Report: Self-driving car startup Aurora is raising capital at a $2B valuation

Early last year, LinkedIn co-founder and prolific venture capital investor Reid Hoffman called Chris Urmson “the Henry Ford of autonomous vehicles (AV).” The vote of confidence and big check from Hoffman, coupled with a team of deeply knowledgable AV entrepreneurs, has catapulted his company, Aurora Innovation, squarely into “unicorn” territory. Aurora, the developer of a full-stack… Continue reading Report: Self-driving car startup Aurora is raising capital at a $2B valuation

Mercedes-Benz Cars at the CES 2019: Starting the New Year with the World Premiere of a Design Icon

08.

January 2019

Las Vegas

The brand with the three-pointed star is kicking off the new year at CES 2019 with the world premiere of the new Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupé featuring the further evolution of the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system. Further highlights are the US premieres of the battery-electric Mercedes-Benz EQC (power consumption combined: 22.2 kWh/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 0 g/km, preliminary figures) and the pioneering Vision URBANETIC mobility concept. You can watch the Mercedes-Benz press conference via video-on-demand on Mercedes me media: https://media.mercedes-benz.com/ces2019.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupé celebrates its world premiere. The successor to the premium coupé first unveiled in 2013 boasts an innovative interior with the next evolution of the MBUX, which now recognises control commands through movements. Also new is the ENERGIZING COACH familiar from the B-Class. This service, based on an intelligent algorithm, suggests one of the programmes from the ENERGIZING package according to the situation and individual needs. Its extensively facelifted exterior ensures the new CLA Coupé remains the design icon of the compact segment. Its distinctive forward-angled front end with its long, taut hood and power domes is particularly striking, while the wider track emphasises the sporty and dynamic look.
“We’re taking it to the next level by bringing the intelligent interior assistant to the compact class, too. Movement recognition makes it easier and more intuitive to operate,” says Ola Källenius, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. “The CLA offers a huge amount of automotive intelligence, and not just with this new feature.”
“With the first CLA, a four-door compact coupe, we opened up a completely new segment. And its success proves us right: 750,000 units of the CLA and CLA Shooting Brake alone have already been sold,” says Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing & Sales. “The next iteration of the CLA is an intelligent evolutionary development that is even more emotional and sportier than its predecessor. Paired with the new operating system, it once again sets benchmarks for the entire class.”
Two electrified US premieres
On show for the first time on American soil is the Mercedes-Benz EQC. The first purely battery-electric vehicle from the EQ product and technology brand represents an ideal combination of comfort, quality and everyday usability. Both inside and out, the crossover SUV embodies the design language of progressive luxury. The EQC is likewise equipped with the groundbreaking MBUX – Mercedes-Benz User Experience – multimedia system, enhanced with a wide range of EQ-specific content. It also boasts a completely re-engineered powertrain system with a compact electric driveline (eATS) front and rear, giving the EQC the handling characteristics of an all-wheel-drive vehicle and providing it with an electric range of more than 450 km in the NEDC (preliminary figures)i.
“The EQC is the Mercedes-Benz among electric vehicles. Soon, we will have many more – we aim for over ten purely electric passenger cars by 2022,” stresses Ola Källenius. “This will cover the entire portfolio: from smart to large SUVs.
The future definitely is electric.”
Also celebrating its US premiere is the Vision URBANETIC – a revolutionary mobility concept that goes way beyond previous notions of autonomous vehicles. Vision URBANETIC removes the division between people moving and goods transportation. The concept lowers traffic volume, takes the pressure off city infrastructures and contributes to a new quality of urban life. The revolutionary vehicle is based on an autonomous, electrically powered driving platform that can carry different, interchangeable bodies for either people moving or goods transportation. As a ride-sharing vehicle, Vision URBANETIC can carry up to twelve passengers, while the cargo module can transport up to ten EPAL pallets.

