Read More China to work with US on slashing tariffs 20 hours ago ImmD crackdown targets moonlighting domestic helpers arresting 17 19-05-2026 17:52 HKT University student, 23, killed in school bus crash in Kowloon City 20-05-2026 00:39 HKT China’s largest car exporter, Chery (9973), is considering entering the US market at a suitable time, an executive overseeing its international business said on Wednesday, without giving a timeframe. US President Donald Trump has signalled he could be open to Chinese automakers if they build vehicles in the United States but US auto industry groups and lawmakers have urged Trump not to open the door to Chinese cars. “When we find a good and suitable time in the future, we definitely hope to enter it,” Zhang Guibing, president of Chery International, told reporters at the company’s headquarters. “Everyone knows the American car market is huge … we definitely have the idea of selling cars in the United States. Everyone definitely has that idea.” Zhang said any move would depend on Chery’s own readiness as well as auto industry policies in both countries. The United States has long been a prized but difficult target for Chinese automakers seeking growth beyond their fiercely competitive home market but it imposes 100 percent tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles. Further barriers are US curbs on Chinese connected-car technology and growing scrutiny from lawmakers. Chery has not yet added the United States to its export destinations. Like other Chinese automakers, it has focused instead on Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Southeast Asia, where demand for lower-cost Chinese vehicles has grown. Chinese automakers, which tout a win-win strategy to expand globally, are increasingly partnering with traditional automakers to make use of underutilised factories across Europe. Some Chinese car companies run R&D and design labs in the United
May 20, 2026 · via thestandard.com.hk
At this year’s Google I/O, the future of the automobile sounded less like a machine and more like a companion. No more clipped voice commands. No more shouting “Navigate to nearest gas station” three times because the system misheard you over road noise. Instead, drivers can now speak to their cars the way they speak to passengers: casually, conversationally, sometimes even indecisively. “I need to grab lunch,” a driver might say. “Find some highly rated sit-down restaurants along the way. I’m not in a rush, and I’d like to eat outside.” The system — powered by Gemini and deeply integrated into Google Maps — responds with suggestions, then continues the conversation naturally. “What’s the parking like?” the driver can ask next. “Do they have vegetarian options?” For decades, the dream of the connected car has been constrained by the limitations of voice interfaces. Automotive assistants could execute commands, but only if drivers learned their rigid syntax. What Google unveiled this week suggests something more ambitious: a car that understands intent, context and follow-up questions — an AI designed not merely to obey, but to converse. The implications stretch far beyond navigation. Google’s new in-car Gemini experience, rolling out first to compatible vehicles and Android Auto ecosystems, represents one of the clearest examples yet of how artificial intelligence is moving into physical environments. Smartphones brought AI into pockets. Cars may bring it into everyday motion. And automakers are eager participants. Among the most notable demonstrations came from Volvo Cars, which expanded its longstanding partnership with Google by previewing an advanced vision-based assistant for its upcoming Volvo EX60 electric crossover. Its target: one of urban driving’s oldest frustrations. The sign said no parking between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, except on holidays, except within 100 feet of a fire
May 20, 2026 · via autoconnectedcar.com
Is your car spying on you? When Australians buy a new car today, they’re buying much more than a powered machine that can move them from point A to point B in a high degree of comfort and safety. They’re also buying something that can rightly be described as a computer on wheels. The increasing complexity of modern vehicles Cars have long been known as one of the most complex mass-manufactured products on the planet, but the degree of complexity in modern automobiles is changing rapidly as consumers expect the same levels of connectivity they have at home and at work to be available in their vehicles. The rise of connected vehicles Car makers are responding with vehicles that have the ability to connect to the internet, sync with smartphones and mirror on infotainment screens the apps, websites and other internet-enabled services used when not in the car. These so-called connected vehicles are also quietly collecting data in the background, something that has raised concerns with privacy advocates, politicians and the military. National attention on connected vehicle security Last November, the topic became the focus of national attention when reports emerged of thousands of Chinese‑made connected cars being stored near RAAF Base Amberley in South East Queensland. Most, if not all of these vehicles would have been equipped with multiple cameras which are an integral part of modern driver assistance systems, as well a microphone array that provides listening capability for their voice control systems, automatic speech recognition software, and internet connectivity via 4G, 5G or Wi-Fi. China doesn’t have a monopoly on connected vehicles, of course, but given the complex and sometimes difficult relationship Australia has with its largest trading partner it’s understandable why a car park full of internet-enabled Chinese vehicles near our largest operational air base might
