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FedEx <b>connects</b> global networks for battery and semiconductor supply

FedEx connects global networks for battery and semiconductor supply FedEx is investing in technology and talent for specialised services to move delicate and dangerous automotive goods across global borders, while meeting priorities of speed, compliance, visibility and safety. Automotive LogisticsAutomotiveLogistics PublishedModified 3 min FedEx is the world’s largest all-cargo airline providing end-to-end transport for dangerous goods and hazardous materialFedEx PARTNER CONTENT This article was produced by Automotive Logistics in partnership with FedEx In the wake of Covid-19 and the consequent semiconductor shortage, carmakers were looking for ways to control volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity in their supply chains. One adaptation strategy in the automotive sector was tighter supply integration of suppliers, with dedicated long-term contracts for semiconductors. Tighter integration has continued as carmakers work to secure their battery supply chains in the face of volatile EV sales. While some carmakers with vested interests in tighter battery supply are also looking at repurposing battery capacity for the energy storage market, commitment to battery EV production and connected vehicle development continues. Logistics providers need to support semiconductor and battery supply chains with specialised end-to-end services that are often cross-border. FedEx is managing the just-in-time delivery of sensitive materials and products with transparency and proactive flexibility. Logistics legacy FedEx has 50 years of experience navigating supply chain disruption, with a strong track record of using technology and innovation to anticipate volatility, build resilience and create smarter global supply chains for customers and businesses alike. It provides specialised services for both semiconductor and EV batteries, and often for the same customer, given that EVs can require two to three times more semiconductors than vehicles with internal combustion engines. The company is orchestrating complex regional networks that link semiconductor fabrication plants, testing and packaging facilities, and vehicle assembly lines. One example is with a multinational

LG Innotek to Supply Cutting-Edge <b>Automotive</b> Wi-Fi 7 Communication Module to a leading ...

■ Order value of approximately USD 68M with mass production to begin in 2027 ■ Offering data transmission speed three times faster, with no speed degradation even with multiple devices connected simultaneously ■ Changing perception of car considered as ‘a second living space’…Trend enhancing growth of Automotive Wi-Fi market, expected to grow 9.6% annually LG Innotek (CEO Moon Hyuksoo) announced on the 20th of this month that it will supply its Automotive Wi-Fi 7 Communication Module, featuring cutting-edge Wi-Fi technology, to a leading European automotive parts company. The order is worth approximately USD 68M. Mass production of the module will begin in 2027. LG Innotek's Automotive Wi-Fi 7 Communication Module will be integrated into Audio, Video, and Navigation(AVN) systems, which will then be delivered to the global OEM customer. By commercializing its first Automotive Wi-Fi 7 communication module from 2005, LG Innotek expects to cement its leading position in the global automotive connectivity solution market. LG Innotek's Automotive Wi-Fi 7 Communication Module supports an ultra-wide bandwidth of 320MHz, doubling the bandwidth per channel (width of the path radio waves travel) compared to existing Wi-Fi 6E (6th Generation Extended) modules. Consequently, data throughput and transmission speeds are three times faster than before. The module is also equipped with 4K-QAM technology which increases the data processing quantity by 20%. Furthermore, LG Innotek designed the module to support up to two antennas by applying Multiple-Input Multiple-Output(MIMO) technology which helps significantly reduce signal loss. A single antenna might miss some signals while handling data transmission, whereas if there is another supplementary antenna, all those missed signals can be covered. This is the reason why several devices, connected at the same time in the same vehicle, can transmit and receive large amounts of data using ultra-high-speed Wi-Fi without experiencing any interruption or latency. LG Innotek's

KSAT <b>Connect</b> video shows light show in SA

NEWS KSAT Connect video shows light show in SA A viewer shared a video on KSAT Connect capturing lightning strikes during a Flash Flood warning late Tuesday night. A viewer shared a video on KSAT Connect capturing lightning strikes during a Flash Flood warning late Tuesday night.

