Loading Video… This browser does not support the Video element. Stolen car pursuit spills into busy Coweta retail hub Coweta County sheriff’s deputies faced a highly dangerous pursuit over the weekend after an 18-year-old driver connected to multiple stolen vehicles swerved onto the wrong side of the road, accelerating directly into oncoming traffic through a densely packed retail corridor.
Stoneridge will showcase its new EVO ECU platform and next-generation vision technology at IAA Transportation 2026. The company said the technologies are designed to support software-defined commercial vehicle architectures, integrated safety systems, and connected tractor-trailer applications. Stoneridge will exhibit the technologies at Hall 21, Stand C44. The display will include the company’s Innovation Truck. The live demonstrator vehicle is equipped with integrated vision systems and connected tractor and trailer technologies. EVO ECU Supports Software-Defined Vehicles Stoneridge’s EVO ECU platform is a scalable and designed to support the commercial vehicle industry’s transition toward software-defined vehicles. Stoneridge said the platform provides increased processing capability, enhanced connectivity, and flexibility for growing vehicle complexity. The company said the system is intended to reduce integration effort and overall system cost for commercial vehicle manufacturers. “Our investments in engineering, software development, and customer-focused innovation are enabling us to deliver solutions that improve safety, simplify vehicle integration, and increase operational efficiency,” said Natalia Noblet, president and CEO of Stoneridge. Innovation Truck Highlights Vision Systems Stoneridge will also show its Innovation Truck, which features an integrated vision solution and connected vehicle technologies. The demonstrator builds on Stoneridge’s MirrorEye Camera Monitor System. The company said MirrorEye recently surpassed more than 150,000 systems produced globally. Stoneridge said the Innovation Truck is designed to show how its technology portfolio can improve driver awareness, support connected operations, and provide value for OEMs and fleet operators. Platform Designed for Commercial Vehicle Complexity Christian Leblanc, global vice president of product and project management at Stoneridge, said vehicle architectures are evolving as manufacturers look for more functionality, flexibility, and efficiency. “EVO ECU has been designed to address these challenges by providing a high-performance platform that simplifies integration while enabling future expansion for emerging safety, security, and connectivity applications,” Leblanc said. Stoneridge said the platform is
Why ‘reverse tech transfer’ from China remains a non-starter in the US auto industry Experts say political resistance blocks technology transfer that could help US carmakers compete with Chinese rivals For decades, Western carmakers complained that China forced them to hand over technology in exchange for access to the world’s largest auto market. Now the tables have turned. As Chinese carmakers capture global market share with cheaper, high-quality electric vehicles, countries including Canada and members of the European Union are embracing a “reverse tech transfer” strategy – by seeking Chinese investment and technology to strengthen their own industries. The United States, however, is taking the opposite approach. Tariffs on Chinese EVs have expanded, Chinese-owned auto companies are being banned or put on notice, and lawmakers are weighing new legislation to block the new global leader in electric vehicles. Analysts say despite abundant scope for reverse tech transfer that could improve American carmakers’ competitiveness, Chinese companies would likely remain locked out of the market due to deep-seated barriers: geopolitical tensions, espionage concerns, economic protectionism, bipartisan opposition in Congress and resistance in local communities.
