Polestar opened sales of the Polestar 4 SUV on Wednesday, adding a variant of its best-selling model to a lineup the Geely-backed brand is reorienting around Europe after losing access to the United States. The SUV is built at a Renault Korea plant in Busan, South Korea, where production began in the second quarter alongside the existing Polestar 4 coupé. First customer deliveries are planned for the fourth quarter of 2026. Polestar first confirmed the variant in July, describing its introduction as part of what it called the largest model offensive in its history. German base pricing starts at €57,900 ($67,000) for the Rear motor variant, €65,900 ($76,200) for the Dual motor and €76,300 ($88,300) for the Dual motor with Performance pack — all excluding handover fees and including VAT. “Polestar 4 SUV broadens the appeal of our most successful model and extends our product offering in one of the industry’s most important segments,” CEO Michael Lohscheller said in a statement. Powertrain and Range Built on the same SEA architecture as the coupé, the SUV ships with a 100 kWh battery as standard and supports DC charging at up to 200 kW and AC charging at up to 22 kW in selected markets. Rear motor versions produce 200 kW (272 hp) and 343 Nm of torque, reach 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds and return up to 630 km (391.5 miles) of WLTP range — the highest in the Polestar 4 family. Dual motor all-wheel-drive variants deliver 400 kW (544 hp) and 686 Nm, accelerate to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and offer up to 600 km (372.8 miles) of range. For context, the Tesla Model Y — the best-selling SUV globally — carries a WLTP rating of 609 km (378.4 miles) in Germany for its Long Range variant. Polestar’s Rear
Sep 3, 2026 · via eletric-vehicles.com
Li Auto has launched the new Li MEGA multipurpose vehicle (MPV) in China, priced at CN¥509,800 (approximately US$70,800) for standard specification, with deliveries commencing the week of 2 September 2026. The model is positioned as the flagship of Li Auto’s product range, which spans extended-range electric SUVs and battery electric SUVs.
Listed on Nasdaq and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, Li Auto began volume production in November 2019 and has built its portfolio around proprietary extended-range electric vehicle technology, with battery electric platforms developed in parallel. The company’s stated customer focus is premium family buyers in China’s new energy vehicle market, with in-house development covering range extension systems and connected vehicle technologies.
The Li MEGA sits above the Li L series extended-range electric SUVs and Li i series battery electric SUVs in the product hierarchy. No powertrain specifications, driving range, charging capability, dimensions or feature detail accompanied the announcement.
Source: Li Auto
Sep 3, 2026 · via automotiveworld.com
From Frankfurt to the USA: Showcasing UK automotive capability on the global stage Ruta Aisthorpe, Director of Global Operations & Partnerships, shares about international activities for the September edition of the SMMT International Update. As we head into autumn, SMMT’s international programme connects UK automotive businesses with key markets, partners and opportunities worldwide. September will see us in Germany, Automechanika Frankfurt – as the aftermarket is an important area of opportunity for UK companies. We will also be attending IAA Transportation in Hannover and the Paris Motor Show, so if you are visiting these events do get in touch if you would like to meet SMMT team. We will return to China in October for the World Intelligent Connected Vehicle Conference and company meetings in Beijing. Our US activity is also growing, with a trade mission to Georgia and South Carolina, bringing UK companies closer to opportunities across the US automotive sector. This November, we will be in Los Angeles for CoMotion, where SMMT is collaborating with the UK Government and CoMotion and supporting a VIP reception. We hope to see many familiar faces there and continue showcasing UK automotive expertise globally. If you are attending any of these events or will be in market at the same time, please get in touch. Upcoming events: 8-12 September, Frankfurt, Germany: Automechanika Frankfurt SMMT is organising the UK Pavilion at Automechanika Frankfurt, Europe’s largest aftermarket trade show. 6-9 October, Georgia and South Carolina, USA: Southeastern Supply Chain trade mission SMMT is organising a trade mission to Georgia and South Carolina. The programme includes B2B meetings, a visit to the Southern Automotive Conference, briefings from local stakeholders and site visits to help delegates understand the market and meet key stakeholders and local contacts throughout the region. 19-23 October – Beijing, China: World Intelligent
Sep 3, 2026 · via smmt.co.uk
