NADA Foundation commits $3 million in effort to connect cancer patients with dealer-provided rides
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Inside Cadillac’s 5-year product plan: Gas models extended as all-EV changeover delayed
Electric and gasoline vehicles will coexist at Cadillac dealerships into the 2030s as the brand lengthens the life cycle of some nameplates.
Jul 17, 2026 · via autonews.com
Many automakers provide a limited free trial of connected features on new models that would normally require a paid subscription. In many cases, these freebies last for a year, and the rationale for offering them is simple: Live with a convenience for 12 whole months, and it becomes hard to live without it. That’s why I pay $15 a month for remote locks on my GR Corolla. Stellantis has been on a roll as of late, though, and evidently wants to continue that trajectory, so it’s promising to grant buyers of most 2027 models across all brands a full decade of features like remote start, locks, and automatic SOS calls before they’re required to pay up. It’s all a part of a revitalized “Connect One” plan, which includes the following features: - Remote engine start/stop - Remote lock/unlock doors - Over-the-air (OTA) software updates - Monthly vehicle health reports - Vehicle health and recall alerts - Service scheduling - Automatic SOS calls - Remotely clear personal data - In-vehicle games via the App Market Connect One does not offer remote horn/flashing lights, stolen vehicle assistance, or connected navigation—those are available in the upgraded Connect Plus tier. However, anyone who buys a 2027 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Wagoneer S, or Alfa Romeo gets three years of that, too. At that point, the only feature you’d have to add, if you wanted to, is a Wi-Fi hotspot for $13 per month. But, back to the Connect One stuff. For the life of me, I don’t understand why more automakers don’t try this. These conveniences cost nothing to run, and while obviously giving them away for 10 years means losing out on some profit, it’s an easy freebie to throw in particularly if you’re not selling as many cars as you’d like, or when
Jul 17, 2026 · via thedrive.com
Featured Stories
Inside Cadillac’s 5-year product plan: Gas models extended as all-EV changeover delayed
Electric and gasoline vehicles will coexist at Cadillac dealerships into the 2030s as the brand lengthens the life cycle of some nameplates.
Electric and gasoline vehicles will coexist at Cadillac dealerships into the 2030s as the brand lengthens the life cycle of some nameplates.
Jul 17, 2026 · via autonews.com
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Jul 17, 2026 · via youtube.com
Micron Technology (NasdaqGS:MU) has signed multi year supply agreements with major automotive suppliers, including Qualcomm, DENSO, Hyundai Mobis, Visteon, HARMAN, JOYNEXT, and Astemo. The deals focus on providing advanced memory and storage for next generation, AI enabled vehicles. These agreements are structured to give both Micron and its partners clearer visibility on long term supply and pricing. For investors watching Micron Technology, this move extends the company further into the automotive market at a time when vehicles are increasingly built around AI centric platforms. Memory and storage are central components for assisted driving, in vehicle infotainment, and connected car features, and Tier 1 suppliers are looking to secure dependable access to these components. These new agreements formalize that demand in a way that is intended to support longer term planning for all parties. The auto segment has often been described as cyclical, so multi year contracts can influence how investors evaluate earnings stability and revenue visibility for Micron. As AI capabilities are incorporated into vehicles, these deals position Micron as a technology partner to companies building the underlying platforms, and provide investors with another perspective on how its AI related business reaches beyond traditional computing markets. Stay updated on the most important news stories for Micron Technology by adding it to your watchlist or portfolio. Alternatively, explore our Community to discover new perspectives on Micron Technology. 📊 These multi year automotive supply agreements anchor Micron Technology more firmly in AI enabled vehicles, tying a portion of future demand to Tier 1 contracts. 📊 Watch how automotive revenue, AI related commentary, and any updates on contract scale or duration show up in future results and guidance. ⚠️ The valuation flag of trading about 50.2% above estimated fair value, alongside 3 identified risks including non cash earnings and share price volatility, raises
Jul 17, 2026 · via simplywall.st