Can Verizon's KDDI Tie-Up for Latest BMW Vehicles Boost Its Profits? Verizon CommunicationsVZ has partnered with KDDI Corporation KDDIY to provide connectivity for newly manufactured BMW Group vehicles in the United States. The agreement strengthens the company’s position in enterprise wireless services while expanding its presence in the connected vehicle market. Under the agreement, Verizon will provide 5G Standalone and LTE connectivity for new BMW, MINI and other BMW Group vehicles in the United States, supporting the automaker's ConnectedDrive platform. Its nationwide 5G infrastructure will power advanced telematics, remote functions, digital infotainment and app-based services. In collaboration with KDDI's Global Communications Platform, Verizon’s network will ensure secure, reliable data transmission, helping the automaker efficiently manage its vehicle connectivity services. The collaboration also introduces Verizon's nationwide 5G Standalone offering for connected vehicles. Newly manufactured BMW Group vehicles will be the first to operate on the platform, powered by its 5G core and built-in 3GPP Release 16 industry standards. It further strengthens Verizon’s long-standing relationship with KDDI and expands its automotive portfolio, which includes telematics services for Volkswagen Group brands. As vehicles become increasingly software-driven, Verizon's advanced wireless network capabilities are expected to enable connected services, real-time communication and next-generation mobility solutions. How Are Competitors Advancing in the Automotive Industry? Verizon faces stiff competition from AT&T, Inc.T and T-Mobile, US, Inc. TMUS. AT&T has expanded its automotive business by bringing 5G connectivity to Rivian's upcoming R2 electric vehicle. The company has partnered with Mitsubishi Motors to bring 5G connectivity to the Outlander. AT&T continues to expand its Connected Car platform, helping automakers deliver seamless in-vehicle connectivity, infotainment and digital services through its 5G network. T-Mobile is strengthening its presence in the automotive sector with 5G and IoT solutions for connected vehicles. The company works with automakers to support telematics, over-the-air software updates,
Kia Sorento: The SUV That Defined Kia's Premium Global Journey – Now Set to Enter India This Festive Season - Team Autopunditz - 19 hours ago - 5 min read After more than two decades of global success, the Kia Sorento is finally poised to make its long-awaited India debut. Recent test mule sightings and Kia's social media page indicate that Kia is preparing to launch the Sorento Hybrid during the 2026 festive season (August–October), positioning it as its flagship three-row SUV below the Carnival while taking on rivals like the Skoda Kodiaq, Volkswagen Tayron, Toyota Fortuner and Jeep Meridian. Kia has also teased upcoming hybrid models for India, reinforcing its commitment to expanding its electrified portfolio. The Sorento is expected to become Kia India's first strong-hybrid SUV, marking an important milestone in the company's premium and electrification strategy. Introduction Few SUVs have transformed a brand's global image as dramatically as the Kia Sorento. When it debuted in 2002, Kia was primarily known as a budget-oriented automaker with a limited presence outside Korea. Fast forward to 2026, and the Sorento has become one of Kia's most successful global SUVs, helping the company establish itself as a premium, technology-driven automotive brand. Now in its fourth generation, the Sorento has sold well over 3.5 million units globally, consistently ranking among Kia's top-selling models. Today it is offered with petrol, diesel, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains across more than 80 countries. For India, the Sorento represents far more than another premium SUV—it is a statement of Kia's long-term ambitions in one of the world's fastest-growing automotive markets. 1. History & Evolution of Kia Sorento First Generation (BL) | 2002–2009 The original Sorento was developed as a traditional body-on-frame SUV. Key Highlights - Kia's first global SUV - Ladder-frame chassis - Rear-wheel-drive architecture -
