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2026 MG 4 EV Urban: Long Range priced from $34,990 drive-away | CarExpert

James Wong 2026 MG 4 Electric: Update coming 'very soon' for familiar EV hatch 4 Hours Ago Marketplace Editor The 2026 MG 4 EV Urban has just landed in Australia, and the Chinese brand has finally confirmed pricing for the Long Range Essence 54 model, which commands a $3000 premium over the Essence 43 price leader. On sale now from $34,990 drive-away, the MG 4 EV Urban Essence 54 largely carries over the Essence 43's spec sheet, but gets a larger 54kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack and a marginally more powerful electric motor on the front axle. As a result, the Essence 54 quotes 118kW/250Nm outputs, and a WLTP-certified driving range of 405km – 89km more than the Essence 43. The power bump brings a slight improvement to the claimed 0-100km/h time despite a 60kg kerb weight disadvantage, rated at 8.7 seconds versus 9.0 seconds for the Essence 43. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. MG 4 EV Urban Essence equipment highlights: Model | Drive-away pricing | |---|---| 2026 MG 4 EV Urban Essence 43 | $31,990 | 2026 MG 4 EV Urban Essence 54 | $34,990 | MORE: 2026 MG 4 EV Urban review MORE: Explore the MG 4 showroom Go deeper on the cars in our Showroom, compare your options, or see what a great deal looks like with help from our New Car Specialists. James Wong is an automotive journalist and former PR consultant, recognised among Australia’s most prolific motoring writers. James Wong 4 Hours Ago James Wong 6 Hours Ago Max Davies 2 Days Ago Max Davies 2 Days Ago William Stopford 3 Days Ago William Stopford 7 Days Ago Add CarExpert as a Preferred Source on Google so your search results prioritise writing

State Franchised <b>Car</b> Dealership Rules Can Cost Buyers up to $5000

Rules dating to the Great Depression have turned franchised auto dealers into a mandatory middleman — one that a new report says costs buyers up to $5,000 per vehicle. Dealers add add an estimated $3,934 to $4,992 to the price of a new vehicle, functioning as a “middleman tax.” State laws that prohibit automakers from selling cars directly to consumers add between $3,934 and $4,992 to the price of a new vehicle, according to an issue brief released Monday by the International Center for Law & Economics, a nonprofit research organization. The findings arrive as legacy automakers struggle to compete with Tesla’s factory-direct sales model and as software-defined vehicles increasingly depend on seamless digital integration that franchise dealers are structurally ill-equipped to support. The report, written by Kristian Stout and Subiksha Ramakrishnan, updates a 2000 Goldman Sachs analysis and a subsequent review by the Justice Department. It argues that franchise protection laws enacted during the New Deal era — originally designed to shield small-business dealers from being undercut by powerful manufacturers — have since calcified into protectionist barriers that fragment the national market and insulate incumbents from competition. “Protecting an incumbent distribution channel is not the same as protecting consumers,” the authors write. The study breaks down the estimated price premium into several components. Dealers are required by most states to maintain on-lot inventory, a carry cost the authors calculate at $1,045 to $1,105 per vehicle, compounded by floorplan financing rates that currently run between 6 and 9 percent. The make-to-stock manufacturing model that results from the dealer system generates roughly $1,600 per unit in additional costs, as automakers are forced to push unwanted inventory through discounts and incentives rather than building to order. Commission-based sales staff and sprawling physical retail footprints add an estimated $1,200 to $1,900 more. In

