not all over the place, but West Coast, if you go to a parking lot, you see already a decent mix of electric cars there. Most of them are probably Teslas, but what’s happening now is that the cars become so much better.” He continues, “I think we have the best setup strategy for the electric vehicles to come. … We will be aggressive on the pricing. We will be much lower than Tesla.”

Meanwhile, GM’s former bigwig, Bob Lutz, is consistently appearing on financial news shows in order to trash-talk Tesla. Recently, he claimed, “Tesla is headed to the graveyard.” Do GM’s top brass feel the same way? Jamie Lareau (via Detroit Free Press) spoke with Mike Abelson, GM’s vice president of global strategy, for his take on EVs. He reports, “GM’s gasoline-powered cars and trucks will be the main revenue stream for the company for at least the next two decades,” according to Abelson. [Editor’s note: What?????]

GM has no plans for electric pickup trucks.

Yet, contradicting himself, Abelson adds, “We do believe we’ll lead the industry in EVs sometime in the next decade or so.” [Editor’s note: What???????]

If that’s the case, will GM, perhaps, battle Tesla in market segments like pickup trucks. No. Abelson says, “There will not be any AV/EV pickups.” [Editor’s note: OMG]

Nevertheless, it’s reported that “GM is exploring all fronts in future mobility, including talking to companies working on flying cars.”

About the Author

Matt Pressman is all about Tesla. He’s a TSLA investor, pre-ordered the Model 3, and loves driving the family's Model S and Model X company cars. As co-founder of EVANNEX, a family business specializing in aftermarket Tesla accessories, he’s served as a contributor/editor of Electric Vehicle University (EVU) and the Owning Model S and Getting Ready for Model 3 books. He writes daily about Tesla and you can follow his work on the EVANNEX blog.

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AEye Announces Industry Leading Family of Perception Sensors for ADAS Solutions

AE200 Series is designed to address the need of modular, high-performance sensors that are based on the iDAR™ platform and optimized for size, weight, power, and price.
“The AE200…product family — specifically for the ADAS market — delivers the perception data that is needed for safe and reliable L3 operation, at a price point that OEMs will find extremely attractive. We achieve this by using the concept of agile parallax, a derivative feature of our iDAR architecture. This agility allows us to retain the same world record flexibility, revisit rate and resolution of the AE110, by trading off range and achievable simultaneous ROIs.”

CES, Las Vegas, NV – January 8, 2019 – AEye, a world leader in artificial perception systems and the developer of iDAR™, today announced the AE200 Series of sensors, a game changing solid-state sensor family for Level 3 ADAS applications. AEye previously announced its latest Mobility/Robotaxi solution, the AE110, in December, 2018. Built on the world’s most extensive solid-state LiDAR patent portfolio, the AE200 Series features the industry’s only software-definable intelligent agile LiDAR, industry-leading ADAS performance, and is SWaP optimized for modular ADAS deployments capable of supporting all popular vehicle packaging locations.

The company simultaneously announced today that it has entered into strategic partnerships with Hella and LG Electronics. The AE200 Series will be one of the iDAR-based artificial perception systems that both Hella and LG Electronics will be using to deliver ADAS solutions to global OEMs at scale.

The AE200 Series includes AEye’s industry leading anti-spoofing and interference mitigation and is under ASIL-B functional safety certification, ensuring it meets the automotive industry’s stringent safety standards. Delivering ADAS L3 long range performance of up to 200M at 10% reflectivity at 0.1° resolution and the short range performance configuration of 50M range at 10% reflectivity, the AE200 Series will be modular in design and capable of up to 120°x 45° Field of View.

“The AE200 is about redefining performance expectations for modular ADAS perception sensors,” said Aravind Ratnam, Vice President of Product Management at AEye. “For level 3, current low cost LiDAR options don’t deliver value for their low price. This product family specifically for the ADAS market delivers the perception data that is needed for safe and reliable L3 operation, at a price point that OEMs will find extremely attractive. We achieve this by using the concept of agile parallax, a derivative feature of our iDAR architecture. This agility allows us to retain the same world record flexibility, revisit rate and resolution of the AE110, by trading off range and achievable simultaneous ROIs.”