KOLKATA: Kolkata: For Kolkata-born entrepreneur Randeep Bhattacharya, music was never just background sound. Growing up in a city known for its deep cultural and musical traditions, he saw singing as a shared social experience â something that belonged as much in homes, gatherings and everyday moments as it did on stage. That belief eventually led him to build StarManch, a karaoke and social music platform designed to make singing more accessible to everyday users. What began as a digital platform for music lovers has now found a place inside the newly launched MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV in India, marking an unusual move for a homegrown karaoke app into the connected-car space. The idea came from a simple observation: many people enjoy singing but rarely get the opportunity or confidence to do it beyond informal settings. Bhattacharya wanted to create a platform where users could sing along to familiar tracks, record themselves and connect with others through music, regardless of age, training or professional background. Its integration into the MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV takes that idea into a new environment â the car cabin. The app offers a catalogue of more than 8,000 karaoke tracks across Bollywood songs, devotional music, regional tracks and childrenâs content. Occupants can use it to sing along and record performances during a journey, turning the vehicleâs entertainment system into a participatory music space rather than a passive listening setup. The development also points to a broader shift in how connected vehicles are being positioned in India. In-car entertainment has largely been dominated by music streaming and video-led features, but StarManchâs inclusion shows how Indian digital products are beginning to enter more specialised use cases within automobiles. Speaking about the journey, Bhattacharya said, âKolkata has always been a city where music is woven into everyday life. Growing
Sep 3, 2026 · via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
On the Dash: - Honda targets 1.5 trillion yen ($9.4 billion) in savings by 2030, Reuters reports. - Suppliers were told to cut costs 30% in pressed, electrical and SDV parts. - Shares fell 2.5% and affiliated suppliers also traded lower on the news Honda is planning to cut more than $9 billion in costs by 2030 and has told its suppliers to slash their prices, according to internal documents reviewed by Reuters. The target is 1.5 trillion yen, or about $9.4 billion, over the next four years. The push demonstrates the effort of Japanese automakers to respond to China. Meanwhile, BYD and other Chinese EV brands are gaining market share in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Europe through superior software, improved batteries, and significantly lower prices. Honda hopes to recover from first annual loss Honda is working to repair its car business after a rough year, with EV losses expected to exceed $12 billion and a first annual loss as a public company posted in May. It has since shifted its focus to gasoline-electric hybrids. Although a company spokesperson declined to comment on specific targets or supplier talks, the automaker is working with suppliers worldwide to reduce costs, including by using more standardized parts, the spokesperson told Reuters. Suppliers asked to lower prices this spring Managers met with major suppliers this spring near the company’s research center north of Tokyo, the documents showed. Each supplier later received its own cost-cutting target. The automaker wants prices down 30% in three areas. Those are pressed and forged parts, electrical parts and parts used in software-defined vehicles, the documents showed. Cuts that deep would help Japanese suppliers compete with China, the documents said. The company also asked suppliers to buy more standardized parts from smaller vendors and to use more Chinese-made components
Sep 3, 2026 · via cbtnews.com
Patrol prices, specs, model choice shared / Four editions of Nissan’s land yacht incoming from early 2027. ORDERING up the largest choice on Nissan’s product menu - the bulky Patrol sports utility - still means paying the biggest price, though stickers relevant to comparison with the preceding type are only slightly changed. The four choices of Patrol incoming from early next year are the $120,990 Ti, the $136,490 Ti-L, the $145,990 Pro-4X and the $150,490 Ti-L Reserve. Previously, New Zealand had two editions, in Ti and Ti-L, and those versions in the outgoing Y62 grade were just $2000 cheaper, at full recommended retail. Nissan here says every incoming variant brings a substantial increase in standard equipment, as well as more power and a higher braked towing capacity. All are eight-seaters, with three rows of chairs. The model also prices below a relevant competitor, the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series, if