Compact, luxury motorhomes with smart space-enhancing features really have a market of their own. This domain is dominated by Germany-based Bürstner, which surprised us first with the Habiton camper van last year. The concept van home debuted a modular interior layout that residents could change according to their requirements during the day or night. Now, continuing from where it began, the builder of comfortable and practical motorhomes has launched the Signature SMT model. The interesting mobile home is based on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis and has a layout that can have an open, unobstructed view or a privacy shutter along the kitchen, closing the rear bedroom when you are sharing the motorhome with friends or even members of the family. Since the entire concept of the interior is based on space-maximization and modularity, Signature made from fiberglass for a durable and lightweight form factor, features a raised roofline at the front. Designer: Bürstner This modification allows a drop-down bed to sit comfortably at the increased height. Below, you have the dinette that is formed by swiveling cabin seats and a bench across the aisle. The space here is naturally lit with a full-width skylight above. The transformable front lounge makes way for a 76 x 51-inch drop-down double bed at night. And when the daylight strikes and you’re leaving the bed, the ceiling bed retracts – disappearing completely from sight – opening the lounge area for dining and communication. An option for a twin or queen bed (with springs and a comfort mattress) sleeping area is designated again toward the back of the cabin, with the modular kitchen and space-saving bathroom taking up the space in the middle. The bedroom features custom-designed back panels and a wardrobe for storing your clothing essentials. The Signature offers sleeping space for up to
Dive Brief: - Hyundai Motor America is partnering with Chamberlain Group, a manufacturer of garage door openers and security systems, to bring its “myQ” connected garage technology to Hyundai vehicles, the automaker announced in a July 8 press release. - This collaboration will allow drivers to monitor and open or close their garage doors remotely, directly from a vehicle’s touchscreen infotainment display. It will be available for select 2024-2026 Hyundai vehicles, depending on model and trim. - “This new integration with myQ’s Connected Garage reflects our focus on delivering intuitive, reliable technology that supports customers throughout their ownership journey,” said Manish Mehrotra, CIO at Hyundai Motor North America. “By integrating award-winning connected features into our vehicles, we’re creating a more seamless, convenient experience customers can depend on every day.” Dive Insight: The Chamberlain Group is the parent company of LiftMaster, a leading manufacturer of power garage door openers and other security technology. The company developed its myQ smart home technology to remotely control garage doors from anywhere using a smartphone or from a vehicle’s infotainment system, per the release. The myQ connected garage tech is available in millions of vehicles from leading OEMs. In addition to Hyundai, the Chamberlain Group’s other automotive partners include Kia, Tesla, Nissan, Honda, Acura, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen, per the company’s website. Other brands of garage door openers, including Craftsman and Chamberlain, can also be upgraded to work as a smart garage using a myQ garage control device. This compact add-on is cloud-based and doesn't require any additional hardware installed in a vehicle or manual programming, per the release. Once a customer opens a myQ account, their garage doors will automatically be connected to a compatible Hyundai vehicle when linked via a Hyundai Bluelink account. “Hyundai myQ Connected Garage seamlessly integrates simple and secure smart access
This story was originally published on WardsAuto. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily WardsAuto newsletter. Dive Brief: - Hyundai Motor America is partnering with Chamberlain Group, a manufacturer of garage door openers and security systems, to bring its "myQ" connected garage technology to Hyundai vehicles, the automaker announced in a July 8 press release. - This collaboration will allow drivers to monitor and open or close their garage doors remotely, directly from a vehicle's touchscreen infotainment display. It will be available for select 2024-2026 Hyundai vehicles, depending on model and trim. - "This new integration with myQ's Connected Garage reflects our focus on delivering intuitive, reliable technology that supports customers throughout their ownership journey," said Manish Mehrotra, CIO at Hyundai Motor North America. "By integrating award-winning connected features into our vehicles, we're creating a more seamless, convenient experience customers can depend on every day." Dive Insight: The Chamberlain Group is the parent company of LiftMaster, a leading manufacturer of power garage door openers and other security technology. The company developed its myQ smart home technology to remotely control garage doors from anywhere using a smartphone or from a vehicle's infotainment system, per the release. The myQ connected garage tech is available in millions of vehicles from leading OEMs. In addition to Hyundai, the Chamberlain Group's other automotive partners include Kia, Tesla, Nissan, Honda, Acura, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen, per the company's website. Other brands of garage door openers, including Craftsman and Chamberlain, can also be upgraded to work as a smart garage using a myQ garage control device. This compact add-on is cloud-based and doesn't require any additional hardware installed in a vehicle or manual programming, per the release. Once a customer opens a myQ account, their garage doors will automatically be connected to a compatible
