Waymo Tops Self-Driving Car ‘Disengagement’ Stats As GM Cruise Gains And Tesla Is AWOL – Forbes

A Cruise self-driving car doing a test route in San Francisco in January 2019.Getty Images It’s tough to know for sure which companies really have the best self-driving car technology, though Alphabet Inc.’s Waymo and General Motors Cruise can point to the only public data available in the U.S. that compares dozens of programs testing… Continue reading Waymo Tops Self-Driving Car ‘Disengagement’ Stats As GM Cruise Gains And Tesla Is AWOL – Forbes

Driverless truck startup TuSimple raises $95 million at $1 billion valuation – VentureBeat

There’s a healthy demand for driverless trucks. It’s an industry predicted to reach 6,700 units globally, totaling $54.23 billion this year, and one that stands to save the logistics and shipping industry $70 billion annually while boosting productivity by 30 percent. Besides cost savings, the growth is driven in part by a shortage of human drivers. In 2018,… Continue reading Driverless truck startup TuSimple raises $95 million at $1 billion valuation – VentureBeat

Apple ramped up testing of self-driving cars in 2018 – U.S. data

FILE PHOTO: An Apple company logo is seen behind tree branches outside an Apple store in Beijing, China December 14, 2018. REUTERS/Jason Lee/File Photo SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) – Apple Inc sharply increased its testing of self-driving cars in 2018, logging tens of thousands of miles compared with only hundreds of miles the year before, according… Continue reading Apple ramped up testing of self-driving cars in 2018 – U.S. data

Why Ford Hired a Furniture Maker as CEO – The Atlantic

Todd St. John If, as Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “an institution is the lengthened shadow of one man,” the story of the American economy can be told by the types of people who run its corporations. The early days of mass production belonged to mechanically minded men such as Henry Ford. The creation of mass… Continue reading Why Ford Hired a Furniture Maker as CEO – The Atlantic

WORLD PREMIER OF ALL-NEW 2020 SUBARU LEGACY SEDAN

February 8, 2019

WORLD PREMIER OF ALL-NEW 2020 SUBARU LEGACY SEDAN

— 2.4-liter Turbo Boxer Engine and Subaru Global Platform bring
enhanced dynamic performance to Subaru’s flagship sedan —


Marking 30th anniversary of its debut, Subaru’s flagship sedan has been significantly upgraded


Superior driving dynamics with Subaru Global Platform and an available 2.4-liter direct injection turbo boxer engine


Refined and innovative interior featuring new tablet-style 11.6-inch screen


Superior safety based on Subaru’s comprehensive safety philosophy


Sleek, yet bold exterior design expressing solid toughness and dynamic in-motion feel

Tokyo, February 8, 2019 – Subaru Corporation unveiled the all-new 2020 Legacy sedan (US Spec) at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show on February 7 (local time in Chicago).

Subaru Legacy, which has been Subaru’s flagship sedan since its debut in 1989, turns into the seventh generation with this all-new model. In its 30 years of history, Legacy has been enriching the lives of its owners as a vehicle that accompanies them in their day-to-day lives, by offering a broader range of lifestyles and enjoyment. Legacy has gained customers’ trust by delivering this value through the generations. This seventh generation also carries the same value and has enhanced it under the product concept of “a sedan offering a go-anywhere, do-anything driving experience with a peace of mind”.

The all-new Legacy is powered by either a 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine delivering strong torque output from low RPM or a 2.5-liter normally-aspirated BOXER engine with improved efficiency thanks to direct injection system. Combined with the new engine is Subaru Global Platform which optimizes the body rigidity, and Legacy’s dynamic performance has been significantly enhanced as a result. In addition, Subaru’s exclusive EyeSight driver assist system comes standard in all trims and now equipped for the first time in the U.S. with the Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control including new Lane Centering function. Driver monitoring system*1 also supports the safe driving and brings peace of mind to passengers.

The exterior design incorporates sleek silhouette that appears to be in motion even when stopped, larger thickness in profile panel surfaces and a thicker appearance. As a result, the Legacy embodies solid toughness and a dynamic active image at the same time. For the interior, an updated infotainment system featuring 11.6-inch tablet style large screen has been applied and adds innovative new functions to the high quality interior which Legacy has carried for generations.
With a lot of additional enhancements, the all-new Legacy will deliver safer and more enjoyable life with “a sedan offering a go-anywhere, do-anything driving experience with a peace of mind” which meets the demands for the coming era
The 2020 Legacy will go on sale at U.S. Subaru retailers this fall.

