VIDEO: Suspect's <b>car</b> stolen while committing burglary in Howard County
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Connected Car
2027 Kia Niro Goes Hybrid-Only With A Fresh New Look
The Kia Niro is a solid entry in the brand's American lineup, if not exactly popular. In the brand's recently published June 2026 sales results, Niro found just 2,048 buyers during the month. That was still up slightly from the same period last year, but it's well behind the company's bestseller, the Sportage. To spice things up a bit, Kia is rolling out a minor refresh that brings it more in line with its SUV siblings. - Base Trim Engine - 1.6L I4 Hybrid - Base Trim Transmission - 6-speed auto-shift manual - Base Trim Drivetrain - Front-Wheel Drive - Base Trim Horsepower - 103.5 HP @5700 RPM - Base Trim Torque - 106.3 lb.-ft. @ 4000 RPM - Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined) - 53/54/53 MPG - Base Trim Battery Type - Lithium polymer (LiPo) - Make - Kia - Model - Niro - Segment - Compact SUV - Base Trim Battery Capacity - 1.3 kWh What can you expect on the 2027 Kia Niro? It's small but effective with lighting updates on the outside, and a revised interior with some tech updates. Let's dive in for a closer look. . "For the new model year, we’ve made meaningful investments across several areas of the vehicle to further enhance the ownership experience and ensure Niro remains a compelling choice for years to come." - Orth Hedrick, executive director for product planning, Kia North America A Closer Look At The 2027 Niro The refreshed Niro's exterior styling changes are predominantly at the front and rear. The nose has a more chiseled appearance that fits better with the brand's other SUVs, such as the Sorento and Telluride. It adopts the company's Star Map signature lighting with upright, T-shaped elements in each lamp. Kia says the change is supposed to communicate "a
Geotab <b>connects</b> fleet data to mainstream AI platforms
Announced on 1 July 2026, the MCP (Model Context Protocol) connector Geotab allows companies to access and act on their fleet data in real-time, without leaving the AI tools already deployed within their organisation. The tool is based on this open-source protocol and works with ChatGPT, Claude, Microsoft Copilot, or any other MCP-approved environment. The MCP protocol was launched by Anthropic, the creator of Claude, in November 2024. By adopting this open-source standard, Geotab is creating, in its own words, «a secure and universal gateway» between fleet analytics data and enterprise AI tools. Each client thus retains the freedom to choose their platform (ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot, or any future compatible tool). The client retains control over the security, privacy, and governance of their data, in accordance with their internal policies. The connector goes beyond simple consultation. Fleet managers can query their data in natural language, chain multi-step tasks, and take direct action. This allows them to create alerts, schedule maintenance operations, generate reports, or develop complete applications. The tool also integrates Ace, Geotab's agent-based platform. The telematics company is among the first in the sector to deploy a conversational chatbot dedicated to fleet management. A massive data foundation The appeal of the connector rests on the sheer volume of data that Geotab processes: approximately 37 trillion points per year, originating from over 6 million connected vehicles in 160 countries. This data covers engine status, driver behaviour, fuel consumption, routes, maintenance needs, and safety risks.
Audi: Selling The Same <b>Car</b> Everywhere No Longer Works
Audi: Selling The Same Car Everywhere No Longer Works In Audi's vision, the global car is dead. THE BREAKDOWN - Audi believes regional differences have killed the global car. - Audi's spinoff brand AUDI (without the Four Rings) is exclusive to China. - Four-ringed models will continue in China. Audi was the first luxury automaker to enter China in 1988, six years before BMW and 17 years ahead of Mercedes. It didn’t take long for the trio to discover that Chinese customers prefer more spacious cars with roomier back seats. They all adapted by stretching the wheelbases of their global models for the locally manufactured versions. Since then, Western brands have launched a myriad of China-only models, including long-wheelbase SUVs. With help from SAIC, Audi has taken things to the next level by setting up a separate car brand specifically for the Chinese market. The recently founded AUDI, spelled out in capital letters and without the iconic Four Rings, sells two models in China that you can’t get anywhere else. The wagon-esque E5 Sportback led the way before the E7X SUV arrived, and a new sedan is also on the way. Why is Audi going through this much trouble? Simple: it believes the era of the global car has come to an end. The days when a one-size-fits-all formula worked are over, and automakers need to adapt their vehicles to suit regional preferences. As the saying goes, different strokes for different folks. In an interview with Australian magazine GoAuto, chief technical officer Rouven Mohr said there are fundamental incompatibilities between what buyers want around the world: 'I think the idea of the global car – so one car that fits the world – this is gone, to be honest, because it’s not fitting anymore in the US (and) in China.
