Audi to pay $927 million fine over diesel scandal in Germany

2013 Audi TDI range
Audi agreed on Tuesday to pay a $928 million fine to put the diesel emissions-cheating scandal behind it in its home country, Germany.

The 800 million Euro fine to German authorities, consists of $923 million (795 million Euros) in profits the company made selling diesels that didn't comply with emissions standards plus the maximum fine of $5.8 million (5 million Euros), according to a Bloomberg report.

German authorities have been closing in on Audi in their investigation, arresting key executives, and releasing emails that allegedly show collusion between Audi and its competitors as well as Bosch, a supplier to all the German automakers.

READ THIS: Audi CEO arrested in Germany over diesel scandal

Much of the software that Volkswagen used to cheat emissions tests was reportedly developed at Audi, its upscale subsidiary.

The German fine comes on top of a $1 billion fine that parent-company Volkswagen agreed to pay in June.

In the U.S., where Volkswagen sold many times the number of diesels that Audi did, VW paid $25 billion to settle the diesel emissions cheating scandal.

CHECK OUT: German authorities uncover emissions-cheating collusion among diesel automakers

As part of the settlement, Audi admitted that it did not follow regulatory requirements.

The settlement has no effect on civil suits against the automaker over its diesel models or on criminal cases against its executives.

Audi executives warned investors that the fine will have a significant effect on its earnings this year.

Volkswagen MEB platform architecture

The fines come just as the Volkswagen Group is investing $40 billion in developing electric cars to replace the efficient-but-dirty diesels.

The company plans to introduce a range of 27 new electric cars by 2022, including a small hatchback, the ID, crossover SUV (ID Crozz), and an update to the classic Microbus (the ID Buzz,) Along with its subsidiaries, the company is developing at least three dedicated platforms for electric cars and investing in new solid-state battery technology.

Audi plans to introduce its first all-electric car, the e-tron SUV, in the U.S. next spring.

Tesla Q3 2018 Vehicle Production and Deliveries

PALO ALTO, Calif., Oct. 02, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In Q3, we produced 80,142 vehicles, 50% more than our prior all-time high in Q2, including: 53,239 Model 3 vehicles, which was in line with our guidance and almost double the volume of Q2. During Q3, we transitioned Model 3 production from entirely rear wheel drive… Continue reading Tesla Q3 2018 Vehicle Production and Deliveries

Statement from Independent Members of Tesla’s Board of Directors (Brad Buss, Robyn Denholm, Ira Ehrenpreis, Antonio Gracias, Linda Johnson Rice, and James Murdoch):

PALO ALTO, Calif., Aug. 24, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Over the past several weeks, we put in place a process led by a Special Committee of the Board to evaluate a proposal Elon was considering to take Tesla private. Yesterday, we held a Board meeting, during which Elon reported on the work he and his… Continue reading Statement from Independent Members of Tesla’s Board of Directors (Brad Buss, Robyn Denholm, Ira Ehrenpreis, Antonio Gracias, Linda Johnson Rice, and James Murdoch):

Tesla removes Full Self Driving option from website for all models

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2018 Tesla Model 3
Friday marked exactly two years since Tesla announced that every one of its cars was being produced with the hardware needed for Full Self-Driving.

Friday was also the first full day that Tesla removed the option from its configurator—at the same time that it introduced a new $45k Model 3 Mid Range, effectively splitting the difference between the much-anticipated Model 3 Standard Range and the discontinued rear-wheel-drive Long Range.

DON’T MISS: Teslas to get new self-driving, Autopilot chip in spring 2019

CEO Elon Musk quickly confirmed the change Thursday, via Twitter, describing the Full Self-Driving feature as “available off menu for a week,” and describing it as “causing too much confusion.”

@elonmusk confirmation of Full Self Driving removal from configurator

Full Self-Driving has been a $3,000 option in addition to the Enhanced Autopilot option that costs $5,000 at the time of purchase or $6,000 later. The company declined to comment to Green Car Reports when asked for a tally of how many vehicles it has sold with the Full Self-Driving option.

All Tesla models currently come with the hardware needed for Full Self-Driving capability, with the exception of a new, faster Autopilot chip that is due in spring 2019 and is required to activate the capability. When the functionality is available it can be provided via an over-the-air update.

