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ZF unveils the latest model of its automotive supercomputer ZF ProAI

ZF ProAI RoboThink is the most powerful AI-capable processing system in the automotive field
ZF’s modular and scalable ProAI product family accommodates various software stacks and processors for automated driving
ZF introduces its own software stack designed for new mobility concepts for people and cargo transportation
ZF ProAI is the first system to run NVIDIA’s DRIVE AutoPilot L2+ starting in 2020
New partnership with Xilinx underlines open system approach

Friedrichshafen, Germany / Las Vegas, NV, USA, 07-Jan-2019 — /EuropaWire/ — ZF unveiled the latest model of its automotive supercomputer ZF ProAI just before the start of this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES). The ZF ProAI RoboThink central control unit offers the highest performance of its kind in the industry. Vehicle manufacturers and mobility service providers additionally benefit from the system’s modularity and scalability. Today’s four models in the ZF ProAI product family can be optimally configured for any application – from a basic ADAS function right up to fully autonomous cars, commercial vehicles and industrial applications.

Customers can also specify their favorite software architecture – a real breakthrough, especially for Mobility-as-a-Service applications. In the wake of booming services such as ride hailing ZF also premiered its own software stack for new mobility concepts at the CES. This stack together with the latest ZF Pro AI and the company’s comprehensive sensor set represent a fully integrated system for driverless vehicles that can be easily adopted by the new players in the field of mobility services.

NVIDIA DRIVE Autopilot premieres on ZF ProAI

The power and flexibility of ZF’s ProAI also convinced NVIDIA to name ZF one of their preferred partners for the launch of their new Level2+ NVIDIA DRIVE AutoPilot. Since ZF’s new product’s volume production starts within the next 12 months it is the only automotive grade AI capable supercomputer that can meet NIVIDIA’s ambitious timeline for the launch of their DRIVE AutoPilot from the beginning. ZF’s CEO Wolf-Henning Scheider explained, “We are taking advantage of the fact that only ZF offers a supercomputer that is ready for volume production. Our open, flexible, modular and scalable ZF ProAI product family allows for just the right configuration of any application – for a variety of industries, and across all levels of automated driving.”

“We’re thrilled with the results of our collaboration with ZF. Their agility and system expertise has resulted in the incredibly rapid development of the ProAI platform enabling L2+ through L4/L5 robotaxi vehicles, leveraging NVIDIA’s DRIVE Xavier processors and DRIVE software,” said Rob Csongor, Vice President of Autonomous Machines, at NVIDIA. “ZF is now able to deliver to car makers advanced L2+ self-driving solutions for production starting in 2020 and the ability to quickly scale to higher levels of autonomy.”

ZF ProAI is a powerful alternative to closed systems

Greater processing power and artificial intelligence are important prerequisites for autonomous driving functions from Level 4 and higher. A high-performance processing unit is essential to analysing 360-degree environmental surroundings while monitoring the vehicle interior and position of the occupants to help enhance safety and vehicle control. The mobility industry can now benefit from the world’s most powerful central processing unit in the automotive field: the ZF ProAI RoboThink is a completely new design from ZF. This latest generation in the ZF ProAI product family comes with its own graphics processor, offers a total computing performance of more than 150 teraOPS (the equivalent of 150 trillion calculation operations per second) and can be modularly combined with up to four units, corresponding to a total performance of 600 teraOPS.

“The unique selling proposition of the AI-capable ZF ProAI RoboThink is its modular hardware concept and open software architecture. Our aim is to provide the widest possible range of functions in the field of autonomous driving,” explained Torsten Gollewski, head of ZF Advanced Engineering and general manager of Zukunft Ventures GmbH.

With four models, ZF can cover virtually the entire range of possible application scenarios and use cases. The ZF ProAI Gen1 is a cost-effective entry-level model that complies with virtually all NCAP 2022 standards. The ZF ProAI Gen2 has sufficient computing potential to enable partially and highly automated Level 2 and Level 3 driving. The next stage up, the ZF ProAI Gen3, offers broad modularity and can combine various chips on up to three performance boards. This should provide enough computing power for real time processing of the data required for automated driving up to Level 4. The latest model, the ZF ProAI RoboThink – with its scalable computing power and its own graphics processor – is the most powerful high-end solution and is ideally suited for autonomous driving applications from Level 4 and above.

