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Membership Growth Made Easy

“IT WORKS FLAWLESSLY” Four-wash Ohio chain CrazyCat uses Dencar to grow membership base Steve Chrismer, owner of the CrazyCat Car Wash chain in Southwest Ohio, believes in Dencar Technology. Soon he will have all four of his locations completely converted to the brand. Why is Dencar so important? “If you’re going to enter the membership game, there’s nothing else out there like Dencar.” said Chrismer. “It means an additional $200,000 per year in membership revenue. It works flawlessly.” Easy, unattended sales He stresses the ease with which Dencar pay stations can make the unattended sale. “Customers pull up to the pay station and are prompted to enter their phone number if they want to join. Then they simply swipe their credit card as normal. They’ll get a text link while they’re in the wash bay to finish setting up the account. It renews every month on the credit card.” Chrismer appreciates the flexibility of selling memberships, including on his chain’s website, all without needing someone on-site proactively selling. “Customers love it,” said Chrismer. “Everything can be done in the app, too. There is no sticker they need to have. And I don’t need anyone on site, which is our business philosophy. Keep overhead down, topline up, and focus on net profit. Dencar helps make it happen for us.” That’s one of the reasons he’s gone all-in with Dencar. “It’s a great pay station with great tech support made by a well-run company with responsive people.” Effectively curbs fraud He also cites Dencar’s exclusive VIA Guard anti-fraud system, which catches attempted fraudsters by using license plate reader (LPR) technology. If someone tries to use a membership code for a vehicle not connected with the account, VIA Guard flags it. Operators can send a message via text or email giving them the

BYD is deploying 2.4x more charging power per month than Tesla | Electrek

BYD is building a charging network that makes Tesla’s Supercharger look slow — and it’s deploying it at a pace that could see it surpass Tesla’s global network within two to three years. The Chinese automaker has already deployed over 5,700 Flash Charging stations in China in just a few months and just opened its first overseas stations in Europe. The chargers deliver up to 1,500 kW of power — three times what Tesla’s latest V4 Superchargers can do. I’ve long maintained that the Supercharger network is the single best thing Tesla has done for the EV revolution. Before the Supercharger network, the idea of long-distance EV travel was a fantasy. Tesla didn’t just build chargers — it built the confidence that made millions of people willing to buy an electric car for the first time. But now, for the first time, someone is mounting a serious challenge to Tesla’s charging dominance. And I think it’s the best thing that could happen for EV adoption. BYD’s charging specs crush Tesla’s — on paper The numbers are hard to ignore. BYD’s Flash Charging system delivers up to 1,500 kW to compatible vehicles, compared to Tesla’s V4 Supercharger maximum of 500 kW. On a BYD vehicle equipped with the new Blade Battery 2.0 and its 1000V architecture, that translates to a 10% to 70% charge in five minutes, and 10% to 97% in nine minutes. Tesla’s current vehicles, by comparison, max out at 250 kW for most models (500 kW for Cybertruck). Even with V4 hardware capable of 500 kW, Tesla doesn’t yet have passenger vehicle that can take advantage of the latest full output of BYD’s charging stations. BYD is already rolling the Flash Charging tech into its best-selling EVs, not just luxury models. The updated Yuan Plus (Atto 3), one

