Safety standard unveiled for autonomous driving systems China Daily | Updated: 2026-08-06 09:19 China has released a mandatory national standard regarding safety requirements for autonomous driving systems, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said on Tuesday. The standard is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2027. It applies to M and N-category vehicles equipped with Level 3 and Level 4 autonomous driving systems, but does not cover automated parking systems, the MIIT said. The standard requires vehicle manufacturers to improve safety assurance mechanisms throughout the product life cycle and carry out simulation, field and road tests during the development and verification of autonomous driving systems, according to the MIIT. It also calls for stronger capabilities in performing dynamic driving tasks, while specifying requirements for human-machine interaction and user notification to prevent misuse and abuse. For Level 3 systems, vehicles must be able to monitor drivers' readiness to take over control. Looking ahead, the ministry said that it will strengthen market access management for intelligent connected vehicle products, improve testing methods for autonomous driving systems, and build a sound regulatory mechanism for intelligent connected vehicles to ensure the sector's high-quality development. China's inaugural step into conditional automated driving is a characteristically strategic and guarded one. It is a controlled experiment designed to accumulate real-world data, refine technologies and standards within a safety-centric framework, and steadily build the foundation for the responsible integration of autonomous driving, experts said. XINHUA-CHINA DAILY
Aug 6, 2026 · via global.chinadaily.com.cn
The Great Connectivity Convergence: NTN in Automotive 08-06-2026 4-minute read Summary - Direct-to-device (D2D), enabled by new standards introduced in 3GPP's Release 17, is bringing satellite and terrestrial connectivity together in a single, interoperable ecosystem for the first time. - To understand what this means for drivers and automotive manufacturers, Viasat and the 5G Automotive Association (5GAA) surveyed 1,606 drivers across 10 markets to explore how they experience car connectivity today and how their expectations shift when satellite connectivity enters the picture. - This report, NTN in Automotive, explores consumer demand for connected-car services, the terrestrial coverage gaps that satellite can fill, and the revenue opportunity this represents for automotive OEMs. What's driving demand for NTN across automotive? In a world where drivers depend on their vehicles not just for transportation, but for communication, navigation, entertainment and staying reachable in emergencies, the connected car has quickly transformed from a novelty into an expectation. Yet with significant portions of everyday driving taking place on highways, in rural areas, or across borders, connectivity drops away precisely when drivers need it most. Satellite connectivity offers a path to extend service continuity beyond terrestrial networks and to provide an additional layer of resilience when cellular networks are congested or down. But until recently, specialist hardware requirements limited this to fleet and logistics contexts. The Great Connectivity Convergence changes this dynamic. Underpinned by 3GPP's Release 17, which wrote satellite into the global mobile rulebook, a single SIM can now connect to both terrestrial and satellite networks, marking the emergence of direct-to-automotive (D2A) satellite services. Our research shows that driver demand for always-on connectivity is real, with safety services the most at risk of failing when coverage drops. Read the full report Discover how satellite and terrestrial networks are reshaping connectivity for drivers and automotive OEMs
Aug 6, 2026 · via viasat.com
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Aug 6, 2026 · via stamfordadvocate.com
Toyota announced, that the 2027 Toyota bZ carries over unchanged from the prior model year, arriving at dealerships this September in XLE and Limited grades, each offered with front- or all-wheel drive. That lack of change is itself a kind of statement. In a segment where electric SUVs are frequently reworked year to year to chase range numbers or software upgrades, Toyota is signaling confidence that the bZ’s current formula already works. The vehicle now sits as one of three battery-electric models in a Toyota lineup that leans heavily on hybrids — fifteen of them — and two plug-in hybrids, underscoring the company’s continued preference for offering customers multiple paths to electrification rather than pushing everyone toward a single technology. Range and Charging Built for Real Life The core pitch of the bZ has always been usability, and the 2027 model leans further into that idea. The XLE FWD Plus, paired with a 74.7-kWh battery, carries a manufacturer-estimated range of 314 miles, the longest in the lineup. The Limited AWD and Limited FWD trims land at 299 miles, while the XLE AWD comes in at 288 miles. A smaller 57.7-kWh battery is available on the base XLE FWD model, with a 236-mile estimated range for buyers prioritizing a lower entry price over maximum distance. Charging infrastructure compatibility has been one of the more consequential shifts in the EV market over the past two years, and Toyota has followed the industry toward the North American Charging System port, giving bZ owners access to most DC fast chargers in the United States. Under ideal conditions, the battery can go from 10 to 80 percent in around 30 minutes. Preconditioning technology adjusts the battery ahead of a charging stop, which should help mitigate the slowdowns EV owners often encounter in cold weather. Toyota