In a recent demonstration during a 5G Automotive Association event, Viasat demonstrated a satellite voice call fully integrated into the infotainment system of a BMW Group vehicle. The demonstration in Munich, Germany, used Qualcomm Technologies’ Snapdragon Auto 5G Modem-RF Gen 2 solution, and the Fraunhofer IIS NESC AI voice codec to compress the data in order to transmit in narrowband IoT, low data rate over Viasat’s mobile satellite service (MSS) network. This builds off of a voice call demonstration earlier this year with Cubic³ eSIM capabilities. However, Viasat said this was the first time this technology was integrated into BMW Group’s in-vehicle infotainment platform. This integration allows voice calls to be initiated and managed directly through the vehicle interface. Viasat is one of the satellite companies that has been working with 5GAA group for some time to incorporate non-terrestrial network (NTN) communications into the connected vehicle ecosystem. “This demonstration reflects broader industry excitement to ensure consistent, resilient satellite capabilities for next-generation vehicles. By bringing standards-based NTN to vehicles, we can integrate satellite voice and messaging and ultimately enable a future where drivers can remain connected — wherever the journey takes them,” commented Sandeep Moorthy, senior vice president of Advanced Non-Terrestrial Solutions at Viasat. More on the connected car market:
Jul 16, 2026 · via satellitetoday.com
For year after year, more Americans have bought Toyota RAV4s than anything that isn’t a pickup truck. The brand’s reputation for solid reliability has kept it ahead of SUVs from other automakers, and the nation’s embrace of SUVs and crossovers relegated the poor old Camry to near-bottom of the top 10. For the latest generation—the sixth since 1994—all RAV4s are electrified. Most will use a mix of internal combustion engine and brakes to recharge their hybrid powertrains’ traction batteries, like the millions of Priuses out there on the roads. But there’s also a plug-in hybrid EV option, with an all-new powertrain with some noticeable improvements compared to the outgoing PHEV. Just as Toyota’s designers and engineers have tried to improve on the previous RAV4 with each successive generation, their counterparts in the powertrain department have similarly been iterating and improving the combination of electric motors and piston engine. Under the hood there’s a naturally aspirated 2.5 L four-cylinder engine that operates on the Atkinson-cycle, aided by variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust sides. The engine, which on its own generates 186 hp (139 kW) and 172 lb-ft (233 Nm), is connected to one of two electric motors under the RAV4’s hood, as well as to Toyota’s electronically controlled variable ratio transmission. Forget anything you know about conventional continuously variable transmissions or anything to do with cones or belts. This eCVT uses a planetary gear arrangement that sends power from the engine to one electric motor to charge the RAV4’s lithium-ion traction battery. This is a useful 22.7 kWh in capacity and is found under the entire cabin like a battery EV, rather than stealing cargo space above the rear axle like so many earlier PHEVs. We have been running errands entirely in EV mode getting a little over
Jul 16, 2026 · via arstechnica.com
Verizon’s Retail Cuts and 5G Auto Push Could Be A Game Changer For Verizon Communications (VZ) - In recent days, Verizon Communications announced further restructuring by selling 274 company-owned retail stores and cutting about 3,000 retail and corporate roles, while also expanding its connected-vehicle presence through a new 5G and IoT collaboration with BMW Group and KDDI in the U.S. - These moves highlight Verizon’s push to lower operating costs and streamline its footprint even as it invests in higher-value connectivity ecosystems, from cars to kid-focused wearables, to support a more flexible, service-centric business model. - We’ll now examine how Verizon’s latest store divestitures and workforce reductions may reshape its investment narrative and future cash-flow profile. Capitalize on the AI infrastructure supercycle with our selection of the 53 best 'picks and shovels' of the AI gold rush converting record-breaking demand into massive cash flow. Verizon Communications Investment Narrative Recap To own Verizon today, you need to believe its core wireless and broadband franchise can generate steady cash while it tightens costs and leans into new connectivity use cases. The latest sale of 274 stores and roughly 3,000 job cuts fits that cost focus, but also underlines a key near term risk: whether aggressive belt tightening and competition, including from emerging satellite offerings, could chip away at subscriber loyalty and slow the momentum behind fixed wireless and fiber as core growth drivers. Against that backdrop, Verizon’s new 5G and IoT collaboration with BMW Group and KDDI looks especially relevant. It reinforces the idea that Verizon is trying to build higher value ecosystems around its network, from connected vehicles to wearables like the new Gizmo Watch 4, that sit on top of its fiber and 5G investments and could become an important offset if promotions, churn or SpaceX related fears pressure the