Stellantis Recalls 1.3 Million Jeep <b>Vehicles</b> Worldwide Over Fire Risk

Stellantis Recalls 1.3 Million Jeep Vehicles Worldwide Over Fire Risk Stellantis is recalling more than 1.3 million Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator models worldwide over a fire risk linked to power steering pump wiring. - Stellantis has initiated a recall affecting over 1.3 million Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator vehicles globally. - The recall is driven by a fire risk associated with issues in the power steering pump wiring. - This precautionary measure aims to ensure the safety and reliability of affected Jeep models. *Summarized by AI Stellantis is recalling more than 1.3 million Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator vehicles globally due to a potential fire risk. The recall affects 2021-2025 model-year Jeep Wrangler SUVs and Gladiator pickups. The automaker is urging owners to park affected vehicles outdoors and away from buildings or other vehicles until repairs are completed. According to Stellantis, a faulty electrical connection can generate excessive heat and, in rare cases, ignite combustible materials, even when the vehicle is parked and turned off. The recall includes approximately 1.08 million vehicles in the U.S., 106,000 in Canada, 23,000 in Mexico, and about 125,000 in other global markets. Stellantis expects a remedy to be available by July and said dealers will inspect and, if necessary, repair or replace affected components. More Safety Coaching Is Not Training, Even When AI Is Doing It AI-powered safety platforms can detect risky behaviors and deliver immediate feedback. But effective driver development still requires a foundation of training followed by coaching that reinforces those skills. Read More →How Emotions Behind the Wheel Can Affect Fleet Safety During National Safety Month, fleets are encouraged to look beyond distracted driving and recognize how stress, fatigue, and emotional well-being influence driver performance and crash risk. Read More →Nominations Open for 2026 Fleet Safety Award Nominations have officially opened for the

China's EV decline continues as BEV and PHEV sales struggle in April

China’s EV decline continues as BEV and PHEV sales struggle in April 10 June 2026 The battery-electric vehicle (BEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) markets in China struggled again in April. But was there any consistency among the best-selling models? Autovista24 special content editor Phil Curry examines the latest data. China’s electric vehicle (EV) market continued its downward spiral in April, as BEVs and PHEVs lost ground compared to 2025. The month saw a total of 580,303 BEVs sold in China, according to the latest data provided by EV Volumes. This was a 4.4% decline compared to 12 months prior. However, in terms of both volumes and year-on-year performance, April represented the best month for the market so far. China’s BEV market struggled in the first four months of 2026. Between January and April, 1,752,462 units were sold in the country, a drop of 18.1%. While China’s all-electric market experienced turbulence, PHEV sales were even shakier in April. A total of 247,510 units reflected the best monthly result of the year in terms of volume. However, this was 33.2% down compared to April 2025. That meant that four months into the year, deliveries were down by 35.5%, with 881,436 units taking to Chinese roads. The country’s new PHEV market may struggle to record growth across 2026 unless sales ramp up in the coming months. Back to the BEV summit The Geely Geome Xingyuan climbed to the top of the BEV table in April. Last year’s overall best-seller had been languishing behind its rivals at the start of 2026. However, with 35,249 sales in the month, it dominated the market for the first time in 2026. The Geely model increased its market share by 0.1 percentage points (pp) in April. This meant it accounted for 6.1% of all BEV sales in China.

Discounts and Offers on MG Hector for June 2026

Discounts and Offers on MG Hector for June 2026 - Team Autopunditz - 11 hours ago - 3 min read JSW MG Motor India has announced June 2026 consumer benefits for the MG Hector facelift range. Unlike several competitors that are offering highly variant-specific discounts, MG has adopted a simplified strategy this month with uniform benefits across the entire Hector lineup, covering both petrol and automatic variants. Buyers can avail benefits worth up to ₹50,000, making the Hector an attractive proposition in the fiercely competitive midsize SUV segment. The Hector continues to compete against the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Harrier, Mahindra XUV700, Toyota Hyryder and Honda Elevate. Its strengths remain the segment-leading cabin space, massive 14-inch infotainment system, connected-car technology and extensive ADAS feature suite. For June 2026, MG is offering a combination of special consumer incentives, exchange bonuses and corporate benefits applicable across all Hector facelift variants. The scheme is valid for both VIN25 and VIN26 inventory and applies to all seating configurations, including 5-seater, 6-seater and 7-seater versions. 🏆 Best Deal of the Month: Applicable across the entire MG Hector range with benefits up to ₹50,000. ⚠️ Limited Stock Alert: Benefits are applicable on retail deliveries completed during June 2026 and remain subject to dealer stock availability. MG Hector Petrol & CVT Discounts The MG Hector lineup spans multiple variants including Style, Shine Pro, Select Pro, Smart Pro, Sharp Pro and Savvy Pro grades. June 2026 benefits are uniform across the range, simplifying purchase decisions. The offer package consists of: - Special Consumer Incentive - Exchange Bonus - Corporate Benefit Customers exchanging an existing vehicle receive additional support, while eligible corporate buyers can avail separate institutional benefits. Corporate support is inclusive of GST as per MG's June 2026 bulletin. MG Hector Discounts – June 2026 | Model

