Immersive In-Car Gaming Becomes Reality: The Cinemo and SmashLabs PartnershipContributed by: Business WireLogoImagesCinemo and SmashLabsImmersive In-Car Gaming becomes reality: the Cinemo and SmashLabs PartnershipTagsTechnologyElectronic GamesAutomotiveEntertainmentGeneral AutomotiveAutomotive ManufacturingMobile EntertainmentSoftwareManufacturingAudio/VideoCinemo
Detroit Is Watching Volkswagen Fall. It Should Take Notes. Key Highlights - Volkswagen plans to cut its model lineup by up to 50% and potentially shed 100,000 jobs, reflecting industry upheaval. - Chinese EV startups like XPeng are now in talks to acquire European factories, challenging traditional automakers' dominance. - Tariffs provide temporary relief but do not address core issues like automation, battery supply and software development. - U.S. automakers lag behind Chinese competitors in battery technology, automation and connected vehicle software. - Historical examples show that joint ventures and manufacturing collaborations are the fastest paths to closing capability gaps. This month, Volkswagen, once the proudest symbol of German industrial strength, said it would cut its model lineup by as much as half and, if unions agree, shed up to 100,000 jobs. Days later came a more startling report: XPeng, a Chinese electric vehicle startup barely a decade old, is in talks to buy one of Volkswagen's underperforming European factories. Read that again. The student is no longer merely outselling the teacher. The student is bidding on the teacher's classroom. In Washington and Detroit, the reflexive answer is protection. Tariffs on foreign cars and an effective ban on Chinese EVs will, the thinking goes, give General Motors and Ford the breathing room to catch up. That assumption is dangerously incomplete. Tariffs buy time; they do not buy capability. The durable strategy is the uncomfortable one: Invite Chinese EV makers into joint ventures on American soil, with technology transfer written into the terms, exactly as Beijing did with American and European automakers four decades ago. How the Best Customers Became the Fiercest Rivals Consider how fast fortunes have reversed. When GM entered China in 1997 through a joint venture with state-owned SAIC Motor, crowds lined up outside its Shanghai showroom to
Award of Eight Car Rental Medallions Punted By Select Board JohnCarl McGrady • The Select Board continued a discussion on how to award eight rental car medallions on Monday after acting airport manager Preston Harimon informed members of town administration that the airport “does not have open space” for another car rental agency. Select Board members said that access to a physical storefront was a major factor in their decision, and multiple applicants had suggested they would like to use space at the airport. “Having a location is really important,” Select Board member Matt Fee said. “We should be requiring that they have some place to do it.” During the meeting, town of Nantucket operations administrator Erika Mooney received an email from acting airport manager Preston Harimon stating that a request for proposals for the use of airport space connected to car rentals would not be issued until 2031. The Select Board then opted to continue the discussion to obtain more clarity from the airport and give the applicants time to update their plans and potentially work together. Of the four applicants, only one, Geoff Smith’s G. J. Smith, Inc., already has physical space for rental cars secured. Smith told the Select Board that he owns a lot near the airport and would be willing to collaborate with other applicants. He said that part of his focus would be on renting vehicles for commercial use. Off-island car rental giant Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Pat Tully and Daniel Walsh’s Compass Pointe Rentals both initially proposed using space at the airport, but were quick to pivot after Mooney read Harimon’s email. Enterprise emphasized its size, existing relationships with other companies, and intent to offer cars to island residents temporarily without their vehicles. Compass Pointe, similar to Smith, discussed offering rental vehicles for commercial
Swedish automaker Polestar will soon be barred from selling vehicles in the U.S. over concerns about Chinese technology, and the automaker has no plans to appeal the decision, according to the Wall Street Journal. A new U.S. Department of Commerce policy restricting the sale of vehicles with connected technology from China or Russia bars Polestar from the U.S. market starting in 2027, and the Swedish automaker told the Wall Street Journal that it won't appeal the decision. While an avenue for appeal existed, Polestar executives engaged in "significant dialogue" with U.S. authorities and weren't confident in the success of an appeal. The automaker could have eventually taken the issue to court as well, but Polestar leadership says they will zero in on other markets. "We will instead focus our investments on markets where we have a strong brand position and ability to achieve profitable growth, with a