only when new versions that ar considered specific rivals are considered. However it comes, the Patrol is powered by a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol producing 317kW of power and 700Nm of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Also standard are full-time four-wheel drive, a 4L and 4H interlocking transfer case, an electronic locking rear differential, and eight drive and terrain modes. Also relevant is that towing capacity has increased to 3700kg. The latest edition’s ladder-frame chassis offers 40 percent more torsional rigidity than that of its predecessor, multi-link independent suspension and electric power steering also arrive and the Pro-4X and Ti-L Reserve come with adaptive air suspension. The entry-level Patrol Ti has dual 12.3-inch infotainment displays, NissanConnect connected car services with Google built-in and Google Gemini AI, and a 3D Intelligent Around View Monitor. The latter incorporates Nissan's ‘invisible hood’ skeleton view, designed to give the driver a view
Sep 3, 2026 · via motoringnz.com
Scout Motors brand unveiled two concept versions of its upcoming Traveler SUV on Tuesday, one dressed for a mountain lodge and the other built for a rock crawl, both meant to demonstrate how far a single platform can stretch before it stops feeling like the same vehicle. The Mountainside concept and a reimagined trail-ready concept will appear together for the first time at the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Experience, running September 4 through 6 in Snowmass, Colorado, alongside the Scout Terra pickup. It is the kind of dual reveal that speaks to where Scout wants to position itself as it approaches production: not as a single-purpose off-roader, but as a brand capable of covering both ends of the outdoor-lifestyle market with the same underlying vehicle. Two Interpretations, One Platform “The Traveler is designed for a wide range of lives, from everyday family adventures to serious off-road exploration,” said Chris Benjamin, Scout’s chief design officer, in the company’s announcement. Benjamin framed the two concepts as proof that the Traveler can flex between a premium daily driver and a dedicated trail vehicle without losing what the company calls its “authentic Scout character.” That balancing act sits at the center of Scout’s broader strategy. The brand, revived by Volkswagen Group after lying dormant for more than four decades, is trying to reintroduce itself to American buyers as both an heir to the original International Harvester Scout and a modern entrant into the crowded rugged-SUV segment currently occupied by the Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler and Toyota Land Cruiser. Mountainside Leans Into Warmth and Craft The Mountainside concept takes the softer route, built around what Scout describes as the feeling of returning home after a day outdoors. The exterior finish, called Morning Dusk, is a deep charcoal-brown paint that reveals subtle golden metallic flecks
Sep 3, 2026 · via autoconnectedcar.com
Lexus unveiled the redesigned 2027 NX on Tuesday, confirming that every version of the vehicle will now carry some form of electrification. The move places the NX fully in line with Lexus’s broader strategy of pairing traditional hybrid technology with plug-in options rather than leaping straight to a battery-electric-only lineup, at least for this segment. Buyers will choose between a standard hybrid electric vehicle, badged 350h, and a plug-in hybrid, badged 450h+, across four trim levels: Premium, Premium+, F Sport and Luxury. A Battery Built for Real-World Range The headline change sits under the floor of the plug-in model. Lexus says the 450h+ now uses a newly developed lithium-ion battery pack delivering an 8 percent increase in output and a 30 percent jump in capacity compared with the outgoing generation, with an estimated range of more than 40 miles on electricity alone for select grades, according to the automaker. That figure comes from Lexus’s own testing; official EPA ratings will follow closer to the vehicle’s on-sale date. Engineers also changed how the battery physically sits in the car, shifting the cell layout from a longitudinal to a transverse arrangement. Lexus says this increases lateral rigidity across the body while lowering the vehicle’s center of gravity, a detail that speaks to how much of this redesign is really about handling rather than just electric range. Plug-in models now come standard with DC fast charging and a powered charge port door, addressing what had been a notable gap for owners who wanted quicker top-ups away from home. Compact Motors, Silicon Carbide Electronics Both powertrains benefit from a new e-Axle assembly that integrates the transaxle, motor and power control unit into a single, more compact package. Lexus attributes part of the efficiency gain to the adoption of silicon carbide semiconductors in the inverter,