Rivian R2 Delivers Electric Adventure SUVs

The first public customers are now taking delivery of the R2, Rivian’s mid-size electric SUV designed to bring Rivian’s rugged identity to a significantly wider buyer pool. The deliveries, which kicked off this week, follow an internal employee delivery phase that began in April. Simultaneously, Rivian opened order invitations on a rolling basis to existing R2 reservation holders — a group that deposited $100 refundable reservations in the two-plus years since the R2’s Laguna Beach unveiling. “I am really proud of the work our team poured into creating R2,” said RJ Scaringe, Rivian’s founder and CEO. “I can’t wait for customers to experience this vehicle.” A Lighter, More Maneuverable Rivian The R2 is built on an all-new mid-size platform, and the numbers tell a clear story about the vehicle’s intent. At nearly 2,000 pounds lighter than the R1 lineup and riding on a shorter 115.6-inch wheelbase, the R2 is engineered to be nimble in urban environments without abandoning the off-road credibility that defines the brand. Ground clearance comes in at 9.6 inches — class-leading for a mid-size SUV — with a 25-degree approach angle and 26-degree departure angle. Interior space is generous for the segment. Front headroom measures 40.9 inches, rear legroom 40.4 inches, and the 40/20/40 folding rear seat accommodates long cargo like skis or lumber. Total storage, with seats folded, reaches 90.1 cubic feet — enough, Rivian says, for five large suitcases, three backpacks and a stroller. Performance First, More Trims to Follow The first configuration available to order is the R2 Performance with Launch Package, starting at $57,990 before taxes and fees. It comes standard with Autonomy+, Rivian’s L2+ hands-free driver assistance system covering 3.5 million miles of roads across the U.S. and Canada — a $2,500 value included at no extra cost with the Launch Package.

Nissan Turns Factory AI Into a Comeback Strategy

The company bets that AI infrastructure is the fastest path back to growth. At its Canton, Mississippi, plant, which employs 3,200 workers and builds the Frontier pickup and Altima sedan, Nissan runs AI systems that monitor production in real time and identify ways for employees to be more efficient and safe. AI monitors worker movement and flags dangerous bending angles before injuries occur, the Clarion Ledger reported Tuesday (June 9). “We can then talk with them and show them the proper angle to use, and that keeps them healthy, which is good for them, but it also allows them to stay at work without getting injured,” Nissan Process Engineer Chi Amaechi said, per the report. The program is expected to expand across the facility, the report said. Advertisement: Scroll to Continue The factory work runs alongside a broader strategic shift. In April, Nissan announced a long-term vision called “Mobility Intelligence for Everyday Life,” targeting AI-enabled driver assistance technology in 90% of its vehicle lineup long term, as well as next-generation autonomous driving capability for its new Elgrand luxury minivan by the end of fiscal year 2027. Two Problems, One Bet Unplanned downtime and workplace injuries are two of the most direct cost drivers in large-scale manufacturing. A line stoppage at a plant that produces 400,000 vehicles annually, like the one in Mississippi, carries an immediate production loss measured in vehicles per hour. Worker injuries generate lost labor, workers’ compensation costs and regulatory exposure. Nissan’s AI system deployment reflects how broadly the company is applying the technology across its operations. Nissan and Acerta partnered in 2022 to develop an AI tool designed to anticipate engine component failures. The predictive maintenance application flags equipment stress before it causes failure. What’s newer is the worker movement monitoring, which uses cameras to identify ergonomic