“The empathy of the Vision URBANETIC was particularly important to us: The vehicle is attentive and interacts with people through various lighting elements,” says Ola Källenius. “With this kind of vehicle, we’re shooting for the moon. And that’s a crucial part of innovation.”
High customer loyalty – sales figures continue to rise for eighth year in a row
For the third time in a row, Mercedes-Benz is the best-selling premium brand in the automotive industry. “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 enthusiasm for our vehicles as well as the loyalty of our customers motivates us to give our best well into the new year,” said Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing and Sales.
The Mercedes-Benz press conference is available as video-on-demand on https://media.mercedes-benz.com/ces2019, alongside two further multi-angle live streams from our show stand, which will be uploaded during the course of the day. At 2.00 pm local time (CET-9), Sajjad Khan, Member of the Divisional Board of Mercedes-Benz Cars, CASE and Vice President of Digital Vehicle & Mobility, will provide an insight into the latest CASE developments. At 3.30 pm local time
(CET-9), Wilfried Porth, Member of the Board of Management, Human Resources and Director of Labour Relations, Mercedes-Benz Vans, will talk about the future of mobility based on the example of the Vision URBANETIC. The media available on Mercedes me media also offers a wide range of additional information as well as extensive imagery and video footage from CES 2019.

i Figures on fuel consumption, power consumption and CO2 emissions are preliminary. They were calculated by Technical Services for the certification process in accordance with the WLTP and correlated with NEDC figures. EC type approval and a conformity certificate with official figures are not yet available. The official figures may differ from those stated here.

Press Contact

Andrea Eberhardt

Product Communications Mercedes-Benz Vans

andrea.eberhardt@daimler.com

Tel: +49 711 17-84020

Fax: +49 711 17-1779097330

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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What effect will lower tax credits on Tesla and GM plug-ins have? Twitter poll results

2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV electric cars outside dealership [photo: Patrick Reid]
For a bunch of electric-car owning acolytes, our readers are surprisingly sanguine about the reduction and eventual expiration of plug-in tax credits on electric-car sales.

We've reported extensively on the expiring tax credits, which will affect models from Tesla and GM in 2019. When Congress set up the tax credits in 2007, it scheduled them to sunset individually by automaker, after each automaker sold its first 200,000 plug-in cars.

DON'T MISS: Opinion: Expiring tax credits hurt U.S. automakers, favor imports

Tesla reached that milestone last July. General Motors hasn't specified exactly when it crossed the threshold, but it happened in the fourth quarter. After an automaker sells 200,000 plug-in cars, the $7,500 credits remain through the end of the quarter when it reaches the marker, and for the following quarter. After that the tax credit is cut in half for six months, in half again for another six months, and then disappears entirely. GM's cars get one more quarter of full credits before they begin winding down. Tesla's were cut in half Jan. 1.

Electric cars from every other automaker are still eligible for the full tax credit.

In our Twitter poll last week, we asked, “What effect will lower tax credits on Tesla and GM plug-ins have in the new year?”

Almost half our respondents, 46 percent, said they thought it would have “No effect.” Tesla buyers are a loyal bunch, and for the most part those who plunk $44,000 down on a car that can't be leased—or more for a Model S or X—can generally afford it with or without a tax credit.

The second largest group, 29 percent, said the lower tax credits will result in fewer Tesla sales. Even with a $2,000 price cut across the board, the reduction in the tax credits amounts to a $1,750 price increase for Teslas.

Relatively few readers thought the credit reduction, hitting only America's two largest electric-car makers, would result in more sales of imported electric cars in 2019. Only 15 percent chose “More import sales.”

READ THIS: Tesla Model 3 Mid Range misses $35,000 target by $9,000 even after price cut

Just 10 percent of our respondents thought that the three month window, until April 1, before tax credits on the Chevy Bolt EV and Volt begin winding down would result in a rush to Chevrolet dealerships to buy before the full tax credit gets reduced.

