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
How Automotive Is Converging Software, AI and EV Platforms in 2026, According to McKinsey and Gartner The global automotive industry is undergoing a structural transformation in 2026 as manufacturers increasingly shift from hardware-centric production models to software-defined vehicle (SDV) platforms, according to insights from McKinsey & Company and Gartner. The growing integration of artificial intelligence is driving this transition, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and electric vehicle (EV) technologies, positioning software and data capabilities at the core of automotive innovation. Industry analysis indicates that automakers and suppliers are accelerating the adoption of continuous over-the-air (OTA) software updates, enabling vehicles to receive real-time enhancements and new features throughout their lifecycle. This evolution reflects a broader move toward cloud-to-edge integration, where data processing and decision-making are distributed across centralized cloud systems and in-vehicle computing platforms. Automotive computing architectures are also evolving, with a shift toward centralized domain controllers and heterogeneous system-on-chip (SoC) designs. Major technology players such as NVIDIA, Qualcomm, and Intel are playing a key role in enabling these advancements, while automakers including Tesla, Toyota, and General Motors are increasingly developing in-house software ecosystems to enhance differentiation and control over vehicle performance. In parallel, revenue models in the automotive sector are expanding beyond traditional vehicle sales. Insights from firms such as Deloitte and Boston Consulting Group highlight the growing importance of subscription-based services, on-demand features, and data-driven offerings, particularly in fleet operations and connected-vehicle ecosystems. These models are expected to create recurring revenue streams and improve lifecycle value for manufacturers. Regulatory and safety considerations are also evolving in tandem with technological advancements. Industry stakeholders are aligning with global standards such as International Organization for Standardization frameworks and guidelines from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to address cybersecurity and functional safety requirements in increasingly connected and autonomous vehicles. According to Precedence
May 18, 2026 · via precedenceresearch.com
As The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported Monday (May 18), the company has acquired a network of seven Stellantis dealerships, a move that the report said is disrupting traditional sales models while alarming established franchise owners. This expansion began with a pilot earlier this year when Carvana purchased a dealership in Casa Grande, Arizona. By last month, that location had become the top-selling Chrysler, Jeep, Ram, and Dodge dealer in the U.S. Monthly sales surged from roughly 30 to 50 vehicles to 350 under Carvana’s management, according to Stellantis figures shared with dealers and seen by WSJ. The report said this growth is driven by applying the company’s digital playbook — featuring no-haggle pricing and remote, couch-based transactions — to new-car sales. It’s what attracted customer Joshua Higginbotham of Kansas City. “I’m sure I could’ve gone into a dealership, got some more gray hairs, and negotiated it down to whatever Carvana had it at or lower, but I’m not going to do that to save $1,000 or even a few thousand dollars,” he told WSJ. Advertisement: Scroll to Continue So far, Stellantis is the only carmaker to have allowed Carvana to become a franchised dealer. This move, the report added, has been tough to swallow for traditional dealers who sell Stellanis brands like Dodge and Chrysler. “Stellantis dealers are in an uproar over this,” said South Florida Jeep-Ram dealer GianMarco Taverna. He added that he doesn’t mind Carvana’s entry into business, provided Stellantis sticks to policies keeping a single dealer from growing too large. “It is up to us to compete and figure it out,” Taverna said. Meanwhile, used cars remain Carvana’s bread and butter, with the company recently reporting new quarterly records after it sold 187,393 retail units and took in revenues of $6.4 billion. Those figures marked respective
May 18, 2026 · via pymnts.com
A bill attempting to prevent vehicle theft passed the Delaware House without opposition. With many cars moving to push-to-start models, they become at risk of theft through the use of vehicle security circumvention devices. Delaware saw a 26% increase in motor vehicle theft between 2020 and 2024. Part of that is fueled by vehicle security circumvention devices, programming devices cars can recognize as keys and allow them to start. House Bill 351 would make intentional manufacturing, sale or possession of such devices a crime, according to the bill’s sponsor State Rep. Frank Cooke. “... Especially getting it from a car dealership or car garage that fixes cars, they go out and they use it to steal other cars,” Cooke said. “And we need to beat that up a little bit. Like I said, other states are following exactly what we're doing here.” Cooke added there have been violent crimes in Delaware connected with vehicle thefts, and he hopes this bill will curb both theft and violent crime. Those are tools that can act as a key and get a car started, enabling theft. “This bill comes from the National Insurance Crime Bureau, and in 2024, over 850 vehicles were stolen in America,” Cooke said. “And the vehicle security circumvention devices, or key fob emulators, and relay attack devices are increasingly being used to facilitate these thefts.” Cooke said he hopes this legislation helps decrease vehicle theft and violent crime that can happen at the same time. If passed, initial violations would result in fines between $28.75 and $115, up to 90 days of imprisonment or both. For any following offenses, fines would be between $115 and $230, up to six months of imprisonment or both. The bill passed the House without opposition and now heads to the Senate.