May 19, 2026 · via racq.com.au
CalAmp Names New CEO to Drive Connected Mobility Push CalAmp, a global leader in telematics and connected vehicle solutions, has appointed Maurizio Iperti as its new CEO, the company announced on March 10, 2026. Iperti, who previously served as president of the Connected Car Solutions (CCS) business unit, succeeds Chris Adams following a fiscal year 2025 marked by full debt repayment and a strategic pivot toward data-driven operational intelligence. The leadership transition signals a formal shift for CalAmp and its subsidiary LoJack, as the company moves beyond traditional stolen vehicle recovery (SVR) toward a “connected mobility ecosystem.” The strategy integrates real-time monitoring and route analytics into the daily operations of insurers, leasing companies, and automotive distributors. Leadership Transition and Strategic Vision Iperti brings 18 years of leadership experience within CalAmp to the CEO role. During his tenure, he oversaw the accelerated growth of the CCS unit, which includes LoJack International and the Tracker Network in the United Kingdom. He has worked closely with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), dealerships, and public safety agencies. “It is an honor for me to assume the role of CEO, CalAmp and work with our trusted and dedicated employees around the world to offer our customers robust solutions, efficient service, and lasting partnerships. I hope to accelerate our investments in hardware, software, and services that generate meaningful and measurable impact for our customers,” Iperti said. Cynthia Paul, chair of the Board of Directors, CalAmp, said Iperti was selected for his customer-centric approach. “Maurizio embodies our customer-focused vision. He recognizes that the success of our customers must be the foundation of our work as an organization. He has the skills, experience, passion, and proven ability to leverage CalAmp’s engineering culture and technical excellence to create differentiated, value-added telematics solutions that provide peace of mind as customers monitor,
May 19, 2026 · via mexicobusiness.news
Researchers have spilled tons of ink about connected cars and the dangers associated with them. Still, many people don’t know that their daily drivers are sending personal information to insurers and advertisers alike. Even those who do know often choose to take their chances—but not security professional Arkadiy Tetelman. He recently took all the data senders out of his 2024 Toyota RAV4, and he published the process so others know how to unplug, too. Tetelman prefaced his walkthrough with a series of warnings. He pointed to past instances like Tesla employees sharing footage of naked customers in 2023, as well as a more recent vulnerability in Subarus that allowed anyone to remotely unlock cars while accessing real-time and historical GPS location. Paranoia is pretty well justified when the track record looks like that. I won’t retell Tetelman’s blog blow-for-blow, but the gist is this: It’s an involved process, though that shouldn’t stop you. He lays out all of the necessary tools required to do the job on a RAV4 like his, and in 13 steps, he explains how to remove the data communication model. He also instructs folks on how to remove the Toyota’s GPS antenna in five steps. Again, you need a few hours to complete all this, but you don’t have to be a mechanic of any kind. With both the DCM and GPS antenna removed, Tetelman’s crossover no longer sends location or telemetry data to third parties. It loses connected features like over-the-air updates and SOS calling—a safety feature that he willingly disabled—but that’s mostly it. Confirming that it worked is pretty easy, since all you have to do is check that the car has no internet connection while ensuring that the SOS calling light is off. You should still be able to make and receive phone
May 19, 2026 · via autos.yahoo.com