Key features of the AE200 include:

Software-definable LiDAR
Designed to meet ISO 26262 functional safety requirements, eye safe in all modes
Four layers of interference mitigation and anti-spoofing technology
Software Development Kit
Software and fundamental perception capabilities to support specific ADAS solutions such as Cross Traffic Alerts, Emergency Braking, Front and Rear Collision Warning, and Blind Spot Monitoring, etc.
Automotive SWaP optimized with documented field and environmental testing
Modular for supporting all critical ADAS packaging locations including headlamp, windscreen, side mirror, front grill, A-pillar, and C-pillar
Optional High resolution RGB or IR camera fused and bore sighted with AEye’s agile LiDAR

The AE200 will be available to automotive OEMs and Tier 1s in the Summer, 2019. For more information about AEye, the AE110, and the company’s innovative approach to artificial perception, please visit CES Booth #2100 at the Westgate Convention Center in Las Vegas, January 8th – 11th, 2019. For a private car demo, please contact [email protected]

Media Contact:

AEye, Inc.
Jennifer Deitsch
[email protected]

925-400-4366

AEye Announces Industry Leading Family of Perception Sensors for ADAS Solutions — AEye Introduces Advanced Mobility Product for the Autonomous Vehicle MarketAEye’s iDAR Shatters Both Range and Scan Rate Performance Records for Automotive Grade LiDARAEye’s $40M Series B Includes Numerous Automotive Leaders Including Subaru, Hella, LG, and SKThe Future of Autonomous Vehicles: Part I – Think Like a Robot, Perceive Like a HumanThe Future of Autonomous Vehicles: Part II – Blind Technology without Compassion Is RuthlessAEye Announces Addition of Aravind Ratnam as Vice President of Product ManagementBlair LaCorte Named President of AEyeAEye Granted Foundational Patents For Core Solid-State MEMs-Based Agile LiDAR And Embedded AI TechnologyAEye’s iDAR Leverages Biomimicry to Enable First Solid State Lidar with 100Hz Scan RateAEye Introduces Next Generation of Artificial Perception: New Dynamic Vixels™

ZF expands Partnership with Microsoft to Develop Digital Services

Whether in the passenger car sector or for commercial vehicles, ZF is well on the road toward Vision Zero. Autonomous vehicles, innovative safety systems and intelligent mobility solutions contribute to a future of road traffic with zero accidents and zero emissions. This will be accompanied by digitalizing the entire value chain. The technological backbone for… Continue reading ZF expands Partnership with Microsoft to Develop Digital Services

USA premiere of the new Mercedes-Benz EQC: The Mercedes-Benz among electric vehicles

08.