In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) Market Growth Analysis by Component, Vehicle Type, and Region The global In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) market, valued at USD 28.14 Billion in 2025, is expected to reach USD 59.62 Billion by 2035, reflecting steady demand for connected mobility technologies across passenger and commercial vehicles. Demand is being supported by rising consumer expectations for seamless digital experiences inside vehicles and the continued adoption of connected car technologies by automotive manufacturers.Increasing deployment of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) is creating demand for infotainment platforms capable of integrating navigation, communication, vehicle diagnostics, and safety features. The International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA) continues to report high global vehicle production volumes, while government regulations in major automotive markets are encouraging deployment of connected safety technologies and emergency communication systems, supporting long-term investment in advanced IVI platforms. Get Free Sample Report and Related Graphs & Charts @ https://www.emergenresearch.com/request-sample/1 Key Growth Drivers Vehicle manufacturers are increasingly adopting software-defined vehicle architectures that allow infotainment systems to receive over-the-air updates and support connected services throughout a vehicle's lifecycle. Consumer demand for smartphone integration, cloud-based navigation, voice assistants, and digital cockpit displays is also encouraging automakers to expand infotainment capabilities across vehicle segments. Regulatory requirements related to emergency call systems and vehicle connectivity in regions including Europe are contributing to broader deployment of integrated communication platforms. Semiconductor suppliers and automotive software developers are also increasing investments in high-performance computing platforms designed for connected vehicles. For instance, in January 2025, Qualcomm Technologies, United States, expanded collaborations with several global automakers to deploy its Snapdragon Digital Chassis platform for next-generation connected vehicle experiences. These are some of the key factors driving revenue growth of the In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) market. Market Restraints However, high development costs associated with integrated hardware and software platforms remain a challenge for vehicle manufacturers,
China to make car connectivity mandatory as US moves to tighten ban New vehicles with smart driver assistance systems will have to support continuous safety monitoring, data recording and remote management A national standard released by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology on July 2 requires all new vehicles equipped with intelligent driver assistance systems to support continuous safety monitoring, data recording and remote management. The safety standard will apply to newly approved vehicle models from January next year, as Beijing pushes ahead with more connectivity on the roads despite growing overseas restrictions. On Wednesday, the US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation will vote on a bipartisan bill to strengthen a ban on Chinese carmakers entering the American market, Reuters reported on July 8. It would shut out Chinese vehicles from the US market and also ban connected vehicle components and related technologies, with lawmakers arguing they could provide Beijing with access to sensitive infrastructure and personal data.
Guest commentary: Chinese-owned, built-in-America vehicles are coming. Fixed ops will decide whether dealers win July 13, 2026 09:47 AM EDT Featured Stories Auto industry confidence strengthens across sectors, but tariffs, affordability and China top the list of concerns Auto industry confidence reached a survey high in the second quarter, with all four sectors posting optimistic six-month outlooks for the first time as tariff and affordability concerns persist.