Panasonic Connect North America has launched Tough Command, a connected fleet management platform that turns its rugged Toughbook in-vehicle laptops into a data hub for fleet operators. The product targets public safety, utility and enterprise fleet customers, where Panasonic says many operators bolt on extra hardware and software to extract data from existing devices. The platform takes a software-first approach, using the compute, connectivity and GPS already in deployed Toughbook laptops rather than requiring new in-vehicle hardware. Tough Command acts as a secure edge-to-cloud gateway, pulling data from vehicles, IoT devices and infrastructure into a cloud environment for analytics and reporting. It supports mixed-device fleets and is vendor-agnostic on hardware. In a statement, Mike Smola, Senior Director, Product Management and System Engineering/QA at Panasonic Connect, said: “By turning TOUGHBOOK into a single, scalable platform for data capture, integration, and insight, we’re helping customers reduce complexity, consolidate hardware, and build a more efficient and safer foundation for their operations.” Launch capabilities include edge data collection from in-vehicle devices and connected equipment, cloud storage and analytics for vehicle health and routes, a web-based dashboard, and configurable reporting. Panasonic is positioning Tough Command as a way to consolidate siloed systems and reduce the number of vendors and data services fleet operators rely on. Source: Panasonic Connect
May 19, 2026 · via automotiveworld.com
Android Auto Added Gemini AI and Immersive Navigation Tools Edited by Mursal Rahman — May 19, 2026 — Autos This article was written with the assistance of AI. References: blog.google & engadget AI-powered car interfaces are transforming vehicles into connected digital environments that combine navigation, entertainment and contextual assistance through integrated software ecosystems. Google’s latest Android Auto updates introduce Gemini AI support, immersive 3D navigation, customizable dashboard layouts and expanded in-car entertainment features designed for modern driving experiences. The platform also adds video streaming, spatial audio support and personalized widgets that allow drivers to access important information more efficiently while parked or on the road. Gemini AI can assist with tasks such as messaging, navigation and voice-controlled requests by understanding conversational context and user behavior. The updates reflect how automakers and technology companies are increasingly competing through software capabilities rather than hardware alone. As consumers expect smarter and more personalized vehicle experiences, connected operating systems may become a key differentiator across automotive brands. Integrated AI tools and entertainment ecosystems could also create new opportunities for subscriptions, digital services and long-term customer engagement within connected mobility markets. Image Credit: Google The updates reflect how automakers and technology companies are increasingly competing through software capabilities rather than hardware alone. As consumers expect smarter and more personalized vehicle experiences, connected operating systems may become a key differentiator across automotive brands. Integrated AI tools and entertainment ecosystems could also create new opportunities for subscriptions, digital services and long-term customer engagement within connected mobility markets. Image Credit: Google What drivers want from AI in-car screens Helps decide which in-car features to cover and which services (navigation, voice help, entertainment) readers might adopt or pay for. 1 / 3 When did you last use phone-based navigation while driving? 2 / 3 If your car supported an
May 19, 2026 · via trendhunter.com
Researchers have spilled tons of ink about connected cars and the dangers associated with them. Still, many people don’t know that their daily drivers are sending personal information to insurers and advertisers alike. Even those who do know often choose to take their chances—but not security professional Arkadiy Tetelman. He recently took all the data senders out of his 2024 Toyota RAV4, and he published the process so others know how to unplug, too. Tetelman prefaced his walkthrough with a series of warnings. He pointed to past instances like Tesla employees sharing footage of naked customers in 2023, as well as a more recent vulnerability in Subarus that allowed anyone to remotely unlock cars while accessing real-time and historical GPS location. Paranoia is pretty well justified when the track record looks like that. I won’t retell Tetelman’s blog blow-for-blow, but the gist is this: It’s an involved process, though that shouldn’t stop you. He lays out all of the necessary tools required to do the job on a RAV4 like his, and in 13 steps, he explains how to remove the data communication model. He also instructs folks on how to remove the Toyota’s GPS antenna in five steps. Again, you need a few hours to complete all this, but you don’t have to be a mechanic of any kind. With both the DCM and GPS antenna removed, Tetelman’s crossover no longer sends location or telemetry data to third parties. It loses connected features like over-the-air updates and SOS calling—a safety feature that he willingly disabled—but that’s mostly it. Confirming that it worked is pretty easy, since all you have to do is check that the car has no internet connection while ensuring that the SOS calling light is off. You should still be able to make and receive phone
May 19, 2026 · via thedrive.com
