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Verizon will provide 5G connectivity services for new BMW <b>vehicles</b> in the US

KDDI, which is a company that provides IoT services and connected experiences to its OEM partners, has a partnership with BMW Group. KDDI, on the other hand, also has a long-standing relationship with Verizon, which in turn provides 5G and LTE connectivity. That's why Verizon just made its partnership with BMW Group and KDDI official. The newly formed partnership means that Verizon provides its 5G Standalone Connected Vehicles services to BMW, so all new BMW vehicles produced for the US markets will make use of Verizon's cellular network. The press release doesn't explicitly say which are the new models that get Verizon and KDDI's connected driving experience. Our educated guess is that the new Neue Klasse-based models, like the recently released iX3 and iX5, for example, will benefit from Verizon's fast and reliable 5G network. BMW's Mini was also named in the press release, but seeing how the Cooper Electric, Aceman and Countryman are all models from 2023 and 2024, we will likely see KDDI and Verizon's connected vehicle services pop up on newer models. At least it's 5G and not LTE. Most vehicles sold still include LTE modems and if you keep your car for 10+ years...you'll likely lose connectivity in the future Tip us 2.1m 160k RSS EV Merch Log in I forgot my password Sign up

I finally found a way to watch videos on Android <b>Auto</b>; it changed my waiting game

Android Auto is excellent at the basics. Things like navigation, playing music, and access to phone calls on the go all work great. But if you push the functionality towards video-focused entertainment, it falls apart. That's mostly by design because it is designed to prioritize safety. But often enough, I find myself waiting in the car park when I'm picking up someone, or stuck in an hour-long traffic jam where a little bit of entertainment certainly wouldn't hurt. So I started looking for a solution to this problem. After all, there should be a way to use the big screen in my car to watch videos. Turns out there is. An open source app called Fermata Auto promises to do exactly that. Yes, installing it is a bit of a hassle, but when done, it promises to augment Android Auto and fill one of the biggest gaps in Google's platform. It lets me play back my own media on my car screen, while also giving me access to YouTube, IPTV streams, and even a full-fledged browser. While the usual caveats of prioritizing safety and not watching streaming services while driving apply, I have to say this has truly transformed my car's entertainment system. Adding actual utility to my car's screen Waiting around becomes a lot less boring You might not realize it, but most of us end up waiting around quite a bit in our vehicles. For example, the other day I spent almost an hour outside the airport waiting for a delayed flight. Meanwhile, I'm parked when I've arrived early for a meeting. And living in India, there are the inevitable traffic jams to consider. Most times, I'd unlock my phone and start browsing YouTube, despite there being a giant screen right in front of me. Android Auto, however,

More than 400% ROI claimed from fleet's Geotab Vitality deployment

Richfords is said to have achieved a return on investment of 411% and reduced its fleet collision risk by 22% having deployed Geotab Vitality. The driver safety programme was piloted on the fire and flood restoration company’s fleet in late 2025, before being rolled out across the full 53-vehicle fleet in January this year. Geotab Vitality integrates directly with the existing Geotab telematics platform, providing each driver with a personalised scorecard considering factors such as speeding, harsh braking, harsh cornering and harsh acceleration. Drivers can progress through rating tiers and earn reward points redeemable for vouchers and gift cards. Ensure you always get Fleet News insight. Make us a preferred source of news on Google. The fleet is said to have seen a 73% reduction in harsh cornering, 61% in speeding, 55% in harsh braking and 48% in harsh acceleration. Real-time feedback crucial Sheena Owen, fleet manager at Richfords, said: “Our previous approach didn’t give drivers timely insight. Drivers were often only becoming aware of issues weeks after they occurred, making it harder for them to remember the specific incidents and adjust their behaviour straight away. “We needed drivers to have visibility of their own performance in real time, rather than relying on a manager to highlight what had already happened.” Philippa Richford, business systems manager at Richfords, said: “We’ve introduced systems in the past where we’ve had to guide people through every step. With Geotab Vitality, drivers were downloading the app and getting started independently from day one. “When a rollout is that frictionless, it becomes something drivers take ownership of, rather than something being imposed on them.” Steve Lockington, chief executive officer at Geotab Vitality, said: “Richfords demonstrates what’s possible when driver safety is treated as a personal performance conversation rather than a compliance exercise. “Moving from delayed