January 2019

Stuttgart/Las Vegas

Combined power consumption: 22.2 kWh/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 0 g/km, provisional details*Stuttgart/Las Vegas. At CES 2019 in Las Vegas the first Mercedes-Benz vehicle from the EQ brand is celebrating its US premiere. The EQC (combined power consumption: 22.2 kWh/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 0 g/km, provisional details)[1] symbolises the beginning of a new mobility era at Daimler. With its seamless, clear design and colour highlights typical of the brand, it is a pioneer for an avant-garde electric look while representing the design idiom of Progressive Luxury. With respect to quality, safety and comfort the EQC is the Mercedes-Benz among electric vehicles, and highly convincing in the sum of its attributes. These elements are accompanied by dynamic performance, thanks to two electric motors at the front and rear axles with a combined output of 300 kW. Thanks to an ingenious operation strategy, the EQC has a preliminary range of 450[1] kilometres (279 miles) according to the European cycle NEDC. EQ also offers comprehensive services with Mercedes me, and makes electromobility convenient and suitable for day-to-day motoring.
As the first Mercedes-Benz model under the new product and technology brand EQ, the Mercedes-Benz EQC has many trailblazing design details and colour highlights typical of the brand. Both inside and out, the EQC embodies the design idiom of Progressive Luxury. This arises from the combination of a previously unknown beauty, the conscious clash of digital and analogue elements as well as the seamless merging of intuitive and physical design.
By virtue of its muscular proportions, the EQC is classed as a crossover SUV. The extended roofline and window layout with a low waistline and the coupé-like roof recess at the rear visually position it between an SUV and an SUV coupé.
Star Car: putting on a big show with the Night Design
A striking feature at the front is the large black-panel surface enclosing the headlamps and grille. Exclusively for the American market the large Mercedes star on the panel is illuminated at night as standard and for the first time it can also be combined with the radar-controlled DISTRONIC. This ensures a particularly impressive look in darkness. The Night Design is also unique thanks to the inclusion of the fibre-optic cable for the first time. As the finishing touch to the top of the Black Panel it provides a visual link to the characteristic Mercedes‑Benz daytime running lights. This creates an almost uninterrupted, horizontal light band. The inner housings and tubes of the standard MULTIBEAM LED headlamps are in high-gloss black. Contrasting colour highlights discreetly confirm the model's membership of the new EQ family: blue stripes on a white background, and MULTIBEAM lettering also in blue.
The high-quality interior of the EQC also pioneers an avant-garde electro-look. One example is the louvred edge of the instrument panel, which resembles the cooling ribs of a hi-fi amplifier. The instrument panel is designed as a driver-oriented cockpit. The typical Mercedes-Benz wing profile is asymmetrical, with a “cut-out” in the driver area. This is where one of the visual highlights of the cockpit is located – a high-tech, high gloss cassette housing flat air vents with key-shaped, rosé-gold coloured louvres.
Powertrain: Dynamic performance meets efficiency
As the first Mercedes-Benz model to be launched under the new product and technology brand EQ, the EQC features an all-new drive system development with compact electric drivetrains at each axle. These give the EQC the driving characteristics of an all-wheel drive.
To reduce power consumption and increase dynamism, the electric drivetrains are configured differently: the front electric motor is optimised for best possible efficiency in the low to medium load range, while the rear one determines dynamism. Together, they generate an output of approx. 300 kW and a combined maximum torque of 765 Nm.
Mercedes-Benz engineers have enhanced noise comfort with a number of measures. In the EQC the powerpacks are isolated by rubber mounts at two points: where the powerpack connects to its subframe and where the subframe connects to the body. This effective isolation is supplemented with insulation measures. As a result, the interior of the EQC is extremely quiet.
The lithium-ion battery, which has an energy content of 80 kWh (NEDC), supplies the vehicle with power. The power consumption and range of electric vehicles greatly depend on the driving style. The EQC supports its driver with five driving programs, each with different characteristics: COMFORT, ECO, MAX RANGE, SPORT and an individually adaptable program. In the more economical driving modes, the haptic accelerator pedal that prompts the driver to conserve power plays an important role. The driver is also able to influence the recuperation level using so-called paddles behind the steering wheel.
The ECO Assist system gives the driver comprehensive support when driving predictively: by prompting the driver when it is appropriate to come off the accelerator, e.g. because the vehicle is approaching a speed limit, and by functions such as coasting and specific control of recuperation. For this purpose, navigation data, traffic sign recognition and information from the intelligent safety assistants (radar and stereo camera) are linked and processed.
Charging: Flexible and fast
As standard the EQC is equipped with a water-cooled onboard charger (OBC) with a capacity of 7.4 kW, making it suitable for AC charging at home or at public charging stations.
Within the EU the charging process at a Mercedes-Benz Wallbox is up to three times faster than at a household socket; in the USA the time advantage when charging at a Wallbox is even up to eight times as much, because here the voltage at a household socket is usually 120 V. It is faster still with DC charging – which is standard for the EQC, with a suitable market-specific plug – for example via CCS (Combined Charging Systems) in Europe and the USA, CHAdeMO in Japan or GB/T in China. Depending on the SoC (status of charge), the EQC can be charged with a maximum output of up to 110 kW at an appropriate charging station. It then takes around 40 minutes to charge from 10 to 80 percent SoC (provisional figures).
Technical data[2]
CO2 emissions
0 g/km
Power consumption (NEDC)
22.2 kWh/100 km
Range (NEDC)
over 450 km (279 mi)
Drive system
2 asynchronous motors, all-wheel drive
Output
300 kW (408 hp)
Peak torque
765 Nm
Top speed
180 km/h (governed)
Acceleration 0-100 km/h
5.1 s
Battery
Lithium-ion
Battery energy content (NEDC)
80 kWh
Battery weight
650* kg
Length/width (incl. mirrors)/height:
4761/1884 (2096) /1624 mm
Track width (FA/RA)
1625/1615 mm
Wheelbase
2873 mm
Luggage compartment (depending on equipment fitted)
approx. 500 l.
Kerb weight/perm. GVW/payload (DIN)
2425*/2930/505 kg
perm. trailer load for 12% uphill gradient
1800 kg
* Provisional data
The multimedia system MBUX: with EQC-specific functions
The EQC features the innovative multimedia system MBUX – Mercedes-Benz User Experience – which has numerous EQ-specific functions such as the display of range, charge status and energy flow. EQ-optimised navigation, driving modes, charging current and departure time can also be controlled and set via MBUX.
The MBUX display has a special EQ icon where numerous EQ features are grouped. Alternatively the user can access the EQ menu of the MBUX system directly using a key in the lower left control panel. Thanks to natural language recognition, the EQ-specific voice control helps the driver to operate the EQC.
MBUX Interior Assist: an even greater experience