CHECK OUT: Tesla to roll out new version of Autopilot

The hardware suite includes 8 surround cameras that can see 820 feet, 12 updated ultrasonic sensors, forward-facing radar with enhanced processing, and an onboard computer with 40 times the processing power of the previous one. It does not include the lidar hardware that some other automakers deem essential for autonomous-vehicle features.

Tesla Autopilot sensor system

Tesla commented that the option was removed from its configurator simply to streamline the purchase process, and clarified that the removal doesn’t reflect any change in plans to enable it.

The feature itself may have been scaled back a bit from earlier ambition, though. “All you will need to do is get in and tell your car where to go,” said a description of the feature on Tesla’s site, which remains up today. “Your Tesla will figure out the optimal route, navigate urban streets (even without lane markings), manage complex intersections with traffic lights, stop signs and roundabouts, and handle densely packed freeways with cars moving at high speed.”

READ MORE: Consumer Reports ranks Tesla Autopilot second among self-driving systems

Don’t expect quite that level with the launch of the feature. In the meantime, “on-ramp to off-ramp” enhancements, among others, are being made part of Autopilot. And earlier in the week, Musk confirmed that a future version of the Summon feature, which allows the vehicle to park at low speed automatically, would use Autopilot’s cameras.

If the expanded capabilities of Full Self-Driving Mode are never fully approved by regulators, owners may have to be happy with a few added features. Tesla clearly lays out that risk: “Please note that Self-Driving functionality is dependent upon extensive software validation and regulatory approval, which may vary widely by jurisdiction.” In other words, make your investment in the future, but you might not see your return.

UPDATE: This represents a clarification of “on-ramp to off-ramp” functionality as part of Autopilot, not Full Self-Driving.

Bell and Ford partner in new connected car initiative

Bell announced it is the first Canadian wireless service provider to enable built-in Wi-Fi hotspots in supported Ford and Lincoln vehicles with Bell’s Connected Car – Built In service. Available vehicle diagnostics services will also be supported on Bell’s national LTE network. Ideal for mobile workers, commuters and long family trips, Connected Car enables passengers… Continue reading Bell and Ford partner in new connected car initiative

Fisker secures investment from Caterpillar for its solid-state battery technology

Fisker, an electric car startup founded by famed designer Henrik Fisker, announced that it received an investment from heavy machinery manufacturer Caterpillar for its solid-state battery technology. Over the last few years, Henrik Fisker has been trying to launch a new EV startup under his own name after his original effort failed in 2013 and other companies… Continue reading Fisker secures investment from Caterpillar for its solid-state battery technology

Workhorse Starts Building Lightweight Electric Step Vans for UPS

Workhorse Group Inc. has begun building its lightweight electric step van that it says can carry a class-leading 6,000 pounds and go 100 miles before recharging. The first trucks off the line in Union City, Ind., will be delivered to UPS as part of a 50-truck test fleet. If UPS likes the performance, it will… Continue reading Workhorse Starts Building Lightweight Electric Step Vans for UPS

Jaguar I-PACE: Innovative Continental Power Electronics for Top-Class Electric Performance

“ New system specially designed for high-end sporty performance Power electronics in Jaguar’s new EV can handle currents up to 650 amps Wide application spectrum: designed for use across the entire Jaguar and Land Rover EV line-up; already up and running in the Range Rover Sport plug-in-hybrid Built-in success factor: microchips with double sided sintered… Continue reading Jaguar I-PACE: Innovative Continental Power Electronics for Top-Class Electric Performance

Porsche dealers will have to share the cost of fast chargers

Back in March, a Porsche exec said that the brand expected to make a profit from its planned network of fast chargers, a comment that was met with much skepticism in the EV industry. Now the company is sending a rather different message, saying that its US dealers will be expected to pony up between… Continue reading Porsche dealers will have to share the cost of fast chargers

Australian government invests AU$6m in EV charging network

The Australian government has announced a AU$6 million investment in an “ultra-rapid” electric vehicle (EV) charging network powered by renewable energy across the nation under the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). According to the federal government, the EV charging network will be deployed around Sydney and Melbourne; between Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, and Adelaide; and… Continue reading Australian government invests AU$6m in EV charging network