Aug 6, 2026 · via autoconnectedcar.com
The dystopian future that sci-fi books warned us about is here. I remember reading Fahrenheit 451 in school, and the part that stood out to me most (for some reason) was the concept of 200-foot-long billboards. This allowed speeding cars to see the message. And with cars getting faster and faster, this doesn’t seem too far off. But Fahrenheit couldn’t predict exactly how the future would be, and it may actually be even more dystopian than Ray Bradbury assumed. Cars are becoming increasingly connected, featuring features like WiFi, data sharing, over-the-air updates, AI assistants, cloud connectivity, and more. This has allowed for more invasive policies, illegally collected and sold data, and apparently more advertising right inside your vehicle. You don’t even need the massive billboards. BMW drivers get Spider-Man banner against their will BMW drivers are in an uproar after a Spider-Man: Brand New Day advertisement was beamed right into everyone’s beamers. As part of BMW’s partnership with Sony Pictures’ new movie, BMW blasted a promotional banner right onto the dashboards of its vehicles in over 70 countries. The message appeared on the Control Display when the vehicle started up. Drivers could then select to see a full-screen animation with music and ambient lighting. It’s not as dramatic as some of the headlines I’ve been seeing, which make it sound as if the Spider-Man animation is just suddenly swinging around people’s BMWs without any warning. However, the idea that BMW can shoot over advertisements on the dashboard has made drivers rightfully angry just the same. Vehicles are privately owned and considered someone’s property. The idea of BMW shooting advertisements onto its vehicles feels invasive, similar to a company bombarding your home with promotional banners. People already feel commercial fatigue from TV, streaming, YouTube, and even just being outside. Your car
Aug 5, 2026 · via autonocion.com
By proceeding, I acknowledge that I have read and agreed to the Privacy Policy, Terms & Conditions, consent declaration, and the sharing of my information with lending partners, dealers, OEMs, and for marketing communication via Phone Calls, SMS & WhatsApp. MG Hector Hawk will be available in EV and plug-in hybrid versions. The EV offers a claimed 530 km driving range. The plug-in hybrid promises over 1,000 km on a full charge and fuel tank. JSW MG Motor India is preparing to launch the all-new Hector Hawk on August 28, and it is bringing something new to the premium SUV segment. Instead of offering a single powertrain, the company will introduce the SUV with both electric and plug-in hybrid options, giving buyers the freedom to choose what suits their driving needs. While the EV focuses on zero-emission driving, the plug-in hybrid combines electric power with a petrol engine for longer journeys without charging worries. The biggest talking point of the Hector Hawk is its dual powertrain strategy. The electric version is aimed at buyers who mostly drive in cities and want lower running costs. On the other hand, the plug-in hybrid is designed for those who frequently travel long distances but still want the benefits of electric driving for daily use. With both versions arriving together, MG is giving buyers two very different ways to experience an electrified SUV. Also Read: Kia's Biggest India Plan Yet - Hybrid, EV and CNG Cars Coming The Hector Hawk EV is expected to use a 69.2 kWh battery pack paired with a front-mounted electric motor. The motor is expected to produce 201 hp and 310 Nm of torque, while the SUV is claimed to deliver a driving range of 530 km under the CLTC testing cycle. The battery will also support DC fast
Aug 5, 2026 · via carlelo.com
'It is not a form of advertising': BMW defends Spider-Man pop-up ads that have infuriated customers BMW hits back at Spider-Man promo backlash - Customers hit out at connected cars as Spider-Man ‘ads’ appear in vehicles - BMW says the Festive App is not a form of advertising - Backlash against connected cars intensifies online Last week, reports emerged in the US of BMW owners receiving “pop-up ads” that promoted the German brand’s involvement with the new Spider-Man: Brand New Day movie. BMW vehicles appear throughout the super hero caper in typical summer blockbuster product-placement fashion, but BMW pushed things further by running what it calls “themed animations and messages” on the infotainment systems of a select number of connected vehicles. Owners quickly took to internet forums to complain about these “pop-up ads,” which appeared in the form of a message that asked them whether or not they would like to launch the animation. However, BMW has now defended itself against the outcry. “The Festive App in the BMW operating system is designed to provide customers with optional themed animations and messages linked to a range of global and local occasions. It is not a form of advertising,” a BMW spokesperson said when we reached out for comment. According to the German marque, customers can not only choose whether or not they want to see the Spider-Man content, but it is also only available when the vehicle is stationary. The spokesperson we contacted also stated that the Spider-Man tie-in was only available in certain markets, stressing that it was not available in the UK or Ireland. While it can be argued that offering Spider-Man themed videos to showcase the abilities of today's infotainment systems is just a bit of fun, the online backlash so far has been overwhelmingly negative. Sign