By recognising movements MBUX Interior Assist brings added intelligence to the interior. Thanks to innovative technology, MBUX now supports the occupants by making various comfort and MBUX functions even simpler and more intuitive. Interior Assist operates in non-contact mode and functions both in sunlight and in complete darkness.
It enables the adaptation of screen content as soon as a hand approaches the touchscreen in the dashboard or the touchpad on the centre console, for example. Individual elements are highlighted according to the currently active menu. In addition, the system is able to distinguish between the driver's and front passenger's wishes and thus knows for whose seat the seat heating is to be activated, for example.
A special feature of Interior Assist is the personal favourites function. The driver and front passenger can both program a personal, favourite function which is initiated using a horizontally outstretched index and middle finger. In this way, any command which is controllable via MBUX can be stored for simple access. One typical favourite command is “navigate me home”. The system is also in a position to detect reliably whether it is being operated by the driver or front passenger. This even means that they can each assign their own different favourites with the same hand position.
There are other functions which can be controlled intuitively, without any need to practise corresponding gestures: In the dark, the reading lamp can be switched on and off by briefly extending a hand towards the rear-view mirror, for example. If the driver reaches over towards the (unoccupied) front passenger seat in the dark, it will be illuminated automatically. This makes it easier to find any items which may have been deposited on the seat. As soon as the person's hand leaves this area, the light automatically switches off again.
Intelligent services: Relaxed travel from start to finish
EQ with Mercedes me provides comprehensive services for the electric mobility of today and tomorrow. The most important new services and functions of the EQC planned for market launch include:
Pre-entry climate control: This ensures that the vehicle interior is already at the desired temperature on departure. It can be programmed directly via MBUX or via the Mercedes me app. A sophisticated system with a heat pump and electric heater boosters pre-climatises the interior.
EQ optimised navigation always bases its calculation on the fastest route taking into account the shortest charging time and the topography. The route planning also responds dynamically to changes, and can take place both offboard and onboard, i.e. externally (via the Mercedes me App) and within the vehicle. Thanks to EQ-optimised navigation, Mercedes-Benz customers can easily find charging stations, and Mercedes me Charge gives them convenient access to the charging stations of numerous providers, also beyond national borders. Customers benefit from an integrated payment function with simple invoicing.
Active and passive safety: EQC-specific safety concept
The EQC is equipped with the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz driving assistance systems. In the Driving Assistance package, these include new functions such as predictive speed adjustment when approaching the end of a tailback: when a tailback is detected, Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC reduces the speed to around 100 km/h as a precaution. In a tailback on the motorway, the lane guidance system keeps the vehicle off-centre to leave space for the emergency services.
The EQC also meets the highest requirements with respect to passive safety: in addition to the usual, extensive programme of crash tests, Mercedes-Benz applies further, particularly stringent safety standards to the battery and all component parts carrying electrical current. These standards exceed legal requirements. The vehicle structure of the EQC has been adapted to suit the special requirements of the electrical components and battery, and is configured to achieve the usual high safety level. For example, a new subframe surrounds the drive components located in the front section, and this unit is supported by the usual mounting points.
Mechanical protection of the battery: the high-safety design begins with the installation position of the high-voltage battery beneath the vehicle floor. The energy storage unit is surrounded by a stable frame that can absorb energy. Deformation elements are installed between the frame and the battery, and these are able to absorb additional forces in the event of a severe side impact. A battery guard in the front area of the battery is able to prevent the energy storage unit from being pierced by foreign objects.
Electrical protection of the high-voltage system: the extensive experience of Mercedes-Benz with high-voltage drive systems has led to a multi-stage safety concept that deploys in the event of an accident. The high-voltage system automatically shuts down, reversibly or irreversibly, according to the severity of the accident. There are also shutdown points where emergency teams can deactivate the high-voltage system manually.
Testing: Endurance tests around the world
By market launch, 200 prototypes and pre-production vehicles of the EQC will have absolved tests covering several million kilometres across four continents (Europe, North America, Asia and Africa). The test program comprises more than 500 individual tests. Like all Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the EQC must absolve the demanding standard test programme. There are also special tests for the electric powertrain, the fuel cell, and the interplay of all powertrain components.
In the process the test experts are able to build upon the extensive findings from their digital testing work, used to ensure both the buildability of the vehicle and for the simulation of e.g. crash behaviour, aerodynamics and NVH: noise, vibration, harshness . In addition there are intensive tests on numerous test rigs at the Mercedes-Benz Technology Centre in Sindelfingen. The ratio between digital and real testing is roughly 35 to 65 percent.
Production: Preparations in full swing in the Bremen plant
Production of the EQC will start in 2019 at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen. The preparations for this are already fully under way. The new EQC will be integrated into ongoing series production as a fully electric vehicle. The very latest production technologies will be employed.
One decisive innovation is the so-called battery-joining centre where the EQC undergoes a second “marriage” following installation of the two electric powerpacks in the bodyshell. This is where the EQCs are recognised as electric models with the help of data tags attached to the body, and equipped with a battery. The body is suspended from a so-called C-carrier and deposited on a frame. Support arms raise the battery to the vehicle's floor from below. An employee monitors the automatic bolting in place.
In parallel with this, production of our own batteries for the EQC is coming on stream at the expanded battery plant in Kamenz (near Dresden).
Alongside Bremen, the Sino-German production joint venture Beijing Benz Automotive Co. Ltd. (BBAC) is also preparing for the production start-up of the EQC for the local market.
[1] Figures for power consumption and CO2 emissions are provisional and were determined by the German Technical Service. The range figures are also provisional. 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.
[2] Figures for power consumption and CO2 emissions are provisional and were determined by the German Technical Service. The range figures are also provisional. 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