Car Ads Promote Speed Not Safety Says IIHS

A new study finds that performance-focused vehicle advertising grew more prevalent between 2018 and 2022, even as speeding continued to claim tens of thousands of American lives. Research published by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that 43 percent of vehicle advertisements airing in 2018, 2020 and 2022 emphasized speed, maneuverability, traction, stopping power or raw horsepower — and that the emphasis grew more pronounced over time. Speed was highlighted more than twice as often as safety. By 2022, only 3 percent of ads foregrounded safety at all, down from 11 percent four years earlier. Meanwhile, speeding killed 11,288 people on American roads in 2024, accounting for nearly 29 percent of all traffic deaths in the country. “Showing a stunt driver zooming around a tight turn in the rain might seem harmless,” said David Harkey, president of the IIHS. “But these ads reinforce our cultural obsession with speed. The fine print may caution that it’s a professional driver on a closed course, but the message they convey is that you can drive this way too.” The study, led by IIHS research scientist Amber Woods, analyzed more than 1,500 television commercials and more than 1,000 internet and social media ads. A team of 10 coders from the University of Virginia’s media studies department reviewed the material against a framework of 23 themes, from luxury and nostalgia to speed and traction. Results were weighted by advertising spending data from Nielsen Ad Intel, giving greater weight to ads that aired repeatedly. The findings complicate a comfortable industry assumption — that depicting a vehicle’s capabilities is simply good marketing rather than a public safety concern. Some of the performance themes the study identified, like traction and maneuverability, might seem neutral or even safety-adjacent. But the researchers found that fewer than one in ten

Production-Ready Honda Alpha 0 EV SUV Confirmed for This Financial Year

By proceeding, I acknowledge that I have read and agreed to the Privacy Policy, Terms & Conditions, consent declaration, and the sharing of my information with lending partners, dealers, OEMs, and for marketing communication via Phone Calls, SMS & WhatsApp. Honda Alpha 0 EV launching in later half of FY2026-27 To be produced at Tapukara manufacturing unit in Rajasthan Expect a realistic range of up to 450km on a single charge The next big launch from Honda will be a production-ready version of the Alpha 0 electric SUV, which is currently undergoing rigorous testing. This model will be part of Honda’s strategy of introducing 6 models, including the newly launched City facelift and Honda ZR-V by the end of this financial year, by March 2027. The new Honda electric SUV is expected to be launched in the first quarter of 2027, most probably around Bharat Mobility Global Expo. New Honda Alpha 0 EV will be manufactured at the brand’s Tapukara based production plant in Rajasthan. This SUV will also be exported to select international markets, including Honda’s home market, Japan. The spy images suggest that the production version will remain true to its original concept. The new Honda Alpha 0 EV will carry a unique design, featuring a flat tailgate and a large glass area. The SUV will offer strong road presence, featuring an upright stance and boxy shape. Honda will focus on providing spacious and practical cabin. It will directly rival the Hyundai Creta Electric, MG ZS EV, Maruti Suzuki eVitara, Mahindra BE 6 and the upcoming Tata Sierra EV. Honda Cars India said that the new 0 Alpha midsize SUV will be tested across highways, city conditions and different terrains to evaluate durability, efficiency and overall performance. It will additionally undergo testing in extreme heat and monsoon conditions,

Stop wasting your phone data on road trips: Use this hidden <b>car</b> feature instead