Aug 5, 2026 · via techradar.com
Somewhere in Canberra, government lawyers are trying to work out exactly what a Toyota RAV4 knows about the person driving it, who else has seen that information, and whether anyone actually agreed to any of it. Strip away the regulatory language, and that is what a new investigation into Toyota and Hyundai actually amounts to. American readers should recognize the shape of this story immediately, because U.S. regulators already asked General Motors the same question. The answer was ugly enough to end in a five-year federal ban. Australia’s Office of the Australian Information Commissioner has opened a formal investigation into how Toyota and Hyundai collect, use, and obtain consent for the personal data generated by their connected-car systems, according to Choice, the Australian consumer group that first reported it. Privacy Commissioner Carly Kind is leading the probe, after telling Parliament earlier this year that her office was reviewing two brands headquartered in Asia without naming them at the time. Toyota has been Australia’s best-selling brand for more than two decades. Hyundai, marking 40 years in the market this month, finished fifth in 2025. Neither is a boutique player, and that’s exactly why this case matters outside Australia. The connected-car platforms under review are largely the same ones sold in the United States, the United Kingdom, and everywhere else the two brands do business. Three Questions, Eighteen Months The investigation is expected to run as long as 18 months and will center on three specific questions: whether the automakers are collecting more personal information than their vehicles and connected services actually require, whether that data is being shared with third parties such as marketing partners without an owner’s consent, and whether either company is properly deleting or de-identifying data once it’s no longer needed. Toyota declined to comment directly on the
Aug 5, 2026 · via theautowire.com
How to use Android Auto without turning off your VPN You don't have to sacrifice your privacy. You're about to head out for a long drive. You get in your car and expect Android Auto to automatically connect, as always, so you can access your map app and your playlists, but it doesn't. Instead, you get a red error screen that reads "Communication error 21 — Being connected to a VPN may prevent Android Auto from starting." Plenty of people use VPNs to protect their privacy online, so keeping one running on your phone isn't going to be uncommon. Still, as Android Auto blocks VPN connections by default, it's quite annoying for privacy-conscious drivers. Thankfully, the fix is simpler than you'd think. Why doesn't Android Auto work over VPN? While most apps will work just fine over a VPN, Android Auto isn't a traditional app. Rather than making its own network requests, it works as an extension of your phone by routing data through predefined APIs designed for a distraction-free driving experience. Because a wireless connection to Android Auto relies on a direct local Wi-Fi link between the phone and the car, system-level networking features like VPNs and custom proxy configurations can prevent it from connecting. What is split tunneling, and how does it help? Split tunneling is a common VPN feature that lets you choose which apps go through the encrypted tunnel and which ones connect directly to the internet. Therefore, instead of routing all your phone's traffic through the VPN, you can carve out exceptions for specific apps. For Android Auto, this means the app gets the direct connection it needs while everything else hides behind encryption. That's ideal for browsing, banking apps and other sensitive activity. Of course, split tunneling isn't just for Android Auto. Any app
Aug 5, 2026 · via engadget.com