We're not sure what effect winding down the tax credits will have, but perhaps sales reports for the first and second quarters will show.

In the meantime, remember that our Twitter polls are not scientific, because our respondents are self-selected and our sample size is too small.

Tesla sales, VW tech, electric Harley-Davidson: Today’s Car News

Toyota Research Institute simulation of actual 3-car crash, to test Guardian active-safety system
With final sales reports out from the whole auto industry, we built some context around Tesla's end-of-the-year sales numbers. The Model 3 is setting the pace among luxury cars. Volkswagen buys wireless tech from Volvo. Harley-Davidson announces pricing and a date for buyers interested in purchasing its LiveWire electric motorcycle. And our readers are sanguine about falling electric-car tax credits in our latest Twitter poll. All this and more on Green Car Reports.

The Tesla Model 3 outsold every direct competitor and most competing brands in the fourth quarter. Annual numbers reflect the model's slow production ramp-up early in the year.

Volkswagen bought a wireless vehicle connectivity subsidiary from Volvo in an effort to bring over-the-air updates to its cars.

Harley-Davidson aims to win its freedom-loving bikers over to electric power with its new LiveWire electric motorcycle. The company has now revealed more specs, as well as when it will go on sale and how much it will cost.

Our Twitter followers weigh in on what effect they think the reduction in tax credits will have on GM and Tesla vehicles in 2019.

Toyota reveals its first self-driving vehicle technology at the CES show in Las Vegas. The company says it doesn't replace human control, however, only amplifies it.

Finally, just in time for the roll-out of the electric Audi e-tron quattro SUV, Audi announced it will end European delivery for its U.S. customers.

_______________________________________

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Highlights From Elon Musk’s Visit To Shanghai For #Tesla Gigafactory 3 Groundbreaking Ceremony

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Published on January 7th, 2019 |

by Steve Hanley

Highlights From Elon Musk’s Visit To Shanghai For #Tesla Gigafactory 3 Groundbreaking Ceremony

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January 7th, 2019 by Steve Hanley

Elon Musk was in Shanghai on January 7 to participate in the groundbreaking ceremony for Gigafactory 3, Tesla’s first gigafactory outside the US. Not surprisingly, Elon took to Twitter to celebrate the event … just a couple of hours after we published about the news. But there are a few things you might have missed if you caught our early coverage and didn’t keep refreshing for updates throughout the past 24 hours..

After the ceremony, Musk spoke to the local press and said that he is very impressed with the speed and quality of work possible in Shanghai. He made particular reference to the fact that a large multi-bay Supercharger location was completed in just 12 days last year, the quickest of anywhere in the world. He indicated the factory building would be finished by mid-year and would start producing cars by the end of 2019 if everything goes according to plan. (When has that ever happened?)

He was at pains to explain that Tesla is absorbing the tariffs imposed by China on US-built cars. Gigafactory 3 — which will have a capacity of 500,000 cars a year — will focus on manufacturing the more affordable versions of the Model 3 and later the Model Y so that Chinese customers can begin driving sustainable cars as soon as possible. The factory will also build cars for export to other Asian markets.

The more expensive versions of the Model 3 — Long Range, All Wheel Drive, Performance upgrade — will continue to be manufactured in America. Those are higher profit vehicles and Musk says the company will need to sell lots of them to help pay for the new factory. He encouraged people in China to place their orders for the US-made cars to help fund the Shanghai facility.

Tesla has learned much from building Model 3 production lines in the United States, and those lessons will be applied to bring the new Shanghai factory online as soon as possible. Musk also called upon local engineering talent to join the Tesla team, saying a junior engineer today could wind up taking his job someday, as the possibilities for advancement within the company are virtually unlimited. For more on Musk’s remarks, check out the video below.