How AI Can Help Fleet Managers Build Their Own Solutions | <b>Automotive</b> Fleet
Videos How AI Can Help Fleet Managers Build Their Own Solutions Syneos Health Fleet Manager Kristin Leary is exploring how AI-powered development tools, telematics data, and predictive analytics could help fleets solve operational challenges without waiting for a vendor roadmap. As artificial intelligence becomes more accessible, some fleet managers are beginning to see opportunities beyond data analysis and reporting. For Kristin Leary, fleet manager at Syneos Health, AI could eventually help fleets build custom solutions tailored to their own operations. In this On the Move interview, Leary discussed how emerging AI-powered development tools may allow fleet professionals to create applications that address specific fleet challenges without relying solely on commercial software providers. One idea she is exploring is a custom vehicle inspection and accountability tool that could use photos and AI to document vehicle condition, registration compliance, and driver responsibility. 🧭 Topics Discussed: - How AI could help fleet managers build their own custom solutions - Using telematics and data analytics to improve driver safety and reduce risk - Creating AI-powered tools for vehicle inspections, accountability, and compliance - Leveraging predictive maintenance to prevent breakdowns and control costs - Preparing fleets for a future driven by connected vehicle data and emerging technologies
<b>Car</b> tracking features for 'convenience not security' warns Kia
Don't expect trackers to save your stolen car, experts say People should not expect vehicle trackers to be able to help them if their car is stolen, experts have warned. Car safety firm Thatcham Research said there was a "genuine and growing gap" between consumer expectation and the technical reality of so-called connected car features. Ian Fogg, a smartphone analyst, said his car was stolen from outside his house in March, but he has not been able to retrieve it - despite the manufacturer, Kia, being able to view its live location via the Kia Connect service. The company told the BBC that UK law prevented the Connect function being used to live track vehicles, advising customers to use it for "convenience" rather than security. Fogg told BBC News: "This car was incredibly easy to hack but incredibly difficult to track, it shouldn't be this easy to nick a car when they cost an order of magnitude more than a phone and have similar radio technology". He had video doorbell evidence of it being driven away, an Apple Airtag hidden inside it, and the Kia Connect service. His story is a cautionary tale of how tech can promise security but cannot necessarily be relied upon in the event of a crisis. He was abroad in March this year when his phone pinged to say he no longer had access to the Kia Connect app. Thieves had broken into the vehicle without having the keys, and had disconnected Fogg's phone via the entertainment system. There is an unsecured process for doing this, designed to make it easier for new owners to take over from previous ones. He watched the car drive off via his video doorbell. For a short while he was able to track it via an Apple Airtag hidden
California Gov. signs bill pushing deadline on <b>vehicle</b> technology requirements
California Gov. signs bill pushing deadline on vehicle technology requirements By onAnnouncements Hours before a July 1 deadline that would have required automakers to implement technology requirements in the state of California, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill that pushes back the deadline. The Alliance of Automotive Innovation (Auto Innovators) warned late last month that new and used vehicle sales in California could be suspended, if SB 719 was not passed. SB 719 updates the implementation schedule for technologies required under a 2024 bill, SB1394, that requires OEMs to provide options for vehicle tracking to be disabled by the owner in an attempt to protect victims of domestic and sexual assault, along with human trafficking. In the final hour, California’s Assembly passed SB 719, sending it to the governor at 6 p.m. A press release posted by the governor’s office late Monday shows the bill as one of many signed by the governor that day. The governor’s release doesn’t provide any comments on the bill, nor does there appear to be any public comments made. It’s not the first time the governor has seen to eye to eye with automakers. In 2024, Newsom vetoed a bill that would have required intelligent