How To Add A Modern Smartphone Interface To Your <b>Vehicle</b> System

There is a certain frustration that comes with driving a well-crafted vehicle while its infotainment system feels out of sync with modern expectations. Today’s digital habits are centered around smartphones, yet not every vehicle provides seamless integration with the tools people rely on most. Modern smartphone interface systems have changed how drivers interact with navigation, communication, and entertainment. By bringing essential features directly into the vehicle display, they create a more connected and intuitive experience when did Mercedes get Apple CarPlay. For many users, the next step is understanding how to introduce this functionality into an existing system. Never miss new stories in Harlem Understanding Compatibility Before making any changes, it is important to understand whether the current system supports smartphone integration. Newer systems are often designed with this capability in mind, while older systems may lack the required components. In some cases, the feature may already exist within the system but simply needs to be enabled. In others, additional solutions may be required depending on the system’s design and limitations. Checking system details through official support channels or identification records can provide clarity on what is possible. Available Options for Integration One of the simplest ways to enable smartphone connectivity is through system activation. If the system already includes the required hardware, the feature can sometimes be enabled through authorized support. This approach ensures that the system remains unchanged while unlocking additional functionality. When activation is not available, external modules can provide an alternative solution. These devices connect to the existing system and allow smartphone features to appear on the display without replacing the original hardware Mercedes-Benz infotainment system. They act as a bridge between the phone and the system, making it possible to access navigation, music, and communication tools through the existing interface. In situations where older systems

From Data to Decisions: How Ride Report is Powering the Future of Multimodal Mobility

Cities today are navigating a profound shift in how people and goods move. From shared e-scooters and bikes to delivery robots and carshare fleets, the transportation ecosystem is becoming more diverse and more complex than ever before. At the center of this transformation is data. And increasingly, that data is being unified, analyzed, and operationalized through INRIX Ride Report. The Rise of Multimodal Mobility Urban mobility is no longer defined exclusively by privately owned cars. Micromobility solutions, for example, shared bikes and scooters, have surged in adoption, while delivery robots and carshare services are redefining first-mile, last-mile, and urban logistics. But with this growth comes a challenge: how do cities manage an ecosystem with multiple operators, vehicle types, and policy goals? This is where Ride Report comes in. What is Ride Report? Ride Report is a SaaS mobility analytics platform designed to help cities launch, manage, and evaluate shared mobility programs across modes like scooters, bikes, and carshare. Ride Report expands beyond micromobility to include delivery robots and other emerging transportation modes, creating a more complete view of the public right-of-way. Through a cloud-based interface, the platform enables agencies to: - Monitor vehicles in real time - Enforce compliance and policy rules - Analyze historical travel patterns - Automate invoicing and reporting - Protect user privacy through anonymized data processing In short, Ride Report transforms fragmented mobility data into actionable intelligence. Why Analytics Matters More Than Ever The modern city is a dynamic system. Mobility patterns shift daily based on demand, infrastructure, and policy decisions. Without robust analytics, cities risk making decisions based on incomplete or biased information. Ride Report addresses this by aggregating and standardizing data across operators and modes. This allows city planners to: - Evaluate whether equity goals are being met - Understand where vehicles are deployed

US-led team introduces framework to make networks of robots, self-driving <b>cars</b> safer

US-led team introduces framework to make networks of robots, self-driving cars safer The need for such a framework arises from the unique risks associated with connected autonomous systems. As modern technology advances, networks of connected machines such as self-driving cars, delivery robots, and smart infrastructure are becoming increasingly common. These systems, often referred to as cyber-physical systems, rely heavily on communication and coordination between multiple autonomous agents. However, one critical challenge remains: how can these machines determine which information to trust before making decisions? Researchers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have proposed an innovative solution to this problem by introducing a framework known as “cy-trust,” designed to make networks of robots and vehicles safer and more reliable. Cyber-physical systems going to become very pervasive The concept of cy-trust focuses on quantifying trust in a measurable way. Instead of blindly accepting all incoming data, each robot or vehicle evaluates the reliability of information received from other agents. This evaluation is expressed as a numerical value, typically ranging from zero to one, representing how trustworthy a source is. Based on this score, the system decides how much influence that information should have on its actions. This approach is essential because traditional cybersecurity methods mainly control access to systems but do not adequately address real-time decision-making in dynamic, multi-agent environments. “Cyber-physical systems are going to become very pervasive,” said Gil, who co-authored the paper in Proceedings of the IEEE. “The question is, how do we secure these systems? How do we make sure they are going to be resilient as they go into the real world? This is something we had to learn from making internet systems secure.” The need for such a framework arises from the unique risks associated with connected autonomous systems. In these networks,

Slotkin, Schumer, Baldwin Demand Trump Take Action Against Chinese Automakers ...