When Did Cars Become Spaceships? M y first car was a 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. It was a hand-me-down from my mom, manual transmission. You never forget popping clutches, stalling left and right. The car was, let’s say, semi-end-of-life when I got it. It was a classic Volkswagen that, mechanically, ran forever. But it had roll-up windows and the handles had popped off. God knows where the real handles were. We had these vise grips I would use to roll down my window, then hand it to my high school buddies in the back so they could do the same. I’ve got 4,000 memories from inside that vehicle. Cars represent the mood of America. Recently, it’s been all about tech. So many modern cars are isolation machines: Don’t worry, this car will drive you everywhere. Don’t worry, it’s all in the software. Don’t worry, it’s just like a phone. The car loses its character. It has one giant screen, and you go eight layers down, and that’s how you heat your seat. It becomes a spaceship. I think Americans have become suspicious of that. We didn’t forget how to open a car door — you can put a door handle on the car. You shouldn’t need facial ID to enter your vehicle. We were promised that technology was going to make us more connected, but the truth is, we’ve never been more disconnected. American cars are cultural symbols. And today, we need to bring back the sense of connection that cars once gave us. Americans always want to embrace innovation, of course. But they still want nostalgia and romance and physicality. More distraction and more entertainment in the vehicle is not the solution. The Scout truck originated in the 1960s as a product of International Harvester, an agricultural company that made
May 19, 2026 · via rollingstone.com
- United States - / - Communications - / - NasdaqGS:ITRN Will Stellantis Telematics Deal and Cash Returns Change Ituran Location and Control's (ITRN) Narrative? - In recent months, analysts have highlighted Ituran Location and Control’s resilient quarterly performance, completed share repurchase, cash dividend, and expanding telematics partnerships, including a collaboration with Stellantis for the Connect Fiat program. - This combination of recurring stolen vehicle recovery revenue and new OEM-linked telematics deals is reshaping how investors think about Ituran’s business mix and cash generation. - Next, we’ll examine how the Stellantis Connect Fiat partnership may influence Ituran’s recurring telematics narrative and long-term growth assumptions. The best AI stocks today may lie beyond giants like Nvidia and Microsoft. Find the next big opportunity with these 15 smaller AI-focused companies with strong growth potential through early-stage innovation in machine learning, automation, and data intelligence that could fund your retirement. Ituran Location and Control Investment Narrative Recap To own Ituran, you need to accept a story built on recurring telematics and stolen vehicle recovery revenue, backed by disciplined capital returns. The recent analyst reactions to the Stellantis Connect Fiat deal and the completed buyback support the near term catalyst of OEM subscriber growth, but they do not remove the key risk that a heavier tilt toward lower margin OEM contracts could pressure profitability, especially if subscriber additions or ARPU fall short of expectations. Among the latest developments, the Stellantis Connect Fiat partnership looks most relevant, because it directly ties into expectations for expanding OEM relationships and subscriber numbers. By providing an end to end connected car solution for Fiat Strada over an initial three year term, Ituran adds another OEM channel that could support its target of strong net subscriber additions, while also testing how much margin pressure investors are willing to tolerate
May 19, 2026 · via simplywall.st
Asus has taken a licence to the standard essential patents in Sisvel's Wi-Fi Multimode pool. The agreement ends pending patent litigation between the Taiwanese electronics manufacturer and pool members Huawei, Philips, and Wilus. 19 May 2026 by Laura King With Asus, Sisvel has secured another major electronics manufacturer as a licensee of its Wi-Fi Multimode programme. Asus joins existing licensees Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Huawei, Panasonic, Philips, Sony Group Corporation, and ZTE. The pool covers SEPs for the Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 standards. The licensing deal also brings to an end ongoing patent disputes between Asus and three of the pool’s patent owners — Huawei, Philips, and Wilus. Sisvel did not disclose the financial terms of the agreement. Munich Regional Court was one of the venues where the parties were litigating. The court’s 7th Civil Chamber under presiding judge Oliver Schön recently handed down judgment in Wilus vs Asus, in which it further clarified its approach to FRAND proceedings. In particular, the chamber announced it would in future take a closer look at the FRAND offer and examine whether it is FRAND-compliant. Wilus and Asus faced off not only at the Munich Regional Court, but also in the US and at Mannheim local division. The court was due to hear Wilus’s UPC claim on 24 and 25 June. An international Bird & Bird team represented Wilus in the UPC action at the local division Mannheim. The team was lead by Milan-based partner Giovanni Galimberti and German litigator Oliver Jüngst. They were supported by partner Edoardo Bàrbera, counsel Lucas Brons and associates Evelina Marchesoni and Niklas Kabel. Hosea Haag, founding partner of Ampersand, filed the lawsuits against Asus at Munich Regional Court. Patent attorneys from Eisenführ Speiser were responsible for the technical arguments in both trials. The latter firm probably has