Jul 16, 2026 · via simplywall.st
Stellantis reduces pricing and adds remote engine start/stop via the brand mobile app to the standard Connect One plan for 2027 model-year Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, FIAT and Alfa Romeo vehicles. Connect One provides 10 years of remote features and vehicle health information at no extra cost. In an industry where automakers are increasingly looking to lock daily convenience features behind monthly paywalls, Stellantis is taking a slightly different tack for the 2027 model year. The parent company of Jeep, Ram, Dodge, Chrysler, Fiat, and Alfa Romeo has announced updates to its connected-vehicle strategy, moving remote engine start/stop to its complimentary tier and marginally lowering the cost of its premium subscription data packages. The adjustments address common pain points for modern car buyers: subscription fatigue and the frustration of paying extra for hardware already built into the vehicle. Remote Start Moves to the No-Cost Tier The most notable change for everyday usability is the expansion of the standard Connect One plan. For most 2027 model-year vehicles, Stellantis is adding app-based remote engine start and stop to this tier, which remains free for the first 10 years of ownership. Historically, remote start via a smartphone app was often bundled into premium, paid monthly packages. By shifting this to the complimentary Connect One tier, buyers can pre-condition their vehicles' cabins on hot or cold days without an active subscription. The standard, 10-year Connect One suite now includes: - Remote engine start/stop, lock/unlock - Over-the-air (OTA) software updates - Automatic SOS emergency calling - Monthly vehicle health reports, recall alerts, and digital service scheduling - In-vehicle games via the built-in App Market A Price Drop for Wi-Fi and Navigation For those who want full vehicle connectivity, Stellantis is lowering the price of its Connect Wi-Fi Plus package. The subscription, which provides unlimited 4G
Jul 16, 2026 · via autos.yahoo.com
Future Prospects: Key Trends Shaping the Connected Car Devices Market Until 2030 The connected car devices market is set to undergo substantial expansion over the coming years, driven by rapid technological advancements and increasing integration into modern transportation systems. This sector is evolving quickly as innovations in connectivity and vehicle autonomy transform how cars communicate and operate. Below, we explore the market's growth outlook, key players, emerging trends, segmentation, and the forces shaping its future.Market Growth Outlook for Connected Car Devices Through 2030 Forecasts indicate that the connected car devices market will experience remarkable growth, reaching a market size of $201.15 billion by 2030. This corresponds to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.6% during the forecast period. Several factors are propelling this surge, including progress in autonomous driving technologies, the integration of connected vehicles into smart city infrastructures, widespread 5G network implementation, increasing adoption of electric vehicles, and significant investments in cybersecurity for automotive systems. Important trends expected to influence the market include the incorporation of advanced telematics devices, growth in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication modules, heightened demand for safety-oriented connectivity solutions, expansion of cloud-based vehicle services, and more frequent use of over-the-air software updates. Download a free sample of the connected car devices market report: https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/sample.aspx?id=14884&type=smp&utm_source=OpenPR&utm_medium=Paid&utm_campaign=Jul_PR Leading Companies in the Connected Car Devices Industry The connected car devices market features a diverse lineup of influential companies shaping its development. Key players include Volkswagen AG, Toyota Motor Corporation, General Motors Company, Robert Bosch GmbH, Tesla Inc., Intel Corporation, Panasonic Corporation, Denso Corporation, Nvidia Corporation, Qualcomm Incorporated, Continental AG, Porsche AG, Magna International Inc., Valeo SA, Infineon Technologies AG, Autoliv Inc., Harman International Industries Incorporated, Garmin Ltd., Visteon Corporation, TomTom N.V., Sierra Wireless Inc., Delphi Technologies, and Autotalks Ltd. These companies are actively advancing technologies that support vehicle connectivity, safety,
Jul 16, 2026 · via openpr.com