This action comes after President Trump encouraged Chinese companies to expand manufacturing and selling in the U.S. WASHINGTON D.C. — U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Chuck Schumer (D-NY), called on President Donald Trump to stop Chinese automakers from jeopardizing American workers and risking our national security. They also called on the President to take action against the manufacture, sale, or operation of these companies and their products on U.S. soil. President Trump made comments at the Detroit Economic Forum, saying, “Let China come in.” This has been a priority issue for Slotkin, and the first piece of legislation she introduced as a U.S. Senator. Slotkin, a former CIA officer, has repeatedly warned Chinese-made connected vehicles could transmit sensitive data back to Beijing. “Allowing automakers headquartered in China, which operate with backing from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), to build and sell vehicles in the United States would have far-reaching consequences for our economic and national security,” wrote the Senators in a letter to President Trump. “We urge you to stay the course and make it clear that Chinese auto manufacturers and their products present unprecedented dangers to our economic and national security, and their manufacture, sale, or operation on U.S. soil is non-negotiable.” U.S. automakers and their supply chains are essential to economic security, supporting a broad manufacturing ecosystem, from steel to semiconductors, and accounting for about 3–5% of GDP and nearly 11 million jobs. Chinese automakers building factories in the U.S. would speed China’s push for global dominance and simultaneously jeopardize American workers. China’s industry benefits from heavy state subsidies and weaker labor protections, creating unfair competition. This could disrupt supply chains, where each assembly job supports roughly two supplier jobs. China is deepening auto ties with Canada and Mexico, raising security concerns and potentially

Material costs

| | Nasdaq | 21,879.18 | | | | S&P | 6,582.69 | | | | Dow | 46,504.67 | | | | 10-Year | 0.000% | | | | Bitcoin | $69,244.24 | | | | Levi Strauss | $18.90 | | | | Data is provided by | | *Stock data as of market close, cryptocurrency data as of 11:00pm ET. Here's what these numbers mean. | - Markets: All three major indexes finished in the green last week, breaking a five-week losing streak. Over the next few days, Iran and inflation data are sure to be top of mind for investors. - Stock spotlight: Levi Strauss is up 40% over the past year, but shares have been sagging the past few months. The jeans company will get a chance to button up its message when it reports earnings tomorrow. | Markets Sponsored by Northwestern Mutual Is your tax return trying to tell you something? Northwestern Mutual’s guide explores actionable insights your return can offer to help you build a financial plan. Take a look. | | |---| MATERIAL COSTS For plastics-makers in the US, it’s the best of times. For companies that sell anything that requires plastic, it’s among the worst. Asian, Middle Eastern, and European producers of petrochemicals have all been negatively affected by the Iran war, which has all but closed the Strait of Hormuz. American chemical companies are benefiting from new relevance and income, since they use cheap natural gas that isn’t dependent on the Strait. Meet The Plastics While all petrochemicals are impacted, two in particular are experiencing a hazard of new fortunes: - Polyethylene, a soft, flexible material used in sandwich bags, detergent bottles, food service gloves, and more. Dow Chemical CEO Jim Fitterling said of the company’s US production capacity, “Everything

The Innovators 2026: Practical innovations shaping audio broadcasting's next phase