U.S. Government Remains Terrified of Chinese <b>Cars</b> | The Truth About <b>Cars</b>

U.S. Government Remains Terrified of Chinese Cars Next week, the Senate Commerce Committee will be voting on legislation that would prohibit Chinese automakers from selling their vehicles inside the United States. This is despite the fact that those cars are already banned from being sold here, even though select models have still managed to slip through the cracks. Dubbed as the “ Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026,” the bill focuses primarily on safeguarding the U.S. economy from a claimed influx of Chinese vehicles. Politicians have chanted this mantra before, while also issuing warnings about how foreign intelligence could weaponize connected vehicles. This bill is supposed to tackle both issues by giving the government the ability to ban certain automobiles. But it’s not immediately clear what’s new about any of this. The Biden administration previously implemented regulations restricting connected-vehicle hardware and software linked to China on the grounds that the requisite data sharing presented a national security risk. It likewise worked to subsidize the automotive and energy sectors in an effort to spur domestically produced electric vehicles as Chinese-made EVs gained traction elsewhere in the world. Those bans would formally come into effect at the start of 2025, with Donald Trump imposing even more tariffs on Chinese-made cars shortly thereafter. More recently, the president has criticized Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney for negotiating a deal with President Xi Jinping that would permit up to 49,000 Chinese EVs to be imported into Canada annually at a 6.1 percent tariff rather than the standard 100 percent. Needless to say, opposing vehicles coming out of China has been a largely bipartisan issue. Whether the focus is on protecting domestic manufacturers or cautioning against foreign intelligence gathering via connected vehicles, it’s easy to find someone inside the U.S. government that’s making a stink about

Could the Currently Banned Polestar 3 Survive as a Volvo?

- The 2027 Polestar 3 is currently banned from being sold in the United States after it was denied a Connected Vehicle waiver by the federal government. - Since the Polestar 3 is built at Volvo's factory in South Carolina, alongside the three-row EX90 SUV, there's a chance it could become a Volvo and live on. - Representatives from the federal agency and Polestar have yet to respond to Car and Driver's request for comment; we'll update this story if we hear back. Was Polestar caught off guard by the decision of the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security to ban the sale of its vehicles in the United States starting with the 2027 model year? I don't know, because the sources I contacted at both Polestar and the BIS have not yet responded to my questions about the situation. Still, I suspect that the Geely-owned brand, which is based in China, fully expected the federal government to grant it a waiver from the Connected Vehicle rule that ultimately led to Polestar's sudden departure from the U.S. market. Or at least I want to believe this is the case. Because if brand leadership foresaw things playing out this way, then their recent decision to consolidate global production of the Polestar 3 to the Volvo Cars factory in Ridgeville, South Carolina looks incredibly boneheaded. For Sale Near You See all results for new 2027 Volvo EX90 for sale near 80221 It's why I must assume the ban came as a great surprise to Polestar. Because short of the brand employing its own Bialystock and Bloom, I cannot imagine any automotive leader approving a manufacturing move of this magnitude that was destined to flop. So, I think there's a reasonable chance the Polestar 3 will ultimately die in name only,