A medical emergency behind the wheel is terrifying because every second suddenly feels bigger. You are trying to stay calm, stay safe and get help before things spiral. That is why John Brandt's story is getting so much attention. His Tesla Model Y helped keep him moving during a heart attack, while his son used the Tesla app to reroute the car to a nearby emergency room. The bigger takeaway isn’t that your car can replace 911. It cannot. The lesson is that connected-car settings, trusted app access and emergency contacts should be ready before you ever need them. BEFORE YOU CONNECT ANOTHER SMART TV, TABLET OR PHONE, LOCK IT DOWN Free live CyberGuy class: Sick of Spam? Join us July 22 Join us Wednesday, July 22, at 1 p.m. ET for a free CyberGuy Live class that will help you cut down on robocalls, spam texts, junk email and other unwanted messages. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson will walk you step by step through simple ways to filter spam, clean up your inbox and recognize the messages that could put your personal information at risk. No technical experience is needed. You’ll also receive our spam-stopping checklist, and every registrant will get a link to the class recording afterward. Reserve your free spot today at CyberGuyLive.com. How a Tesla Model Y helped during a medical emergency Brandt said he was driving from Atlanta to Birmingham on I-20 around 4 a.m. when severe chest pain made it unsafe for him to keep driving on his own. His Model Y had Full Self-Driving Supervised enabled, which helped keep the car on course while he called his son, Jack. Jack then acted from his own phone. Because he was an authorized driver on his father's Tesla account, he could send a new destination to the
Jul 16, 2026 · via foxnews.com
Q&As with 2026 Women in Retail: Meghan Serrell of Otto Auto Group By subscribing, you agree to receive communications from Auto Remarketing and our partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy. We may share your information with select partners and sponsors who may contact you about their products and services. You may unsubscribe at any time. Auto Remarketing is recognizing the 2026 Women in Retail honorees in the July edition of the magazine and will be posting Q&As with each of these outstanding leaders on the website. Next up, in alphabetical order by first name, is Meghan Serrell, executive manager of Otto Auto Group The Women in Retail program is presented by CarGurus. What prompted/inspired you to join the auto industry and what do you enjoy most about it? I was inspired to join the auto industry because I’ve always enjoyed helping people and building relationships, and this business gives you the opportunity to do both every day. Buying a vehicle is a major decision, so being able to guide customers through that process and help them find something that truly fits their needs is very rewarding. What I love most about the business is the people; the customers, the employees, and the relationships I’ve built over the years. I’ve always enjoyed helping my team grow and creating a positive environment where people feel supported. The industry is fast-paced and always changing, which keeps things interesting, but at the end of the day it’s really all about the people. What is the top trend you’re watching in the used-car industry this year? One of the biggest trends I’m seeing in the used-car industry right now is how much affordability is affecting buying decisions. People are holding onto their vehicles longer, shopping more carefully, and really looking for dependable pre-owned options
Jul 16, 2026 · via autoremarketing.com
The Toyota Corolla dates back to 1966 and the era of the Space Race, when the compact cruiser debuted in Japan before reaching American dealerships two years later. Toyota describes the Corolla as a car that has evolved to meet changing times, guided by the principles of quality and value. It’s a formula that has worked for the automaker, since the Corolla has been one of the best-selling cars in history, with cumulative global sales now surpassing 57 million units. The 2027 Corolla Hatchback leverages the same quality-and-value formula, built mainly with younger drivers and first-time buyers in mind. It’s also the type of car for someone who wants that sportier look without sacrificing daily practicality or stepping up to a larger vehicle. However, smaller sedans and hatchbacks can often get paired with continuously variable transmissions, or CVTs for short. While they help with fuel economy, drivers have complained about a "rubber band" feeling under acceleration, where the engine revs climb before the car actually picks up speed. Vehicles with CVTs are often criticized as being boring or uneventful to drive. Toyota hopes potential 2027 Corolla Hatchback buyers will think differently after test-driving one, as the automaker engineered its Dynamic Shift CVT to feel like anything but. How the Corolla Hatchback's transmission works The part you might miss on the spec sheet The 2027 Corolla Hatchback's Dynamic Shift CVT uses a physical launch gear for the initial pull away from a stop. Instead of relying purely on a belt-and-pulley system from the moment the driver's foot leaves the brake, the Corolla Hatchback uses a real gear first, then hands acceleration duties off to the CVT's pulley system once it is moving. It’s this unique launch gear that gives the 2027 Corolla Hatchback a more engaging feel off the line, since
