Tag: Mobility

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”

Hyundai unveils walking concept car Elevate at CES 2019

Elevate car blends technology found in robots and electric cars. Image: Hyundai South Korean car maker Hyundai has unveiled its walking concept car at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Elevate is an electric car with robotic legs, which can be used both to drive and to walk. The car is the… Continue reading Hyundai unveils walking concept car Elevate at CES 2019

Hyundai unveils automated charging and parking system concept

Hyundai and Kia have released a video featuring a proposed system that would relocate fully charged EVs from charging stations and allow waiting vehicles to charge. Here’s how the Automated Valet Parking System (AVPS) works: the driver tells the vehicle to charge using a smartphone app, and the vehicle automatically cruises to a vacant wireless… Continue reading Hyundai unveils automated charging and parking system concept

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

MAHINDRA MAKES DEBUT AT NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW 2019

MAHINDRA MAKES DEBUT AT NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW 2019

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., January 7, 2019 — Mahindra Automotive North America (MANA), which recently opened the first manufacturing facility in Metro Detroit in 25 years, announced today it will participate with a main floor display in the 30th Anniversary of the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), held January 14-27, 2019, at Cobo Center in Detroit.

NAIAS features the world's automotive and mobility leaders, showcasing the latest vehicles, products and technology. Mahindra's 2019 debut at the show includes a main floor display that will highlight the company’s new Michigan manufacturing facility and its automotive products, including the ROXOR off-road vehicle.

“We are very excited to be a part of the North American International Auto Show,” Rick Haas, President & CEO, Mahindra Automotive North America, said. “This event showcases the influence that Detroit and Michigan have on the global transportation industry today — particularly relevant as the world transitions to a new mobility model, and as the Detroit area automotive 'machine' gears up to drive these changes. With Mahindra now a part of the Detroit area automotive landscape, the NAIAS gives us an opportunity to highlight our Michigan-based team and our new manufacturing operation. Today, just over 5 years since the opening of our first Detroit office, this team is fully engaged in the business of envisioning, engineering and producing innovative transportation products for U.S. as well as global markets – helping Mahindra become 'the' brand of choice for mobility in the future.”

Mahindra will exhibit in the center of the main floor at NAIAS with a display of its newest vehicles with a special focus on those that are engineered and built in Michigan by their team of 425 employees. While providing visitors an excellent opportunity to get up-close with Mahindra's ROXOR off-road vehicle, the NAIAS also serves as a platform on which to detail how Mahindra's talented Michigan-based team is making a global impact.

A FOCUS ON MICHIGAN

Mahindra will debut two new ROXOR demo vehicles at the show. One will be an interactive vehicle featuring an augmented reality station that will allow customers to visualize some of the hundreds of custom colors and wraps the vehicle can be ordered with. The company will also display a work-oriented demo with unique features and capabilities targeted to users who need a rugged and durable vehicle for tough jobs. The ROXOR offers a heavy-duty Mahindra turbo-diesel 4-cylinder engine, four-wheel drive, a boxed steel frame, and an automobile style 5-speed manual transmission in a straightforward and rugged design, creating a whole new category in the fast-growing side X side segment.

SHOWCASING ENGINEERING CAPABILITIES

The display will also feature the brand-new Mahindra Marazzo, an innovative euro-style people mover, engineered from the ground up on a patented architecture by the Mahindra team at their Auburn Hills Headquarters. The vehicle, which was designed for global markets, was recently launched in India to glowing reviews.

Mahindra will also be displaying its zero emission GenZe e-scooter and e-bike engineered and assembled in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

MEDIA AVAILABILITIES

Mahindra Automotive invites journalists to individual meetings with company leadership, including Rick Haas, President & CEO Mahindra North America. Interviews are being scheduled for the afternoon of Tuesday, Jan. 15 and for the morning of Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019 and by appointment.

To make an appointment at NAIAS journalists are asked to contact Melissa Bunker at 586.219.0094 or mbunker@campbellmarketing.com.

ABOUT MAHINDRA AUTOMOTIVE NORTH AMERICA

Mahindra Automotive North America (MANA) is the North American headquarters of the $20.7 billion MahindraGroup's automotive division. Established in 2013, MANA now employs over 400 people, and became the first automotive OEM to launch a manufacturing operation in SE Michigan in over 25 years when it began producing the ROXOR off-road vehicle earlier this year in Auburn Hills, MI. Working with affiliate Mahindra teams in India, Italy and Korea, MANA also continues to fulfill its mission as a center of automotive engineering excellence, which includes automotive design, engineering and vehicle development, and is led by a team of veteran industry executives, engineers and designers.

For more information, visit www.mahindraautomotivena.com and www.roxoroffroad.com

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 has 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, components, commercial vehicles, consulting services, energy, industrial equipment, logistics, real estate, steel, aerospace, defence and two wheelers. Headquartered in India, Mahindra employs over 2,40,000 people across 100 countries.

Learn more about Mahindra on www.mahindra.com

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.

Visteon Enhances DriveCore Studio through Microsoft Azure Software for Cloud Development of Autonomous Driving Systems

Visteon Enhances DriveCore Studio through Microsoft Azure Software for Cloud Development of Autonomous Driving Systems LAS VEGAS – Jan. 8, 2019 – Visteon Corporation (Nasdaq: VC), a leading automotive cockpit technology company, is enhancing its DriveCore Studio™ autonomous driving development environment through software from Microsoft Corp. that maximizes the power and scalability of the cloud.… Continue reading Visteon Enhances DriveCore Studio through Microsoft Azure Software for Cloud Development of Autonomous Driving Systems

Aptiv’s CTO Glen De Vos Discusses Why a Half-Second Makes All the Difference

The following is an opinion editorial provided by Glen De Vos, Aptiv’s senior vice president, chief technology officer and president, Mobility & Services Group. DUBLIN, Jan. 8, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Aptiv PLC (NYSE: APTV) – My three boys have two athletic passions: golf and tennis (Fortnite doesn’t count, although it appears to involve a lot of… Continue reading Aptiv’s CTO Glen De Vos Discusses Why a Half-Second Makes All the Difference