speed assistance (ISA) in all vehicles in the state starting in 2030. Similar to SB1394, the ISA bill would have required specific technology be in vehicles sold in California, a requirement that the rest of the nation doesn’t have. “While I appreciate the intent to improve traffic safety, this bill presents several challenges,” Newsom said at the time. “Federal law, as implemented by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), already regulates vehicle safety standards, and adding California-specific requirements would create a patchwork of regulations that undermines this longstanding federal framework. NHTSA is also actively evaluating intelligent speed assistance
Ford's CEO Doesn't Want You Fixing Your New Bronco. He Says It's About Safety
Are independent mechanics about to get locked out of wrenching on new vehicles? Should you be allowed and able to choose who fixes the car that you own? Should you be able to work on your own car? The quiet battle brewing over the right to repair could decide the answer to these questions all within the walls of congress without you ever getting a say. The fight has been brewing for over a decade, and now it’s back in spotlight. Ford CEO Jim Farley made a comment about the topic that should make every car owner uncomfortable. Farley’s comment that modern cars are too complex and his argument that it’s a safety issue for you to work on your own car is just one piece of the puzzle. The larger question, and the real danger, is what happens if automakers win this fight that you didn’t even realize existed. The feds are involved and President Trump is now urging the EPA to clarify what repairs are legal, but the current administration’s latest move only takes aim at emissions equipment. It also is a memo and by no means changing the current situation. This isn’t a new topic and has been on the docket for years with bipartisan coalitions introducing bills, U.S. Senators calling out automotive executives for opposing right to repair, and even the feds telling automakers to ignore right to repair laws in certain states. The issue can affect things as simple as changing brake pads on your car. And cars being more connected and complicated than ever isn’t helping things. On the latest episode of The Drivecast we discuss the right to repair, how we got here, why it’s back in the news, what’s happening, what it means for you, and what you can do about it.
Kia's Affordable Niro Gets An Upscale Makeover For 2027 And Drops The EV
- Kia is bringing the facelifted Niro to America this summer. - Crossover sports revised styling, updated interior, and new tech. - The 2027 Niro drops the electric variant to go hybrid-only. Following its debut overseas in January, Kia has introduced the facelifted Niro in America. It arrives this summer with freshened styling, new technology, and a hybrid-only lineup. Looking surprisingly refined, the 2027 Niro has a “more confident and contemporary appearance.” The changes are immediately apparent as the crossover adopts a new front fascia with classier Star Map headlights. They’re joined by a revised bumper and a reworked grille. More: Redesigned 2027 Kia Niro Desperately Wants To Be An EV3 The changes continue out back, where there’s a new liftgate that features a cleaner design. The license plate recess has been moved down to the redesigned bumper, while the taillights have been given a 3D-inspired makeover. Buyers will also find smaller changes including new Ivory Silver and Sunset Beige paint colors. Moving inside, there’s an updated interior with a new steering wheel and a panoramic curved display. Higher-end variants combine a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 12.3-inch infotainment system, while entry-level variants have a smaller and more basic cluster display. Speaking of screens, models equipped with Kia Connected Car Navigation Cockpit now have quick controls and an over-the-air update capability. Motivation is provided exclusively by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain that produces 139 hp (104 kW / 141 PS) and 195 lb-ft (265 Nm) of torque. It’s connected to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, which sends power to the front wheels. This enables the Niro to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 10.7 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 109 mph (175 km/h). Fuel economy numbers haven’t been released, but they should echo last year’s model that
Frequency-domain stability analysis of mixed traffic flow considering communication ...