May 19, 2026 · via juve-patent.com
May 19, 2026 05:48 AM EDT
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May 19, 2026 · via autonews.com
My electricity bill saw a bump of about ₹1,500 for the month. Compared to the ₹8,000+ I’d have spent on petrol, the car is effectively paying for its own EMI difference BHPian Suryant recently shared this with other enthusiasts: Hello everyone, I have been a silent reader of this forum for years, and it feels great to finally contribute to the community. Here is my take on the first 1,200 km with my new EV. Tata Nexon EV Creative 45 - 1200 km Ownership Review | The "Silent" Upgrade Bought on: March 16, 2026 Variant: Creative 45 (Prisinte White) Odo at time of writing: ~1,288 km Location: Hyderabad Usage: 70% City, 30% Highway The Context: Moving on from a Faithful Celerio Before the "green" bug bit, my daily driver was a Maruti Suzuki Celerio ZXi (O) AMT. Over 8 years and 75,000 km, it was the definition of "fill it, shut it, forget it." However, as my highway stints increased, the Celerio’s lack of heft and basic safety tech became a mental block. I needed a car that didn't feel like a tin can when a Volvo bus zoomed past at 100 km/h. The ~15L Crossroads: Why not ICE? With a ₹15 Lakh budget, I spent weeks obsessing over the Skoda Kylaq. The 1.0 TSI is addictive, and the "European" build is palpable. But Hyderabad’s traffic meant I’d be staring at 8–9 km/l on the MID. Between the fuel bills and the dreaded "VAG" after-sales anxiety, the math didn't add up. I briefly considered the Brezza AT (too lateral a move from Maruti) and the new Venue DCT (didn't want a dry-clutch gearbox heating up in traffic). For an extra ₹50k over the mid-spec ICE rivals, the Nexon EV Creative 45 felt like the most sensible decision. The Buying Experience:
May 19, 2026 · via team-bhp.com
Ford has outlined plans for five new passenger vehicles, including a Bronco SUV and a potential electric Fiesta replacement, to help it retake a market share across Europe. The manufacturer detailed its plans at a gathering of European dealers and partners in Salzburg, Austria, outlining a three-year rollout of new vehicles, connected services and dealer support programmes. Ford said the strategy is designed to strengthen both its commercial vehicle operations and passenger car business in Europe, supported by its new “Ready-Set-Ford” global brand platform. Bronco, small EVs and crossovers on their way Alongside the new strategy, Ford confirmed plans to launch five new passenger vehicles in Europe by the end of 2029. The future line-up will include a new compact SUV joining the Bronco family, a small electric hatchback, a small electric SUV and two additional multi-energy crossover models. Ford said the new range would combine rally-inspired design with multi-energy powertrains tailored for European customers. The original equipment manufacturer (OEM) also outlined plans to expand its Ford Pro connected services business, with dealers playing a greater role in helping commercial vehicle customers reduce downtime and improve vehicle utilisation. Ford said its connected Ford Pro Uptime Services are now generating close to six million vehicle health signals a day from more than 1.2 million connected European customers. The business is extending those capabilities to smaller operators through new Dealer Uptime Services, allowing dealers to monitor vehicle health, proactively contact customers and prepare parts and workshop bookings before vehicles arrive. Ford said early pilot schemes reduced repair times by up to 50% and identified 80% of repairs proactively. The OEM added that the programme could help dealers generate more service leads, improve customer loyalty and increase aftersales revenue opportunities. Ford Pro is the backbone of our business Jim Baumbick, president of Ford
May 19, 2026 · via am-online.com
PIRELLI, ON THE ROAD WITH CYBER TYRE: 1,500 KILOMETERS DRIVING THE PAGANI UTOPIA ROADSTER The Italian hypercar departed from the Pagani Automobili headquarters in Modena, reached Bosch Engineering near Stuttgart, and continued on to Pirelli Headquarters in Milan. Milan, 19 May 2026. A journey of more than 1,500 kilometers across Europe behind the wheel of the Pagani Utopia Roadster equipped with Cyber Tyre technology as standard, connecting Pirelli with Pagani Automobili and Bosch Engineering. These are the first companies to have integrated Pirelli Cyber Tyre technology with vehicle dynamics systems: the digital ecosystem that has transformed the role of the tyre from a passive component into an active sensor capable of transmitting real-time data on tyre and road conditions, with the primary benefit of enhanced driving safety. THE JOURNEY OF PIRELLI CYBER TYRE The Pagani Utopia Roadster equipped with Cyber Tyre technology as original equipment departed from the headquarters of Pagani Automobili in San Cesario sul Panaro, north of Bologna, where it was designed and built. The Italian hypercar was the first model to adopt this system integrated with the electronic systems governing vehicle dynamics. Communication between the tyres and systems such as ABS, ESP and traction control was enabled through the collaboration with Bosch, particularly with Bosch Engineering, the second stop on the journey, in Abstatt, north of Stuttgart. Finally, the journey returned to Italy, to Milan, home to Pirelli headquarters, where the technology was conceived and developed. Explaining the Cyber Tyre system throughout the various stages of the journey were Horacio Pagani, founder and driving force behind Pagani Automobili; Dr. Johannes-Joerg Rueger, CEO of Bosch Engineering; Piero Misani, CTO of Pirelli; and Corrado Rocca, Head of the Pirelli Cyber Unit. Horacio Pagani, founder Pagani Automobili: “For over twenty years, our research has been guided by Leonardo’s principle of