UTA research turns vehicle data into traffic solutions Every time millions of Texans hit the highway, their vehicles collect what’s known as connected-vehicle data—information such as speed, hard braking and seatbelt use—and send it back to manufacturers. Now, a researcher at The University of Texas at Arlington is working to put that information to use in hopes that it leads to fewer traffic headaches. Taylor Li, an associate professor of civil engineering at UTA who specializes in transportation and intelligent traffic systems, has received a research grant from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). He is developing a faster, smarter way to process connected-vehicle data and deliver it to state agencies that manage Texas roads. The project, a collaboration with the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, aims to help transportation officials identify and address traffic issues more quickly. Why it matters for drivers For anyone who has sat in gridlock, the promise of this research is straightforward: fewer surprises on the road, faster responses when problems arise and, ultimately, safer commutes. Consider a common experience across Texas: On winter mornings, the low-rising sun can create a blinding glare at specific points along the highway, forcing drivers to brake suddenly. These hidden danger zones often go undetected by traditional traffic sensors, which only measure cars passing a fixed point. "Those locations will never be captured using traditional data," Li said. "We can find such things, help solve safety issues and make sure vehicles are moving along." The new system can also detect when vehicle speeds vary sharply along a stretch of road—a warning sign that something may be wrong. Identifying and addressing those problem areas quickly, Li said, is a “life-saving matter." Beyond helping transportation agencies spot trouble areas, connected-vehicle data can also be used to provide real-time navigation updates through apps
Aug 5, 2026 · via uta.edu
Nearly two months after Wyoming prosecutors accused a Utah car dealer of orchestrating a scheme to resell hundreds of hail-damaged Wyoming vehicles using fraudulent titles, the criminal case has advanced to district court. After a preliminary hearing Monday, Scott Keith Pryor, 50, owner of The Good Car Dealer in Salt Lake City, was bound over on 15 felony counts of altering, forging or counterfeiting a certificate of title. Laramie County Circuit Court Judge Antoinette Williams found prosecutors presented enough evidence for the case to proceed. Each felony count alleges a violation of Wyoming's title fraud statute, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison. The charges stem from what investigators describe as an elaborate title scheme involving vehicles damaged during the historic August 2025 hailstorm that battered Cheyenne. Pryor has remained free throughout the case on a $5,000 signature bond. Nearly $2 Million In Vehicles The affidavit filed by Wyoming investigators alleges Pryor purchased 292 hail-damaged vehicles with an estimated value of nearly $2 million after insurers declared them total losses. Many were purchased through online salvage auctions operated by Copart. Normally, vehicles sold through those auctions receive titles reflecting their salvage status or other branding intended to alert buyers that the vehicles sustained significant damage. Investigators say Pryor instead sought duplicate Wyoming titles that removed those brands, allowing some vehicles to be sold for substantially more money than they otherwise could have commanded. The criminal case centers on 15 vehicles investigators say were fraudulently retitled. The Wyoming Department of Transportation ultimately identified numerous irregularities in title applications connected to the vehicles. Among them, investigators allege, were forged signatures, counterfeit notary seals and fraudulent paperwork submitted in the names of previous owners. Perhaps the most startling allegation involved paperwork purportedly signed by a Wyoming woman who had died
Aug 5, 2026 · via cowboystatedaily.com
GM Builds a $3 Billion OnStar Business as Vehicle Subscriptions Gain Scale Aug 05, 2026 OnStar generated approximately $800 million in quarterly revenue as GM expanded connected services and accumulated $6.3 billion in deferred revenue. General Motors expects OnStar to generate more than $3 billion in revenue this year. GM is turning the vehicle sale into a distribution channel for recurring connected services. OnStar generated approximately $800 million in recognized revenue during the second quarter, up approximately 20% year over year. GM expects to add approximately 1 million OnStar subscribers in 2026, bringing the total close to 13 million by year-end. Super Cruise, GM’s hands-free driver-assistance service, added approximately 70,000 subscribers during the quarter. Revenue increased approximately 70% year over year. GM expects Super Cruise to exceed 850,000 paid subscribers by the end of 2026. That number needs context. Many of those customers receive a three-year prepaid subscription when they purchase an eligible vehicle. They haven’t necessarily chosen to pay a separate monthly fee. GM Uses Vehicle Sales to Distribute Subscriptions GM introduces OnStar and Super Cruise when customers purchase a vehicle. Customers don’t have to discover the service on their own or sign up before experiencing it. Model-year 2025 and newer GM vehicles come standard with eight years of OnStar connectivity. Available features vary by vehicle and plan. Super Cruise generally comes with a three-year prepaid subscription on newly equipped vehicles. After that period, customers need an eligible paid OnStar plan to continue using the service. A standalone Super Cruise plan currently costs $39.99 per month in the United States. GM reported a 30% to 40% attach rate after the three-year prepaid period. In plain English, roughly three to four out of every 10 eligible customers move to a qualifying paid plan. The prepaid period gives drivers time to