Main features of the new Legacy (US Spec)

■ Enjoyment and peace of mind in any driving scene supported by superior dynamic quality

Improved control, stability, ride comfort, and quietness of new Legacy enable a worry-free driving in a variety of scenes, from cities to long drives, in any weather conditions

Chassis and body that support superior dynamic quality

・Application of Subaru Global Platform, which makes the vehicle body significantly rigid compared to previous model, ensures accurate steering response, greater ride comfort and quieter cabin space

・Significant enhancement in dynamic quality thanks to stiffer and lighter body structure with Subaru first full inner frame construction in which the outer panels are welded to the structure after the entire body framework is assembled

・Newly designed dampers and reduced unsprung weight due to the application of lightweight parts including aluminum lower L-arm contribute to much improved handling and ride comfort

Subaru unique mechanisms and technologies for distinctive driving experience

・Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive offers stable drive in any road conditions

・Available 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine generates strong torque from low rpm and delivers smooth acceleration

・Updated Lineartronic*2 with wider gear range and re-worked hydraulic system transfers engine power more efficiently and achieves better fuel economy and superior driving experience

■ High-quality and innovative interior space

Quality interior design, relaxing cabin space with improved packaging, and advanced feature with innovative functions provide comfort and enjoyment for all passengers

Innovative features for convenience and comfort

・Updated Starlink infotainment system with available 11.6-inch tablet-style touch screen equipped with a newly designed Human Machine Interface enables smartphone-like operation of various functions consolidated on one large screen

・In addition to Apple CarPlay*3, AndroidAutoTM*4, the SUBARU STARLINK now supports SmartDeviceLinkTM*5 which enables the use of various apps regardless of smartphone operating system

・Telematics system with additional functions including Wi-Fi hotspot and remote engine starter for more convenience

・Available Driver Monitoring System, which can alert the driver to signs of drowsiness or distraction on the road as well as automatically adjusting driver settings for seat position, door mirror angles and air-conditioning preferences with utilization of face recognition technology

High quality, comfortable interior design

・Subaru first tan-colored Nappa leather seats for a newly added top-of-the-line trim ‘Touring’

・Enlarged windshield and long line motif extended from the center of the instrument panel to the door panels express a relaxed and open atmosphere of the cabin space

・A color of the seat material is applied on a part of instrument panel consisted of 3 different surfaces to create a sense of openness

・Thick center console and arm rests surrounding passengers provide sense of protection

・Carefully selected materials for high quality feel throughout the entire cabin

Well-considered packaging and convenient features for a comfortable feeling

・Windshield has been moved forward and the front door windows moved outward for a class-leading driver visibility

・Extended overall vehicle length allocated for both rear passenger space and trunk space to improve passenger comfort and versatility at the same time

・New PTC heating system for quicker heating in winter (For 2.4L Turbocharged Boxer engine equipped model)

・Front seat ventilation standard for Touring trim

・Adjustable seat cushion length (driver only) for Limited and Touring trim level

■Functionality that supports various lifestyles

New Legacy is equipped with the functions that support wide range of active lifestyles, beyond traditional sedans

High functionality covers wider range of activities

・Standard roof carrier brackets for easy installation of roof carrier

・Large trunk space which can swallow four full-size roller bags

■ Overall safety top in its class

The new model offers safe and enjoyable driving for all passengers at all times and in all settings—not just in emergencies—based on Subaru’s philosophy of overall safety.

Outstanding visibility recognizable at a glance as soon as driver get into the car—Primary Safety

・The excellent high eye-level view and careful optimization of the shape of the pillars have reduced blind spots and provides outstanding visibility

・Well-considered interface layout to reduce unnecessary eye-movement while driving

・Optimization of the seat shape and cushion materials helps to reduce driver fatigue

Driving performance driver can depend on in the unlikely event of an Incident—Active Safety

・Active Torque Vectoring ensures that the driver is in control of the vehicle, exactly as the driver intended

Comprehensive advanced safety systems—Preventive Safety

・Subaru’s exclusive EyeSight driver assist system comes standard in all trims and now equipped for the first time in the U.S. with the new Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control including new Lane Centering function

・EyeSight assist monitor notifies the system activation status with LED lighting projected on the windshield

・Driver Monitoring System supports safe driving by providing a warning when it detects signs of distraction or drowsiness

・Standard LED headlights for better nighttime visibility

・Reverse Automatic Braking helps to avoid collisions when reversing and mitigates the damage in case of collision

・Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection system senses vehicles approaching from the rear and gives audio and visual alert

・Front view monitor captures images within the driver’s blind spots in front of the vehicle and displays a 180-degree view on the 11.6-inch display

Class-leading passenger protection—Collision Safety

・Optimized body structure with the adoption of Subaru Global Platform ensures class-leading passenger protection

・An increase in the amount of high-tensile steel panel materials ensures improved protection in frontal, side and rear end collision

■ Exterior design with strong presence

Following Subaru’s common “Dynamic x Solid” design philosophy, the exterior design of Legacy features sleek silhouette that appears to be in motion and solid toughness as a sedan with strong presence

Bold, yet sporty front face

・Frameless hexagonal grille adds sportiness to the Legacy

・Combination of wide lower grille intake and fog light bezels with C-shape motif emphasizes Legacy’s stability and low-center-of-gravity

Side silhouette that emphasizes a sense of stability and speed

・Not just expressing a sense of speed with a combination of the smooth side silhouette and dynamic window graphic, the side view of Legacy also emphasizes strength with bold door panel surfaces, bulging fenders and wheel-arch accents

・Re-designed side mirror with a motif streamlined through window frame

Wide stance rear design with sense of stability

・Wide motif shared with the front end emphasi..