You <b>Car</b> Is Greedy For Personal Data, But Thankfully You Can Probably Delete It

You Car Is Greedy For Personal Data, But Thankfully You Can Probably Delete It Many new cars on the road have some form of connected tech built in, and while the convenience of remote smartphone access is certainly welcome, the data harvesting happening in the background isn't. Hooking up your phone, using in-car services, or creating a driver profile often requires granting the vehicle access to your data. Automakers' privacy policies often bury the specifics about their data collection practices, ranging from location data to driving behavior. What's collected and how it's used varies between make and model, but it's not uncommon to see brands share data with advertising and insurance companies. General Motors recently got into hot water with the Federal Trade Commission when it shared driver information with third-party data brokers without consent. In a 2023 study, the Mozilla Foundation went through the privacy policies of 25 car brands and found that cars are the worst product category when it comes to privacy. And according to the Electronic Frontier Foundation — a non-profit championing digital privacy and free speech — it's nearly impossible to track the exact whereabouts and usage of the data your car collects. The DRIVER Act is a step in the right direction, as it requires car companies to allow owners access to all the data collected. But until the bill is signed into law, you might have to rely on third-party solutions – such as Privacy4Cars' Vehicle Privacy Report – to get a better sense of the data your car collects. Thankfully, there are ways you can delete the stored data. But the process can be a bit of a rigmarole. Managing your data Your car may not be very good at protecting your data, but if you live in a state with stronger

Android <b>Auto</b> vs. Android <b>Automotive</b>: 5 major things that separate the two

Android Auto vs. Android Automotive: 5 major things that separate the two Android Auto and Android Automotive might sound similar, but they work very differently. As much as I'm a fan of Google's products, the company's naming scheme is still incredibly confusing. Qualcomm probably still holds the crown there, but Google also has a habit of giving very similar names to products that are completely different. Just look at Google Wallet and Google Pay. And another perfect example of this is Android Auto and Android Automotive. Android Auto and Android Automotive are two names that sound almost identical, which is probably why so many people still confuse them. I've lost count of how many times I've seen people assume Android Auto is simply a shorter name for Android Automotive. But that's not actually the case. Despite the very similar branding, the two platforms work completely differently. Here are the five biggest differences between Android Auto and Android Automotive. Android Auto needs your phone, Android Automotive doesn't The most basic, and probably the biggest, difference between the two is that Android Auto mirrors your phone onto your car's display, while Android Automotive is a full operating system that actually runs the car itself. Android Auto depends entirely on your smartphone. You connect your Android phone to your car, either wirelessly or through USB, and the car's screen essentially becomes a secondary display for apps like Google Maps, Spotify, WhatsApp, and more. Android Automotive, on the other hand, runs directly on the car's own hardware. The operating system is built into the vehicle itself, which means you don't need your phone connected to use things like navigation, music streaming, or even video apps. Think of it as Android OS, but designed specifically for cars. This also means Android Automotive vehicles usually come