2026 Polestar 4 Dual Motor Pilot Review

It's indeed rare to write up a review on a vehicle that is on its way out. Not because it's being continued. But because it's being forced out of the market by the U.S. government. Such is the case for my review vehicle this week - the innovative and alluring all-electric Polestar 4. It - along with the entire Chinese Geely-owned Polestar lineup - will no longer be available in the U.S. beginning with the 2027 model year due to the Connected Vehicle Rule, which you can read more about here in Car Pro Show host Jerry Reynolds' excellent explainer. I will tell you that Polestar's upcoming exit from the U.S. Market means big discounts on its 2026 models, so keep that in mind when you see the MSRP later and don't forget to check new offers here. The all-electric performance-focused sibling of Volvo, I welcomed Polestar's arrival from day one, and even spent some brief time with one when it first arrived stateside. Polestar's expertly executed performance, excellent engineering, modern design, innovative technology, stellar safety features and applaud-worthy sustainability are not to be disputed. That it must leave the U.S. in such quick fashion is disappointing to say the least. Exterior Part SUV and part sports-coupe, the Polestar 4 turns heads with its sporty fastback crossover style. But Polestar's designers had more than Swedish good looks in mind. Everything was designed to enhance aerodynamics. To that end, a low, sleek front end features air curtains below the headlights. On the profile you find lush e-latch door handles, flush and frameless windows and stylish frameless heated auto-folding side mirrors (a personal design element favorite), and in back, rear aero blades. But perhaps the biggest distinguishing aerodynamic feature - and one that will get people talking - is the lack of

Nissan Tekton vs Renault Duster: What's Different?

The Nissan Tekton and the Renault Duster may wear different badges, but beneath the sheet metal they share far more than what meets the eye. Developed as part of the Renault-Nissan alliance's renewed push into India, both SUVs are built on the new Renault Group Modular Platform (RGMP) and feature identical mechanicals, yet each has been positioned with a distinct personality. Both are offered with either a 1.3-litre or a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine option, paired with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed wet-clutch DCT. However, it’s the Duster which will soon get the all-important hybrid option as well. Nissan won’t have a hybrid powertrain for the Tekton, at least for now. They also share 212mm of ground clearance, similar approach and departure angles, a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Google Built-in, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, ADAS functions, connected car technology, panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, powered tailgate and up to 700 litres of boot space. Where they begin to diverge is in their design. Renault has chosen to preserve the Duster's rugged identity with chunky cladding, yellow accents and a distinctly utilitarian look. Nissan, meanwhile, has taken a different route by drawing inspiration from their Patrol SUV. The Tekton features a wider chrome grille, connected lighting elements and a seemingly more premium cabin finished in tri-tone colours with rose gold accents, clearly targeting buyers seeking a more upmarket experience. The interior themes reinforce this distinction. Renault's cabin adopts a functional, driver-focused layout, while Nissan focuses on luxury with more elaborate colour combinations and a stronger emphasis on premium finishes. While platform sharing has become commonplace across the industry, Renault and Nissan appear to have gone to lengths to ensure these two models appeal to different audiences. Buyers looking for a rugged, adventure-oriented SUV may gravitate towards the Duster,

New Toyota Hilux Gets a Land Cruiser-Like Cabin

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. New Hilux launches in India on July 28. Cabin inspired by the latest Land Cruiser. 48V mild-hybrid diesel engine expected. Toyota is preparing to launch the updated Hilux in India on July 28. While the pickup truck will receive several exterior and mechanical upgrades, one of the biggest highlights is its completely redesigned interior. The new cabin takes inspiration from Toyota's latest Land Cruiser, giving the Hilux a more modern and premium feel. The updated model will also bring a mild-hybrid diesel powertrain, improved ride quality and new technology features. The biggest change inside the new Hilux is the dashboard. Toyota has redesigned the cabin with a cleaner and more upmarket layout similar to the latest Land Cruiser. The dashboard gets larger digital displays, replacing the older instrument cluster and infotainment setup. The pickup is also expected to offer wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, connected car features, ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera and a wider range of driver assistance features. These changes are expected to make the Hilux feel much closer to Toyota's premium SUV lineup. Also Read: Next-Gen Range Rover Velar to Get a Big Change – Hybrid Power Confirmed The updated Hilux also gets a new look on the outside. It features redesigned LED headlamps, a bold front fascia with prominent Toyota branding, a revised bumper and new styling elements across the front end. Squared wheel arches and sharper body lines further add to its rugged appearance. Despite the visual changes, the pickup continues to retain its strong road presence and practical design. Under the bonnet,