The ZF ProAI product family offers an open platform for the customized integration of software algorithms – covering conventional functions as well as AI algorithms. What’s more, they support various operating systems common in the automotive field, e.g. AutoSAR, Adaptive AutoSAR or QNX and will add further platforms as they are developed. The successful partnership with NVIDIA continues with the ZF ProAI RoboThink – however ZF also offers customers the option of equipping the ZF ProAI with processors from other manufacturers. A current example is ZF’s new partnership with Xilinx, a leader in adaptive and intelligent computing. ZF is integrating Xilinx’s Multi-Processor System-on-Chip (MPSoC) platform for data aggregation, pre-processing, and distribution to enable the scalability and flexibility required for various sensor and automated driving feature sets, while also providing low latency and high efficiency artificial intelligence computer acceleration. This approach is unique compared to other systems on the market which use a fixed combination of hardware and software architecture – a solution which can potentially limit functionality and add more cost.

ZF ProAI accelerates Mobility-as-a-Service

Robo-taxis and autonomous people or cargo-movers are vastly accelerating the development of central control units with much higher computing power. This is because powerful domain computers used in Mobility-as-a-Service applications not only manage the complex calculation of the surroundings based on a fusion of camera, radar and LIDAR data, they also integrate user data via the Cloud, payment systems and above all optimal route planning and implementation. Complex algorithms calculate these from the mobility and transport requirements of people or goods and can compare them in real time with the current traffic situation.

“The computing power of central computers in robo-taxis and autonomous people or cargo-movers will be significantly higher than for automated-driving passenger cars,” says Torsten Gollewski. “The demand from ride-hailing service providers for even more computing power has arisen much sooner than predicted. Today, the autonomous-driving market is being driven more by new mobility service providers than by established vehicle manufacturers.”

Depending on the use case, the ZF ProAI product family offers computing power that provides an ideal platform for the fusion of sensor data from cameras, LIDAR and radar systems. The people and cargo mover which ZF will launch in volume production this year in a joint venture with e.GO Mobile AG will also use ZF ProAI for its automated driving functions and networking.

MEDIA CONTACTS
Florian Stemmler
Technology and Product Communication
+49 7541 77-2367
florian.stemmler@zf.com

Robert Buchmeier
Head of Technology and Product Communications
+49 7541 77-2488
robert.buchmeier@zf.com

SOURCE: ZF Friedrichshafen AG

Hitachi Capital acquires Maske Fleet in Germany

Hitachi Capital Corporation has acquired Maske Fleet GmbH, a vehicle rental and fleet management company with activities in Germany, Austria and Denmark – another step in the company’s march towards Europe-wide coverage. Hitachi Capital is the vehicle solutions strategy division of Hitachi, the Japan-based engineering and electronics multinational. Until recently, Hitachi Capital’s only European presence… Continue reading Hitachi Capital acquires Maske Fleet in Germany

GM shares rise after BMO upgrade on self-driving technology

VCG | Getty Images
A Chevrolet Equinox SUV is seen on the production line at SAIC-GM Wuhan Manufacturing Plant on April 7, 2017 in Wuhan, China.

Investors should buy General Motors because its automated car division and restructuring moves will lift the automaker's stock in 2019, BMO Capital Markets said Monday.

Analyst Richard Carlson upgraded GM to outperform from market perform. Carlson also hiked his price target on the stock to $41 a share from $38, representing a 23 percent upside from Friday's close.

Shares of GM rose 1.4 percent Monday.

“We expect a brighter spotlight to be placed on GM Cruise in 2019, leading to a more appropriate value for this business being priced into the shares,” Carlson said in a note to clients. Also, “we believe restructuring efforts will drive better profitability and [free cash flow], as well as improve cyclical resilience.”

GM acquired Cruise in 2016 in an effort to keep up with other companies in the self-driving car race. In November, GM announced that former co-president Dan Ammann would take over as Cruise CEO this month.

“We believe a key catalyst for GM shares in 2019 could be an increased valuation for GM Cruise being priced into the stock,” said Carlson.

Carlson added that GM's restructuring, which includes halting production at several plants and cutting more than 14,000 jobs, should help the stock regain its footing after a dismal 2018. Shares of GM plunged more than 18 percent last year.