RedTech has released its latest special edition, The Innovators 2026. Innovation in broadcasting doesn’t always arrive with fanfare. More often, it appears quietly — in tools that simplify production, systems that connect audiences more effectively, or workflows that allow broadcasters to do more with fewer resources. The Innovators 2026 explores the practical technologies and ideas shaping the next phase of audio broadcasting. Across radio, streaming and podcasting, the most meaningful innovations are those already helping broadcasters operate more efficiently, reach audiences across multiple platforms and strengthen the connection between creators and listeners. Inside these pages, industry leaders explain how IP infrastructure and virtualization are reshaping production environments, how immersive audio is creating new storytelling possibilities, and how connected-car analytics are giving broadcasters unprecedented visibility into audience behavior. We also explore emerging questions around authenticity in an age of synthetic media, and how AI tools can augment — rather than replace — the uniquely human qualities that define radio. Taken together, these perspectives highlight a simple truth: Innovation matters most when it works. The technologies featured here are not promises about the future. They are the practical foundations of audio broadcasting’s next chapter. Read online or download for free. Be sure to share our publications with colleagues who might find them helpful, so they can subscribe and stay updated with RedTech’s newsletters, magazines and special editions. The stories might interest you The Solutioneers 2025/2026 builds resilience for a changing industry How AI can accelerate contextual, curated discovery in radio

Democratic Senators Push to Bar Chinese Automakers From Building Factories in the US

Three Democratic senators are urging President Donald Trump to block Chinese automakers from entering the US market — whether through imports from other North American countries or by establishing production domestically. In a letter sent to the White House last week, the senators warned that allowing Chinese automakers in would create an “insurmountable economic advantage” that American automakers could not overcome, and a national security risk “that could never be reversed.” According to the senators, “while a new plant opened by a Chinese automaker in the United States may create some assembly and temporary construction jobs, that small number of jobs will not make up for the lasting job loss,” the letter stated. The letter was signed by Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, and Chuck Schumer of New York — the latter serving as the Senate Minority Leader. Schumer served as Majority Leader from 2021 to 2025, when Democrats held the chamber. Slotkin, a former national security official, sits on the Armed Services Committee, where she has focused on defense manufacturing and countering China, while Baldwin’s work has been centering on labor and education policy. Trade Tensions The letter comes as trade pressures rise in North America, ahead of the renegotiation of the US-Mexico-Canada (Free Trade) Agreement (or USMCA). Recent tensions between the US and Canada have been tainting the deal, as uncertainty around Chinese automakers entering the continent increases following the recent Canada-China trade deal. Earlier this year, the Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Ottawa will allow up to 49,000 Chinese EVs to enter the country per year with a lower tariff of 6.1%. The figures represent a sharp drop from the 100% duty imposed in late 2024 by former PM Justin Trudeau, mirroring the neighboring country’s moves. Under former President Joe Biden, the

Becker Transactions Introduces Cutting-Edge <b>Automotive</b> Patent Portfolio for ...

STARKVILLE, MS, UNITED STATES, April 6, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Becker Transactions is excited to announce the availability of a groundbreaking patent portfolio designed for next-generation remote access and control technology, aimed at automotive manufacturers seeking to enhance vehicle functionality and user experience. This innovative portfolio focuses on a unified platform that enables a single device or mobile interface to control essential vehicle functions—including locking, ignition, climate systems, and onboard electronics. By significantly reducing reliance on multiple key fobs and standalone applications, this technology provides a streamlined solution for modern vehicle management. Dean Becker emphasized his excitement about representing this fundamental Automotive Patent Portfolio. Dean Becker stated, “we believe these patents reflect work that began well before today’s connected vehicle landscape took shape. With priority dates going back to 2009, the portfolio captures foundational concepts that are now widely adopted across the industry”. Key Features of the Patent Portfolio: *Comprehensive Control: Offers capabilities for remote start, driver-specific settings, GPS-based vehicle location, and multi-user access. *Built-In Safety Functionality: Enhances driver safety by detecting when a user is driving and managing incoming communications to minimize distractions. *Seamless Integration: Designed to work with existing vehicle architectures, ensuring easy implementation within current systems. Significantly, this portfolio is anchored by priority dates dating back to 2009, placing it well ahead of many contemporary connected vehicle and mobile integration solutions. This early filing position solidifies its foundational role in the evolution of remote access and control technologies, ensuring its relevance across a wide spectrum of modern implementations. The patent portfolio encompasses multiple granted patents and additional pending applications that cover core system architecture, secure wireless communication, and integrated control across vehicle and connected environments. This comprehensive intellectual property equips OEMs with a robust technical foundation and significant leverage in an increasingly competitive market. Unlike current fragmented solutions,