Aug 5, 2026 · via subscriptioninsider.com
Torc Robotics Joins Auto-ISAC to Strengthen Cybersecurity Collaboration Across Connected Commercial Vehicles Published Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026 | 9:21 a.m. Updated Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026 | 9:21 a.m. BLACKSBURG, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug 5, 2026-- Torc Robotics, a pioneer in self-driving vehicle technology, today announced it has joined the Automotive Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Auto-ISAC), a global member-driven organization dedicated to advancing cybersecurity collaboration across the automotive industry. As autonomous trucks become more connected and integrated into the freight ecosystem, cybersecurity is an essential part of building systems that are safe, reliable and ready for commercial deployment. Through Auto-ISAC, Torc will collaborate with automakers, suppliers and commercial vehicle organizations to share cyber threat intelligence, contribute to emerging best practices and help strengthen the resilience of connected vehicle technologies. "Cybersecurity isn't added at the end of development; it's built into the product from the design stage," said Mike Westra, Senior Director of Product Cybersecurity at Torc. “As we prepare to commercialize and scale autonomous trucking, participating in Auto-ISAC helps us strengthen our approach in collaboration with the broader autonomous industry, ensuring our product is designed to address evolving cyber threats throughout its lifecycle." Auto-ISAC provides a trusted forum for members to share timely cyber threat intelligence, develop cybersecurity best practices and coordinate responses to emerging threats across the automotive sector. Torc’s participation reflects its broader commitment to industry collaboration as the company continues developing autonomous trucks for long-haul freight operations in the U.S. “Delivering autonomous trucks at commercial scale requires disciplined engineering across safety, security, reliability and operations,” said Mike Avitabile, Chief Engineering Officer at Torc. “Our participation in Auto-ISAC strengthens that work by helping ensure cybersecurity advances alongside the broader technology and industry ecosystem.” Through its membership, Torc will participate in Auto-ISAC working groups and collaborate with industry peers on cybersecurity
Aug 5, 2026 · via lasvegassun.com
Some BMW owners, potential customers and technology commentators are pushing back against the automaker's recently launched Spider-Man: Brand New Day promotion, which places an advertisement on the center displays of certain vehicles. BMW's limited campaign has caused some owners and technology commentators to criticize the use of vehicle displays for advertising. Critics have raised concerns about automakers pushing promotional content directly to cars through software updates, and others argue the move undermines BMW's premium, luxury image. David Schweidel, a marketing professor at Emory University, told Newsweek that, "given the luxury positioning of BMW, [the advertisement] can certainly come across as cheapening the brand to consumers." Newsweek reached out to BMW and Marvel for comment via email. BMW and the 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' Ad BMW has displayed a banner promoting Spider-Man: Brand New Day in BMW iX3 and BMW 5 Series Sedan vehicles since July 27, the German auto giant said in a press release. The Marvel film, starring Tom Holland as Spider-Man, was released in theaters on July 31. The banner appears after starting the car, and tapping on it launches a full-screen advertisement on the vehicle's center display, showing a BMW driving through a city as Spider-Man swings between buildings. Depending on the make and model, some of the cars have a “light show” accompanying the advertisement. “Both vehicles are not only visible, but woven into the plot of the new film, enabling them to connect with a global fan base. The partnership underlines the BMW commitment to combining innovation, technology and cultural relevance,” BMW said in a July 28 press release. The company noted, “These festive animations will be available in more than 70 countries worldwide for vehicles equipped with the relevant optional equipment and BMW Operating System 7, 8, 8.5, 9 or BMW Operating System X,
Aug 5, 2026 · via newsweek.com
Tickets to the 2026 Los Angeles Auto Show, presented by Chevron with Techron, are on sale, opening the door to a ten-day run that will bring hundreds of new vehicles from the world’s automakers to the Los Angeles Convention Center. The show returns November 20 through 29, and organizers are offering a limited-time incentive: select ticket types are discounted 10 percent for anyone who buys before August 14. Any Day admission has been available since June, but the full lineup is now on sale at laautoshow.com, including Opening Day tickets, Weekdays Only passes, Weekend Priority Entry, Family Four Packs, and VIP Guided Tours. The show is cashless this year, and all posted prices include service fees. A Market That Sets the National Tone The timing of the ticket announcement lands squarely in the middle of what organizers describe as