strong weighting towards Europe," Polestar spokesman Michael Ofiara said to the Wall Street Journal. The Connected Vehicle Rule has the potential to impact a variety of automakers operating in the U.S. market. Other brands like Lotus and even Mercedes-Benz are all at risk of being barred from U.S. sales, but one notable Chinese-connected automaker has received an exemption from the rule. Volvo received approval to continue selling cars in the U.S. in May, despite being owned by Chinese automotive conglomerate Geely, which also owns Polestar and Lotus. The exemption granted to Volvo required the Swedish automaker to submit governance, technology, and data security details to the Office of Information and Communications Technology and Services within the U.S. Department of Commerce. Federal regulators emphasized that exemptions are granted on a case-by-case basis. National security has been cited as the primary driver behind moves to ban Chinese technology under the Biden and Trump administrations. Specifically,
Once an 'embarrassment' China's EV industry now leads the world Tue 21 Jul 2026 at 4:41am , updatedTue 21 Jul 2026 at 8:04am In some Chinese-made electric vehicles, you can swap your empty battery for a new one in under five minutes. It sounds too good to be true, but the process is simple: drive your car into a special swapping station, take your hands off the steering wheel, then let robots take out the old battery and pop in a fresh one. The tech is just one example of how Chinese EV companies have pushed the boundaries of automotive invention on their path to electric worldwide domination. Loading...Other Chinese companies have developed super-fast EV chargers that can replenish a car's power to nearly 80 per cent in five minutes. And finding a place to charge your car, a challenge in other parts of the world, is rarely a problem in China. The country now boasts the largest EV charging network in the world with about one public charger for every 10 cars. Australia, by comparison, has one public charger available for every 45 electric vehicles. The extraordinary infrastructure and technology advancements have seen China largely overcome the problem of EV "range anxiety", the fear of not having enough power to complete a trip, and helped put China at the forefront of the world's electric vehicle revolution. China is now the undisputed global leader of the EV industry, producing almost 75 per cent of the world's EVs. And it is not just production where China dominates. The country is widely considered superior in all stages of the EV process: from conception and development through to manufacturing and exporting to the rest of the world. But China's EV juggernaut did not happen by accident. The grand EV plan China's government decided
Toyota 4Runner Driver Doesn't Want To Pay $20 Subscription To Start Car. Then She Discovers Key Fob Trick: 'The Things You Learn' 'Why the heck are there subscriptions to use your own car???' Automakers have been pushing more and more features behind paid subscriptions lately, and remote start is one of the more common ones to get locked away. This new model makes an already expensive purchase feel like you’ll never truly reach the “paid off in full” stage of car ownership that many look forward to. This new Toyota owner found there might be a workaround for at least one of those pesky subscription features. New Feature Unlocked—Literally In a viral video with more than 1.5 million views, content creator Kristen Bravo (@kristenbrvo) shared that the dealership tried to upsell her on the Toyota app, but she didn’t take the bait. "When we bought my 2025 4Runner, we were told that the Toyota app is like the greatest thing ever because you can start your car from the app. The remote just has, like, lock, unlock, and the alarm," she explained. She'd held off on paying for it and seems even less inclined to sign up for the monthly fee now that she’s come across a workaround. "I came across a TikTok that literally says you don't need the app. You don't need to pay the app, and I think it's like $20 a month—and that's why I haven't had it—but this is a life-changer," Bravo says. She then goes out to her car and triple-presses the lock and holds on the third press. And voila, the car started right up. "The things you learn on this app is just amazing,” she said at the end of the clip. Are Car Subscription Fees Here To Stay? Toyota isn't the