US Senate Proposes Permanent Ban on Chinese <b>Connected Vehicles</b>

US Senate Proposes Permanent Ban on Chinese Connected Vehicles The US Senate Commerce Committee scheduled a vote on the Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026 to permanently prohibit Chinese-made connected vehicles, software, and hardware from the American market. The proposed legislation seeks to codify rules established in early 2025 to mitigate national security risks associated with data-collecting automotive technologies. The measure aims to build permanent regulatory insulation against foreign technology threats and prevent future policy reversals. "Chinese cars are a serious threat to America's national security and Michigan's economic security," said US Senator Elissa Slotkin. "Chinese cars are surveillance packages on wheels, with the ability to collect on American citizens and sensitive sites." The tightening of automotive regulations in the United States directly influences trade flows across North America, especially within Mexico. Chinese automotive manufacturers have captured 17% market share across dozens of distinct brands in Mexico, according to Mexico Business News. As the United States moves to enforce permanent exclusions on Chinese hardware and software, automakers operating under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) face increasing pressure to alter their sourcing and vehicle architectures to maintain access to the US market. Under the provisions of the Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026, vehicle and software restrictions will take effect in 2027, followed by a total ban on specified foreign hardware in 2030. The legislation also establishes a strict 15% foreign ownership threshold that could sweep in global manufacturers with Chinese investment partnerships, such as Mercedes-Benz. This impending legal shift arrives as Mexico implements its own structural changes to manage trade dynamics. On Jan. 1, 2026, Mexico increased tariffs on over 1,400 product lines from nations lacking free trade agreements, directly targeting Chinese vehicles and auto parts with duties of up to 50%, as reported by MBN. Despite these adjustments, vehicles

Verizon puts 5G in the driver's seat with BMW deal

- Verizon is using 5G to further penetrate the U.S. connected car market, a space long dominated by AT&T - BMW vehicles will be the first to tap Verizon’s Standalone 5G network - KDDI America is part of the BMW deal, providing the platform that lets BMW manage connectivity and data flows over Verizon’s network Say what you will about 5G, but it’s giving Verizon a way to more aggressively reach the connected car market – one that in the U.S. has been dominated by AT&T for decades. Verizon landed Volkswagen Group as the first big auto manufacturer and is supplying connectivity for its Audi brand, as well as a handful of others. This week, Verizon added another big name to its roster: BMW. Going forward, Verizon will be providing 5G and LTE connectivity for all new BMW, Mini and other BMW Group vehicles sold in the United States. “We think 5G has really been an accelerant towards a lot of the things that we've talked about in connected cars for a lot of years,” Verizon SVP of Global Solutions Daniel Lawson told Fierce. “We really have redoubled our focus in the auto space in the 5G era.” Verizon has a long-standing relationship with KDDI, the second largest operator in Japan. KDDI America is also part of the BMW deal; it’s providing the Global Communications Platform that enables a programmable connected experience for BMW Group, giving the automaker control over the connectivity and data packets that flow through Verizon’s network. Ready for slicing The BMW cars will be the first ones to use Verizon’s 5G Standalone (SA) network, which enables network slicing. Network slicing isn’t part of the original design for BMW, but one of the benefits is it allows for “future proofing,” in the sense that it doesn’t require

Verizon's 5G Standalone Network Now Powers Telematics for All New BMW Group <b>Cars</b>

