automotive-technology2.68 min read
Toyota Unveils Versatile Compact Engines for Multiple Fuels
1 year ago•Source: Reuters
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1.845 min•1 year ago
Kia Unveils $30K EV3 SUV with 300-Mile Range and AI Assistant
Kia has unveiled the finalized version of its EV3 small electric SUV, featuring a ChatGPT-based AI assistant and an estimated range of over 300 miles. The EV3 will launch in South Korea in July, followed by Europe later in the year, with a US release confirmed but not yet scheduled. The vehicle offers advanced tech features, including dual 12.3-inch screens, a 12-inch heads-up display, and premium streaming apps. The design is inspired by the larger EV9, providing spaciousness for five passengers and a small front trunk.
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"Fatal Crashes Prompt Investigation into Ford's Automated Driving System"
The Guardian•1 year ago
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"Revealing Tesla Autopilot Flaws Through Depositions"
The Washington Post•1 year ago
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"Tesla's Transition to FSD (Supervised) and Free Autopilot Access: What You Need to Know"
Tesla has officially replaced the "FSD Beta" program with "FSD (Supervised)" in its 2024.3.10 Release Notes, indicating a shift in confidence in its Full Self-Driving suite. The updated terminology emphasizes the need for driver supervision while highlighting the system's capabilities, with positive feedback from users. Tesla is actively promoting FSD (Supervised) to new and existing customers, offering test rides and a one-month free trial in the US and Canada.
"SnappOS Introduces Sleek UI Theming for Android Automotive"
Snapp Automotive introduces "SnappOS," a customized take on Android Automotive with a "Dynamic Theming" engine built with JetPack Compose, allowing for in-depth and impressive themes to be created and changed on the fly. The theming can be adjusted from a user's phone without disrupting the in-car UI, and can also adapt based on the car's activity. SnappOS aims to accelerate the adoption of Android Automotive for carmakers and third-party hardware producers, while still integrating with Google's services.
"Tesla's Mandatory FSD Test Drive for US Buyers Sparks Stock Rally"
Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced that the company will offer U.S. customers a one-month free trial of its Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, priced at $12,000, in an effort to boost sales amid softening demand and price competition. Musk instructed Tesla staff to provide FSD demonstrations to new buyers and owners of serviced vehicles, as the "FSD take rate" has declined in North America. The FSD software, which requires active driver supervision, has also been offered as a subscription for $199 a month.
"Chinese EVs Integrate Camera Drones for Advanced Surveillance"
Chinese automakers are integrating camera drones into electric vehicles, targeting content creators who want to capture videos while driving. BYD, Lynk & Co, and Dongfeng have incorporated drones into their SUVs, allowing for one-click filming and live viewing on the car's display. The drones can be voice-controlled and have features like motion detection and face recognition. Shanghai-based automotive journalist Mark Rainford predicts more Chinese automakers will follow suit, despite potential limitations such as obstacle avoidance and speed restrictions. DJI's obstacle-avoidance technology is also being integrated into cars, with the company aiming to sell its Lingxi autonomous driving technology to automakers.
"Prominent Safety Group Gives Poor Ratings to 14 Partial Automated Driving Systems"
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tested 14 partial automated driving systems and found that none earned a "good" rating, with only one rated as acceptable and two as marginal. Systems from BMW, Ford, General Motors, Genesis, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Tesla, and Volvo were evaluated, with Tesla's Full Self-Driving (Beta) Version 2023.7.10 receiving the worst rating. IIHS conducted tests involving covering the driver's face and attaching weights to the steering wheel to simulate a driver's hands, revealing concerning results but also suggesting that fixes may be readily available through software updates.
"IIHS Study Reveals Widespread Failures in Automaker ADAS Safeguards"
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has found that most partially automated Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) from various automakers, including Tesla, Ford, and Nissan, received "marginal" or "poor" ratings in a recent study. The study evaluated 14 systems and highlighted deficiencies in categories such as driver monitoring and attention reminders. The IIHS emphasized the need for better safeguards to prevent misuse and maintain driver focus, while also noting that there is little evidence to support the claim that these systems make driving safer. The top-rated systems included Lexus Teammate with Advanced Drive, GM Super Cruise, and Nissan ProPilot Assist with Navi-Link.
"Study Finds Tesla Autopilot and Other Automated Driving Systems Rated 'Poor' for Safety"
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) introduced a new safety rating system for partial automated driving systems, with Tesla's Autopilot and its rivals receiving poor ratings. Of the 14 systems tested, 11 were rated as poor, including Tesla's Autopilot and Full Self-Driving version. The only system rated worse than Tesla's was Volvo's Pilot Assist. The top-rated systems were Lexus' Teammate with Advanced Drive, General Motors' Super Cruise, and Nissan's ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link, receiving acceptable and marginal ratings. The IIHS president emphasized the lack of evidence that partial automation makes driving safer, despite claims from Tesla and CEO Elon Musk. Manufacturers are expected to continue improving their systems' safety features in response to the findings.
"IIHS Finds Only One Automated Driving System Passes Safety Test"
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tested 14 partial automated systems and found that only one, Lexus’ Teammate with Advanced Drive, passed their evaluation. The majority were rated poor, with two being marginal. The systems were found to be easily tricked and bad at monitoring driver attention, with some even working when the driver wasn’t wearing a seatbelt. IIHS noted that all vehicles did well in at least one category, suggesting that fixes may be readily available through software updates.
"IIHS Ratings: Poor Marks for Tesla and Rivals' Automated Driving Systems"
The U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated Tesla's Autopilot and Full Self Driving technology, along with nine other assisted-driving systems from major automakers, as "poor" in a new study, citing no evidence of real-world safety benefits based on crash data. Only one system, Lexus Teammate with Advanced Drive, earned an acceptable rating, while GM's Super Cruise and Nissan's ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link received "marginal" ratings. The study highlights the lack of federal regulations and consistent guidance for advanced-driver assistance systems, and suggests that automakers could improve safety ratings by adopting existing technology for functions such as driver-monitoring or attention warnings.
"Ford EVs Gain Access to Tesla Superchargers, Boosting Industry Interoperability"
Ford has introduced charging adaptors for its electric vehicles, enabling users to connect to Tesla superchargers in the US and Canada. The adaptors are available for free to current Ford EV customers until June 30, after which they will cost $230. This move gives Ford a competitive advantage as the first automaker to utilize Tesla's charging network, potentially appealing to customers who prefer not to purchase a Tesla but want access to its charging infrastructure. The charging time for Ford vehicles at Tesla stations is comparable to that of Tesla vehicles.