the most competitive new-vehicle market in the country. California continues to buy more new vehicles than any other state, and according to Experian data cited by the Greater Los Angeles New Car Dealers Association, Los Angeles and Orange counties alone accounted for 595,112 new vehicle registrations in 2025. That figure alone outpaces the annual vehicle registrations of many entire states, which helps explain why automakers so often choose the Los Angeles show floor as the first stop for new products before those vehicles make their way to dealerships nationally. Terri Toennies, president of the Los Angeles Auto Show, framed the show’s role in both the industry and the region’s identity. In a statement accompanying the ticket announcement, Toennies noted that the show has been part of Los Angeles’s story and the automobile’s legacy for 119 years, and that generations of Southern Californians have found their first car, their dream car, and their daily driver on the show floor. She added that
Aug 5, 2026 · via autoconnectedcar.com
A new report from UL Research Institutes’ Fire Safety Research Institute is aiming to close a persistent knowledge gap for the fire service: how electric vehicle fires actually behave compared to gasoline vehicle fires, and which suppression tactics genuinely work once a battery pack is burning. The report, titled “Full-Scale Electric Vehicle Fire Experiments and Recommendations for Fire Incident Response,” was released this week and is built on eighteen full-scale vehicle burns conducted under controlled conditions. The research team ran nine free burns, meaning fires allowed to progress without any suppression applied, to establish a baseline comparison between EVs and internal combustion vehicles. It then burned nine additional EVs to test how common suppression tactics performed against a battery fire, including water alone, EV-specific fire blankets, and water combined with an added suppression agent. Every EV tested was fully charged before ignition. Fires were started with a propane burner and allowed to grow for six minutes before crews began suppression, a delay chosen specifically to mirror typical fire department response times across North America. Fire Behavior Looks More Alike Than Different One of the report’s central findings works against a common assumption: that EV fires are a fundamentally different, more volatile hazard than fires in gas-powered vehicles. According to the free-burn data, EV and internal combustion vehicle fires tracked closely in fire growth rate, peak fire size, and overall fire duration. The EVs did release more total energy on average, but researchers attributed that difference to the added mass of the vehicles rather than to some unique property of battery combustion. Adam Barowy, principal research engineer for the Fire Safety Research Institute, framed the findings as reassurance for a fire service still adjusting to a rapidly growing fleet of battery-powered vehicles. Barowy said the research is meant to help first
Aug 5, 2026 · via autoconnectedcar.com
One automaker has just taken this connected-car, software-defined vehicle, modern-mobility nonsense a step too far. Three years after BMW executives said the inside of a car was “a private space” and not a place for advertising, the automaker is facing backlash for rolling out a Spider-Man promotion to infotainment screens around the world. The move raises concerns that automakers are turning vehicle dashboards into rolling billboards for their literal captive audiences. The ad campaign, which launched July 27 and runs through August 10, displays a banner on the infotainment screens of certain BMW models built after July 2020 in more than 70 countries. If you tap the banner, you’ll get subjected to a full-screen Spider-Man commercial, one that also hijacks the vehicle’s audio system and ambient lighting, all as part of a global marketing partnership with Sony Pictures and Marvel. BMW describes the feature as a limited-time themed experience delivered through its Festive App rather than a traditional advertisement. The company notes that the animation only plays after a driver actively selects the on-screen prompt and is intended to celebrate the film, which also features BMW vehicles. Many owners and commentators, however, don’t exactly agree. The backlash stems in part from comments made by BMW executives in 2023, when the company publicly rejected the idea of selling advertising on dashboard displays. At the time, Stephan Durach, BMW Group’s senior vice president for connected company development, said the vehicle interior was not somewhere the company envisioned playing commercials. Seems the automaker has since changed its tune. The controversy also reminds critics of BMW’s previous attempt to sell a subscription program for heated seats, one of the earliest examples of automakers attempting to make money off of software-enabled vehicle features after purchase. Although the Spider-Man campaign does not charge owners or lock
Aug 4, 2026 · via autoweek.com