May 19, 2026 · via press.pirelli.com
This article is by Warren Carley, Principal, Connected Vehicles-Telematics, Europe, at LexisNexis Risk Solutions For years, usage-based insurance (UBI) has been one of the most promising innovations in motor insurance. Despite this potential, adoption has largely remained limited to specific segments of the market. Today, however, the rapid growth of connected vehicles across Europe i, combined with the emergence of source-agnostic UBI scoring methodologies, is creating conditions that could allow UBI to become mainstream. Currently, most UBI programmes rely on aftermarket telematics devices fitted into vehicles. These solutions are often designed for niche markets and/or frequently targeted at younger or less experienced drivers. While effective in those segments, this approach has limited broader market adoption and reinforced the perception that telematics is primarily relevant to higher-risk drivers. Connected vehicles have the potential to change this dynamic. When data originates directly from the vehicle, if insurers have a way to access insights into driving behaviour without requiring additional hardware or installation, the scalability of UBI and broadens its potential appeal across the wider U.K. and E.U. motor insurance markets. Importantly, behavioural feedback models in motor insurance have already demonstrated their ability to influence driving outcomes. Overtime, road traffic incidents involving younger drivers have declined more rapidly than those involving other age groups ii. In fleet environments, telematics has delivered similarly encouraging results iii. These improvements illustrate the fundamental value of behavioural insight. When drivers receive feedback on how their actions influence risk, many respond by adjusting their habits. Despite the promise of connected vehicles, data consistency remains a major barrier. The automotive ecosystem is highly diverse worldwide, with different vehicle manufacturers, models and onboard technologies producing telematics data in varying formats. This lack of standardisation of telematics data outside of an insurer’s existing program or for those with no program at
May 19, 2026 · via insurance-edge.net
- Skoda’s smallest entry-level EV - Offered with three variants and two battery pack options Skoda has officially revealed the Epiq, its most affordable electric SUV yet. Positioned as an entry point into Skoda’s EV portfolio, the compact crossover sits on the new-generation MEB+ platform and combines compact dimensions with a spacious cabin and practical features. The Epiq is the first production Skoda model to fully adopt the brand’s new ‘Modern Solid’ design language. The front fascia gets a gloss black Tech Deck Face in place of a conventional grille, flanked by slim T-shaped LED lighting elements that will become a signature styling cue for future Skoda SUVs. Skoda has also focused heavily on aerodynamics, with the Epiq achieving a drag coefficient of 0.275. The SUV features active cooling shutters, aerodynamic wheels, roof spoiler elements, air curtain channels, and an extensively optimised underbody to improve efficiency. In terms of dimensions, the Epiq measures 4,171mm in length, 1,798mm in width, and 1,581mm in height, while the wheelbase stands at 2,601mm. Depending on the variant, the SUV rides on 17-inch to 19-inch alloy wheels. The SUV offers a 475-litre boot along with an additional 25-litre front storage compartment. The cabin uses recycled and animal-free materials throughout, including upholstery made entirely from recycled polyester fibres. Depending on the trim, buyers can opt for multiple interior themes, ambient lighting, and Techtona leather alternative finishes. Feature highlights include a 13-inch Android-based infotainment touchscreen with Google Maps, YouTube, and Spotify integration, wireless phone charging, panoramic sunroof, Canton sound system, connected car technology, and digital key functionality. On the safety front, the Epiq comes equipped with seven airbags as standard along with ADAS features such as Front Assist, Lane Assist, Side Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, and optional Travel Assist 3.0 with traffic light response and remote parking
May 19, 2026 · via carwale.com