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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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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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

Plug-In Hybrids No Longer Banned From Beverly Hills Charging Stations

3 H BY WADE MALONE New state law requires Beverly Hills City Council to walk back PHEV restrictions. In April of last year, the city of Beverly Hills, California put into effect new restrictions on 35 public charging stations at city parking facilities. In addition to new enforcement regulations and charge fees, Beverly Hills restricted… Continue reading Plug-In Hybrids No Longer Banned From Beverly Hills Charging Stations

Top Automotive Industry News for Week of December 24 – December 30, 2018

Here is the most important news associated with the automotive industry
identified by the AEA for the week of December 24, 2018 – December 30,
2018.

We hope it helps you stay up to speed on the key developments in our
industry:

-AEA Membership News-

The next AEA Members Reception will be held on Thursday January 24th,
2019 in San Francio. Invitations have been sent to all current AEA
Members. Annual AEA Member Dues renewal will occur on January 2 nd, 2019. If you have any questions, please contact
memberservices@automotiveexecutives.com

-Automotive Manufacturing News–Automotive Manufacturing News-

All the cars discontinued after 2018

(autoblog)

GM's mysterious filing could foreshadow future product that saves jobs

(Detroit Free Press)

GM's year of transformation: More robot cars, fewer traditional jobs

(Detroit Free Press)

Marchionne's death, Jeep Gladiator highlighted change at Fiat Chrysler

(Detroit Free Press)

New Land Rover Defender Coming to US in 2020

(The Detroit Bureau)

No car keys? No problem. Hyundai rolls out fingerprint technology that
makes keys as outdated as a landline

(CNBC)

Tesla expands employee testing of its upgraded Autopilot hardware

(autoblog)

Tesla Names Two New Board Members, Larry Ellison And Kathleen
Wilson-Thompson

(Forbes)

Which Cars Are You Most Excited to See in 2019?

(Car & Driver)

-Automotive Evolution News-

CES Is Apparently Going To Be Everything To Everyone When It Comes To
Mobility

(Forbes)

Daimler Delivers E-Truck to Penske for Testing

(The Detroit Bureau)

Volkswagen Testing New Portable EV Charging Stations

(The Detroit Bureau)

-Automotive Retail News-

5 Ways Auto Finance Will Change in 2019

(Auto Dealer Today)

Auto Sellers Try Out Amazon-Style Ordering

(MSN)

How electric cars are slowly moving from niche to something ‘people
want to buy’

(CNBC)

New-Vehicle Retail Sales Seen Dipping in December

(Auto Finance News)

Photo Finish For December Auto Sales Could Mean A Slight Gain For All
Of 2018

(Forbes)

Tesla Scrambles to Sell Cars Before a Tax Break Fades

(NY Times)

Will dealerships survive the future?

(Automotive News)

Year-End Turmoil Puts New Car Sales to the Test

(The Detroit Bureau)

-Automotive Wholesale News-

Used EV prices are finally heating up — a little

(Automotive News)

-Automotive Enthusiast News-

New owners and new venues for auction companies

(ClassicCars.com)

-General Business & Executive News-

A year of living badly

(Automotive News)

Analyst adds Ferrari, Penske to list of top auto stocks for 2019

(CNBC)

Automotive Minute: Disney’s Mary Poppins partnership is making magic
for Nissan

(BizJournals)

CarGurus Launches New Brand Campaign for 2019

(PR Newswire)

Five Ways 2018 Rewrote The Future of Transportation

(Forbes)

The 10 biggest auto stories of 2018

(autoblog)

The Year in Review: Automotive Winners and Losers

(Car & Driver)

Top auto stories from 2018 – and 3 to watch in ’19

(Detroit Free Press)

-AEA Reminder-

Did we miss something? Let us know via our

Contact Us Page >>

. If you have specific important news going public soon that you would like
to share with your fellow AEA Members, submit your

PR Distribution Request >>

Have a great week,

Member Services

memberservices@automotiveexecutives.com

Automotive Executives Association

www.automotiveexecutives.com