Figures Abstract Mixed traffic containing connected automated vehicles (CAVs) and human-driven vehicles (HDVs) is sensitive to loss of cooperative information and heterogeneous driver responses. This study develops a probability-weighted full-frequency transfer-function framework to evaluate longitudinal string stability under communication degradation. CAVs are represented by cooperative adaptive cruise control (CACC) when cooperative information is available and by adaptive cruise control (ACC) when such information is unavailable; HDV responses are represented by the intelligent driver model (IDM), optimal velocity model (OVM), and risk-sensitive model (RSM). The framework preserves frequency-dependent disturbance responses and interprets the conventional algebraic condition as a low-frequency approximation. Under the adopted single-lane, small-perturbation assumptions, passive CACC-to-ACC degradation raised the global critical CAV penetration threshold from about 87.3% in an ideal connected-upgrade benchmark to about 96.0% in the degraded baseline. HDV heterogeneity mainly compressed local stable-speed regions rather than changing the global threshold, and this pattern persisted under 100 Latin Hypercube samples with ±10% HDV parameter perturbations. A 5% functional communication-reliability loss increased the critical threshold to about 99.7% and compressed the stable domain; an equivalent response delay reduced the stable-area ratio even when the global threshold changed only slightly at 0.20 s. An NGSIM US101 trajectory replay supported the IDM-based HDV component, with median speed and spacing root mean square errors of 0.8456 m/s and 3.5078 m. These findings indicate that mixed-flow stability depends not only on CAV penetration but also on cooperative-information availability and HDV response heterogeneity, while the full speed-penetration stability map remains a model-based prediction. Citation: Han H, Li F, Hao Z, Qi L, Wei Z, Zhao C (2026) Frequency-domain stability analysis of mixed traffic flow considering communication degradation and human driving heterogeneity. PLoS One 21(7): e0352664. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0352664 Editor: Lei Zhang, Beijing Institute of Technology, CHINA Received: April 3, 2026; Accepted: June 11, 2026; Published: July
CATL secures safety production permit for Jianxiawo lithium mine
CATL secures safety production permit for Jianxiawo lithium mine CATL can likely restart its Jianxiawo lepidolite lithium mine after securing a safety production permit. Benchmark has seen a copy of the permit certificate, which was considered the last official hurdle CATL needed to overcome to resume production at the mine which has been idle since August 2025. With production resumed, Benchmark forecasts the mine could produce up to 50 kt lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) in 2026, depending on how smoothly the resumption process goes. Jianxiawo is forecast to account for 1.5–2.7% of global lithium supply in 2026.
Kia Seltos GTX(O), X-Line(O) launched in India with upgraded ADAS, HUD and <b>connected</b> tech
Kia Seltos GTX(O), X-Line(O) launched in India with upgraded ADAS, HUD and connected tech - Kia India has launched the new Seltos GTX(O) and X-Line(O) variants at a starting price of ₹21.57 lakh (ex-showroom). The biggest highlight of the new variants is the addition of Kia's ADAS F+ suite, which now packs 28 advanced driver assistance features. These include Front Collision-Avoidance Assist for junction crossings and lane changes, Evasive Steering Assist, Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control for curves and speed zones, along with Highway Driving Assist. The new features further strengthen the safety package of the Seltos. The SUV has already earned a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating. Also check these Cars New convenience and connected features Apart from safety, Kia has equipped the GTX(O) and X-Line(O) with several premium features. These include the Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC), Kia Connect 2.0 with more than 85 connected features, a Digital Key, a Head-Up Display with windshield projection, Smart Air Purifier with AQI display, Smart Dashcam with front and rear cameras, rain-sensing wipers and one-touch auto up/down function for all four power windows with safety protection. Voice-enabled convenience across select regional languages has also been added. The SUV continues to be based on Kia's K3 platform and will be offered with a naturally aspirated petrol engine, a turbo-petrol and diesel engine options. Also Read : New-gen Hyundai Creta spied again: To borrow this feature from Kia Seltos Kia on the new variants Commenting on the launch, Atul Sood, Senior Vice President, Marketing & Sales, Kia India, said the Seltos has continued to evolve with changing customer expectations while maintaining its position as one of the company's strongest products in India. He added that following its 5-star Bharat NCAP rating, the introduction of the GTX(O) and X-Line(O) variants further enhances the SUV by