Sep 3, 2026 · via autoconnectedcar.com
The Dragonwing Q-2390 is designed to be feature rich, but also compact and affordable, said Qualcomm, which is pitching it at commercial, enterprise and consumer products – namely point-of-sale systems, kiosks, access control devices, smart appliances, smart agriculture, home robots, fitness equipment and enterprise terminals. Qualcomm says the new chip integrates application compute, on-device AI, and camera and display support, as well as LTE Cat 4, GPS, and various wired and wireless connectivity options. The second new Dragonwing is the IQ-2390, and is designed to bring greater intelligence to the industrial edge. Qualcomm says it combines application processing, machine vision, AI acceleration, and dual Gigabit Ethernet with Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) – the IEEE standard that relates to mission-critical Ethernet connectivity. The IQ-2390 is also rugged by design, able to function across a greater temperature range – from -30°C to +115°C – and in environments that are susceptible to vibration and shock. Qualcomm said this makes it well suited to factories, power plants, and outdoor industrial environments, adding that it could support applications in the industrial automation, oil and gas, utilities, and energy sectors. "AI is creating a fundamental shift in how connected devices are designed and deployed, but many product categories still face barriers around cost, complexity and integration," said Jeff Arnold, VP and general manager of auto telematics and industrial and embedded IoT consumer and connectivity at Qualcomm. "With the Dragonwing Q-2390 and IQ-2390 processors, we're enabling intelligence to scale across a much broader range of devices, from retail systems, smart appliances and consumer robots to industrial controllers, machine vision systems and critical infrastructure. Together, these platforms help bring advanced edge AI within reach of more customers and more industries than ever before." Drilling a bit deeper into the specs reveals many similarities. Their CPUs max out at 1.9
Sep 3, 2026 · via telecoms.com
Rivian sold an estimated 4,537 vehicles in the United States in August, down 6.0% from a year earlier and 3.5% from July, according to data published on Tuesday by Motor Intelligence. August was the second full month of R2 customer deliveries and ended a two-month streak of year-over-year gains. July’s 4,700 units — the strongest month of the year — had posted an 11.9% year-over-year increase in what was the first full calendar month of R2 handovers. Motor Intelligence has previously revised its historical estimates for several brands in recent months, including a June adjustment that added more than 600 units to Rivian’s tally and turned a reported decline into a 22.1% year-over-year gain. Year-to-date, Motor Intelligence estimates place Rivian’s US retail sales at 28,929 units through eight months, still 4.4% below 30,249 over the same period in 2025. The Monthly Trajectory Rivian’s 2026 monthly US sales series has traced a clear arc shaped by the R2 ramp. January opened at 2,516 units — down 18% year over year — followed by 2,700 in February, 3,628 in March and 3,480 in April. May dropped to 3,100 before Rivian opened customer orders of the R2 in early June. June jumped to 4,268, July climbed further to 4,700, and August pulled back to 4,537 units. Five of the eight months have logged year-over-year declines. Every month since the R2 reached buyers has posted volumes above 4,000, a threshold Rivian crossed only twice in the January-to-May stretch. Motor Intelligence‘s estimates cover US retail sales in its passenger-car and light-truck categories — capturing the R1T, R1S and R2 but structurally excluding Rivian’s EDV commercial vans, which are not retail vehicles. How Rivals Fared The same Motor Intelligence table shows all four publicly tracked EV makers declining year over year in August. Tesla was estimated
Sep 2, 2026 · via eletric-vehicles.com
Max Davies New Pajero to herald a new era for Mitsubishi 3 Hours Ago The Chinese government has directed Chinese automakers to avoid disrupting sales channels for an ‘improper advantage’ in export markets. Deputy News Editor China has issued a series of guidelines on how its automakers should behave in export markets such as Australia, with directives to avoid aggressive pricing to gain an ‘improper advantage’, follow local laws and build better after-sales support. As reported by Nikkei, the guidelines were published on September 1, 2026 by China’s Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, in collaboration with the country’s State Administration for Market Regulation. The guidelines state they're intended to “promote orderly and healthy international development of China’s automotive industry” and thereby “advance the development of