“Within the core business, we expect restructuring initiatives to drive higher profit margins and free cash generation, while also improving cyclical resilience, which should also drive a higher multiple,” he said.

Correction: This story has been updated to reflect that GM acquired Cruise.

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Discover National Parks and Historic Sites with Parks Canada and Communauto

Montreal, July 31st, 2017 – Communauto, North American car-sharing pioneer, and Parks Canada Agency are partnering for a sustainable partnership that combines historical discoveries and ecological displacements. All Communauto’s vehicles be equipped with a Discovery Pass that gives free access throughout the year to the 27 historic sites and national parks managed by Parks Canada located in Quebec.

Through articles and advice on his blog, Communauto will introduce history lovers to bucolic, historical and economic getaways. Looking for an excursion? Communauto and Parks Canada will suggest destinations throughout Quebec, both during summer and winter and for the whole family. With this partnership, Parks Canada continues to bring Canadians closer to their heritage through its extensive network of national parks, marine conservation areas and national historic sites.

“With this partnership with Parks Canada, we will demonstrate that you don’t need to own a car to get out of the city. With car sharing, you can now go out with a clear conscience, save money and reduce the environmental impact of traveling” said Marco Viviani, Vice President, Strategic Development, Communauto.”This partnership with Parks Canada is a great Recognition of the social and environmental vocation of our company and goes hand in hand with the mission of preservation and conservation of cultural and natural heritage promoted by the Agency” concluded Mr.Viviani.

Car-sharing offers a practical and economical alternative to ownership of a vehicle and helps to reduce the number of cars and their use, preserving quality spaces. Communauto’s fleet consists of 70% of eco-efficient vehicles. The company, through the rational use of cars by their subscribers, contributes to the avoidance of 40 tons of greenhouse gases annually.

About us

Communauto was founded in Quebec City in 1994. The company has a social, environmental and urban vocation. In addition to being the oldest car-sharing company in North America, Communauto was the first car-sharing organization on the North American continent to offer 100% electric cars to its customers, and to offer two types of car-sharing service (with and without reservation). Its service is based on the pooling of more than 2,000 vehicles. Communauto’s network is growing and is now present in 7 cities in Canada: Kingston, Ottawa, Gatineau, Montreal (Laval and Longueuil), Quebec, Sherbrooke, Halifax and since 2012 in Paris.

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Toyota Unveils Five Visions for the Future of Mobility at CES

Toyota Mobility Foundation, in partnership with Nesta’s Challenge Prize Centre, announces finalists in $4 million global Mobility Unlimited Challenge, at CES in Las Vegas Innovators from around the world submitted game-changing technologies to improve the lives of people with lower limb paralysis Finalists include teams from the United Kingdom, United States, Japan and Italy, with… Continue reading Toyota Unveils Five Visions for the Future of Mobility at CES

Alexa, what’s the fastest route home?

Amazon Alexa can help you navigate your busy day both in and out of the car, thanks to a new partnership with HERE. Today we are truly thrilled to announce our new collaboration with Amazon to integrate Alexa and HERE navigation and location services. The combination of voice-first interactions through Alexa with the first tier… Continue reading Alexa, what’s the fastest route home?

Elon Musk wants to keep ex-girlfriend Grimes out of an investor lawsuit over his take-private tweet

Theo Wargo | Getty Images Entertainment | Getty Images
Elon Musk and Grimes attend the Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 7, 2018 in New York City.

Elon Musk is fighting to keep his ex-girlfriend from being dragged into an investor lawsuit over the Tesla CEO's now infamous take-private tweet.

Musk's attorney, Dean Kristy, argued in a motion filed Thursday in a U.S. district court that the proposed subpoena of Canadian musician Grimes, who was dating Musk in August when he tweeted that he was considering taking Tesla private at $420 per share, is an effort to “sensationalize these proceedings” rather than a legitimate fact-finding mission.

A group of investors is suing Tesla and Musk related to the tweet. The plaintiffs are also proposing subpoenas of rapper Azealia Banks, who alleged in Instagram posts that Musk was using drugs at the time, and various media outlets that interviewed Banks or Musk, like Business Insider and The New York Times.