2027 Kia Niro Debuts with New Styling, Bigger Screens and More Tech
Kia has unveiled the updated 2027 Niro. The hybrid-only Niro is back with an interior that is more high-tech, some updated styling and a wider array of driver aids. For 2027 you will also see the lineup grow to include a new S trim alongside the LX, EX and SX. If you are looking for the most noticeable difference, head to the front. The 2027 model has been given Kia’s current Opposites United treatment. You will find a revised grille and new daytime running lights along with the brand’s Star Map signature lighting. The side profile is as you would expect from a Niro, with its flowing roofline and body-colored C-pillars underscoring its crossover nature. But around back there is a new liftgate and a restyled bumper, plus three-dimensional taillights. Kia has even introduced two fresh paint options this year: Ivory Silver and Sunset Beige. There is a good deal of upgrading going on inside as well. The dashboard has been refreshed with a panoramic curved display that includes a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen. The display can also feature either a 4-inch digital gauge or you can opt for the 12.3-inch instrument cluster Even the two-tone steering wheel has been redone for 2027 to liven things up while leaving plenty of room. You could say the technology has moved forward in a big way. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard now. For those who want the Kia Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC), you get Quick Controls and the ability to download software over the air. On certain trims you can put in some time with Netflix, Disney+ or YouTube while the car is at a standstill. Want to personalize your drive? The Kia Connect Store has themes for all 30 NBA teams and some from Disney. And if
SEALSQ to Bring Post Quantum Security to the <b>Automotive</b> Industry | INN
- Enabling secure zonal architectures with chiplet-based Hardware Security Modules and pre-certified Secure Enclave IP to be integrated into next-generation automotive SoCs. SEALSQ Corp (NASDAQ: LAES) ("SEALSQ" or "Company"), a company that focuses on developing and selling Semiconductors, PKI, and Post-Quantum technology hardware and software products, today announced its vision and roadmap aiming to secure the next generation of vehicles against both today's cyberattacks and tomorrow's quantum threats. This strategic expansion into automotive cybersecurity is expected to increase SEALSQ's addressable market and deepen its role in software-defined, connected vehicles. Drawing on its in-house SEALSQ ASIC Design Services, the Company aims to deliver tailor-made, safe-and-secure automotive silicon with post-quantum cryptography (PQC) designed in from the architecture up, made available at every level of the vehicle, from Trusted Platform Modules (TPMs) and secure microcontrollers (sMCUs) to embedded Hardware Security Module (HSM) IP, chiplet-based Hardware Security Modules (CHSMs) and full custom Quantum-Resistant ASICs (QASIC). The global automotive semiconductor market is expected to grow significantly over the next decade as OEMs accelerate electrification, connectivity and autonomy, making cybersecurity-by-design a critical requirement in future platforms. As vehicles become AI-driven, software-defined, connected and autonomous, cybersecurity has become inseparable from functional safety: a compromised electronic control unit (ECU) is no longer only a data problem, it is a safety problem. Modern vehicles must therefore be engineered to be both safe and secure by design, in line with ISO 26262 (functional safety) and ISO/SAE 21434 (cybersecurity engineering), and with the UNECE R155 type-approval regime now in force for new vehicles across Europe. Because a car built today may remain on the road for 15 to 20 years, the cryptography protecting it must stay trustworthy well into the quantum-computing era, long after "harvest-now, decrypt-later" attacks have begun to threaten data and firmware protected only by classical algorithms. A unique
Vattenfall and WirelessCar test automated charging
Vattenfall and WirelessCar test automated charging The service automates vehicle authentication as well as the start, end and payment of charging sessions at both AC and DC charging stations. After a one-time registration in the My InCharge account, the system recognises the vehicle when it is plugged in and automatically initiates the charging process. Communication between the vehicle and the charging station is based on established industry standards. According to the companies, the service will initially support vehicles from Volvo Cars and Tesla that are equipped with the required connectivity features. Seamless Charging is scheduled to become available across all InCharge charging stations in autumn or winter 2026. At present, the service is limited to selected pilot locations. With this project, Vattenfall InCharge and WirelessCar aim to simplify the charging process and