Author: David Smith

Ford has introduced the latest version of its BlueCruise hands-free highway driving software, offering a new feature that enables smooth and seamless hands-free lane changes to overtake slower traffic while maintaining the driver’s preferred speed. The update, called BlueCruise 1.5, was developed by the Ford Advanced Driver Assistance (ADAS) team and aims to enhance the overall driving experience. The all-new feature, Automatic Lane Change, allows BlueCruise to automatically initiate a lane change when it detects a clear adjacent lane. According to Ford’s internal testing, BlueCruise 1.5 can automate up to 45% of lane changes during an average drive. Before executing…

European road safety organisations have raised concerns about the approval of a Tesla Cybertruck for public road use in the Czech Republic, questioning its size, design, and compliance with European regulations. In an open letter to Czech Transport Minister Martin Kupka, the organisations argued that the vehicle poses potential risks to other road users, particularly due to its weight and lack of crash absorption features. https://twitter.com/CybertruckEU/status/1811861211598004586 “The Cybertruck’s non-existent or inadequate crash absorption brings unacceptably high risks to all other road users,” the letter stated, noting that the vehicle has not undergone crash testing by any public authority due to…

General Motors (GM) has injected $10 million into Forge Nano, a materials science startup, through its investment arm GM Ventures, to improve electric vehicle (EV) battery cells. The collaboration focuses on integrating Forge Nano’s “atomic layer deposition” technology, known as Atomic Armor, into GM’s battery systems. This advanced coating is designed to enhance the safety and lifespan of cathode materials, leading to reduced battery costs and better overall performance. As part of the strategic agreement, GM may use Forge Nano’s Atomic Armor technology in its EV batteries, which coats the cathode materials at the atomic level. Paul Lichty, CEO of…

Peugeot has expanded its lineup with the introduction of the all-electric version of the 408, a unique combination of a hatchback saloon and SUV. Already available in combustion engine, mild hybrid, and plug-in hybrid versions, the new Peugeot E-408 marks the brand’s latest step into the electric vehicle market. Available to order now, starting at €46,600, the e-408 stands out with a 157 kW motor and a 58.2 kWh NMC battery, making it one of the most powerful models within the Stellantis brand lineup. Originally launched in 2022, the Peugeot 408 featured hybrid options, but the fully electric version has…

General Motors (GM) plans to reintroduce the Chevrolet Bolt as a 2026 model, aiming to turn the once budget-friendly electric vehicle into a profitable venture, according to GM President Mark Reuss during GM Investor Day. Although the new Bolt will not be built on GM’s Ultium platform, it will incorporate several new features designed to provide enhanced value to customers. At the event in Spring Hill, Tennessee, Reuss emphasized that the 2026 Bolt will be priced “only slightly higher than the 2023 Bolt,” which started at $28,795. “The 2026 Bolt will offer the same value as the original Bolt and…

German teledriving company Vay Technology has joined forces with the United Arab Emirates’ Bayanat to enhance its remotely controlled vehicle operations. The two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at advancing teledriving technology solutions utilizing geospatial data and artificial intelligence (AI). This collaboration seeks to successfully implement Vay’s innovative teledriving technology across the Middle East, Africa, and select Asia-Pacific countries. Currently operational in Las Vegas, Vay has established itself as a leader in teledriving, having been the first European company to conduct public road operations without a human driver onboard. Unlike traditional self-driving taxis, Vay’s service employs remote…

Stellantis is recalling approximately 194,000 plug-in hybrid Jeep SUVs over concerns of potential fire risks, following reports of 13 fires. The recall affects certain 2020 to 2024 Jeep Wrangler and 2022 to 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee plug-in hybrid models, with the issue linked to a battery component defect. The automaker reported that fires occurred when the vehicles were parked and turned off, estimating that around 5% of the affected models may have the defect. Owners have been advised to park their vehicles outside and away from other vehicles or structures until repairs can be made. The company noted that the…

American electric vehicle startup Canoo is making its entry into the UK market, establishing Canoo Technologies UK Limited at Bicester Motion, a site well-acquainted with innovative vehicle technologies. This move marks a significant milestone in the company’s global expansion strategy, according to CEO Tony Aquila. Bicester Motion has been selected as the location for Canoo’s ‘Activation Center,’ a facility previously associated with Arrival, another EV manufacturer that declared bankruptcy earlier this year. Canoo acquired Arrival’s production equipment during its liquidation process and has repurposed it for use in its Oklahoma production facilities. Canoo’s current production lineup includes the Lifestyle Vehicle…

Volkswagen revised its annual outlook downward for the second time in under three months, citing underperformance in its passenger car division, intensifying pressure on Europe’s largest automaker. The company now anticipates a 2024 profit margin of approximately 5.6%, down from its previous estimate of 6.5-7%, and below the 6.5% expected by analysts. Sales are projected to fall by 0.7% to €320 billion ($356.7 billion), a reversal from earlier forecasts of up to 5% growth. The weakened outlook mirrors similar downgrades from German automakers Mercedes-Benz and BMW, which have been grappling with declining demand in China, the world’s largest automotive market.…

South Korea’s Hyundai Glovis has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with BYD, China’s leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, to form a strategic partnership focused on car transportation. The alliance aims to boost Hyundai Glovis’s client base beyond its traditional automaker affiliates, Hyundai Motor and Kia, while supporting BYD’s rapidly expanding overseas shipments. Under the agreement, the companies will explore joint utilization of their Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTCs), specialized vessels designed for vehicle transport. Hyundai Glovis, currently the world’s third-largest car shipping company, operates 81 PCTCs and plans to expand its fleet to 102 vessels by 2026 and…