Every new BMW, MINI, and BMW Group vehicle rolling off production lines for the U.S. market now connects to Verizon's 5G Standalone network through KDDI's Global Communications Platform — not for in-car Wi-Fi, but for the telematics backbone that keeps the software-defined vehicle updated, monitored, and remotely managed throughout its entire lifespan. Verizon Business and KDDI announced the arrangement on July 9, 2026, making these the first vehicles linked to Verizon's nationwide 5G Standalone for Connected Vehicles offering. The distinction from prior 5G automotive deals is architectural, not cosmetic. When T-Mobile launched Magenta Drive for BMW in March 2022 — claiming the first 5G-connected cars in the U.S. — the service was a consumer subscription, priced at $20 a month, that turned the BMW iX and i4 into mobile Wi-Fi hotspots for passengers. Verizon's arrangement replaces a different layer entirely: the embedded machine-to-cloud channel that BMW Group uses to push firmware updates, refresh maps, enable or revoke subscription services, and monitor the health of every vehicle in its fleet. That channel has no consumer-facing price tag — it is infrastructure BMW operates at the OEM level, baked into every car at the factory. Three Partners, One Connectivity Stack The architecture routes through three distinct layers, each with a separate role. Verizon supplies the radio network — 5G Standalone and LTE — as the physical connectivity layer. KDDI's Global Communications Platform sits in the middle, acting as a programmatic control plane between BMW's systems and Verizon's network. That platform, which KDDI has built over more than two decades of automotive IoT work, gives BMW Group direct visibility into and control over the data packets flowing through Verizon's infrastructure, without requiring BMW to hold a direct relationship with a U.S. carrier. The platform also handles automatic carrier management, eSIM orchestration, connectivity monitoring,

Polestar 4 lineup adds upright SUV body style | WardsAuto

A Polestar 4 all-wheel-drive SUV will arrive in European and Asian showrooms by the start of September, the company announced in a July 7 release. Polestar will start sales of the model on Sept. 2. The model was first confirmed with on confirmed on Feb. 18. A sales ban on Polestar vehicles was imposed in June by the U.S. Department of Commerce because of its connected vehicle technology linked to China. Its sibling Geely-owned brand, Volvo Cars, was granted permission to continue U.S. sales in May. The Polestar 4 SUV aims to build on the success of the existing Polestar 4, now called the coupé, which also gets an upgrade this year. Both the Polestar 4 SUV and the latest Polestar 4 coupé feature retuned chassis components to further strengthen the models’ sporty driving dynamics. The models use Polestar’s 400-volt powertrain architecture claiming a range of up to 391 miles on Europe’s WLTP rating for rear-wheel-drive versions and a maximum power output of up to 544 hp in dual-motor models. The Polestar 4 SUV is manufactured in Busan, South Korea, and will be available to order in a majority of Polestar markets. Pricing hasn’t yet been announced. “With Polestar 4 SUV, we're building on that success by offering even more versatility while staying true to the Polestar 4 character,” said Lohscheller in a company statement. “Wrapped in a stunning design, this is a car I've been looking forward to sharing with the world.”

Bentley confirms first fully electric model for September reveal

Bentley Motors has confirmed the fourth model in its lineup will be its first battery-electric vehicle. The Bentley Torcal, announced with an interior detail image, will join the automaker’s existing models of the Continental GT, Flying Spur and Bentayga SUV when it is revealed on September 23, the company said in a July 6 release. While the release dropped several hints that the Torcal will be electric, such as its name being derived from the Latin “torquere” alluding to the extra torque output of EV powertrains, Bentley confirmed the fact in an emailed response to WardsAuto. The car’s nomenclature also falls in line with referencing remarkable natural landmarks, along with the Bentayga, Bacalar and Batur, in its inspiration by the El Torcal de Antequera limestone landscape in Andalusia, Spain. Bentley did not respond to a request for details on Torcal pricing and specifications. Earlier this year, in the wake of the cancellation of several other future Bentley EVs, Bentley’s chairman and CEO, Frank-Steffen Walliser, told WardsAuto that a new generation of Bentley customers are asking for a connected car. Walliser also noted that this upcoming EV will be able to add 100 miles of range in about seven minutes. “For 107 years Bentleys have been the most incredibly complete cars -- effortless performance, outstanding comfort, exquisite British handcraftsmanship using the best natural materials and a soundtrack with soul,” said Walliser. “Our new Torcal sets extraordinary benchmarks in every area that matters, and may just be the most considered car in our history,” he added.”