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. Hyundai Bayon launch before the end of current financial year First Hyundai over 4 meters to get a factory-fitted CNG kit Hyundai Motor India is on track to launch two all-new crossovers, the all-new Bayon crossover and an all-new electric SUV before the end of the current financial year. The Hyundai Bayon is expected to be revealed before the end of this year, and its commercial release could take place in Q1, 2027. This upcoming midsize SUV was recently spotted undergoing real-world benchmarking tests on Indian roads, running alongside the Maruti Suzuki Victoris. Internally codenamed BC4i, the Hyundai Bayon is expected to measure around 4.2 meters in length. This slots it directly into the price and size gap between the sub-4 meter Venue and the midsize Creta. The spy images show that the Bayon has a more compact footprint, a shorter wheelbase, and smaller wheel diameters than the 4.3-meter-long Maruti Victoris. Instead of the rounded crossover design, the new Hyundai Bayon will carry a taller, boxier stance inspired by the latest Hyundai’s design theme. Upfront is a split headlamp set up, featuring high-mounted, DRLs and “ice-cube” LED projector main headlamps integrated into the bumper. The SUV is expected to ride on 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. It will have a functional roof rails, and connected LED tail-lights. The Bayon will be equipped with high-end comfort and convenience features. It is expected to get a large touchscreen infotainment unit, a fully digital driver’s display, connected car technology, and a LEVEL 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) suite featuring autonomous emergency braking and
4 Min Read • July 13, 2026 The Return of Digital Retail and Why It Never Went Anywhere Key Takeaways - Digital retail has evolved from a trend into a core dealership process. - Eighty-four percent of dealerships now use digital retail solutions in some capacity. - Today's car buyers expect transparent pricing and a seamless online-to-store experience. - Success depends on integrating digital retail into everyday dealership operations. For a time, it seemed the automotive industry had shifted focus. Digital retail, the technology that allows consumers to research vehicles, estimate payments, value trade-ins, and complete portions of the vehicle purchase journey online, once dominated as a transformational force in car buying. But conversations moved toward inventory challenges, margin pressure and operational complexity. It felt like digital retail had faded. In reality, it never disappeared. It simply evolved from headline innovation into a foundational component of modern dealership operations. What we’re seeing now isn’t a comeback but a recognition of its maturity. Digital retail has transitioned from hype to a core process that shapes the connected car-buying experience and supports online car buying. From Digital Retail Hype to Operational Maturity Early digital retail solutions were often treated as stand-alone tools designed to modernize dealerships quickly. While expectations were high, results were inconsistent. The issue wasn’t the concept but the implementation. Many systems operated independently from in-store workflows, creating disconnected customer journeys. Shoppers would begin a vehicle purchase online only to face a different process in the showroom. This lack of integration introduced friction instead of reducing it. As the industry adapted, dealerships recognized digital retail should be treated as a holistic part of the process rather than a single feature. The focus shifted from aligning online and in-store experiences to delivering pricing transparency, consistency and a seamless automotive customer journey.
The modern automobile has quietly transformed into one of the most complex digital devices on the road. Telematics units track location and performance in real time. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) process sensor data to make split-second decisions. Infotainment consoles sync with smartphones, apps, and cloud servers. Together, these systems have turned the car from a mechanical object into a networked computer on wheels — and that shift has opened up an entirely new front in the automotive industry’s list of priorities cybersecurity. As vehicles become more connected, industry leaders argue that security can no longer be treated as an add-on feature bolted on after a product is built. “As vehicles become increasingly connected through telematics, ADAS, infotainment systems, and cloud-based technologies, cybersecurity has emerged as one of the defining challenges for the automotive industry. A connected vehicle is no longer just a mode of transportation—it is a data-driven digital ecosystem. This evolution demands that cybersecurity be treated as a core design principle rather than an afterthought,” said Pavan Puri, Founder & Managing Director, and Greencore Electronics. This philosophy is increasingly shaping how automotive electronics companies approach product development. At Greencore Electronics, security is being built into the architecture of connected components from the ground up. “At Greencore Electronics, we believe that building secure automotive electronics is fundamental to enabling the future of smart mobility. Every connected component, from telematics units to driver assistance systems, must be developed with robust security protocols, encrypted communication, secure software architecture, and continuous update capabilities,” Puri explained. But no single company can solve this challenge alone. As cyber threats grow more sophisticated — targeting everything from vehicle-to-cloud communication to over-the-air update systems — the industry’s response will need to be collective. “As cyber threats become more sophisticated, collaboration between OEMs, Tier-1 suppliers, technology providers,