Before smartphones, keeping passengers entertained on a long road trip meant packing a case of CDs, hoping the AC held out, and answering "are we there yet?" every 45 minutes (or seconds). Today, most new vehicles come with a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot that can connect multiple devices at once, turning your car into a rolling internet connection for the whole family. Passengers can stream video, run different apps, and browse the web, all from their own devices while riding along. Many vehicles today accommodate multiple devices at once, be it a phone, tablet, or laptop. If you have just purchased your vehicle, you most likely have access to the Wi-Fi hotspot for a trial period. Once that ends, pricing varies by make and model (we cover this in more detail below). However, if your subscription is active and ready to go, here's how to put it to work on your next road trip. 5 Keep everyone entertained Most vehicle hotspots support multiple devices at once The most immediate payoff of a Wi-Fi hotspot on a road trip is keeping passengers, especially kids, entertained without draining anyone's phone data. They can stream movies on Netflix or Disney+, play games, or video chat with friends, all on their own devices, over the same connection. If you have everyone traveling with you, each wanting to watch something different, most vehicle hotspots support anywhere from five to 10 devices simultaneously. Uncle Jim can be halfway through a Walker, Texas Ranger episode on his tablet while your cousin Travis is getting absolutely destroyed in an online chess match, and neither is pulling from anyone's cellular plan. An in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot can make all the difference on long trips. A four-hour drive that might otherwise produce a chorus of complaints can pass more quickly when everyone

Slotkin, Stevens to Introduce Legislation to Ban Chinese <b>Connected Vehicles</b> from Driving ...

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and Representative Haley Stevens (D-MI-11) announced the Protecting America from Chinese Cars Act at the Mackinac Policy Conference on Mackinac Island, MI. The bill prevents Chinese connected vehicles from entering the U.S., including through our neighbors to the north and south. This legislation is a significant step towards protecting our national security and the U.S. auto industry. The Chinese auto industry is heavily subsidized by the Chinese Communist Party, allowing them to undercut competitors and quickly flood new markets. We’ve seen this process play out rapidly in Europe and South America. In Mexico, Chinese vehicles have quickly gained roughly 15% market share. In January 2026, Canada announced a trade deal with China that will see Canada dramatically reduce tariffs on tens of thousands of Chinese vehicles. The threat of connected vehicles from China is now at both of our backyards, to the North and South. For years, Slotkin has made protecting the United States from the national security and economic threats posed by Chinese connected vehicles a priority. Most recently, she co-introduced the bipartisan Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026 with Senator Bernie Moreno (R-OH). This legislation effectively prevents Chinese vehicles – along with the hardware and software that support them – from accessing the U.S. market at every stage, from manufacture to import to sale. The bill drew broad support from across the American auto industry, including the UAW, General Motors, Ford, Stellantis, Honda, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, the Teamsters, and the American Iron and Steel Institute. “This is an economic security issue and a national security issue, and we must prevent these vehicles from driving over our border and into our communities,” said Senator Slotkin. “They’re surveillance packages on wheels – fully capable of geolocating individual drivers, collecting full-motion

<b>Automotive</b> Wiring Harness Market Size, Revenue, Trend Report 2026 To 2035

Automotive Wiring Harness Market Size, Revenue, Trend Report 2026 to 2035 What is Automotive Wiring Harness Market Size? Global Automotive Wiring Harness Market Size is valued at USD 42.7 Bn in 2025 and is predicted to reach USD 57.4 Bn by the year 2035 at a 3.1% CAGR during the forecast period for 2026 to 2035. Automotive Wiring Harness Market Size, Share and Trends Analysis Distribution by Category (General Wires, Heat-Resistant Wires, Shielded Wires, Tubed Wires), by Application (Engine, Chassis, Body & Lighting, HVAC, Dashboard/Cabin, Battery, Door, Infotainment, Active & Passive Safety, ADAS, Roof, Seat, Other Applications), by Component (Connectors, Wires, Terminals, Other Components), by Material Type (Metallic (Copper, Aluminum, Other Metallic Materials), Optical Fiber (Glass Optical Fiber, Plastic Optical Fiber), by Transmission Type (Electrical Wiring, Data Transmission), by ICE Vehicle Type (Passenger Cars, Light Commercial Vehicles, Buses, Trucks), by EV Type (Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV), Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV), by Voltage Type (Low Voltage Harness (≤60V), High Voltage Harness (60V–800V+) (Battery-to-Inverter, Inverter-to-Motor, DC Fast-Charging Cable)) and Segment Forecasts, 2026 to 2035 Automotive wiring harness is an integral part of electrical components in automobiles that facilitates the connection and transmission of signals or power through wires, terminals, connectors, relays, and protective coatings for electrical communication between different parts or components. The automotive wiring harnesses provide the ability to manage various electrical connections of different critical components in vehicles such as engines, lights, infotainment systems, air conditioning systems, battery systems, sensors, safety features, advanced driving-assistance systems (ADAS) among others. With the development of increasingly electrified and connected cars, the use of wiring harnesses has expanded beyond merely connecting electrical components in traditional vehicles to facilitate high-speed data transfer, high voltage and complex vehicle architectures among other things. The advancement in automotive wiring harnesses is aimed at