Kia Carens Clavis vs Nissan Tekton Comparison – Price, Mileage, Specs &amp; Features 2026

Kia Carens Clavis vs Nissan Tekton Kia Carens Clavis X-Line 7 Seat Turbo Petrol DCT 21.67 lakh Nissan Tekton Tekna Plus T280 DCT 18.59 lakh Engine & Transmission Max Engine Power Max Engine Torque Fuel Type/ Propulsion Engine Type Engine Installation Engine Displacement Paddle Shifters for Automatic Gearbox Number of Gears Lockable Differential/s Gearbox Type Drive Layout Number of Cylinders Fuel & Performance Official Fuel Economy Fuel Tank Capacity Drive Mode Types Auto Start/Stop Fuel Supply System Suspension & Steering Rear Brakes Front Brakes Type of Power Assist Steering Adjust type Steering Adjust Rear Springs Damper Control Ride Height Adjust Rear Suspension Type Front Springs Front Suspension Type Rear Tyre Size Spare Wheel Wheel Size Wheels Front Tyre Size Dimensions Width Doors Wheelbase Chassis Type Length Height Ground Clearance Boot Capacity Comfort Rear Power Outlet Driving Modes Dead Pedal Remote Locking Sunroof Cruise Control Climate Control Exterior Mirrors Electric Adjust Third Row AC Vents Exterior Mirrors Electric Fold Rear Windscreen Sun Shade Front Passenger Seat Adjust from Rear Hands-free Boot Opening Launch Control Rear AC Vents Ambient Lighting Power Windows Push Button Start Auto Parking Keyless Entry Power Windows with One Touch-Up Digital Instrument Cluster Rear Parcel Tray Driver Armrest Storage Powered Tailgate Power Windows with One Touch-Down Flat Bottom Steering Wheel Front Seatback Pockets Interior Lamps 12 Volt Port Boot 12 Volt Port Vanity Mirror Trunk Light Acoustic Windshield Steering Mounted Controls Bluetooth Connectivity Safety Rear Defogger Tyre Pressure Monitoring System Traction Control Rear Cross Traffic Alert Parking Sensors Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Parking Camera Speed-Sensing Auto Door Locks Hill Descent Control Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist Child Safety Lock Dashcam Day Night Interior Mirror Driver Attention Warning Central Locking Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) Electronic Parking Brake Electronic Stability Control Front Collision Avoidance Brake Assist (BA) Blind Spot

China Issues First Mandatory National Standard for L2 Combined Driving Assistance ...

Gasgoo Munich- China's first mandatory national standard for L2 combined driver assistance systems has been approved. Organized by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the "Safety Requirements for Combined Driving Assistance Systems of Intelligent and Connected Vehicles" (GB 47955—2026) recently won approval from the State Administration for Market Regulation and the Standardization Administration of China. It takes full effect on January 1, 2027. This marks the country's first mandatory safety technical code specifically targeting L2 combined driver assistance systems. It signals the end of a fragmented era governed by voluntary standards, establishing a unified safety baseline for the industry. Combined driving assistance systems help drivers manage lateral and longitudinal control under specific conditions—provided the human remains fully aware and in charge. China's intelligent connected vehicle sector has hit a high-growth window. MIIT data shows that since 2026, 70% of new passenger cars have featured combined driving assistance, while penetration for models offering Navigate on Autopilot (NOA) has topped 30%. Yet as the market swelled, mandatory safety rules for L2 systems remained absent, fueling industry chaos and raising safety concerns. Grounded in industry realities, GB 47955—2026 balances technical feasibility with practical enforcement. The standard breaks L2 systems into three distinct tiers: Basic Single Lane, Basic Multi-Lane, and NOA—each with specific safety mandates. Basic Single Lane supports adaptive cruise and lane keeping but blocks auto-changing; Basic Multi-Lane allows changes only when triggered by the driver's turn signal; NOA permits automatic lane changes and ramp navigation, but strictly forbids crossing solid lines. This classification effectively eliminates the wiggle room automakers once used to market vague capabilities like "L2.5" or "L2.9." On safety, the code sets baseline requirements covering functionality, data logging, and manufacturer accountability. Recognizing that these systems are meant to assist—not replace—the driver, it also sets strict rules for human-machine