the global automotive industry”. Key elements include directives on pricing, establishing better after-sales customer support, and ensuring customer data from connected vehicles is collected in accordance with each country’s laws. According to the new guidelines, Chinese automakers operating overseas “must not disrupt the order of market competition to obtain an improper competitive advantage”. Price wars in the competitive Chinese market have eroded profitability for automakers, making exports to overseas markets an increasingly attractive means to offset this. Between January and July 2026, China exported 72.5 per cent more passenger vehicles than during the same period the previous year, sending around 5.3 million passenger vehicles overseas, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM). The guidelines, however, state Chinese automakers “should avoid creating disorder among sales channels” when operating overseas. They also “must not improperly impose arbitrary surcharges beyond the displayed price or collect fees that have not been disclosed”. China is the world’s largest producer of new vehicles, with its industry producing around 34.5 million in 2025, compared with
Sep 2, 2026 · via carexpert.com.au
Las Vegas Flock cameras put public safety and privacy at odds LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — More than 200 Flock license plate readers are operating across the Las Vegas Valley, giving police a tool to locate stolen vehicles, missing people and suspects while raising questions about the information collected from drivers who are not accused of crimes. The local debate is receiving renewed attention amid viral social media posts encouraging people to damage or disable the cameras on Halloween. The posts have also brought broader questions about police surveillance into focus. News 3 counted eight Flock cameras at one valley intersection, positioned to capture vehicles traveling in multiple directions. The cameras photograph license plates and record information such as the time, location and a vehicle’s make, model and color. Those observations can then be searched and linked across a wider network. “It feels like you’re constantly being surveilled, and that’s what they’re for,” Las Vegas resident Joshua Coulson said. “So I don’t feel like it’s just for safety.” William Sousa, a UNLV criminal justice professor and director of the university’s Center for Crime and Justice Policy, said the cameras give investigators another way to track vehicles connected to serious crimes. “The police will use them for issues such as tracking down stolen cars,” Sousa said. “They’ve been used for AMBER Alerts. They’ve been used in cases where robbery suspects are tracked down and then arrested.” Sousa said the cameras can also deter crime when people know an area is being monitored. However, the same system records vehicles that are not connected to an investigation. “Few people, for example, would argue against the use of the technology for tracking down car thieves or in cases of child abduction, but they’re more concerned about the technology being used to monitor someone’s daily activities,”
Sep 2, 2026 · via news3lv.com
China’s Largest Ever Recall Should be a Warning to Automakers China’s recent decision to recall millions of vehicles not only highlights safety concerns about recessed door handles but also problems associated with replacing any traditional mechanical system with electronically dependent alternatives. If you’ve been vacationing on another planet this week, China just issued the largest automotive recall in the nation’s history. The regulatory action targets an estimated 4.3 million cars and focuses around concerns that electronic door handles can malfunction during an accident, potentially trapping occupants inside a burning or sinking vehicle. The decision comes after numerous reports where emergency crews claimed that fatal accidents could have been prevented if manufacturers had provided a better way for the victims to exit the vehicle. The concern was that electronic doors can malfunction due to being reliant on some form of battery power. Electrical shorts can take place when a vehicle drives into a body of water, effectively trapping a person inside the vehicle. Wiring connections can likewise become disconnected as a result of a severe crash or sudden fire. However, the Chinese government also expressed concerns about recessed door handles being a recurring problem for emergency crews. Updated regulations would effectively ban flush-mounted door handles in China, starting in 2027, unless they featured a reliable and easily accessible mechanical backup system. The same goes for the vehicle interior, as there were likewise worries that a dazed or panicked individual would have difficulty with fine motor skills. Whether inside or outside, China wants conspicuous and simple ways of entering/exiting an automobile. While the recall hits electric vehicle manufacturers the hardest, it’s certainly not limited to them. Brands like Tesla, Xiaomi, Geely, Leapmotor, and Xpeng (among others) will all need to take back vehicles to address updated regulations as China becomes the first