Future of In-<b>Car</b> Apps Market (2026-2033) | <b>Connected</b> Services,

Future of In-Car Apps Market (2026-2033) | Connected Services, Infotainment Systems, AI Integration & Global Growth | Key Players:- Apple Inc, Google LLC, Microsoft Corporation The Global In Car Apps Market reached US$ 62.51 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 120 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 8.5% during the forecast period 2025-2032.DataM Intelligence has released a new research report titled "In Car Apps Market Size 2026" The report delivers in-depth insights into key market dynamics, including regional growth trends, market segmentation, CAGR projections, and the revenue performance of leading industry players. It also highlights major growth drivers shaping the market landscape. Designed to provide a clear and comprehensive perspective, the report offers a detailed view of the current market size in terms of both value and volume, along with emerging opportunities and the overall development outlook of the global In Car Apps Market. Ready to scale in the In Car Apps market? Connect with the right partners and unlock new growth opportunities today:- https://www.datamintelligence.com/partner-identification-enquiry/in-car-apps-market?prtk Partner Identification ✓Increase Your Customer Base by 3X using our Partner Identification tool ✓Uncover strategic collaboration opportunities with DataM vetted partners aligned to your ecosystem. ✓Identify high potential M&A targets based on synergies, market positioning and growth trajectory. ✓Prioritize partners by strategic fit rather than general capability. The Car Apps Market also known as the in-vehicle apps market refers to the ecosystem of software applications integrated into vehicles through embedded systems or smartphone connectivity. These apps enable functionalities such as navigation, infotainment, communication, vehicle diagnostics, safety alerts, and remote vehicle control. Modern car apps operate via onboard computers, cloud platforms, and mobile integration, transforming vehicles into connected digital environments that deliver real-time data, personalized services, and enhanced driving experiences. The market is witnessing strong growth due to the rapid rise

Hyundai Motor Company Introduces In-<b>Car</b> Display Themes Featuring Korean Characters ...

Hyundai Motor Company announced on the 6th that it is partnering with Iconix Entertainment to launch new in-car display themes that let customers decorate their vehicles with Pororo the Little Penguin, Tayo the Little Bus, and Zanmang Loopy. This is the first time Hyundai Motor Company has collaborated with homegrown characters to release display themes for its vehicles. In February, the company introduced two Pokémon display themes, and it is now expanding the lineup using domestic character intellectual property rights. The strategy is to broaden in-car content options for family customers and those who are enthusiastic about character-themed experiences. The new display themes are "Pororo: Joyful Train Trip," "Tayo Colorful Garage," and "Mischievous Loopy Original." Once applied, these themes integrate the characters across the infotainment system, including start-up and shutdown animations, the instrument cluster, and navigation, transforming the in-car experience. Customers can purchase the themes by registering their primary vehicle in the myHyundai application and completing payment. The themes are available for the Hyundai Ioniq 9, The all-new NEXO, The new IONIQ 6, and Hyundai Sonata The Edge. Hyundai Motor Company plans to gradually expand availability to all models equipped with the Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC), including a 12.3-inch cluster and 12.3-inch navigation. A Hyundai Motor Company representative said, "We hope the Pororo the Little Penguin, Tayo the Little Bus, and Zanmang Loopy display themes create fond memories for families using Hyundai vehicles," adding, "We will continue to develop new products that enhance the value of the in-car experience." This article has been translated by GripLabs Mingo AI.