Jul 16, 2026 · via howtogeek.com
Stellantis Overhauls Connected Tech: Free Remote Start, Cheaper Wi-fi In an industry where automakers are increasingly looking to lock daily convenience features behind monthly paywalls, Stellantis is taking a slightly different tack for the 2027 model year. The parent company of Jeep, Ram, Dodge, Chrysler, Fiat, and Alfa Romeo has announced updates to its connected-vehicle strategy, moving remote engine start/stop to its complimentary tier and marginally lowering the cost of its premium subscription data packages. The adjustments address common pain points for modern car buyers: subscription fatigue and the frustration of paying extra for hardware already built into the vehicle. Remote Start Moves to the No-Cost Tier The most notable change for everyday usability is the expansion of the standard Connect One plan. For most 2027 model-year vehicles, Stellantis is adding app-based remote engine start and stop to this tier, which remains free for the first 10 years of ownership. Historically, remote start via a smartphone app was often bundled into premium, paid monthly packages. By shifting this to the complimentary Connect One tier, buyers can pre-condition their vehicles' cabins on hot or cold days without an active subscription. The standard, 10-year Connect One suite now includes: - Remote engine start/stop, lock/unlock - Over-the-air (OTA) software updates - Automatic SOS emergency calling - Monthly vehicle health reports, recall alerts, and digital service scheduling - In-vehicle games via the built-in App Market A Price Drop for Wi-Fi and Navigation For those who want full vehicle connectivity, Stellantis is lowering the price of its Connect Wi-Fi Plus package. The subscription, which provides unlimited 4G LTE Wi-Fi data for up to eight devices, connected navigation, stolen vehicle assistance, and a vehicle finder tool, will now cost $15.99 per month, a $2 reduction from its previous pricing. To encourage adoption, buyers who enroll in
Jul 16, 2026 · via autoguide.com
The global AI Dash Cams Market is experiencing rapid growth as intelligent in-vehicle safety technologies become an essential component of modern transportation. According to a recent study by SNS Insider, the global AI Dash Cams Market size valued at USD 3.32 billion in 2025, is anticipated to grow to USD 15.44 billion by 2035, registering a CAGR of 16.60% over the 2026–2035 forecast period. Increasing issues relating to road safety, accident avoidance, and accountability for drivers have led many people to install AI-based dashboard cameras. Modern-day AI dashboard cameras not only record but also offer real-time assistance to drivers and notify them about potential accidents in order to minimize any danger. Moreover, the market is getting benefits from its integration with the ecosystem of connected vehicles, cloud-based analytics, and telematics systems. These developments have provided companies with the ability to track their fleet better, maintain compliance, and derive insights through driver behavior and road situations. To Get Detailed Insights on the AI Dash Cams Market – Request a Sample Report Connected Mobility Continues to Unlock New Growth Opportunities The automotive sector has started to adopt intelligent safety technology rapidly due to increased efforts by governments to enhance road safety and insurers to implement risk management measures. AI-enabled dash cameras have become an important feature used to monitor driver activities, prevent fraud claims, and speed up investigation process. There is massive investment being made in cloud connected cameras to provide real time video feed, predictive alerts, and analytics by companies to increase fleet efficiency and compliance along with decreasing maintenance cost. Further advancement in connected car technology, autonomous vehicles and AI transportation platforms may lead to more use cases for intelligent dash cameras in future. Key Market Insights Highlight Shifting Demand Patterns By application, personal vehicles accounted for nearly 60.08% of
Jul 16, 2026 · via snsinsider.com