Sep 1, 2026 · via thetruthaboutcars.com
The U.S. Department of Transportation proposed requiring Event Data Recorders in light passenger vehicles, a rule that took effect in 2012. That was just the start. Modern cars collect everything from speed to location data, creating detailed profiles of driving behavior. Most drivers have no idea their vehicles transmit telemetry to manufacturers, insurers, and data brokers. This goes beyond convenience features—it’s surveillance infrastructure built into the machine you own. Understanding what data your car collects, who receives it, and how to disable collection is no longer optional privacy housekeeping. 11. Event Data Recorder (EDR) / “Black Box” Federal rules standardize crash data recording, but don’t mandate EDRs in every vehicle. By the mid-2010s, roughly 90% of new cars already included an Event Data Recorder, the automotive equivalent of an aircraft black box. This passive device captures technical data—speed, braking, throttle position, seatbelt status, steering angle—for about 5 seconds before a crash and 1–2 seconds after. The recording window is brief and local; EDRs store data onboard without transmitting anything to external servers. Under the Driver Privacy Act of 2015, any information an EDR retains legally belongs to the vehicle’s owner or lessee. Law enforcement, insurers, or other parties generally need owner consent or a court order to access it, with limited exceptions for emergency medical response or traffic safety research. Federal regulation (49 CFR Part 563) standardizes what crash data must be recorded if a vehicle is equipped with an EDR, covering light passenger vehicles under 8,500 lbs GVWR. The rule took effect September 1, 2012, setting data format and access requirements—not mandating installation in every car. EDR data can provide objective evidence after an accident, clarifying fault when witness accounts conflict. Since the device operates passively and stores information locally, it presents minimal ongoing privacy risk compared to connected
Sep 1, 2026 · via gadgetreview.com
The debate over whether Chinese automakers should gain greater access to the U.S. market is moving quickly, and dealers are increasingly finding themselves in the middle of the conversation. Cody Lusk, President and CEO of the American International Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA), joins us on today’s CBT Live segment to discuss the legislative push to restrict Chinese connected vehicles, what dealers can do to support the effort and why he remains optimistic about the auto market heading into the final months of 2026. AIADA’s latest campaign, viewed during the segment, is designed to give dealers, lawmakers and consumers a broader view of what could happen if Chinese automakers gain widespread access to the U.S. market. He pointed to the rapid growth of Chinese vehicle exports and the country’s manufacturing capacity as reasons for the industry to act before that capacity actually reaches the auto market. Simultaneously, Lusk acknowledged that affordability remains a major concern for consumers. He argues that while automakers continue to find ways to offer vehicles at prices consumers can afford, allowing Chinese manufacturers into the market is not the answer. For dealers, the issue extends beyond vehicle pricing to the long-term competitiveness and stability of the U.S. auto industry. Lusk also urged dealers to become more involved in the legislative process. Since the Connected Vehicle Security Act cleared the Senate Commerce Committee with bipartisan support, Lusk said the legislative clock remains one of the biggest challenges. Therefore, he encouraged dealers to contact their members of Congress and use AIADA’s NoChinaAutos.com campaign to make their voices heard. The association also wants lawmakers to visit dealerships to better understand the technology, jobs and economic activity tied to modern automotive retail. According to Lusk, building that “momentum” will be important as Congress looks for opportunities to move the legislation forward
Sep 1, 2026 · via cbtnews.com