Could your car be hacked? Why <b>connected vehicles</b> are the next cybersecurity battleground

Modern vehicles are more connected than ever before, but that convenience comes with a growing cybersecurity risk. With cars now functioning much like smartphones on wheels, experts say it’s only a matter of time before cyber criminals turn greater attention to the automotive world. Over the past decade, vehicles have rapidly evolved into highly digitised machines, often equipped with built-in internet connectivity, smartphone integration and over-the-air software updates. While these features enhance usability, they also introduce new vulnerabilities. As one industry expert explains, cars today are effectively “internet devices” – and that makes them potential targets. The risks aren’t purely theoretical. Early research demonstrated that hackers could remotely access a vehicle’s electronic systems, even interfering with critical functions such as braking or engine operation. While real-world incidents remain rare, the potential consequences have driven tighter global regulations, including mandatory cybersecurity standards for new vehicles introduced in recent years. A real-world example of how disruptive cyber attacks can be came with the ransomware hit on Jaguar Land Rover. The attack crippled the company’s IT systems, forcing a shutdown of production lines and delaying vehicle deliveries for weeks. Customers were left waiting longer for new cars, while servicing and parts supply were also impacted. The incident showed that even when vehicles themselves aren’t directly hacked, the wider automotive ecosystem – from manufacturing to aftersales – can be severely affected. AutoExpress recently visited Hyundai Motor Group’s advanced technology facility in Frankfurt, Germany, where cybersecurity is treated as a core part of vehicle development. The site houses a dedicated laboratory focused on testing and strengthening digital defences across Hyundai, Kia and Genesis models. The facility also plays a key role in developing over-the-air software updates, which allow manufacturers to fix vulnerabilities remotely. Hyundai engineers liken the current state of automotive cybersecurity to the early

<b>Connected Car</b> News: Parade Technologies, LG Energy, Volkswagen, CarID &amp; Nira Dynamics

In connected car news are Parade Technologies, LG Energy, Volkswagen, CarID and Nira Dynamics. Parade Technologies Launches PS8651V MST Hub Controller For Automotive Infotainment Parade Technologies announced the availability of the PS8651V, an AEC-Q100 Grade 2 qualified DisplayPort 2.1a/HBR3 1:2 MST hub controller tailored for automotive display expansion and docking accessories. Compliant with VESA DP 2.1a and eDP 1.5 specifications, the IC supports link rates up to 8.1Gbps per lane and integrates VESA DSC 1.2a decoding for compressed video pass-through. The hardware is designed for thermal efficiency in high-temperature cabin environments, operating from -40°C to +105°C without the necessity of dedicated heat sinks. The controller enables flexible signal routing through Multi-Stream Transport and Single Stream Transport modes, allowing for lane count and link rate conversion in pillar-to-pillar ultra-wide screen architectures. Positioned as a key component for software-defined vehicle cockpits, the PS8651V complements existing eDP touch and retimer solutions to streamline infotainment system design. The unit’s ability to split super-frames in SST input mode facilitates advanced video distribution for multi-display in-vehicle entertainment systems. LG Energy Solution Joins SDVerse To Integrate Battery Management Software Into SDV Ecosystem LG Energy Solution has joined SDVerse as its inaugural battery-sector participant, listing five proprietary battery management system technologies on the B2B automotive software marketplace. The integration includes Battery Platform SW and the Safety Diagnostic Calibration Tool, designed to provide OEMs with secure in-house simulation and diagnostic capabilities for software-defined vehicle architectures. This move utilizes the company’s portfolio of 10,000 BMS patents to transition from pure hardware manufacturing to comprehensive energy software services. The deployment features the Onboard FRISM, BLiS, and DASH algorithms, which provide machine learning-based State of Health estimation and predictive degradation modeling. These tools allow for real-time monitoring of voltage, current, and temperature to optimize battery longevity and rapid-charging performance. By making these