reduce the number of required authentication steps. “Our experience connecting vehicles, data, and ecosystem partners has shown that the best technology often removes complexity rather than adding it,” says Mateo Sotomayor, Vice President EV Experience at WirelessCar. “Improving the charging experience requires orchestration across a complex ecosystem of vehicles, platforms, charging networks, and service providers. Seamless Charging is a practical example—using connected vehicle technology to remove steps from the charging process.” The approach is similar to the autocharge services already offered by charging operators such as Fastned and EnBW. Unlike the standardised Plug & Charge process based on ISO 15118, authentication does not rely on digital vehicle certificates. Instead, the system uses a one-time link between the vehicle and the user account, followed by a cloud-based verification of vehicle data. However, Vattenfall and WirelessCar have not yet disclosed details of the underlying technical implementation. According to the company, Vattenfall InCharge operates more than 40,000 charging points. WirelessCar develops connected vehicle services and supplies the cloud-based Seamless Charging platform
Kia Seltos GTX (O) and X-Line (O) variants launched
News Kia has launched two new variants of the Seltos: GTX (O) and X-Line (O), with prices starting at Rs 21.57 lakh (ex-showroom). The Seltos GTX (O) and X-Line (O) variants get Kia’s ADAS F+ package with 28 safety features, including Front Collision-Avoidance Assist (Junction Crossing, Lane Change Oncoming, Lane Change Side, and Evasive Steering Assist), Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control and Highway Driving Assist. Both new variants offer Connected Car Navigation Cockpit, Kia Connect 2.0 with over 85 features, voice commands, a digital key, a head-up display, an air purifier with AQI display, rain-sensing wipers, front and rear dashcam and one-touch up/down power windows. The GTX (O) and X-Line (O) variants are available with 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines. The turbo-petrol version gets a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, while the diesel is paired with a 6-speed automatic gearbox.
Kia Expands the Seltos Line-up with New GTX(O) and X-Line(O) Variants
Kia Expands the Seltos Line-up with New GTX(O) and X-Line(O) Variants - Team Autopunditz - 3 hours ago - 2 min read Kia India has strengthened the flagship end of the Seltos range by introducing the new GTX(O) and X-Line(O) variants. The launch comes just months after the arrival of the all-new second-generation Seltos and aims to make the premium trims even more feature-loaded. The Seltos range continues to start at ₹10.99 lakh (ex-showroom), while the new GTX(O) and X-Line(O) variants receive a host of convenience, connected car and comfort upgrades without altering the SUV’s proven powertrain lineup. Priced at ₹21.56 lakh (ex-showroom) for the Petrol 7DCT versions and ₹21.81 lakh (ex-showroom) for the Diesel 6AT variants, the new models add premium technologies such as a Head-Up Display, Digital Key, Smart Dashcam, Air Purifier with AQI Display, One-touch auto up/down windows, and enhanced Kia Connect 2.0 functionality while retaining the Seltos’ 5-star Bharat NCAP safety credentials and multiple powertrain options. What’s New in the Seltos GTX(O) and X-Line(O)? The new flagship variants introduce several features that were either unavailable or limited to select trims earlier. Key Additions - Head-Up Display (Windshield Projection) - Digital Key - 31.24 cm (12.3-inch) HD Navigation Touchscreen - Smart Dashcam with Front & Rear Cameras - Smart Air Purifier with AQI Display - One-touch Auto Up/Down for all four windows - Kia Connect 2.0 with 85+ connected car features - Over-the-Air (OTA) software updates - Remote vehicle access through smartphone - Voice recognition and navigation enhancements These additions further strengthen the Seltos’ appeal in the premium midsize SUV segment. Safety Remains a Major Highlight Kia has retained its focus on safety by offering a comprehensive equipment list across the Seltos range. Highlights include: - Bharat NCAP 5-Star Safety Rating - Six airbags as standard -
Maeda Road unveils <b>connected</b>-<b>car</b> system to detect potholes and improve road maintenance