Wolfgang Würth

Manager Communications EQ

wolfgang.wuerth@daimler.com

Tel: +49 711 17-46508

Fax: +49 711 17-79016071

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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Mercedes-Benz posts eighth consecutive record year and maintains number 1 position in the premium segment

08.

January 2019

Stuttgart

Last year, Mercedes-Benz sold more than 2.3 million cars worldwide (+0.9%), making 2018 the most successful year in terms of sales in the company’s history. The passenger car division of Daimler AG sold a total of more than 2.4 million Mercedes-Benz and smart vehicles last year (+0.6%). Mercedes-Benz is the best-selling premium brand in the automotive industry for the third time in succession. Despite challenges for the entire industry, 2018 was the eighth consecutive record year for Mercedes-Benz. Mercedes-Benz completed its strongest-selling year along with the best quarter in the company’s history and a new sales record for December. The best full-year unit sales of all time were achieved in the Asia-Pacific region. With an increase of more than 11%, China was once again the market with the strongest growth in absolute terms and the biggest individual market for Mercedes-Benz. Stuttgart – Mercedes-Benz continues to be the leading premium automobile brand in terms of unit sales. In a challenging year, the company with the three-pointed star increased its global car sales to 2,310,185 units in 2018, its eighth consecutive record year (+0.9%), making Mercedes-Benz the best-selling premium brand in the automotive industry for the third time in succession. The new sales record in the car division of Daimler AG was driven in particular by the success of Mercedes-Benz in the Asia-Pacific region and its core Chinese market there. Worldwide, models including the SUVs and the E-Class Saloon and Estate were able to generate significant sales impetus in 2018.
Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars: “In 2018, Mercedes-Benz was at the top of the premium segment in the automotive industry for the third year in a row. In a highly competitive environment, we also remained at the top from month to month, thanks in particular to double-digit growth in China and many new models that have delighted both existing and new customers worldwide. We will continue rejuvenating our portfolio systematically in 2019. We see the major successes in our core business primarily as paving the way for shaping the individual mobility of tomorrow.”
Mercedes-Benz completed its strongest-selling year also with the best quarter in the company’s history (595,098 units, +4.0%). In addition, a new December record was set last month with sales of 206,532 units (+6.7%). In 2018, Mercedes-Benz maintained its position as the premium brand with the most new registrations in many markets, and secured market leadership in markets including Germany, France, Russia, Switzerland, Poland, Portugal, Turkey, Denmark, Hungary, Romania, South Korea, Japan, Australia, Thailand, India, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, USA, Canada, Brazil and Argentina.
“With more than 2.4 million vehicles delivered by Mercedes-Benz Cars in 2018, we once again surpassed our own sales record – for the eighth time in succession. In addition, despite a challenging year, we maintained our position at the top of the premium segment. The excitement for our models and the loyalty of our customers spurs us on to continue giving the best in the new year,” said Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing and Sales. “In recent months, the strong growth of the new A-Class has shown the impetus high-calibre innovations such as MBUX can have in the market. In 2019, more than 10 Mercedes-Benz models will inspire our customers with the intuitive operating concept of MBUX and its artificial intelligence – not only in the compact car segment, but also in SUV segment.”
Mercedes-Benz full-year unit sales by region
Asia-Pacific was most important growth driver also in 2018
The number of 943,473 Mercedes-Benz passenger cars delivered to customers in the Asia-Pacific sales region was higher than ever before in one year (+7.8%). China was once again the company’s biggest sales market – not only in the Asia-Pacific region, but worldwide. Last year, 652,996 cars with the three-pointed star were handed over to customers. The strategy of “Made in China, for China”