Should you remove the film from your CarPlay infotainment screen? It depends Double-check before you accidentally remove a protective layer of your screen. When you buy a new phone or tablet, you'll see a protective layer of plastic placed on top that helps to stop the display underneath from being scratched. You might find a similar layer on your CarPlay infotainment screen if you've just bought a new car. Your first instinct might be to keep it in place as a screen protector to stop the screen from being scratched or covered in dirt. That isn't always the smartest move, however. Just recently, a mechanic's helpful TikTok video, warning of the potential dangers posed by these clear protective films, went viral. The mechanic's advice was simple: remove the film because, otherwise, you could find it "bakes on" and destroys the screen underneath, costing you thousands of dollars in repair costs. While that advice is pretty clear cut, it's important you tread carefully, as not every car (and every protective film) is the same, and you may damage your car without checking first. That protective film may only be there for shipping The physical CarPlay screen in your car is going to look slightly different, depending on the model of car you own and the manufacturer, even if the interface is identical once you're connected. That makes it harder to know for sure whether any protective film on the screen is supposed to be removed or not. The viral TikTok video muddied the water by referring to this film as a "screen protector." In the general sense, that's true: it's designed to protect your screen from the assembly line to your front door. Unlike a screen protector you'd use on your phone, however, which is usually applied after you've bought it
Sep 1, 2026 · via engadget.com
Press Releases Tata Elxsi and Sarla Aviation Partner to Accelerate Development of Shunya, India’s First Indigenous eVTOL Aircraft Date: Sep 01 2026 The collaboration brings together flight-critical systems, aerospace engineering and certification expertise to support Shunya’s path to first flight Bengaluru, India, September 1, 2026: Tata Elxsi, a global leader in design and technology services, and Sarla Aviation, an advanced air mobility company, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the development of Shunya, Sarla Aviation's six-seater plus one pilot electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The partnership brings together Sarla Aviation's vision for urban air mobility and Tata Elxsi's expertise in aerospace, software and flight critical digital engineering to support the aircraft's development, testing and certification. The MoU was signed at Sarla Aviation’s newly inaugurated headquarters in Bengaluru in the presence of Manoj Raghavan, CEO & Managing Director, Tata Elxsi; Adrian Schmidt, Co-Founder & CEO, Sarla Aviation; and Rakesh Gaonkar, Co-Founder & CTO, Sarla Aviation, along with members of the aerospace and engineering teams from both organisations. Under the collaboration, Tata Elxsi will provide engineering support across avionics such as flight control systems, software integration, testing, verification and validation, and certification, while Sarla Aviation will lead the design, development and type certification of the Shunya platform. The engagement also creates opportunities to extend support across sensor fusion based navigation software, industrial and structural design, and airworthiness test support. Designed for 300 Km+ range of flight operations, Shunya combines vertical take-off and landing capability with fixed-wing cruise efficiency, enabling runway-independent operations and improved propulsion efficiency. The aircraft's first flight is targeted within the next 18 to 24 months, with certification activities expected to follow. The development reflects the growing role of Indian Aerospace companies in next-generation aircraft and advanced air mobility platforms. Adrian Schmidt, Co-Founder &
Sep 1, 2026 · via tataelxsi.com
Tony Nguyen's 4Runner disappeared from a parking lot, but his Reviver digital license plate helped make sure it didn't stay gone for long LOS ANGELES, Aug. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- California resident Tony Nguyen stepped inside a hardware store for less than five minutes and came back outside to find his customized Toyota 4Runner missing from the store's parking lot. People are also reading… "I was thinking, okay, I parked it right close to the store entrance, and I was kind of in disbelief," he said. "I'm like, this car has all these security features, how would it have gotten stolen?" But it had. Two individuals made off with Nguyen's prized 4Runner and quickly jumped on Interstate 405 in Los Angeles County. "Your heart sinks into your gut when you notice or realize that, hey, your vehicle's been stolen," Nguyen said. "For people like me, where we modify our cars and enjoy our cars on a daily basis, it's heart-wrenching. You know, like, you feel like you've been violated." Immediately, Nguyen called law enforcement to file a report. He then pulled up the app for his Reviver RPLATE, a digital, connected license plate that he's had installed on his vehicle for years. Nguyen activated Reviver's "Stolen" feature and waited. Meanwhile, as the suspects fled down the freeway, Reviver confirmed the report with authorities and enabled the vehicle's digital RPLATE to display the word "STOLEN" in big bold letters for all to see. The suspects had no idea. However, the message alerted nearby drivers, who made several phone calls to California Highway Patrol (CHP). "CHP ended up stopping these guys before they even managed to switch freeways," according to Nguyen. Less than an hour after Nguyen put the call out to authorities, he was reunited with his 4Runner. "It was just