Mercedes is in talks with the US to avoid being barred from the American market The cross-party bill, tabled by Elissa Slotkin of Michigan and Bernie Moreno of Ohio, would ban car manufacturers from selling vehicles if more than 15 per cent of their share capital is held by Chinese entities For months, the Chinese have been buying fewer and fewer cars from German manufacturers, and now they are threatening to halt Mercedes sales in the US as well. So much so that the Stuttgart-based group is trying to water down a proposed law that would ban the company from operating in the United States because of its partial shareholding in China. The cross-party bill, introduced in the Senate in April by Elissa Slotkin of Michigan and Bernie Moreno of Ohio, would ban the sale of connected vehicles by car manufacturers in which Chinese entities hold more than a 15 per cent stake. This threshold would include Mercedes, which has nearly 20 per cent Chinese ownership. Changes to the rules According to Bloomberg, Mercedes is seeking to have the draft legislation amended to raise the permitted threshold for Chinese ownership to 25 per cent. This threshold would match the ownership limit that the bill would impose on other companies, such as suppliers of components or connectivity software. Lawmakers are also considering replacing a numerical threshold with a more qualitative criterion that assesses potential risks to national security. If approved, the proposal would likely be more favourable to the German car manufacturer than the current one. The company stated in a press release that no single shareholder holds more than 10 per cent of its shares and that no shareholder has direct representation on the board of directors or authority over operational decisions. “Mercedes-Benz continues to support legislation aimed at protecting
On the Dash: - Cybersecurity concerns grow as a Norwegian transit operator’s SIM card test confirms a real OTA risk - The finding prompted new cybersecurity investigations in the U.K. and Denmark - It reinforces the security case behind U.S. bills targeting Chinese vehicle technology There are new concerns over potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities in vehicles equipped with over-the-air (OTA) software updates. Officials in the U.K. and Denmark have opened investigations after a Norwegian transit operator found that a Chinese manufacturer could theoretically disable one of its buses through a SIM card built into the vehicle. Cybersecurity analysts warn that the same wireless update technology runs through much of the auto industry. The operator, Ruter, says it found a Romanian SIM card linked to the battery and power supply system of one of its buses made by Chinese company Yutong. “There is access to the control system for battery and power supply via mobile network through a Romanian SIM card. In theory, therefore, this bus can be stopped or rendered inoperable by the manufacturer,” the company said in a statement. The rise of OTA technology OTA updates let manufacturers push new software, firmware and fixes to connected vehicles without a dealership visit. Tesla started using the technology on the Model S in 2012. It has since spread across the industry. The technology cuts costs and speeds up fixes that once required a recall or a service appointment, but that same connectivity gives outside parties a potential path into a vehicle’s control systems. In May, the American Enterprise Institute urged the U.S. to add security reviews, restrict certain foreign-made vehicle hardware and software, and require automakers to disclose more about the data they collect. Cybersecurity and the Chinese vehicle debate The Ruter findings come as U.S. lawmakers are moving to keep Chinese
Auto makers are increasingly using over-the-air (OTA) software updates, a technology that smartphone companies like Google, Apple and Samsung have relied on for more than a decade to deliver new features and security fixes. While the technology has made updating vehicles faster and cheaper, cybersecurity experts are warning that it also creates new risks. According to a CNBC report, analysts say wireless updates could leave connected vehicles vulnerable to cyberattacks, data breaches and even attempts by foreign actors to interfere with vehicle systems. OTA updates raise cybersecurity concerns: Analyst Over-the-air (OTA) technology allows manufacturers to wirelessly send software updates, bug fixes and new features to internet-connected devices without requiring a visit to a service center. Tesla began rolling out OTA updates for its Model S vehicles in 2012, helping popularize the technology across the automotive industry. Today, many car makers use OTA updates to improve vehicle software and fix issues remotely. "The technology is increasingly welcomed as it is a quick and cost-effective way to manage systems on vehicles, over traditional methods which may have required a recall or update at routine maintenance," Siraj Ahmed Shaikh, professor in systems security at Swansea University in the UK, told CNBC. However, analysts say the growing use of OTA updates also introduces new cybersecurity risks. Its use represents "a unique national security concern," Gabriel Lim, senior analyst at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, told CNBC. "Aside from data privacy concerns, the potential of a foreign actor sabotaging the controls of a moving vehicle is a possibility that countries like Norway, Denmark, and Britain have expressed concerns about," Lim added. Norwegian bus test highlights potential risks The concerns gained attention after Norwegian public transport company Ruter tested two buses last year and found potential security risks linked to OTA technology.