China: SenseTime backs WeRide; Starquest leads funding for Miaoshou Doctor

January 9, 2019 Autonomous driving startup WeRide has announced fresh investments from artificial intelligence (AI) unicorn SenseTime and a subsidiary of the Agricultural Bank of China, while Starquest Capital has led a 500 million-yuan ($72.77 million) Series C+ round of financing for Miaoshou Doctor. SenseTime invests in WeRide Level 4 autonomous driving startup WeRide (formerly known… Continue reading China: SenseTime backs WeRide; Starquest leads funding for Miaoshou Doctor

Velodyne Lidar Announces Collaboration with Nikon in Technology Development and Manufacturing

Velodyne Lidar Announces Collaboration with Nikon in Technology Development and ManufacturingDecember 21, 2018|In Press Releases|By Albie Jarvis
Velodyne Adds Nikon Corporation as a Strategic Investor

Velodyne Alpha Puck™ sensor is perfect for L4-L5 autonomy

Velodyne Lidar, Inc. (Velodyne), the inventor and leader of the lidar sensor industry for autonomous vehicles (AV), today announced Nikon Corporation (Nikon) as a new strategic investor with an investment of $25M. The parties further announced they have begun discussions for a multifaceted business alliance. Nikon is one of the world’s leading suppliers of products and solutions based on advanced opto-electronics and precision technologies.

As the culmination of millions of miles of on-road learning, the Alpha Puck™ is simply the most powerful lidar sensor in the world

Aiming to combine Nikon’s optical and precision technologies with Velodyne’s sensor technology, both companies have begun investigating a wide-ranging business relationship, including collaboration in technology development and manufacturing.

Velodyne believes the relationship will advance the timeline for manufacturing and mass production of lidar for the autonomous and advanced safety global market. The companies share a futuristic vision of advanced perception technology for a wide range of applications including robotics, mapping, security, shuttles, drones, and safety on roadways.

Headquartered in San Jose, Calif., Velodyne is known worldwide for its portfolio of breakthrough lidar sensor technologies

“Velodyne is creating a network of powerful alliances supporting the global autonomous vehicle industry,” said David Hall, Velodyne Lidar’s Founder and CEO. “One hundred years ago, optics and camera technologies like Nikon’s helped people to see better. Now, the basis of those technologies is helping computers see.”

Point Cloud from Velodyne’s Alpha Puck™ sensor

About Velodyne Lidar, Inc.

Velodyne provides the smartest, most powerful lidar solutions for autonomy and driver assistance. Founded in 1983 and headquartered in San Jose, Calif., Velodyne is known worldwide for its portfolio of breakthrough lidar sensor technologies. In 2005, Velodyne’s Founder and CEO, David Hall, invented real-time surround view lidar systems, revolutionizing perception and autonomy for automotive, new mobility, mapping, robotics, and security. Velodyne’s high-performance product line includes a broad range of sensing solutions, including the cost-effective Puck™, the versatile Ultra Puck™, the perfect for L4-L5 autonomy Alpha Puck™, and the directional view Velarray™. For more information, visit http://www.velodynelidar.com.

About Nikon Corporation

Nikon Corporation has been a pioneer in optical technology markets worldwide since its inception in 1917. Today, Nikon offers a wide range of products utilizing advanced technologies, from consumer products such as digital cameras, camera-related products and binoculars to industrial precision equipment including FPD and Semiconductor Lithography Systems, microscopes and measuring instruments. In the future, Nikon will take advantage of its core competencies for launching new products and also proposing solutions. In addition, Nikon focuses on the development of the healthcare business field.