Micron Builds AI Memory's "Second Growth Curve"? Signs Long-Term Strategic Customer Agreements With Qualcomm, Hyundai and Other Automakers Micron Technology is strategically expanding its AI storage portfolio into the intelligent vehicle sector, securing long-term agreements with Qualcomm and major automotive suppliers. This move addresses the surging demand for high-performance storage in ADAS and software-defined vehicles. By anchoring demand with key industry partners, Micron effectively mitigates cyclical volatility and establishes a secondary growth engine beyond data centers. These strategic collaborations support long-term capacity investment and R&D, positioning Micron as a foundational provider for next-generation automotive platforms and reinforcing its influence in high-end, high-reliability storage markets. TradingKey - Micron Technology ( MU) has officially expanded its core AI storage layout from data centers to the intelligent connected vehicle sector. By signing long-term strategic customer agreements with Qualcomm, Hyundai, and multiple leading automotive technology suppliers, the company has secured downstream high-end automotive storage demand and refined its all-scenario AI storage business portfolio. Against the backdrop of the automotive industry's accelerated transition toward software-defined vehicles, the continuous iteration of in-vehicle infotainment, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), and high-level intelligent vehicle features is driving rapid growth in demand for the performance and capacity of advanced storage. Consequently, the long-term stability and predictability of supply have become core demands for automakers and the supply chain. On one hand, this long-term agreement cooperation will stabilize downstream customers' expectations for storage supply, supporting all parties in conducting technology R&D, product qualification, and capacity investment for next-generation automotive platforms. On the other hand, it also provides a clear demand anchor for Micron's automotive storage business, smoothing out industry cyclicality and supporting the rhythm of its technological iteration and capacity expansion. From an industry perspective, intelligent vehicles have become the key new engine for storage chip demand growth following data centers.
Jul 16, 2026 · via tradingkey.com
Our team have been using connected vehicle data from multiple suppliers since 2018 and it has transformed how we understand traffic and safety. It can show how fast vehicles are moving on almost every road, without the need for costly roadside sensors or repeated surveys, often with the ability to unlock data from over a decade ago. That level of coverage is a major step forward for anyone working in road safety, transport planning or network management. However, there is an important constraint sitting behind all this capability. Connected vehicle data can only ever provide a sample, not a 100% census, which has consequences for what it can and cannot reliably measure. Together with our team of statisticians and data scientists we have been investigating this. Let's consider two common scenarios. In the first, an authority wants to understand typical speeds on a residential road. The road carries relatively low traffic, perhaps only a few hundred vehicles per hour at peak. Looking at any single-hour window with a low-sample-size dataset will yield little or no usable information. There aren't enough observed vehicles to produce a reliable estimate. In the second scenario, a scheme has been introduced on a busy urban corridor, and the question is how speeds have changed from one week to the next. Here, traffic volumes are high, but the timeframe is short. Again, the sample size becomes the main problem. Even on a busy road, a small percentage of vehicles observed over a single week may not be enough to reliably detect change, especially if the changes themselves are modest. In both cases, the data exists. The question is whether it is large enough to support the conclusion being asked of it. Connected vehicle data does not observe every vehicle on the road. It captures those that
Jul 16, 2026 · via agilysis.co.uk
Owners of in-car infotainment systems such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are devoting a growing share of their listening time to digital audio, according to new data from Edison Research at SSRS. Edison’s Share of Ear study shows ownership of in-car infotainment systems has more than doubled since 2019, rising from 18% of Americans age 13 and older to 40% today. As those systems have become more common, they have also become a catalyst for increased use of streaming audio services. Among people who own an infotainment system, non-digital audio sources — including over-the-air AM/FM radio, SiriusXM satellite radio and owned music such as CDs — accounted for 86% of in-car listening time in 2019. Today, digital platforms have made significant gains, with infotainment owners spending 36% of their total in-car listening time with streaming music, AM/FM station streams, podcasts and audiobooks. Even so, the dashboard technology has not eliminated traditional audio. Edison says non-digital sources continue to account for nearly two-thirds of listening among infotainment owners, underscoring radio’s continued strength in the car despite growing competition from connected audio services. The findings come from Share of Ear, Edison’s ongoing consumer study that measures listening across all major audio platforms in the U.S. and tracks changes in audio consumption over time.