The global connected car market is set for strong growth over the next five years, with the number of vehicles using embedded connectivity expected to reach 583.1 million by the end of 2030, according to new research from IoT analyst firm Berg Insight. The active installed base of connected cars worldwide stood at 338 million at the end of 2025. Berg Insight forecasts this figure will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.5% over the forecast period. Shipments of vehicles equipped with embedded connectivity are also expected to increase, rising from 72.6 million units in 2025 to 82.6 million by 2030. During the same period, the attach rate for embedded connectivity is forecast to climb from 83% to 91%, highlighting the technology’s growing role as a standard feature in new vehicles. Today, most automotive OEMs focus on delivering connected services centred on safety, convenience and entertainment. These services are increasingly offered either as standard features or through subscription-based models. “Carmakers are increasingly bundling core services for free for extended periods to boost brand loyalty and ensure a large portion of cars have active connections. This strategy enables the collection of big data to enhance product development processes and to make sure that the cars perform well over the whole lifetime,” says Martin Cederqvist, Senior Analyst at Berg Insight. Delivering these services relies on a broad ecosystem of connectivity providers, including mobile network operators (MNOs), mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), connectivity management platform providers and connected vehicle software specialists. Leading mobile operators and MVNOs serving the automotive sector include AT&T, Vodafone, China Unicom, China Mobile, KDDI, Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Verizon, Telefónica, Telenor, América Móvil, Singtel, Tele2, Airnity, Cubic3, Lenovo Connect, NTT and Tata Communications. Connectivity management platforms also play a critical role in the connected car ecosystem by
Honda Amaze vs Tata Tiago Engine & Transmission Fuel Type/ Propulsion Pure Electric Driving Mode Engine Installation Number of Cylinders 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 Manual Shifts via Gear Lever on Automatic Gearbox Paddle Shifters for Automatic Gearbox Max Engine Torque on CNG Max Engine Power on CNG Fuel & Performance Fuel Tank Capacity E20 Compatibility Emission Standard Official Fuel Economy Auto Start/Stop Autocar Tested City Mileage User Reported Mileage Autocar Tested Mileage Autocar Tested Highway Mileage 0-100kph 20-80kph (in third gear/ kickdown) 40-100kph (in fourth gear/ kickdown) Terrain Modes Fuel Supply System CNG/LPG Tank Capacity 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 Kerb Weight Doors Boot Capacity Ground Clearance Comfort Power Windows Door Pockets Bluetooth Connectivity Cabin Boot Access Cooled Glovebox Cooled Storage Cup Holders Rear Reading Lamp Digital Instrument Cluster Powered Tailgate 12 Volt Port Power Windows with One Touch-Down Driver Armrest Storage Electric Tailgate Release Interior Lamps Front Seatback Pockets Headlight and Ignition on Reminder Glove Box Voice Assisted Sunroof Vanity Mirror Steering Mounted Controls 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 Bottle Holder in Doors
Talk Box By Kap Maceda Aguila WITH THE increased adoption and openness of the local automotive market to electrified options — particularly after the onset of the US-Iran war — Hyundai Motor Philippines (HMPH) recently grew its hybrid portfolio further with the introduction of Staria Hybrid offerings. The premium people mover is offered in five hybrid variants: 1.6T HEV GL 6AT 9S (P1.999 million), 1.6T HEV GL 6AT 11S (P2.079 million), 1.6T HEV GLS 6AT 9S (P2.389 million), 1.6T HEV Premium 6AT 9S (P2.999 million), and 1.6T HEV Premium Plus 6AT 7S (P3.199 million). HMPH retains a lone internal-combustion-engine-only variant in the workhorse 2.2 Diesel Cargo 6MT (P1.499 million). Said HMPH President Jiho Son in a release, “The Staria is one of the most iconic nameplates in our current lineup, completing our hybrid range while carrying a legacy Filipinos trust. Building on the (role of the Starex) in family life, we are proud to launch the Staria Hybrid which brings a more connected, comfortable experience for modern and practical Filipino families.” The Staria is said to offer best-in-class fuel efficiency of 17.7kpl, and is positioned by HMPH as “(bringing) together smart hybrid performance with elevated comfort, advanced connectivity, and versatile space for modern families and professionals.” Still a part of the current-generation model which debuted in 2021, this new Staria nonetheless has been face-lifted, first revealed globally in December 2025. An LED strip runs the length of the front fascia, and some aesthetic changes have marked other elements such as the headlights, which are now cube projection LEDs, and the grille. The Staria also gets new 18-inch alloys. In the cabin is a bigger 12.3-inch infotainment display, paired to a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system. USB-C charging points are in the front and back rows, and a wireless charging pad