The system evaluates detected pavement anomalies on a five-tier scale based on response priority and displays them as color-coded tags on a digital map. By leveraging data gathered from ordinary passenger vehicles, the system comprehensively covers secondary and residential roads, offering a scalable solution for municipalities grappling with labor shortages and operational challenges in infrastructure management. Road-surface damage detected by connected vehicles is displayed on a digital map according to response priority levels. The pothole detection system, branded "Michi-Tag," estimates road surface conditions by monitoring real-time variations in wheel speed caused by structural steps and uneven pavement. Pavement damage is categorized into five distinct severity levels, ranging from "Urgent Repair" (highest priority) to "Routine Observation" (lowest priority), thereby providing data to support efficient and strategic road maintenance scheduling. A key structural advantage of the system is its capacity to encompass minor residential roads by utilizing data continuously transmitted from connected cars during everyday operation. Because these connected vehicles are ordinary passenger cars, their high volume ensures comprehensive data acquisition across extensive road networks, including narrow community streets. "As a company deeply committed to local communities, we intentionally focused our efforts on functionalities that safeguard residential roads," a company official at Maeda Road’s Technology Research Institute. The digital tags also serve as an interactive ledger where users can log field notes and maintenance histories. Because pavement deterioration typically accelerates over a span of about three months, comparing map datasets at three-month intervals enables operators to predict areas prone to upcoming pothole formations. This predictive capability transforms road maintenance from a traditionally reactive process into an efficient, preemptive workflow. During trial deployments conducted with Japanese local governments, repair requests and complaints from citizens decreased by 56%. Furthermore, while high-precision detection increased the total volume of identified repair points, it simultaneously boosted overall
What Your Polestar 2 Might Be Worth After The Government Banned It From The USA
Although Polestar has built up a generally good reputation in the marketplace, its China links have proved to be its U.S. undoing. The government has denied authorization for the company to sell its vehicles from the 2027 model year onward under America's Connected Vehicle rule. Polestar will continue to sell its existing Polestar 3 and Polestar 4 models until they are cut off. And existing customers will continue to receive support, warranty coverage, and access to the service network as well. But for those U.S. customers sitting on a Polestar 2, the situation is a little bit more personal. Polestar's Geely connection has now created some questions involving the car's current value, what a dealer is likely to offer for it in 2027, and, crucially, who will be around to fix it in 2030. The First Hit Comes At The Trade-In Desk | 2024 Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor Specifications | | |---|---| | Motor | Dual electric motors | | Transmission | Single-speed direct drive | | Drivetrain | All-wheel drive | | Power | 421 hp | | Torque | 546 lb-ft | Although Polestar is not going through a dramatic collapse of any kind, the government's ruling will create general market uncertainty. And that's likely the first place for an existing Polestar 2 owner to encounter friction. A used car appraiser will be aware that Polestar does not have any new car future in the U.S. and will also know that buyers may exercise caution, and that may have a significant effect on their valuation. Ordinarily, the Polestar 2 would be an attractive EV and, with its 2024 update, it became meaningfully better than before. It now had a more rear-biased dual-motor setup producing 421 hp and 546 lb-ft of torque. It offered up to 276
Two Silicon Valleys
| TL;DR: In San Francisco, a rift is growing between tech people who work in AI and those who don’t. The new AI wealth—which has helped drive up housing prices and the cost of living in an already expensive city—is enough to make even a six-figure salary feel somewhat lackluster. And it could be a bellwether of how AI widens class inequality beyond SF. What happened: They say comparison is the thief of joy, and nowhere is that truer right now than in San Francisco. The sky-high income (and valuable equity) that AI workers earn is leaving even those that make $180,000 a year feeling insecure, according to a New York Times report. To put it into perspective, a $180,000 annual salary puts you in roughly the top 20% of US household incomes. But it’s still a sliver of what OpenAI and Anthropic are paying some of their staff. Average yearly stock-based compensation for OpenAI employees, for example, reached $1.5 million in 2025. As one engineer told the NYT: “I feel a little bit like I’m not good enough to live here anymore because I don’t work at an AI company.” Keeping up with the AI Joneses: One area where the influx of AI wealth has had the biggest impact: real estate. The median home sale price in SF as of May was $1.7 million—16% higher than the same time last year and almost quadruple the national median. The city has even snatched the title of having the most expensive rent from NYC, with the average apartment rent hitting $3,827 per month. (The national average is $1,742.) The pre-IPO tech elite: Thousands of already well-paid AI workers could see their equity soar once Anthropic and OpenAI go public. (The NYT projects that these two IPOs, combined with the recent SpaceX