+25 Photos 2025 Lexus NX350 FSport (AZ20) Used car review 13 July 2026 The second-generation Lexus NX, also known internally as the AZ20, was introduced from 2022 onwards. It continues as the Japanese marque’s compact luxury crossover, positioned above the entry-level Lexus UX and below the midsize Lexus RX within its crossover lineup. In addition to adopting the latest Lexus design language, the second-gen NX rides on the new GA-K platform, shared with other Toyota family products like the Toyota Venza/Harrier and fifth-gen RAV4. For the Australian market, the second-gen RX shares a lot of the same powertrains (petrol/hybrid/plug-in hybrid) with the fifth-gen Toyota RAV4. This includes a 2.5L naturally-aspirated four-cylinder, alongside petrol hybrid/plug-in hybrid four-cylinder variants, and a 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder (exclusive to the Lexus). Power can be sent to the front or all four wheels (AWD is standard on the hybrids), through an eight-speed automatic transmission or an eCVT (hybrid/PHEV). Rivals comparable to the Lexus NX include various European crossovers, like the Audi Q5, Alfa Romeo Stelvio, BMW X3, Range Rover Evoque, and Volvo XC60, as well as the Korean Genesis GV70. But while this generation of Lexus’s compact crossover is still fairly new, is there anything concerning to look out for as these begin to enter the secondhand market? Exterior: Compared to other SUVs in this segment, the Lexus NX reports far more solid build quality – we were hard pressed to find any reports of panel gaps, misaligned sections, or trim coming apart. ‘F-Sport’ models can have their black exterior trim scratch more easily compared to the ‘shadow chrome’ trim on other NX models, but generally, the paint resilience is some of the best we’ve heard among luxury crossovers. In fact, the only ‘defect’ reported among the exterior was corroding lug nuts on the wheels for
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Vehicle to Everything communication, or V2X, is moving from concept to real infrastructure in India, where it could help vehicles, roads, pedestrians, and networks exchange data in real time. In simple terms, it gives cars a way to “see” beyond cameras and radar, which is why it is drawing attention as a road safety and traffic management tool. V2X is a connected mobility system that lets a vehicle communicate with other vehicles, traffic signals, road sensors, pedestrians, and broader network systems. The technology is built around several layers, including vehicle to vehicle, vehicle to infrastructure, vehicle to pedestrian, and vehicle to network communication. Unlike conventional driver assistance systems that depend only on onboard sensors, V2X can share live information such as speed, location, braking, and direction. That makes it useful in situations where a driver or sensor cannot directly detect danger, such as a vehicle approaching from a blind spot or a sudden slowdown around a bend. Public discussions around V2X in India India’s road network is busy, mixed, and unpredictable, with cars, buses, trucks, two wheelers, pedestrians, and animals often sharing the same space. That complexity makes connected safety systems especially relevant, particularly in dense city traffic, foggy highways, and accident-prone corridors. Public discussions around V2X in India have focused heavily on reducing accidents and improving traffic flow. Reports cited in the current policy debate suggest that India records roughly 5 lakh road accidents and 1.8 lakh deaths a year, which is why policymakers are exploring V2X as a serious safety layer rather than just a futuristic feature. How The System Works In a V2X setup, vehicles use on board units to exchange messages many times per second. Those messages can include braking status, position, acceleration, steering angle, and speed, allowing nearby vehicles and roadside systems to react faster
Kakao Mobility announced on July 8 that it is expanding its vehicle platform technology collaboration with Renault Korea as the companies prepare for the software-defined vehicle (SDV) era. The company said it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Renault Korea on June 19 to collaborate on next-generation vehicle experiences. Under the agreement, Kakao Mobility's high-precision mapping, software, and in-car service capabilities will be integrated into Renault Korea's vehicle platforms. The two companies plan to jointly develop and validate high-precision map data and software for advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). They will also enhance next-generation in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) and connected car services by integrating mobility offerings such as navigation, parking, and EV charging. Kakao Mobility said the partnership will serve as a foundation for expanding technology collaborations with domestic and global automakers. The company plans to strengthen its competitiveness in the SDV era by integrating its ADAS high-precision maps, location-based technologies, and its Kakao Navi-based "Kaowner" ecosystem—which combines parking, charging, and vehicle management services—into vehicle platforms.