Do you fancy the idea of changing the battery of your Apple Watch or Google Pixel Watch yourself, without having to pay for costly professional repairs? Well, new EU exemptions have dashed hopes of easily replaceable batteries becoming a legal requirement for a host of electronic devices. After signing the legislation in 2023, the EU is gradually rolling out new rules that will force electronics makers to include replaceable batteries in their devices, including laptops, smartphones, portable consoles and tablets. The rules are expected to save consumers €20 billion per year by allowing them to extend the lifespan of their devices, and reduce e-waste, according to EU estimates. By February 2027, all smart devices like smartphones and tablets must have easily user-replaceable batteries. But though the EU's new rules will let you get more life out of devices like smartphones and tablets, buyers of devices like smartwatches, wireless headphones, fitness trackers, electric toys, and smart glasses aren't set to be so lucky. Earlier this week, the European Commission adopted a new delegated act which adds exemptions for several new product categories to its provisions on replaceable batteries. The EU explained that opening up some of these categories of devices could compromise their safety, durability, or water resistance, particularly for devices too small for safe battery replacement or that have compact, sealed enclosures. The Commission also said it had sought to balance the interests of stakeholders including consumers, third-party repairers, product and battery manufacturers, and the recycling sector. This is likely great news for big tech giants like Google, Meta and Apple, all of whom have launched wearables in recent years, and have more planned on the horizon. The battery regulation has already caused real issues for some American companies. In March, Bloomberg reported that the battery rules had held back
Stellantis announced this week that it is folding remote engine start and stop into the standard, no-cost Connect One package for most 2027 model year Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, FIAT and Alfa Romeo vehicles sold in the United States. At the same time, it is trimming the price of its optional Connect Wi-Fi Plus package to $15.99 a month, a $2 reduction, with a three-month free trial for buyers who sign up within 30 days of purchase. A Free Feature With a Strategic Purpose Connect One already provided a decade of remote lock and unlock, over-the-air software updates, monthly vehicle health reports, recall alerts, service scheduling and automatic crash notifications at no extra charge. Adding remote start to that free tier is a notable shift: it takes one of the most requested connected-car features and removes the paywall entirely, rather than reserving it for a premium add-on. “Our customers told us they value connected services that matter in real life, and remote start is exactly that,” said Ricardo Stamatti, head of the Stellantis software business unit. “On a cold Minnesota morning or a hot Texas afternoon, being able to warm up or cool down your vehicle from your phone is not a gimmick; it is technology showing up when people need it.” The remaining paid tier, Connect Wi-Fi Plus, still carries the features aimed at habitual use rather than emergencies: an unlimited-data hotspot for up to eight devices, remote horn and light activation, stolen vehicle assistance, and a suite of connected navigation tools including last-mile routing, parking and fuel finders, and speed camera alerts. The move lands at a moment when automakers across the industry are recalibrating how they price connectivity. Consumer willingness to pay for connected car services has softened sharply industry-wide: S&P Global Mobility’s 2025 Connected Car Study
- Volkswagen licensed e-bike introduces automotive-inspired safety tech. - Rear camera and radar system means riders don’t need to turn heads. - Smart glasses and helmet create fully connected safety ecosystem. Modern cars can watch blind spots, monitor traffic, flash warning lights and even call for help after a crash. Now Volkswagen wants your bicycle to do much of the same thing. Working with premium e-bike specialist n+, Volkswagen has unveiled a new range of licensed electric bicycles loaded with technology usually associated with passenger vehicles. Instead of chasing bigger batteries or more power, the focus here is making riders more aware of their surroundings while helping drivers better understand what cyclists are about to do. Related: VW Cargo E-Bike Punches Above Its Weight With 463-Pound Payload The headline feature is called Smart View. The system combines a rear-facing camera with radar sensors that monitor approaching traffic. A display integrated into the handlebar lets riders see what’s happening behind them without needing to turn around, while radar alerts warn when vehicles are closing in from the rear. It’s tech borrowed directly from the automotive world, where radar and camera-based visibility systems have become increasingly common. Bringing similar functionality to an e-bike makes a lot of sense, especially in crowded urban environments where cyclists and motorists are constantly sharing limited space. DRLs For Bicycles Volkswagen and n+ have also given the bike its own take on automotive lighting technology. A full-length LED strip integrated into the frame serves as a running light during the day. More importantly, it changes behavior depending on what the rider is doing. When braking, the lighting glows red. When turning, it flashes amber to indicate direction. The goal is to give other road users clearer visual cues about a cyclist’s intentions before they make a move.