How rising <b>car</b> prices present one more hurdle for homebuyers

How rising car prices present one more hurdle for homebuyers Car prices keep soaring – the average price of a new vehicle topped $50,000 for the first time last year, and the share of Americans taking on $1,000 monthly car payments passed 1 in 5, also a record. If you’re considering a new car loan while also hoping to buy a home, you might want to think again: A hefty car payment can hinder your ability to qualify for a mortgage. “Higher car payments eat directly into the residual income available for a mortgage payment,” says Anthony O. Kellum, CEO of Kellum Mortgage in Roseville, Michigan. Ever-rising car payments are just part of the affordability squeeze that has gripped the U.S. housing market since the pandemic. Home prices have soared to record levels, and the typical age of first-time buyers has risen to 40, a record. “You never know which straw will break the camel’s back,” says Robert Brusca, chief economist at FAO Economics. “But it’s all in the mix – high car payments, high house prices, higher mortgage rates, high student debt levels.” In other words, it’s not an easy environment in which to buy a home. Saddling yourself with a hefty car payment ahead of applying for a mortgage could make your process even more difficult. ‘It feels overwhelming’ The average price of a new car topped $50,000 for the first time in September , according to Kelley Blue Book, driven by better quality, longer-lasting cars as well as the popularity of electric vehicles. According to Edmunds, the average new car payment for loans originated in the fourth quarter of 2025 was $772. And the share of new-car buyers committing to monthly payments of $1,000 or more reached a record high of 20.3%, up from 18.9% a year

New Lucid Gravity Lineup Packs More Prestige &amp; Dreamy Driving | auto <b>connected car</b> news

The 2027 Gravity lineup simplifies its packaging, bundles more technology as standard equipment, and introduces a top-tier Prestige Package — as the electric S.U.V. maker looks to broaden its foothold in the luxury market. Since delivering its first Air sedan in late 2021, the California-based electric vehicle maker has positioned itself as a luxury alternative to Tesla, one that could rival the refinement of a German automaker while beating virtually everyone on driving range. Now, with the Gravity sport utility vehicle gaining traction in showrooms, Lucid is betting that a more thoughtful product strategy can turn early promise into sustained momentum. On Wednesday, the company unveiled the 2027 Gravity lineup, announcing a round of updates that it said would make the vehicle easier to buy, better equipped from the start, and more customizable at the top end. The changes touch every trim level and introduce a new Prestige Package for the range-topping Grand Touring — a bundle aimed squarely at buyers who want everything Lucid can offer in a single transaction. The entry-level Gravity Touring, starting at $79,900, will now come standard with DreamDrive 2 Premium, the company’s more capable suite of driver-assistance features, along with an additional key fob. Both had previously been optional. The Grand Touring, priced from $98,900, gains even more standard content — including a Comfort and Convenience Package, a Power Package, and larger 21-inch and 22-inch wheels — narrowing the gap between what a buyer gets at base and what they might have once had to specify separately. “With the 2027 updates, we’ve expanded standard features, simplified choices, and introduced a new Prestige Package that showcases the very best of Lucid design and technology,” said Erwin Raphael, Lucid’s senior vice president of revenue. “These enhancements reflect our continued focus on delivering compelling products as Gravity

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Petrol Sigma MT vs Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder ...

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara vs Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Petrol Sigma MT 10.77 lakh Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Petrol S Neodrive MT 12.51 lakh Engine & Transmission Fuel Type/ Propulsion Pure Electric Driving Mode Number of Cylinders Engine Installation Engine Displacement Engine Type Max Engine Power Max Engine Torque Drive Layout Gearbox Type Number of Gears Lockable Differential/s Sport Mode for Automatic Gearbox Paddle Shifters for Automatic Gearbox Fuel & Performance Fuel Tank Capacity Emission Standard Terrain Modes Official Fuel Economy E20 Compatibility Auto Start/Stop 0-100kph 20-80kph (in third gear/ kickdown) 40-100kph (in fourth gear/ kickdown) Suspension & Steering Front Brakes Rear Brakes Type of Power Assist 4 Wheel Steer Steering Adjust Steering Adjust type Turning Radius Front Suspension Type Front Springs Rear Suspension Type Rear Springs Damper Control Ride Height Adjust Wheels Wheel Size Front Tyre Size Rear Tyre Size Spare Wheel Dimensions Length Width Chassis Type Height Wheelbase Doors Kerb Weight Comfort Power Windows Rear Reading Lamp Driver Armrest Storage Utility Recess On Dashboard Bluetooth Connectivity Headlight and Ignition on Reminder Trunk Light Bottle Holder in Doors Cabin Boot Access Front Seatback Pockets Roof Grab Handles Cup Holders Sunglass Holder Digital Instrument Cluster Electric Tailgate Release Door Pockets Steering Mounted Controls Rear Parcel Tray Power Windows with One Touch-Down Interior Lamps Voice Assisted Sunroof Powered Tailgate Power Windows with One Touch-Up Exterior Mirrors Electric Adjust Exterior Mirrors Electric Fold Remote Locking Keyless Entry Push Button Start Climate Control Rear AC Vents Third Row AC Vents Front Passenger Seat Adjust from Rear Rear Window Sun Shades Rear Windscreen Sun Shade Rear Power Outlet Sunroof Ambient Lighting Driving Modes Cruise Control Auto Parking Launch Control Dead Pedal Hands-free Boot Opening Safety Airbags Side Airbag Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist Heads Up Display Boot Open Warning Front