Toyota debuts new Tacoma to protect its crown as No. 1 midsize pickup from encroaching US rivals

Source: Toyota
2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road

The pickup wars are spreading.

Toyota refreshed its best-selling Tacoma mid-size pickup trucks with Apple Car Play, larger touch screens and other features drivers have come to expect in today's utility vehicles, the company said Thursday. The Japanese automaker's move comes as American automakers — not content to rule the full-size segment —release smaller trucks that threaten the one category where Toyota has managed to hold its own with the Big 3 in Detroit.

Source: Toyota
2020 Toyota Tacoma Limited

The Tacoma has led the mid-size pickup segment in sales in the U.S. for the last 14 years, and the company is anxious to hold onto that crown. Ford just brought back the Ranger mid-size pickup truck, and Chevrolet has been successful with its Colorado.

Even Jeep is getting into action. Fiat Chrysler's brand known mostly for sport utility vehicles launched the Gladiator pickup at the Los Angeles Auto Show late last year. As the historical leader in the segment, Toyota has the most to lose.

The good news is this segment is growing overall, as the broader market turns toward utility vehicles. Mid-size pickup sales are expected to grow from about 3 percent of the total market in 2018 to 4 percent by 2021, according to data from LMC Automotive, a firm that tracks the auto industry.

Source: Toyota
2020 Toyota Tacoma Limited

The number of models is also expected to grow, reversing a multi-year pullback in the segment. In 2010, there were 11 mid-size pickup trucks to choose from, according to LMC. But there were only five models from 2014 to 2018. But again, by 2021, that is expected to more than double again back to a total of 11.

Source: Toyota
2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road

Toyota's refresh is not a dramatic redesign, said IHS Markit analyst Stephanie Brinley. But it's adding some key upgrades, such as an improved infotainment systems with Apple Car Play, and a few other features that customers have come to expect in new vehicles. A larger touchscreen in the truck's console will come standard on every model. Each trim level will come with upgrades specific to that variant, such as new grille designs and new headlights and taillights.

Source: Toyota
2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro

In addition to overhauling the Tacoma, Toyota is beefing up its TRD Pro off-road racing lineup, adding a TRD Pro version of its three-row Sequoia sport utility vehicle. Toyota already makes TRD Pro versions of its Tacoma and Tundra pickups and its 4Runner SUV.

Source: Toyota
2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro

Off-road and sporty on-road variants of pickup trucks and SUVs have been around for a long time, but automakers seem to be beefing up their selection of packages and options. Automakers are looking to leverage the shift to trucks and SUVS as an opportunity to find new ways to package features and capabilities to net a few more customers wherever they can.

“Every type of vehicle, every capability, every price point is looking to be exploited,” Schuster said. “It is a fight for customers and a fight for market share.”

Porsche Expands Charging Service In Europe To 49,000 Charging Points

5 H BY MARK KANE New features and markets included in Porsche Charging Service Porsche is expanding its Porsche Charging Service – launched in May 2018 – to five new countries, which will enable access to more than 49,000 charging points under single contract, through Porsche ID card or smartphone app. The service was initially… Continue reading Porsche Expands Charging Service In Europe To 49,000 Charging Points

Premiere at Geneva Motor Show: the new Passat(((Concept car.))) will be the first Volkswagen to offer partially automated driving at cruising speed

The new Passat GTE – the plug-in hybrid model in the product line Pre-sales from May: in-depth technical update of the bestseller opens a window into the future of the product line Debut in the Passat: new “Travel Assist” function permits partially automated driving from 0 to 210 km/h Always on: new Infotainment system generation… Continue reading Premiere at Geneva Motor Show: the new Passat(((Concept car.))) will be the first Volkswagen to offer partially automated driving at cruising speed

All-new Jeep® Gladiator to Compete in Every Man Challenge at Renowned King of the Hammers Desert Off-road Race

February 5, 2019 , Auburn Hills, Mich. – The all-new 2020 Jeep® Gladiator – the most capable midsize truck ever – is going racing at this year’s Every Man Challenge during the King of the Hammers Desert Off-road race. Savvy Off-Road, an aftermarket shop based in Corona, California, is handling competition preparations, bringing expertise gained while… Continue reading All-new Jeep® Gladiator to Compete in Every Man Challenge at Renowned King of the Hammers Desert Off-road Race

Self-driving truck startup Ike raises $52 million

Ike, the autonomous trucking startup founded by veterans of Apple, Google, and Uber Advanced Technologies Group’s self-driving truck program, has raised $52 million in a Series A funding round led by Bain Capital Ventures. Redpoint Ventures, Fontinalis Partners, Basis Set Ventures, and Neo also participated in the round. Bain Capital Ventures partner Ajay Agarwal has joined… Continue reading Self-driving truck startup Ike raises $52 million