Ford Ford accelerates European business with new models and in-vehicle smart tech Car giant revs up European product and services roll-out tailored to customers’ unique demands, including expanding its line-up and connected services that turn vehicle data into measurable productivity gains Just weeks after launching an intelligent fleet assistant for commercial customers, the Ford Motor Company has set out a new vision for its future in Europe, with plans for a “comprehensive” product and technology roll-out for commercial and retail customers over the next three years. From an IT and comms perspective, the move will see the core Ford Pro brand – the commercial vehicle division within Ford Motor Company – evolve from vehicle maker to productivity partner for European businesses. As part of its activities, Ford Pro develops solutions to deliver an always-on, connected customer experience through a suite that includes vehicles, charging, software, financing and servicing for commercial and government customers. It looks to pull connected vehicle data and integrate it into the Ford Pro Intelligence platform to arm fleet managers with a new level of insight about and control over vehicles on the road and when upfitted equipment is in use. Since 2019, every Ford Pro vehicle has been built with an embedded modem. Today, more than 1.2 million European customers are connected, generating close to six million health signals a day. The strategy will see Ford Pro transform from being a vehicle manufacturer to a “productivity partner” using software and services to maximise the return on every vehicle. It supports Ford’s global target to generate 25% of Ford Pro operating income from software and services. In the first quarter of 2026, worldwide paid software subscriptions rose by 30% to 879,000, with gross margins above 50%. “Ford Pro is the backbone of our European business. We don’t
May 19, 2026 · via computerweekly.com
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. Long-range 7-seater EVs from major brands expected by 2027. Spacious cabins, premium features, and ranges over 500 km. Family-friendly electric SUVs and MPVs set to hit Indian roads. The Indian car market is slowly moving toward larger electric vehicles. While compact EVs are already gaining popularity, several carmakers are now preparing 7-seater electric SUVs and MPVs for buyers who need more space and practicality. Brands like Tata Motors, Maruti Suzuki, Toyota, and VinFast are working on models expected to launch in India by 2027. These vehicles aim to offer premium features, long driving range, and roomy cabins suitable for families. Tata Motors is expanding its electric SUV lineup with the Safari EV, expected to launch around the festive season this year. It retains the overall design of the regular Safari but adds EV-specific styling such as a closed grille, aerodynamic wheels, and updated LED lights. The Safari EV could become Tata’s first three-row electric SUV, offering features like ventilated seats, panoramic sunroof, leatherette upholstery, connected technology, and a triple-screen setup inspired by the Sierra EV concept. Battery options may include 65 kWh and 75 kWh packs, with the larger battery offering a claimed range of over 620 km. Some higher variants could also feature all-wheel drive. Also Read: What’s Cooking at Maruti? Three Vehicles in One Shot Maruti Suzuki is preparing its first electric MPV, internally called the YMC, expected by the end of 2026. Larger than the Ertiga, the YMC could offer 5- and 7-seater layouts, along with captain seats, a large touchscreen, panoramic glass roof, Level 2 ADAS,
May 19, 2026 · via carlelo.com
New reforms are making it easier for passengers to know their rights when travelling and report driver misconduct and delivering new and increased penalties for drivers doing the wrong thing. What’s changing More transparency, safer rides We’re currently introducing a package of industry reforms to ensure that all Victorians feel safe when travelling in a taxi or ride-share vehicle. Several of these changes have already been implemented. From 1 March 2026, taxis and ride-share vehicles must display a QR code, giving passengers quick and easy access to information on their rights and how to raise a complaint. We’ve introduced increased penalties for failing to use a taxi meter correctly. We’ve also introduced a new law, making it illegal for drivers to display taxi or ride-share company signs on their vehicles unless they’re associated with the company. A new ‘two strikes and you’re out’ rule will ban drivers who are found guilty of repeat fare and other serious offences over a 10-year period. Specified offences relate to overcharging, including for fares and for non-cash payment surcharges have also been introduced. Further changes will be rolled out in 2026, including improved training for drivers of wheelchair accessible vehicles. The Department of Transport and Planning and Safe Transport Victoria will work with the community and the commercial passenger vehicle industry during this reform process. Legislative change This package of reforms for the commercial passenger vehicle industry is being delivered through both legislative and regulatory changes. The Department of Transport and Planning is developing additional amendments to the regulations to support the implementation of the remaining regulatory reforms in the package. More information For more information, visit the STV website(opens in a new window). Updated
May 19, 2026 · via vic.gov.au