Firstech Announces Next-Generation Drone XC2 LTE Dash Camera

SEATTLE, WA – Firstech, the maker of Compustar and DroneMobile, today announced the release of the Drone XC2 (model: XC2-LTE), the next generation of its LTE-connected dash camera ecosystem. Engineered to bridge the gap between traditional vehicle security and cloud-connected video monitoring, the Drone XC2 solidifies its position as the industry’s only dash camera that integrates seamlessly with aftermarket remote start and alarm systems. As auto insurance premiums have risen more than 40% in the last five years, the financial stakes of unproven traffic disputes and parking lot incidents have never been higher. The Drone XC2 directly addresses this issue by delivering indisputable video evidence, transforming a driver’s smartphone into a real-time security monitor. Total Vehicle Surveillance While maintaining the same low-profile form factor of its predecessor, the Drone XC2 introduces four sweeping upgrades designed to improve driver security and reduce friction points experienced with other solutions. - 3-Channel Video Support: The XC2 expands capabilities to support up to three simultaneous video inputs, allowing drivers to achieve coverage across front, rear, and interior angles. - Driving Events with Auto-Cloud Upload: Incidents triggered by impact, sudden braking, or harsh acceleration are instantly uploaded to the secure DroneMobile cloud, ensuring critical evidence is preserved and accessible from anywhere. - 20x More Cloud Video: XC2 delivers approximately 200 3-channel cloud preview videos per GB of cellular data, bout 20x more than previous generations. The result is faster incident review, lower cellular usage, and more events available before data limits become a concern. - Plug-and-Play OBD-II Harness Included: To streamlining installation for standalone dash cam buyers and 12-volt installers, the XC2 now includes a plug-and-play OBD-II harness (previously a $99.99 standalone accessory). “Drone XC2 reflects our commitment to making connected vehicle security more practical and accessible,” shares Firstech’s managing director, Jason Kaminski. “By combining

Hyundai Staria Hybrid 2027: PH Specs, Features, Prices

Hyundai Motor Philippines has expanded its electrified lineup with the new Staria Hybrid. The van joins the Santa Fe, Tucson, and Palisade in offering comfortable hybrid options to fit the entire family. The van is now the first in Hyundai’s lineup to feature Bluelink. This connected car service platform allows the owner to receive real-time traffic and weather updates directly from the infotainment system without connecting a smartphone. There are also more advanced convenience and safety features that we can delve into. Here’s everything you need to know about the Staria Hybrid. OTHER STORIES YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED: Review: 2027 Changan Nevo A05 iD QC opens its second recreational flood-control facility in Brgy. Tandang Sora Variants and prices of the Hyundai Staria Hybrid 2027: The Staria Hybrid retains the futuristic styling of the diesel models and is available in three colors: Creamy White, Abyss Black Pearl, and Shimmering Silver Metallic. The van comes in five variants, with seven-seater, nine-seater, and 11-seater options. The Staria Hybrid has a starting price of P1,999,000 for the nine-seater GL variant. The 11-seater GL is priced at P2,079,000, while the higher trim nine-seater GLS stickers for P2,389,000. Meanwhile, the Premium nine-seater variant is available for P2,999,000, while the top-of-the-line Premium Plus seven-seater stickers for P3,199,000. You can check out the full price list below. Hyundai Staria 2027 Philippine prices - Hyundai Staria 2.2 Diesel Cargo 6MT – P1,499,000 - Hyundai Staria 1.6T HEV GL 6AT 9S – P1,999,000 - Hyundai Staria 1.6T HEV GL 6AT 11S – P2,079,000 - Hyundai Staria 1.6T HEV GLS 6AT 9S – P2,389,000 - Hyundai Staria 1.6T HEV Premium 6AT 9S – P2,999,000 - Hyundai Staria 1.6T HEV Premium Plus 6AT 7S – P3,199,000 Exterior of the Hyundai Staria Hybrid 2027: As mentioned, the van retains the futuristic styling introduced