Next-gen Hyundai i20 teased, <b>connected</b> LED lighting confirmed

The upcoming fourth-generation Hyundai i20 has been teased for the Brazilian market. The teaser gives a glimpse of the exterior lighting elements of the new-gen hatchback ahead of its possible global debut at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. - The teaser shows Y-shaped DRLs and a C-shaped tail-light element - Horizontally stacked LED headlight pods can also be seen Fourth-gen Hyundai i20 teaser: What was seen? The teaser confirms a connected LED lighting setup at both front and rear With the new generation, Hyundai will introduce connected LED DRLs and connected LED tail-lights. The teaser shows horizontally stacked dual-pod projector-LED headlights with an LED light bar on top featuring Y-shaped ends. Certain chrome-finished curved lines can be seen inside the headlamp. Unlike the current i20, the new-generation model’s grille looks disconnected from the headlights, similar to the Verna. However, a Hyundai logo with a brushed aluminium finish is placed on the bonnet. The rear lighting elements have been revised too. The tail-lights have a new C-shaped LED signature and are connected via a light bar in the centre. Keen-eyed viewers can also spot a black trim on the tailgate beneath the rear windscreen, with a brushed aluminium logo similar to the current i20. The next-gen model is expected to be larger than the current i20. Fourth-gen Hyundai i20: Other expected changes Spy shots have hinted at a Venue-like curved screen setup and a new steering wheel While the fourth-generation i20’s interior design has yet to be revealed, certain spy shots have hinted at a curved dual-screen setup similar to the Venue. A new steering wheel could also be on the cards, likely with Hyundai’s Morse Code logo for the letter ‘H’. Hyundai could equip the i20 with an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) suite and a 360-degree camera to modernise

Now united, Cox <b>Automotive</b> &amp; Fullpath look for 'friction points' in <b>car</b>-shopping to help dealers solve

Now united, Cox Automotive & Fullpath look for ‘friction points’ in car-shopping to help dealers solve Cox Automotive president of retail solutions Lori Wittman (center) speaks on a panel at Used Car Week 2026. Image by Jonathan Fredin. Premium Content Tuesday, Jun. 9, 2026, 12:29 PM Joe Overby, Senior Editor Last week, Cox Automotive closed its acquisition of customer data platform and marketing automation company Fullpath. It’s a move that Cox Automotive president Steve Rowley has said, “supercharges our data and AI advantages and brings our dealers the most advanced technology inside of our industry-leading connected retail platform.” So, what next? There’s a roadmap, says […]

Android <b>Auto's</b> connection nightmare may finally be over

Google has pushed out a Play Services update that hopes to solve some nagging connection issues experienced by a number of Android Auto issues. These fixes will hopefully be a salve for anyone who's had connection issues with Android Auto since around March of this year, though it remains to be seen whether this is a cure-all. Android Auto is useless without a connection Android Auto has been suffering from connection issues for a lot of people since the Samsung Galaxy S26 launch in March of this year. While initially spotted mostly on Samsung's phones, the problem soon spread to other devices as well, including Google's own Pixel devices. There have been a number of updates since then, but for some, the same connection issues have continued. Thankfully, Google isn't giving up, as this update makes clear. The changelog is fairly sparse, listing just "bug fixes for Device Connections related services", and not detailing what those particular fixes are. But it's easy to read between the lines that Android Auto's connection continues to be a problem. The issue seems to affect both wired and wireless connections, affects different brands and builds of car, and even seems to impact people who'd previously used the same phone, cable, and port as before. Hopefully, this update will clear up those problems. Unfortunately, connection issues are always going to be a problem for Android Auto. The entire system works on a tether, and whether you're using a wired or wireless connection, the bitter truth is that those connections are going to have issues from time-to-time. But there's a difference between normal and accepted problems, and the sort of issues that plagued a number of people from March onwards. Even if all this update does is reduce the number of people who still have the

Passengers can travel to more US cities on single ticket under SIA-Southwest Airlines tie-up

Passengers can travel to more US cities on single ticket under SIA-Southwest Airlines tie-up Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox SINGAPORE – Singapore Airlines (SIA) passengers can now travel to more cities in the United States on a single ticket under a new tie-up between the national carrier and the US’ Southwest Airlines. The partnership, announced in a Southwest Airlines media statement on June 8 and confirmed by SIA, will connect places where the two airlines operate, allowing travellers to fly to nearly 120 destinations in the US. Under this tie-up, SIA passengers can connect to Southwest Airlines’ network of US destinations by transiting through Los Angeles (10 weekly flights), Seattle (five weekly flights), and San Francisco (14 weekly flights). Tickets will be progressively rolled out through SIA’s website, the SingaporeAir mobile app, travel agents and travel sites. SIA joins seven other carriers that have partnered with Southwest Airlines to connect places in the US to destinations across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Southwest’s partner airlines include China Airlines, All Nippon Airways, Icelandair, and Turkish Airlines.