Volkswagen Taigun facelift teased; confirms <b>connected</b> light setup

- Connected front light bar - New 8AT system The Volkswagen Taigun facelift is set for a 9 April, 2026 unveil. In a recent teaser, the carmaker subtly showcased its changed elements, with one of them being a connected light bar and an illuminated logo at the front, and this is in line with what we exclusively rendered and expected. Up front, the light bar is connected by a continuous LED strip, unlike the Skoda Kushaq's segmented unit. The rear connected tail-light setup continues, but it is a more imposing and aggressive C shape at both ends. Feature-wise, we expect the new Taigun to get a rear-seat massage function, better UI for the infotainment, and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof. Mechanically, the Taigun facelift will remain unchanged, continuing with the same 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre turbo-petrol units, with the former rated to churn out 114bhp/178Nm via a new eight-speed automatic (replacing the six-speed automatic) or a six-speed manual gearbox , and the latter churning out 148bhp/250Nm via a 7DSG system. This is in line with what the Skoda Kushaq facelift gets.

3 Undervalued Automobile Components Stocks for Friday, April 03 | AAII

Based on key financial metrics such as the price-to-sales ratio, shareholder yield and the price-earnings ratio, the following 3 stocks made the list for top value stocks in the Automobile Components industry. Those looking for value stocks to add to their portfolio may want to use this list as a starting point for further investment research. Why Focus on Undervalued Automobile Components Stocks? Value investors seek to buy stocks at a discount to their intrinsic value. Long-term returns show that such strategies are advantageous. Value stocks, as a group, tend to outperform growth stocks over extended periods of time. Typically, value investors perform financial analysis of numerous metrics, don’t follow the herd and are long-term investors. AAII’s A+ Investor Value Grade is derived from a stock’s Value Score. The Value Score is the percentile rank of the average of the percentile ranks of the price-to-sales ratio, price-earnings ratio, enterprise-value-to-EBITDA (EV/EBITDA) ratio, shareholder yield, price-to-book-value ratio and price-to-free-cash-flow ratio. The score is variable, meaning it can consider all six ratios or, should any of the six ratios not be valid, the remaining ratios that are valid. To be assigned a Value Score, stocks must have a valid (non-null) ratio and corresponding ranking for at least two of the six valuation ratios. What Goes Into AAII’s Value Grade? Stock evaluation requires access to huge amounts of data as well as the knowledge and time to sift through it all, make sense of financial ratios, read income statements and analyze recent stock movement. AAII created A+ Investor, a robust data suite that condenses data research in an actionable and customizable way suitable for investors of all knowledge levels, to help investors with that task. AAII’s proprietary stock grades come with A+ Investor. These offer intuitive A–F grades for more than just value. It

Ryan Naughton

Access to our event community is available to Professional (Digital and In-Person), Speaker, Sponsor and VIP ticket holders only. If you have not received the access code or would like to upgrade your ticket please get in touch with a member of the team at ftlive@ft.com Access to our event community is available to Professional (Digital and In-Person), Speaker, Sponsor and VIP ticket holders only. If you have not received the access code or would like to upgrade your ticket please get in touch with a member of the team at ftlive@ft.com