Volvo Cars wins US approval to import vehicles with '<b>connected car</b>' technology | FMT

In January 2025, president Joe Biden’s administration finalised rules effectively barring nearly all Chinese cars and trucks from the US market, as part of a crackdown on vehicle software and hardware from China. The rules included a ban on most Chinese-developed and maintained software that took effect in March 2026 for the 2027 model year and covered companies with significant Chinese ownership. Lawmakers have proposed making the rules even tougher. “Given our ownership Volvo Car US was required to follow a process with the US commerce department to obtain a specific authorisation for the continued import and sale of connected cars in the US,” the company said. “With this specific authorisation, Volvo Cars can continue its growth plans in the US,” it said. Volvo Cars sold 121,600 vehicles in the US in 2025, down 2.9% from 2024. The commerce department did not respond to a request for comment. In September, Volvo Cars said it would begin producing a new hybrid model in the US by the end of the decade. The new model will be designed for the US market and help Volvo boost capacity utilisation at its South Carolina plant. In April 2025, Volvo Cars CEO Hakan Samuelsson said the company would produce more vehicles in the US, and the group announced in July that it plans to start producing its popular XC60 mid-size SUV in South Carolina in late 2026. Volvo, long positioned as an EV trailblazer with the aim of phasing out all non-electric models by 2030, last year reversed course and said hybrids would remain part of its lineup. Volvo Cars currently imports all of its cars into the US from Europe except its electric SUV EX90, which it assembles in South Carolina. The Swedish automaker used to also import cars from China but it halted

Volvo Receives Approval to Continue Importing <b>Connected Vehicles</b> to the US

- Volvo has received approval from the Office of Information and Communications Technology and Services (ICTS) to continue importing "connected vehicles." - The carve-out allows Volvo to skirt the import crackdown under a U.S. rule called Securing the Information and Communications Technology and Services Supply Chain: Connected Vehicles. - Without the approval, Volvo, which is majority owned by China's Geely Holding, would be effectively barred from importing the majority of its lineup into the United States. Volvo has announced that, in spite of some previous worries, it will be allowed to continue importing vehicles into the United States. The automaker, which is majority owned by the Chinese firm Geely Holding, imports a large chunk of its inventory to the United States. Near the end of his term, President Joe Biden implemented a strict ruleset effectively barring the vast majority of vehicles built by Chinese automakers, as part of a crackdown on cars and software that originate from China. Despite the limitations, Volvo announced that the company has now received approval from the United States government to continue importing vehicles into the United States. For Sale Near You See all results for used Volvo for sale near 85614 Specifically, Volvo heard back in the affirmative from the Office of Information and Communications Technology and Services (ICTS). The approval means that even with its ownership, Volvo will be able to skirt the regulations laid out in the "Securing the Information and Communication Technology and Service Supply Chain: Connected Vehicles" rule that took effect in March for 2027 model year and later vehicles. "Under the rule, Volvo Car USA was required to follow a process with the U.S. Department of Commerce to obtain a specific authorization for the continued import and sale of connected cars in the U.S.," Volvo wrote in an official