Sep 1, 2026 · via tucson.com
A roll-on/roll-off ship docks at a berth at Lianyungang Port in East China's Jiangsu Province on August 25, 2026, to load China-made vehicles for export. Photo: VCG China released guidelines for fair overseas competition and compliance in the auto industry on Tuesday, offering practical references for overseas competitive practices and compliance requirements, including pricing, antitrust compliance and data processing, in order to promote the sound and orderly global expansion of the country's auto industry. The guidelines, jointly issued by the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and the State Administration for Market Regulation, come as China's auto industry â particularly its new-energy vehicles â continues to gain global momentum amid a more complex and competitive international environment. The proactive move aims to help companies identify risks in advance, strengthen compliance systems, and navigate the international market with greater resilience, industry experts said. According to the guidelines, companies must ensure price compliance for parts and complete vehicles in accordance with laws and regulations, and must not disrupt competition to gain unfair advantages. When setting recommended retail prices for vehicles abroad, companies should establish clear price tiers for different configurations based on local laws, market principles and commercial practices, and avoid frequent or sharp price fluctuations that could harm consumers' interests or brands' images, the guidelines noted. "By proactively regulating overseas pricing and competitive practices, the guidelines aim to encourage companies to place greater emphasis on compliant operations, brand-building and long-term value with stable prices, thus enhancing their international image," Cui Dongshu, secretary-general of the China Passenger Car Association, told the Global Times on Tuesday. While adapting production and operations to local conditions and improving overseas workplace safety management, companies are required to take necessary measures to ensure that all data-processing activities related to connected vehicles and
Sep 1, 2026 · via globaltimes.cn
StarManch Introduces a First-of-Its-Kind In-Car Karaoke Experience PNN Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], September 1: StarManch, an Indian homegrown karaoke and social music platform, has entered the connected-mobility space through its integration with the newly launched MG Hector Tomahawk. The development takes StarManch beyond smartphones and introduces a first-of-its-kind interactive karaoke experience within the vehicle's entertainment ecosystem. Through the StarManch Karaoke app, occupants can select songs, sing along and record their performances inside the car. Backed by a catalogue of more than 8,000 karaoke tracks across Bollywood, regional, devotional and children's music, the platform transforms the vehicle cabin into an interactive entertainment space for families, friends and music enthusiasts. The MG Hector Tomahawk features what the automaker describes as India's first Gen AI-powered in-car karaoke experience. Unlike conventional in-car entertainment, which primarily focuses on listening to streamed music, the StarManch experience encourages occupants to actively participate, perform and create shared musical memories. The integration represents a significant expansion for StarManch, founded by Bengali entrepreneur and music enthusiast Randeep Bhattacharya. Conceived as a platform to make singing accessible and social, StarManch has now evolved from a mobile karaoke application into an entertainment technology offering for connected vehicles. Whether it is families singing together during a weekend trip, friends revisiting popular classics on a road journey or aspiring singers building confidence through music, StarManch aims to make travel more engaging and participative. The development also highlights the growing contribution of Indian technology brands to the connected-mobility ecosystem. As vehicles increasingly evolve into digitally enabled lifestyle spaces, interactive features such as karaoke are expanding the role of in-car entertainment beyond conventional audio and video streaming. Speaking about the development, Randeep Bhattacharya, Founder of StarManch, said, "Kolkata has always been a city where music is woven into everyday life. Growing up here inspired my love
Sep 1, 2026 · via bignewsnetwork.com