May 18, 2026 · via delawarepublic.org
Vinfast Vf6 vs Vinfast Vf7 Vinfast Vf6 Wind Infinity 19.19 lakh Vinfast Vf7 Sky Infinity AWD 26.79 lakh Engine & Transmission Fuel Type/ Propulsion Pure Electric Driving Mode Motor Type Max Motor Power Max Motor Torque Drive Layout Gearbox Type Number of Gears Lockable Differential/s Sport Mode for Automatic Gearbox Manual Shifts via Gear Lever on Automatic Gearbox Paddle Shifters for Automatic Gearbox Number of Motors Fuel & Performance Battery Capacity Claimed Range Charging Time Auto Start/Stop Real World Highway Range (EV) Real World City Range (EV) 0-100kph Suspension & Steering Front Brakes Rear Brakes Type of Power Assist Steering Adjust Steering Adjust type Front Suspension Type Front Springs Rear Suspension Type Rear Springs Damper Control Ride Height Adjust Wheels Wheel Size Spare Wheel Dimensions Length Width Height Wheelbase Doors Ground Clearance Kerb Weight Boot Capacity Comfort Power Windows Acoustic Windshield Glove Box Front Seatback Pockets Foldable Seatback Table Power Windows with One Touch-Down Utility Recess On Dashboard Powered Tailgate Door Pockets Digital Instrument Cluster Steering Mounted Controls Bluetooth Connectivity Roof Grab Handles Power Windows with One Touch-Up Exterior Mirrors Electric Adjust Exterior Mirrors Electric Fold Remote Locking Keyless Entry Push Button Start Climate Control Rear AC Vents Third Row AC Vents Front Passenger Seat Adjust from Rear Rear Window Sun Shades Rear Windscreen Sun Shade Rear Power Outlet Sunroof Ambient Lighting Driving Modes Cruise Control Auto Parking Launch Control Dead Pedal Hands-free Boot Opening Electric Tailgate Release Safety Airbags Anti Theft Alarm Side Airbag Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) Seat Belt Warning Speed Sensing Door Lock Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist BNCAP Rating Curtain Airbag Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Rear Cross Traffic Alert Day Night Interior Mirror Impact Sensing Auto Door Unlock Driver Airbag Lane Keep Assist High Beam Assist Heads Up Display Front Collision Avoidance Overspeed Warning Passenger Airbag
May 18, 2026 · via autocarindia.com
On the Dash: - GM is expanding its digital ownership tools, which could strengthen long-term customer retention and service engagement. - Dealership collision centers inside the GM Collision Repair Network may benefit from increased repair referrals through the app. - Automakers continue to integrate more post-sale services into their branded mobile ecosystems to improve the customer experience. General Motors has introduced a new Collision Assistance feature through its brand mobile apps, aiming to simplify the post-accident process by helping drivers document damage, start insurance claims, and locate certified repair centers. Available through the myChevrolet, myGMC, myBuick, and myCadillac apps, Collision Assistance guides drivers through the post-collision steps with easy-to-follow prompts. Users can photograph damage, record crash details, and organize all necessary information directly within the app. They also have the option to pause and resume the process if urgent matters arise. Recently, GM introduced a self-discovery function that allows drivers to start the process whenever they choose, rather than only after a crash. The tool connects them to facilities in the GM Collision Repair Network, which includes independent body shops and dealership repair centers that adhere to GM’s repair standards. These facilities utilize specialized repair equipment, conduct pre- and post-repair scans, and provide access to ACDelco and GM Genuine parts. GM developed this feature in response to the stress and uncertainty that drivers often face after accidents. Notably, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that nearly 17,000 police-reported crashes occur daily in the United States. This launch reflects a broader trend in the automotive industry, in which manufacturers expand ownership services through branded digital ecosystems and connected-vehicle platforms. GM aims to enhance customer engagement beyond vehicle sales and dealership service visits, shifting into mobile-based ownership support.