Mobility as a Hazard Signal: Lessons from Tornado-Prone Alabama

In January, we presented our research at the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Annual Meeting during the poster session for the 2025 INRIX x MetroLab Challenge. For the University of Alabama, one research project examined travel and traffic pattern changes during tornado watch and warning periods compared to normal conditions. The project, titled “Detecting Behavioral and Network Responses to Tornado Threats: OD-Based Travel and Speed Pattern Analysis in Tuscaloosa, Alabama,” investigated how mobility patterns shift when tornado threats emerge. Using Tuscaloosa as a case study, with planned expansion to Birmingham, AL, we analyzed origin-destination (OD) flows and roadway speeds to identify behavioral and network-level responses during severe weather alerts. The goal was to translate observed travel and traffic changes into actionable insights that could support emergency management, transportation planning, and risk communication strategy development. Why Tornado Mobility? Tornado hazards present a unique research opportunity. Unlike hurricanes or wildfires, tornadoes develop rapidly, have short warning windows, and require different protective behaviors, often shelter-in-place rather than long-distance evacuation. Despite their frequency in regions like Alabama, tornado-related travel behavior remains understudied. Given that Tuscaloosa regularly experiences tornado watches and warnings, it provides a natural laboratory to investigate how individuals and transportation networks respond to short-notice extreme weather threats. The Advantages of INRIX Mobility Data I have experience in using survey data for hazards-related mobility behavior analysis. However, while survey-based research is valuable, it relies heavily on self-reported information, which may introduce recall bias and social desirability bias. Additionally, collecting post-disaster survey data can be challenging due to the emotional sensitivity of such events. This motivated me to shift toward real-world mobility datasets, such as OD and speed data, to directly observe behavioral responses without relying solely on self-reports. The INRIX speed data was particularly valuable. It provided comprehensive coverage and included richer detail than

The U.S. Banned Chinese <b>Car</b> Tech—But Volvo Just Got A Special Pass To Keep It

The U.S. Banned Chinese Car Tech—But Volvo Just Got A Special Pass To Keep It Volvo can continue to sell connected cars with Chinese hardware and software in the U.S., thanks to a special authorization. - Volvo Cars will be allowed to import and sell connected cars with Chinese hardware and software in the U.S., despite a Department of Commerce ban. - The Swedish automaker, which is owned by China’s Geely, got a special authorization. - Volvo builds the best-selling XC60 in China, as well as the smaller XC40. Volvo, the Swedish automaker that’s owned by China’s Geely, will be allowed to import and sell connected cars with Chinese hardware and software in the United States, despite a Department of Commerce rule that effectively bans vehicles with Chinese electronic brains and network connectivity. The automaker said it was required to follow a process with the U.S. Department of Commerce to obtain a specific authorization for the continued import and sale of connected cars stateside. The authorization was granted by the Office of Information and Communications Technology and Services. Volvo EX90 with Google built-in “With this specific authorization, Volvo Cars can continue its growth plans in the U.S.,” the company said in a statement. The Commerce Department’s rules, which went into effect on March 17, 2025, restrict the import and sale of connected vehicles with software from China and Russia starting with the 2027 model year, and with hardware from the two countries starting with the 2030 model year. The reasons behind the restrictions have to do with equipment that’s “easily exploitable” by foreign governments that may have malicious intentions, stealing data, or controlling fleets remotely. According to the rule, hardware and software “designed, developed, manufactured, or supplied by persons owned by, controlled by, or subject to the jurisdiction or direction