Kardome Wins 'In-<b>Vehicle</b> Experience Award' at AutoTech Awards 2026 for Context-Aware Voice AI

Tel Aviv, Israel--(Newsfile Corp. - June 9, 2026) - Kardome, the leader in spatial and contextual voice AI software, has been named the winner of the In-Vehicle Experience Award at the AutoTech Awards 2026. The recognition marks a significant milestone for the company's In-Vehicle Voice AI solution, an on-device platform purpose-built to give AI genuine contextual intelligence inside the cabin, solving the industry's persistent challenge of accurately isolating and understanding individual speakers across noisy, multi-passenger environments. As connected vehicles grow more sophisticated, in-cabin voice interaction has become the most critical touchpoint for driver and passenger satisfaction. Yet traditional voice systems continue to fail under real-world conditions: road noise, music, and overlapping conversations routinely degrade performance. Kardome's In-Vehicle Voice AI addresses these barriers through software-only spatial and contextual intelligence: an on-device architecture that perceives the physical environment in real time, understands who is speaking and what they intend, and activates the right response, without relying on expensive multi-microphone hardware arrays or cloud connectivity. This approach reflects the broader industry shift toward a world model: AI that moves beyond screen-based interaction to operate with continuous awareness of real-world acoustic environments and the people within them. "This recognition means more than an award. It confirms that the industry is ready for what comes next," said Kardome CEO Dani Cherkassky. "We have spent years solving the hardest problem in voice AI: not making it smarter in the cloud, but making it genuinely present in the physical world. Seat-level speaker localization and on-device contextual understanding are not features; they are the foundation of a new category. We are not building a better voice assistant. We are building the layer that makes every AI agent in the world capable of hearing, understanding, and acting — without being asked twice. The vehicle is where we are proving

Hyundai Motor and Kia join OIN 2.0 open source network

Hyundai Motor and Kia have become the first major Korean companies to join Open Invention Network (OIN) 2.0, a patent non-aggression programme protecting open source software across automotive and technology sectors. The two automakers cite the growing role of Linux and open source technologies in software-defined vehicles, connected car platforms and cloud services as their rationale. OIN’s membership now exceeds 4,100 organisations, which collectively account for more than US$10tr in annual revenues and own more than three million patents and applications. The programme provides continuously refreshed patent protection covering a broadening range of technologies. Through OIN 2.0 membership, Hyundai Motor and Kia aim to support collaborative innovation while reducing patent risk in their open source supply chains. The pair join fellow automotive manufacturers Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Subaru and Toyota in recognising open source software as foundational to vehicle development. In a statement, Keith Bergelt, Chief Executive of Open Invention Network, said: “The pace of open source technology innovation continues to power the global economy. It has spawned new industries and technologies that run the gamut from AI and smartphones to search engines and mobile devices, and everything in between. We greatly appreciate automotive industry leaders Hyundai Motor and Kia in joining OIN 2.0 and supporting patent non-aggression. Their participation signals the strategic value of Open Source.” Why this matters: • OIN membership is infrastructure-layer housekeeping, but the SDV context makes it meaningful. Patent non-aggression agreements around Linux and open source have been standard practice in consumer electronics and cloud computing for years. Their extension into automotive reflects how much of the software-defined vehicle stack now runs on open source foundations—Linux-based operating systems, open networking protocols, cloud service layers—and how much legal exposure automakers face if that foundation is contested. Hyundai Motor and Kia joining as the first major Korean OEMs signals