In connect car news are SBD, Mazda, Panasonic Automotive, Volvo, Apple, Innoviz, AeroNous, FEV, Microsoft, NVIDIA, Hyundai and myQ. SBD Automotive Deploys New Digital Hub with Content Catalyst Integration SBD Automotive has completed a strategic migration of its proprietary intelligence infrastructure, partnering with specialist technology provider Content Catalyst to launch an upgraded version of its Digital Hub at hub.sbdautomotive.com. The initiative transitions the firm away from a legacy, custom-built portal architecture toward a flexible, modular delivery platform designed to host its comprehensive market research and mobility analytics portfolio. The new deployment implements a discovery-driven architecture tailored to enhance information retrieval and scannability across SBD’s extensive automotive technology research library. By consolidating distinct intelligence feeds, data products, and industry insights into a single unified workspace, the framework eliminates internal engineering constraints associated with portal maintenance, allowing the research organization to redirect development resources toward core intelligence outputs. From a commercial standpoint, the software-as-a-service infrastructure integrates frictionless discovery features designed to improve enterprise client engagement metrics and broaden visibility into prospective up-sell opportunities. The modular, no-code framework provides a scalable foundation to support global distribution channels and accommodate data volume increases in step with expanding transportation technology sectors. Mazda Selects Panasonic Automotive Systems’ Cockpit Domain Controller for All-New CX-5 Panasonic Automotive Systems announced that its cockpit domain controller has been adopted by Mazda Motor Corporation for the all-new Mazda CX-5. Integrated as the core component of Mazda’s new MAZDA E/E ARCHITECTURE+ electronic platform, the central system unifies control over multiple cockpit electronic control units including the in-vehicle infotainment, head-up display, and instrument cluster. This hardware consolidation represents a critical architectural step toward software-defined vehicle implementation for the midsize crossover platform, which launched in Europe in December 2025 and Japan in May 2026 ahead of a broader global rollout. The system leverages open-standard
In EV, battery and charging news are ChargePoint, Optimus Energy, Stanford, SLAC, Heliox, Infineon, Advantics and CATL. In this Article ChargePoint & Optimus Energy Expand Southeastern EV Charging ChargePoint has formalized an exclusive hardware, software, and services agreement with Optimus Energy Solutions to deploy more than 200 public electric vehicle charging ports across the southeastern United States. Under the expanded framework, ChargePoint operates as the technology provider while Optimus retains site owner-operator status, targeting critical charging corridors and high-utilization commercial hubs. The infrastructure rollout prioritizes quick-service restaurants and retail centers to align charging deployment with existing consumer amenities and maximize driver utilization rates. The initiative leverages ChargePoint’s end-to-end telematics platform alongside Optimus’ local deployment capabilities to increase localized DC fast charging and Level 2 density, addressing regional network gaps in the eastern U.S. transit sectors. Stanford-SLAC Study Validates Real-World Driving Impact on EV Battery Longevity A longitudinal study by the SLAC-Stanford Battery Center reveals that consumer-driven electric vehicles subject to real-world stop-and-go driving profiles exhibit battery lifespans up to 40% longer than standard laboratory testing indicates. Published in Nature Energy, the research demonstrates that industry-standard laboratory cycles utilizing constant discharge and rapid recharge methodologies systematically underestimate lithium-ion pack longevity. The findings suggest that time-induced degradation, rather than cycle-induced wear, serves as the primary aging mechanism for average consumer vehicles that spend prolonged periods parked. The research team deployed machine learning algorithms to isolate degradation variables across 92 commercial lithium-ion cells over a two-year evaluation period. The study identifies that dynamic discharge behavior—including regenerative braking, frequent deceleration, and transient acceleration spikes—mitigates cellular degradation. Notably, transient power peaks from acceleration do not accelerate cell aging as previously assumed, but instead correlate with decelerated degradation pathways. The researchers established an optimal discharge rate sweet spot that balances calendar aging with cycling wear, aligning