China's EV exports surge 40 percent in April | <b>Automotive</b> Industry

China’s EV exports surge 40 percent in April Asia bought the most Chinese EVs of any region, followed by Europe and Latin America, data compiled by Bloomberg shows. China’s electric vehicle exports surged 40 percent last month, bolstering its position at the top of the rapidly growing global market, customs data compiled by Bloomberg shows. Chinese EV exports hit 278,081 in April, taking overseas sales since the start of the year to 893,852, according to the data. Recommended Stories list of 4 items- list 1 of 4How decision-making happens in Iran - list 2 of 4Brazil’s Flavio Bolsonaro meets with Trump amid troubled presidential bid - list 3 of 4Group of women and children with alleged ISIL ties returns to Australia - list 4 of 4Trump-backed Paxton topples Senator Cornyn in Texas primary run-off Asia imported the most EVs of any region, at 110,613 vehicles, followed by Europe and Latin America with 83,813 and 52,897, respectively. Oceania imported 22,695 Chinese EVs, while North America imported 4,422, according to the data. Brazil experienced the biggest rise in demand among the top 10 export destinations, with imports surging 221 percent 38,144. South Korea, Germany and Australia also saw sharp increases in demand, with imports rising between 100 percent and 190 percent. China’s growing exports come despite efforts by the United States and Europe to restrict the country’s vehicles from their domestic markets. The US applies a 100 percent tariff on Chinese EVs and bans certain Chinese-made software used in connected vehicles. The European Union imposes tariffs as high as 35.3 percent on Chinese EVs. China is by far the largest manufacturer of EVs globally, accounting for about 75 percent of the 22 million vehicles produced in 2025, according to the International Energy Agency. Chinese EV exports hit a record high of 2.5

Volvo Cars Cleared by US <b>Connected Vehicles</b> Rule, Greenlighting American Growth

Through the digital filter: Washington gives Volvo's US ambitions the green light Volvo Cars has secured a special authorization in the United States, without which further sales of its connected cars could have been thrown into doubt. For the brand it is an important signal: the American market stays open, and the growth plans can carry on. The authorization was issued by the Office of Information and Communications Technology and Services at the US Department of Commerce. It concerns the «Securing the Information and Communications Technology and Services Supply Chain: Connected Vehicles» rule, which covers cars with digital services, data transmission and connected systems — in practice, almost the entire modern lineup. Volvo Car USA had to go through a separate clearance process with the US Department of Commerce. The review was conducted case by case and looked at the company’s governance, its technology and its data protection. After discussions with US officials, Volvo earned the right to keep importing and selling connected cars in the US. For the company this is no formality. The US is one of Volvo’s largest markets and home to its own plant in Charleston, South Carolina. More than $1.3 billion has already gone into that site, which has created over 2,000 jobs, and before 2030 Volvo plans to bring two more models into production there. Volvo’s American footprint is sizeable too: its headquarters sits in New Jersey, with around 400 office staff and another 200 corporate employees across the country. The dealer network counts 281 centers in 48 states and roughly 11,500 people. Right now the authorization matters not only for Volvo but for the entire connected-car market. Cars are becoming part of the digital infrastructure, and access to markets now hinges not just on engines, prices and safety but on trust in data.

Volvo Cars receives specific authorization in U.S. for <b>connected cars</b>

Volvo Cars receives specific authorization in U.S. for connected cars On May 26, Volvo Cars, majority owned by China's Geely, announced that it has been granted a specific authorization from the U.S. Office of Information and Communications Technology and Services under the "Securing the Information and Communications Technology and Services Supply Chain: Connected Vehicles" rule in th.... This news is for paid members only. If you register as a free member, you can read the rest of this article for a limited time. In addition, you can also enjoy the following content for free: - Market & Tech Reports - Global automotive production/sales - Launch schedule forecasts - Latest news on the automotive industry - Market share and supply information of 300 automotive parts (Who Supplies Whom)