For certain BMW owners, enormous car payments aren’t the only rude reminder that they don’t actually own their ride yet: now, irritating in-vehicle commercials will send them the same message. Starting last week, the German automaker started blasting a promotion for the new Spider-Man movie into its customers’ cars without warning — because nothing says riding in luxury like a full-vehicle pop-up ad. BMW, showing that it was about as in-touch as its drivers are familiar with turn signals, teased the promotion as a “special surprise.” According to The Autopian‘s coverage and the heaps of complaints online, the ad appears on the center console screen when you start up the car. When the ad’s done playing — a cheap looking animation that doesn’t come close to warranting all this hubbub — it even has the gall to ask you to scan a QR code. While it does give you the option to play or skip the “festive animation,” it’s still an annoying extra step drivers have to take before pulling up the map they need or the music they want to listen to. It’s also a breach of trust: drivers keep their cars connected so they receive critical software updates, not unexpectedly see ads when they’re trying to hit the road. Few owners were pleased. Enthusiasts in the r/BMW subreddit had a veritable meltdown when someone posted footage of the ad playing on their infotainment system. “BMW should stop with this sh*t,” one user fumed. “F*ck everything about this,” another said. According to a BMW press release, this latest ad campaign has been available in more than 70 markets since July 27 and is scheduled to keep playing through August 10. If any automaker would have the temerity to pull a shameless stunt like this, it’d be BMW, which has
Aug 4, 2026 · via futurism.com
Key Takeaways - ‘Freedom Car’ concept criticized. The proposal aims to block mandates for automated and connected vehicles, but lacks substance. - Historical irony noted. The 2002 ‘FreedomCAR’ pushed hydrogen tech, while the 2026 version opposes tech mandates. - Automakers hold the power. Without legislation, companies can decide vehicle connectivity, limiting consumer choice. - Insurance companies’ role. Insurers could make non-tracked vehicles impractical by pushing for data collection. A letter from Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to the six senators steering the highway bill is ping-ponging around news feeds this week. Buried in it is one phrase we just have to talk about: “Freedom Car.” The Freedom Car concept is broadly a good one, but the way it’s being pitched is short-sighted at best and backwards at worst. What Is the “Freedom Car”? This is not a new Dodge trim level or a pitch for a government-subsidized American version of East Germany’s Trabant—though there is still some irony in Secretary Duffy’s presentation. This is also not a proposed law or specific regulation. It’s a line item in a wish list of ideas. I’ll copy-paste the exact language of what was written right here. In Appendix A, under the heading Protecting Consumer Choice, Duffy wrote the following: “Freedom Car – Right to Drive Disconnected and Non-Automated: Prohibit any Federal, State, tribal, or local authority from mandating that vehicles sold or operated on public roads be equipped with automated driving systems or be capable of transmitting data wirelessly.” Then it’s mentioned again in the body on page three: “Protecting Consumer Choice: We must protect the right of Americans to purchase and drive traditional vehicles by prohibiting any mandates that would require vehicles to be capable of wireless data transmission or automated driving.” Republicans Also Pitched ‘FreedomCAR’ in 2002 Here’s the irony I alluded
Aug 4, 2026 · via thedrive.com
Tesla’s factory in Shanghai had its best June ever, according to the China Passenger Car Association. Tesla built 93,579 cars in China that month, a hefty 38 percent increase compared to June 2025, according to CPCA’s data. But that production isn’t translating into bumper sales to Chinese customers. Rather, sales have been down quarter on quarter in China for more than a year now, particularly as buyers tire of the Model 3 sedan. Almost 40 percent of the EVs that Tesla built in June were destined for export. And in Q2 in total, more than 50 percent—just—of the cars it built were for Europe, Canada, and other Asian markets: 128,394 versus the 126,157 Chinese-built Teslas that were sold to Chinese buyers. Low labor costs compared to Germany or the US are a big boon here, as are cheaper components from local suppliers. Throw in some export-related tax rebates from the Chinese government, and it’s not hard to see how Tesla’s Shanghai plant is an extremely valuable asset. Despite this seemingly critical importance to the automaker at a time when its profit margins are evaporating, Tesla may be contemplating a future without China. Last week, The Wall Street Journal reported that some Tesla executives have been tasked with separating Chinese and non-Chinese parts of the company, although Tesla denied such preparations were underway. But Tesla has been working to reduce its dependency on China for the cars it sells in the US, which remains the company’s largest market. New US regulations banning Chinese-linked connected car software went into effect for model-year 2027, and a similar ban on Chinese-linked hardware comes into effect for model-year 2030, meaning cars that will be on US roads in two years. Tesla now no longer imports Chinese-made cars for sale in the US, and it has
Aug 4, 2026 · via arstechnica.com