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“Plaintiffs did not bother to contact any of the five non-parties it intends to subpoena to find out if they even have any relevant information,” Kristy argues in the motion. “None of the third parties ever worked for Tesla or Mr. Musk, or is alleged to have had any involvement in his tweets or in his evaluation of a potential go-private transaction.”

The Securities and Exchange Commission revealed in its own lawsuit against Musk — settled in September and resulting in $40 million in total fines — that Musk chose his proposed buyout price of $420 because he thought Grimes, whose real name is Claire Elise Boucher, would find it funny.

Banks is a friend of Grimes' and said in Instagram posts that she stayed at Musk's house in the days after he sent the tweet. She later made allegations about his drug use and motivations on Instagram.

“Ms. Boucher and Ms. Banks were in close contact with Mr. Musk before and after the tweet at issue and are believed to be in possession of relevant evidence concerning Mr. Musk's motives,” said Eduard Korsinsky of Levi & Korsinsky, the firm representing the plaintiffs, in a statement to CNBC. “Granting the motion would allow the plaintiffs to preserve this evidence and help provide a fair opportunity to take discovery for all parties.”

Kristy, citing news articles about the incident and rapper, says in the court filing:

She is a “veteran of long and nonsensical beefs [having] feuded with everyone from Sarah Palin to Nick Cannon”; she “remains a Twitter villain even after being banned from the service”; she went on a rant on Instagram “that began as a delirious critique of colonial wealth and racial privilege, [and] became a vaguely eugenicist denigration of Musk as a caveman”; and she “has a history of making bold and sometimes unverified claims,” including against Beyonce, MonetX (a rival) and Russell Crowe. Published reports also indicate that Ms. Banks apparently claims to have offered Twitter's CEO a form of “protection” from ISIS. Despite reports that completely undermine her credibility, plaintiff calls her a “key source of information in this matter” – which if anything underscores how weak plaintiff's case is – based entirely on her claim that she was present in Mr. Musk's home to visit Ms. Boucher from August 10-12 (well after the August 7 tweets) and supposedly observed Mr. Musk, even though he flatly denies ever meeting her.

The plaintiffs are also seeking subpoenas of The New York Times, Business Insider and Gizmodo related to articles the outlets published in the weeks after Musk's tweet.

The case is numbered 3:18-cv-04865-EMC in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.

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Vertu Motors buys online van and car broker for £7.5m

Vertu has bought online van retailer www.vansdirect.co.uk based in Newport, South Wales for £7.5m. The Vans Direct business was founded in 1999, billing itself as a specialist in the supply of new vans, finance, contract hire, hire purchase, offering direct delivery across the UK. For the year ended 31 October 2017, it reported revenues of… Continue reading Vertu Motors buys online van and car broker for £7.5m

Vertu Motors completes £7.5m Vans Direct acquisition

Vertu Motors has completed the acquisition of online commercial vehicles retailer Vans Direct for a total consideration of £7.5 million. The AM100 group announced the deal via the London Stock Exchange this morning, with chief executive Robert Forrester describing the business as being “synergistic and parallel to” its existing core motor retail business. Vertu said… Continue reading Vertu Motors completes £7.5m Vans Direct acquisition

Tesla to break ground on Shanghai factory

Beck Diefenbach | Reuters
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla

Tesla was set Monday to hold the groundbreaking ceremony for its first non-U.S. factory in Shanghai, according to CEO Elon Musk.

“Looking forward to breaking ground on the Tesla Shanghai Gigafactory today!” Musk tweeted Monday morning Beijing time.

He added in subsequent tweets that the factory will produce Model 3 and Model Y vehicles for the Greater China region, and that the plan is to “finish initial construction this summer, start Model 3 production end of year & reach high volume production next year.”

Musk's electric car maker acquired the land on the outskirts of the city for about $140 million in October. The luxury vehicle brand is popular in China but faces rising competition from local electric automakers such as Nio.

Producing vehicles in China would reduce costs from tariffs and ocean transport for Tesla. In an Oct. 2 report, the American company said it is operating at a 55 percent to 60 percent cost disadvantage for those reasons and because it cannot access the same cash incentives as local Chinese manufacturers.

Tesla's new factory is expected to begin partial production in the second half of this year, according to a government report. The company has set up official accounts on popular Chinese messaging and social media platforms WeChat and Weibo, which list more than 30 openings for positions at the Shanghai factory.