May 18, 2026 · via cbtnews.com
Traffic management is evolving rapidly and the recent webinar “From Intersections to Networks: A New Era of Signal Performance Analytics”, offered a compelling look into how data-driven insights are transforming the way cities understand and optimize their road networks. From real-world case studies to advanced analytics techniques, the session highlighted how agencies are leveraging probe-based data to improve mobility, safety, and planning decisions. What Is Signal Analytics and Why It Matters At its core, INRIX Signal Analytics uses anonymized GPS data from connected vehicles to evaluate how intersections and corridors perform continuously at scale, without requiring physical infrastructure in the field. Instead of relying solely on traditional sensors, this approach: - Captures vehicle movement patterns continuously - Measures metrics like delay, speed, and level of service - Scales easily across entire regions This model enables agencies to gain insights at hundreds, or even thousands, of intersections simultaneously. Regional Insights from Maricopa Association of Governments One region that is utilizing Signal Analytics is the Maricopa Association of Governments. By tapping into the Signal Analytics, they were able to: - Monitor traffic trends across grouped intersections - Identify congestion patterns using control delay metrics - Track level of service (LOS) across time and geography - Build data-driven models for future planning One highlight is the potential for model calibration, where historical data helps refine traffic simulations and forecasting, something traditionally limited by lack of arterial data. City of Mesa: Turning Data into Daily Action The City of Mesa also demonstrated how it uses Signal Analytics and how it can directly support operations. Their approach includes: - Reviewing daily performance dashboards - Detecting unusual changes caused by construction or incidents - Running before-and-after studies on signal timing adjustments - Prioritizing corridors for improvement One key takeaway: context matters. Engineers emphasized the importance of
May 18, 2026 · via inrix.com
Ford Ford Charges Ahead in Europe: Seven New Models and Smart Tech to Keep Vans on Road and Businesses Earning | Ford / Key word(s): Product Launch SALZBURG, Austria, May 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ford today detailed a vibrant new vision for its future in Europe at a gathering of European dealers and partners. With a comprehensive product and technology rollout for commercial and retail customers planned over the next three years, Ford is renewing its commitment to European drivers and businesses. Ford’s European strategy is supported by its new Ready-Set-Ford global brand platform, which focuses on the territories where Ford authentically plays and differentiates: Build, Thrill and Adventure. The first European campaigns under the Ready-Set-Ford banner launch this month. Ford Pro Evolves from Vehicle Maker to Productivity Partner for European Business Ford Pro, Europe’s leading commercial vehicle brand for 11 years running, 1 is evolving from a vehicle manufacturer into an indispensable productivity partner for businesses of all sizes leveraging software and services to maximise the return on every vehicle. The strategy supports Ford’s global target to generate 25 per cent of Ford Pro EBIT from software and services. In the first quarter of 2026, worldwide paid software subscriptions rose 30 per cent to 879,000, with gross margins above 50 per cent. “Ford Pro is the backbone of our European business,” said Jim Baumbick, President, Ford in Europe. “We don’t just sell vans and pickups, we deliver an integrated ecosystem of vehicles, software and services. Our vehicles lead the market, and around them we’ve built a productivity accelerator our competition cannot match. For our customers, that’s not just transportation, it’s a better return on investment.” Ford Pro’s Uptime Services use connected vehicle data and predictive intelligence to identify issues before they become problems. Since 2019, every Ford Pro vehicle
May 18, 2026 · via eqs-news.com
Artificial intelligence (AI) promises to find its way into every corner of our digital lives. The headlines focus on ever-bigger models, but the future will be determined by applications built on those models. Who builds those applications—the ones that will reshape medicine, education, software development, and mundane back-end enterprise services—has not yet been decided. Whether future applications will be determined by oligopolists or entrepreneurs depends on who controls the infrastructure those applications need. Three companies—Anthropic, OpenAI, and Google—have established themselves as the dominant foundation model builders. Application developers build their tools atop those models. Total payments for such access reached over $37 billion in 2025, tripling in a single year, according to Menlo Ventures. These AI models have become the essential infrastructure of the 21st century. In the startup incubator Y Combinator’s summer 2025 cohort, for instance, nine out of 10 companies were AI-native, meaning they were built from the ground up with AI. Nearly all were dependent on the three dominant companies for the models underpinning their offerings. A startup building a coding agent or medical diagnostics tool writes code that sends requests to an AI model, and the model presents the results. The startup does not build its own model, which can cost hundreds of millions of dollars; instead, it buys access to a model. This may be efficient, but it exposes a profound competitive deficiency. The problem is that the companies that control access to those foundation models are also developing their own applications. Anthropic sells access to Claude while marketing Claude Code and Claude Cowork, its own coding agent and enterprise tool. Thousands of third-party AI application developers rely on OpenAI, while it has begun a spree of acquiring AI applications developers across coding, personal finance, and health tech. Google has already embedded its Gemini models
May 18, 2026 · via brookings.edu