Color a Clean Slate Truck with Crayola Crayon Colors

Slate Auto has built its entire pitch around a single idea: buy the cheapest, plainest truck on the market, then make it yours. Now the startup is handing that idea over to the company that has spent 120 years teaching children how to make things theirs with a crayon. Slate announced Thursday that it is partnering with Crayola on a line of five vehicle wraps, pulling colors straight from the crayon box onto the sheet metal of the $24,950 Slate Truck — a price tag the company continues to market as the lowest of any new truck sold in America. The wraps come in Cerulean, Fern, Jersey Tomato, Razzmatazz, and Dandelion, the last of which Crayola describes as a fan favorite among its 120-plus shades. It is Crayola’s first-ever automotive partnership, and it leans hard into the premise that made Slate’s launch strategy notable in the first place: these are trucks designed from the start to be wrapped, not painted, so an owner can peel off one identity and put on another without much more effort than reskinning a phone case. A Blank Canvas, By Design Slate’s whole manufacturing model is built around modularity. The trucks and its two SUV variants roll out of a reindustrialized factory in Warsaw, Indiana, in a bare-bones state, and owners add on from there — including converting a truck into an SUV after the fact. Vehicle wraps have been part of that customization pitch since the beginning, sold direct-to-consumer through the company’s online Slate Marketplace rather than through a traditional dealer network. The Crayola tie-in formalizes that pitch into a starter pack: decals, a key fob cap, and a small clip-on dashboard accessory Slate calls a “Slatelet,” all themed to one of the five colors. Pricing starts at $1,549.99, and the packs go on

Connectivity concerns for logistics and transport firms

Connectivity is an issue for logistics and transport fleets more than any other industry, new research suggests. Some 165 ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT) decision-makers in major logistics and transport firms across the world were questioned for The Connected Fleet 2026, produced by Pelion in partnership with ABI Research. In total, 675 business leaders throughout a variety of industries took part in the survey. Among the logistics and transport professionals surveyed, more than two-thirds (68%) revealed that unstable cellular connectivity or network capacity is a major obstacle to scaling their IoT deployments – the highest proportion of any sector included in the research. Ensure you always get Fleet News insight. Make us your preferred source on Google For businesses that rely on real-time fleet tracking, cold-chain monitoring and parcel visibility, even brief periods of connectivity loss can disrupt operations, reduce customer visibility and impact service-level agreements. The findings reflect an industry under growing pressure to deliver uninterrupted, data-driven logistics across increasingly complex supply chains. The findings also reveal security is emerging as an equally significant challenge. More than a quarter (27%) of logistics respondents reported experiencing a cellular IoT security incident during the past 12 months – the highest rate across all industries surveyed, ahead of manufacturing (26%), smart buildings (25%), healthcare (24%) and energy (19%). As transport operators connect more vehicles, trailers, warehouses and cargo assets, the industry’s attack surface continues to expand. This mirrors wider market trends, with analysts forecasting that the number of connected IoT devices worldwide will exceed 40 billion by the end of the decade, making robust device management and network security increasingly critical for supply chain resilience. The research also reveals that logistics leaders are particularly concerned about their ability to detect threats before they disrupt operations. Almost two-thirds (62%) identified insufficient threat detection as