Jul 16, 2026 · via insideradio.com
Volkswagen has entered the growing premium e-bike market with a new range of electrically assisted bikes featuring automotive-inspired safety technology, including a rear-view camera, integrated radar, connected lighting and a smart helmet. The German automotive giant says the new range has been designed as a complete “ecosystem”, borrowing many of the intelligent safety concepts found in modern cars. At the heart of the system is a Smart View cockpit, which combines a rear-facing camera with a display mounted on the handlebars, allowing riders to monitor traffic behind them without taking their eyes off the road. The bikes also include a radar system that alerts riders to approaching vehicles, similar to Garmin’s popular Varia radar. Connected safety The bikes feature a minimalist aluminium frame with fully integrated electronics and battery, giving them a sleek appearance reminiscent of brands such as VanMoof. A standout feature is Volkswagen’s Smart Lights system. An LED light strip built into the top tube changes colour depending on the rider’s actions, glowing red under braking and flashing amber when indicating a turn. Volkswagen has also introduced a connected Smart Helmet, which pairs with the bike via Bluetooth. The helmet incorporates high-visibility LED lighting that synchronises with the bike’s lighting system, while also offering crash detection and an emergency alert function. Completing the package are Smart Glasses, which project ride information, navigation prompts and blind-spot warnings directly into the rider’s field of vision using heads-up display technology originally developed for aviation applications. While many of these features have appeared individually on other bikes and accessories, Volkswagen has integrated them into a single connected platform designed to improve rider awareness and visibility. Whether this technology significantly improves safety in real-world traffic remains to be seen, but it reflects a broader trend towards using automotive technology to encourage more people
Jul 16, 2026 · via bicyclingaustralia.com.au
A newly released federal and industry data finds nationwide, vehicle theft fell to its lowest level in decades in 2025, a decline steep enough that insurers, law enforcement and policymakers are now racing to explain it, and to make sure it lasts. The National Insurance Crime Bureau, the nonprofit that tracks and investigates insurance fraud on behalf of more than 1,200 insurers, is marking National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month this July by pointing to the numbers behind that shift. According to the bureau’s 2025 Vehicle Theft Report, released in March, reported thefts across the country dropped 23.2 percent from 2024 to 2025, falling from 850,708 stolen vehicles to 659,880. That amounts to roughly 190,800 fewer thefts in a single year. A Decline Built on Coordination, Not Coincidence David J. Glawe, the bureau’s president and chief executive, has been careful to frame the drop not as luck but as the payoff of years of overlapping effort. He has described the decline as the product of coordinated work among law enforcement, state theft-prevention authorities, policymakers, automakers, insurers and the public — the kind of alignment that rarely happens by accident in American crime policy. That coordination looks different depending on where you live, but a pattern has emerged in the states that saw the steepest declines. Colorado, Texas and Washington each recorded major drops in theft volume, and each has something in common: dedicated state authorities built specifically to fight vehicle theft, paired with tougher criminal penalties passed in recent years. Glawe has held those three states up as a model, arguing that durable infrastructure — public awareness campaigns, law enforcement support, grant funding and close partnership with groups like his own — produces a public safety strategy that survives beyond a single budget cycle or news cycle. Where the Numbers Moved
Jul 15, 2026 · via autoconnectedcar.com