Ten people, including three children, were hospitalized after a truck collided with at least 10 vehicles in Silver Spring on Saturday, according to Montgomery County police. The collision ended with a Tesla Cybertruck split in half, police officials said. In a post on X, the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service said it responded at 1:43 p.m. to reports of a multi-vehicle crash at Columbia Pike and Fairland Road. Firefighters rescued multiple people who were trapped inside their vehicles, and police said an initial investigation found that a moving truck lost control and struck several vehicles. MCPD said 10 people were hospitalized to treat minor injuries. Silver Spring, MD – Aerial of a reported crash involving entrapment in the area of Columbia Pike/Fairland Rd. @mcfrsPIO @HHFireProds @ArmisteadIsaac @mcfrs #mcfrs @MoCoFireWire @Lawzfirephotos @command11b @MCFRSNews @DavidPazos15 @mcpnews #mcpd pic.twitter.com/O0lPtgqMu3 — MyDrone.Pro (@MyDronePro) July 18, 2026 Northbound Route 29 at Musgrove Road is shut down until further notice, according to firefighters. Drivers are asked to look for alternate routes and expect delays. This is a developing story. Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here. © 2026 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.
Tata Nexon Ev vs Tata Punch Engine & Transmission Fuel Type/ Propulsion Pure Electric Driving Mode Number of Motors Motor Type Max Motor Power Max Motor Torque Drive Layout Gearbox Type Number of Gears Lockable Differential/s Sport Mode for Automatic Gearbox Manual Shifts via Gear Lever on Automatic Gearbox Engine Installation Number of Cylinders Max Engine Torque on CNG Max Engine Torque Max Engine Power on CNG Max Engine Power Engine Displacement Engine Type Paddle Shifters for Automatic Gearbox Fuel & Performance Battery Capacity Terrain Modes Claimed Range Charging Time Auto Start/Stop User Reported Range 0-100kph 20-80kph (in third gear/ kickdown) 40-100kph (in fourth gear/ kickdown) Fuel Tank Capacity CNG/LPG Tank Capacity Emission Standard E20 Compatibility Fuel Supply System Suspension & Steering Front Brakes Rear Brakes Type of Power Assist 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 Height Wheelbase Doors Ground Clearance Boot Capacity Comfort Power Windows Acoustic Windshield Cabin Boot Access Digital Instrument Cluster Door Pockets Utility Recess On Dashboard Vanity Mirror Bottle Holder in Doors Driver Armrest Storage Driver rear view monitor (DRVM) Vehicle to load (V2L) Rear Parcel Tray Bluetooth Connectivity Electric Tailgate Release Steering Mounted Controls Sunglass Holder Powered Tailgate Cup Holders Power Windows with One Touch-Down Cooled Glovebox Front Seatback Pockets Headlight and Ignition on Reminder Voice Assisted Sunroof Interior Lamps 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
The global connected car market is entering a new growth phase as automakers expand embedded connectivity, over-the-air (OTA) software updates, AI-powered digital services, and cloud-based vehicle platforms. According to Berg Insight, 83 percent of all new cars sold worldwide in 2025 featured embedded connectivity, up from 79 percent in 2024. The research forecasts the attach rate will increase to 91 percent by 2030, while the global installed base of connected cars with embedded OEM telematics systems will reach 580 million vehicles. Connected vehicle services have evolved far beyond emergency calling, enabling automakers to offer eCall, roadside assistance, stolen vehicle tracking (SVT), vehicle diagnostics, OTA software updates, connected navigation, infotainment, music and video streaming, Wi-Fi hotspots, convenience services, and AI personal assistants. The EU27, EFTA countries and the UK have accelerated adoption through the mandatory eCall regulation, making embedded connectivity a standard feature in all new vehicles sold across the region. North America remains one of the most advanced connected car markets with an estimated 94 percent attach rate in 2025, while China reached approximately 90 percent. Other mature markets include Russia and CIS, Japan, and South Korea, whereas many emerging markets continue to record attach rates of around 30 percent to 40 percent. Mass-market automakers are accelerating adoption by offering connected services free of charge in major markets. Companies including Toyota, General Motors, Stellantis, Ford, Volkswagen, Hyundai/Kia, Honda, and Nissan are driving large-scale deployments, while premium brands BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi have included connected services as standard equipment across most vehicle models for more than a decade. Other manufacturers expanding connected vehicle ecosystems include Tesla, Renault, Geely, BYD, Volvo Cars, Mazda, JLR, SAIC, GWM, Chery, Subaru, Skoda, Porsche, Lexus, and Changan Motors. Chinese electric vehicle makers Leapmotor, Li Auto, and NIO are also integrating embedded connectivity and intelligent digital services