Tesla’s Cybertruck has reportedly arrived in South Korea for certification, potentially making the country the first market outside North America to approve the all-electric pickup for sale. According to a report from South Korean media outlet Bloter, the Cybertruck is currently undergoing evaluation by the Korea Automobile Testing & Research Institute (KATRI). An official from KATRI confirmed the vehicle’s arrival, stating, “The Tesla Cybertruck came to the Korea Automobile Testing & Research Institute (KATRI) in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province for certification purposes.” The official also noted that Tesla directly sent the unit for certification: “KATRI receives various vehicles for certification, including…

Peachtree Corners is set to introduce an autonomous vehicle (AV) service for public transportation to hotels, restaurants, and various stops starting the week of October 7. This marks the first deployment of AV technology by May Mobility in Georgia, utilizing a distinctive pink and green Toyota Sienna that accommodates up to four passengers, including those using wheelchairs. The on-demand service will feature eight designated stops and can be accessed via a smartphone application for availability checks. Peachtree Corners, a suburban Atlanta city with a population of 45,000 residents and an equal number of workers, aims to enhance this service, which…

BYD has officially launched three of its top-selling electric vehicles—the Dolphin, Seal, and Atto 3—in Kenya, marking a significant step in the company’s global expansion strategy. The vehicles will be distributed through local dealer Loxea, which is also known for selling Toyota and other gas-powered models. The launch took place at the Toyota-CFAO Mobility Kenya Limited Showroom on Wednesday. The highlight of the event was BYD’s Atto 3 electric SUV. Jennifer Kinyoe, Managing Director of Loxea Kenya, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “BYD’s presence in Kenya signifies our commitment to supporting the country and green transition and modernizing the…

Companies in the Netherlands can now apply for funding to establish charging stations for battery-electric commercial vehicles, with a total of €57 million available through two funding programs. The first program, the Subsidy Scheme Private Charging Infrastructure at Companies (SPRILA), offers a budget of €42 million. This scheme aims to support the installation of private charging points primarily in industrial areas and distribution centers. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can receive up to 40% of the total costs for the purchase and installation of charging infrastructure, while large companies are eligible for a maximum funding rate of 20%. Additionally, grants…

Israeli electric vehicle startup Ree Automotive has announced a partnership with Roush Industries to serve as the contract manufacturer for the assembly of its P7 electric delivery van in the United States. Production is slated to commence in the fourth quarter of 2024 at Roush’s facility in Detroit. Roush Industries, recognized for its expertise in vehicle contract manufacturing, will handle the assembly of Ree’s P7 electric trucks, with an ambitious target of producing 5,000 electric vans annually. Last week, Ree also entered into a strategic collaboration with Indian automotive supplier Motherson, which will oversee the global supply chain and logistics…

The French community of Grand Reims has placed an order for 20 articulated electric buses from Iveco Bus, while the manufacturer will also supply 19 hydrogen buses to the municipal association Lorient Agglomération. Iveco Bus is set to deliver 20 units of the 18-metre-long GX 437 Elec Linium BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) model, which is expected to enter service by autumn 2025. The deal includes an option for an additional nine units. Each electric bus can accommodate up to 142 passengers and features a camera rearview system in place of traditional exterior mirrors. The BRT designation indicates that these buses…

Polish charging infrastructure manufacturer Ekoenergetyka has introduced its Megawatt Charging System (MCS) solution at the IAA Transportation event. The new system features an optional MCS and CCS connection on a satellite unit, enhancing its versatility for electric vehicle charging. The MCS is designed to work with a power unit-satellite combination, utilizing the Axon Side 360 DLBS power supply unit, which was announced earlier this year. This configuration allows for the delivery of a total output of 1,440 kW through four power units, according to Ekoenergetyka. The Axon Side 360 DLBS distributes charging current to multiple satellites via dynamic load balancing,…

Volkswagen’s Chief Financial Officer Arno Antlitz is reportedly considering substantial cuts to the Group’s investment plans, which could include shelving a billion-euro update to its MEB electric modular system. The German automaker, which initially aimed to refresh its electric ID.3 and ID.4 models, may instead opt for a direct transition to the delayed SSP platform by 2028. According to a report by Manager Magazin, Volkswagen is evaluating a reduction of approximately €20 billion in its upcoming five-year investment plan. The budget could decrease from €180 billion to €160 billion, with savings likely to impact development and administrative areas. The MEB+…

Hyzon Motors, a U.S.-based manufacturer of hydrogen fuel cell systems, has commenced the production of its Class 8 200kW Fuel Cell Electric Truck (FCET). This achievement marks a significant milestone in the company’s efforts to provide zero-emission alternatives for heavy-duty industries, with production taking place in collaboration with Fontaine Modification in North Carolina. “Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for ‘hard-to-decarbonize’ heavy-duty industries, as Hyzon sets the standard for high-performance, zero-emission alternatives to diesel,” said Parker Meeks, Hyzon’s Chief Executive Officer. “Our Class 8 200kW FCET is the culmination of years of engineering, and today we are proud…

Daimler Buses has introduced the Mercedes-Benz eCitaro K, a 10.63-meter all-electric bus designed for navigating narrow streets and urban routes. The new model, launched at the IAA Transportation 2024 event, is aimed at areas with fewer passengers and confined spaces, expanding the eCitaro lineup alongside the 12.14-meter eCitaro and the 18.13-meter eCitaro G. The eCitaro K offers flexible battery configurations, ranging from four to six packs, with a total capacity of up to 588 kWh. The maximum setup allows the bus to travel over 300 kilometers under optimal conditions. The model also supports pantograph charging for longer routes. “Despite its…