Audi reveals new-gen Q7, gets 3 seating configurations

Audi has formally unveiled the third-gen Q7, which will slot between the Q5 and the upcoming Q9 in the German carmaker’s SUV portfolio. The new Q7 replaces the second-gen model (codename: 4M) after an 11-year lifecycle, and brings major upgrades in every aspect. - Split headlamps, connected tail-lamps, and more muscular proportions - All-new interior gets triple screens, panoramic sunroof, B&O sound system, and more - 5-, 6-, and 7-seat layouts available; 6-seat config gets second-row captain chairs - Offers mild hybrid diesel V6, twin-turbo petrol V6, and twin-turbo petrol V8 options Among the headline additions to the third-gen Q7 is a 6-seat layout with second-row captain chairs, in addition to 5-seat and 7-seat configurations. As before, the new Q7 rivals luxury SUVs like the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE. 2026 Audi Q7 exterior design Overhauled styling carries more visual brawn Compared to its predecessor, the new Q7's styling is more muscular and upright, with cues adopted from newer Audi SUVs like the Q3. The front end features split headlamps, where the slim DRLs above have pixel lighting elements and the main Matrix LED units are vertically oriented in gloss black housings. There's also a large grille and a wide air dam with honeycomb patterns, along with a satin silver shroud for the latter. Over to the side, the new Q7 has a clean profile, a mildly upswept window line with a chrome surround, pull-type door handles, slim roof rails and body-coloured cladding in the S-Line package. 20-inch alloy wheels come fitted as standard and can be optioned up to 23 inches. The new Q7 also gets soft-close doors, and Audi will offer fully powered operation for them as an optional extra. The most prominent element on the new Q7's posterior is a split tail-lamp setup, with the lower units

Hyundai Motor and Kia Join the Open Invention Network 2.0 Community | Markets Insider

DURHAM, N.C., June 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Open Invention Network (OIN), the organization formed to safeguard open source and the largest active patent cross-license in history, announced today that Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai Motor) and Kia Corporation (Kia) have joined in support of OIN 2.0. As leading developers of forward-thinking mobility solutions, Hyundai Motor and Kia — the first major Korean companies to join OIN 2.0 — are reinforcing their commitment to open source as a critical enabler of software-defined vehicles, connected car platforms, cloud services, robotics and other next-generation mobility technologies. “The pace of open source technology innovation continues to power the global economy. It has spawned new industries and technologies that run the gamut from AI and smartphones to search engines and mobile devices, and everything in between,” said Keith Bergelt, CEO of Open Invention Network. “We greatly appreciate automotive industry leaders Hyundai Motor and Kia joining OIN 2.0 and supporting patent non-aggression. Their participation signals the strategic value of open source.” Hyundai Motor and Kia join other global automotive leaders, including Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Subaru and Toyota, who have joined the OIN 2.0 community. Hyundai Motor and Kia recognize that Linux and open source technologies are becoming increasingly critical to the development of software-defined vehicles, connected car platforms, cloud services, robotics and other next-generation mobility solutions. Through participation in OIN 2.0, the companies aim to support open innovation while further strengthening a collaborative framework to mitigate patent risks associated with open source technologies. With investments from funding members IBM, Google, NEC, Philips, Red Hat, Sony, SUSE and Toyota, OIN has assembled the largest active patent cross-license ever created. Its membership now exceeds 4,100 organizations, which collectively account for more than $10 trillion in annual revenues, and who own more than three million patents and applications. Building on

Foreign policies shape how automakers compete with China

Foreign policies shape how automakers compete with China U.S. lawmakers are seeking stronger measures to protect the domestic automotive market from subsidized, low-cost Chinese competitors, just like other countries have for years established policies to safeguard their homegrown manufacturers from foreign rivals. Two narratives have emerged globally as Chinese brands like BYD Co. Ltd., Chery Automobile Co. Ltd. and others increase exports to other nations and begin manufacturing outside of their native homeland: In Europe, legacy automakers have struggled to fend off the newcomers and now contemplate closing plants for the first time. Meanwhile, major auto-producing countries in Asia have restricted the entrance of foreign competitors. The challenge, however, is balancing protection and competitiveness.