- Japan - / - Wireless Telecom - / - TSE:9433 Is KDDI (TSE:9433) Cheap Following Its BMW And Verizon 5G Telematics Deal? Verizon Business and KDDI (TSE:9433) are working with BMW Group to supply 5G standalone telematics connectivity for newly manufactured BMW and MINI vehicles in the U.S., integrating KDDI’s Global Communications Platform with Verizon’s network. See our latest analysis for KDDI. The recent 5G telematics deal with BMW comes as KDDI’s share price shows firm positive momentum, with a 30-day share price return of 5.62% and a 1-year total shareholder return of 20.12%. The 5-year total shareholder return of 94.34% points to strong long term compounding. If this kind of connected car story has caught your attention, it is a good moment to broaden your watchlist with 53 AI infrastructure stocks KDDI’s recent share price strength and 48% intrinsic discount flag a clear tension: the stock sits slightly above the average analyst target yet far below some fair value estimates, so where does a reasonable valuation range actually land? Most Popular Narrative: 2.3% Overvalued The most followed narrative currently places KDDI's fair value at ¥2,802.93, slightly below the last close at ¥2,868, which creates only a narrow valuation gap. Growth focus on lifetime value and engagement of highly-connected customers in both Personal and Business Services, amid industry stagnation, may allow KDDI to outperform peers in revenue growth and profitability through enhanced bundling and integration. Want to see what sits behind that confidence in higher value customers and bundling economics? The narrative leans on carefully stepped revenue growth, firmer margins, and a future earnings multiple that must all work together. Curious which of those levers really carries the fair value estimate for KDDI? Putting it together, the narrative uses a 4.91% discount rate with measured growth in both revenue
While electric vehicle sales have declined in Arkansas this year, the number of public chargers has slowly increased, according to data from the Alliance for Automotive Innovation. The Alliance's U.S. charging infrastructure dashboard states that more than 16,900 EVs are registered in the natural state, and that 1,084 public chargers are currently available. While major cities feature plenty of public chargers, 37% of Arkansas counties still don't offer chargers, primarily in south Arkansas. The Alliance's newest electric vehicle quarterly report captures data from the beginning of this year to March 31. In that time, 12 new chargers have been installed in Arkansas, while 416 EV sales were reported. At this point last year, 525 total EV sales had taken place, and 161 public chargers had been installed. Brien Marshall Davis, an employee at Genesis of Conway who regularly demonstrates and sells electric vehicles, said that although the growth of EVs has been slow, he believes Tesla has turned the industry into a "fashion statement." "It's been explosive. Manufacturers (have) caught onto that, and I think consumers are way more open. Now we are at the point (where) I believe all dealerships are required to have a single, fully-carried EV technician on hand ... There's clearly a demand, and it's growing," Davis said. Doug Smock, who has worked at North Little Rock's EVolve Auto for over seven years, said that sales have grown year over year. "Gas prices drove up sales lately as well," Smock said. Several EV drivers in the Central Arkansas area have switched to EVs primarily because of the fuel benefits. Jody Carter, who purchased a 2024 Hyundai Ioniq6 in October 2024, said he made the change after analyzing fuel prices and the amount of driving required of him for work. "I drive a lot -- all over