Behind-the-Scenes: Indianapolis 500 Historic <b>Car</b> Lap

Behind-the-Scenes: Indianapolis 500 Historic Car Lap From 1912 racers to modern-era Indy cars, the IMS Museum's annual parade lap connects today's Indianapolis 500 to its earliest roots. A big part of what makes the Indianapolis 500 so special is its many traditions, giving it a special flair that makes the Memorial Day weekend classic stand out not only against motorsports events, but all of the sporting world. The traditions range from the pre-race pageantry—like the playing of "Taps" or Jim Cornelison's rousing rendition of "Back Home Again in Indiana"—to the on-track quirks that have carried on through several generations—the 11 rows of three, the blue and red pit wall signage, the famous "Yard of Bricks" that marks every 2.5-mile lap. But one tradition combines both: a fleet of historic cars taking a parade lap around the track on race morning. Prepared by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) Museum restoration team, the selected cars span nearly the full breadth of '500' history (this year's participants range from 1912 to 2010), as well as drivers from races past, connecting the race's modern-day grandeur with the foundation it's all built on. "The pre-race of the Indianapolis 500 is so steeped in tradition, and it means so much to the fans, so to be a part of it is a very special opportunity," said Jason Vansickle, vice president of curation and education. "Unlike other sporting events, not just races, you don't really see that connection to its past as you do with the Indianapolis 500." To select the participating cars, museum staff first look at any anniversaries that coincide with that year's running, as well as the state of each car and whether it has run recently. While a good chunk of the museum's collection can run—Vansickle says about about 80% of its vehicles

EV App Usage is Up but More Useful Features Are Wanted

A new report from J.D. Power finds that satisfaction with electric vehicle smartphone apps has hit record highs — but so have expectations, and automakers are struggling to keep pace. For years, the apps that automakers bundled with electric vehicles were largely an afterthought — useful, occasionally, for checking a charge level or pre-warming a cabin. Now they have become something closer to a daily habit, and the bar has risen accordingly. A new industry study released Tuesday by J.D. Power found that churn among EV app users — the share of owners who stop using the apps — has collapsed to just 4.5 percent, down from 22 percent in 2023. Daily usage among non-Tesla owners has climbed to 55 percent, up from 48 percent a year ago. Overall satisfaction among mass market users reached 7.7 on a 10-point scale, compared with 6.1 in 2025 and just 5.5 in 2024. But embedded in those improving numbers is a warning for the industry: owners who use these apps constantly are also the least forgiving when they falter. “With 51 percent of our respondents new to vehicle apps, OEMs have a clear opportunity to set the standard,” said Violet Allmandinger, senior principal of OEM solutions at J.D. Power. “However, inconsistent connectivity continues to hold the experience back.” The study, now in its sixth year, surveyed 1,610 owners of 2024 to 2026 model year battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles across 24 brands. It found that speed — not design, not feature depth — has emerged as the single most important driver of satisfaction, accounting for 25 percent of overall scores in regression analysis. Nearly three-quarters of users said they considered one to five seconds the maximum tolerable wait time before satisfaction began to erode. One in three users still reported connectivity problems,

Biden Tried To Ban Chinese <b>Cars</b> And Tech, Trump Just Gave Volvo The Green Light

- Geely-owned Volvo received a waiver for America’s connected car rule. - Announced last year, the rule aimed to prohibit cars and tech from China and Russia. - Volvo said the decision was made after “constructive discussions” with US officials. In the waning days of the Biden Administration, the Department of Commerce finalized a rule to “prohibit the sale and import of connected vehicle hardware and software systems, as well as completed connected vehicles” from China and Russia. This was done under the auspices of national security and the United States specifically pointed to China’s “cyber espionage and intrusion operations, which continue to pose a significant threat to U.S. critical infrastructure and public safety.” At the time, the White House said the rule would “prohibit the import or sale of certain connected vehicle systems designed, developed, manufactured, or supplied by entities with ties to the PRC or Russia.” This included connectivity systems and components such as Bluetooth, cellular, satellite, and Wi-Fi modules as well as automated driving systems. The software restrictions would go into effect for the 2027 model year, while hardware restrictions would follow for the 2030 model year. More: US Finalizes Rule To Ban Chinese Cars And Tech While that’s just a brief overview, Volvo can breathe a sigh of relief as they’ve been granted a “specific authorization” from the Office of Information and Communications Technology and Services. It’s effectively a waiver that prevents their vehicles and technology from being banned under the Securing the Information and Communications Technology and Services Supply Chain: Connected Vehicles rule. Volvo said the move came after “constructive discussions with the US Department of Commerce and other US officials regarding Volvo Cars’ governance, technology and data security.” The automaker is owned by Geely and has been hammered by testy relations between Beijing and