No-frills tech news

2026 Honda City Facelift: First Look

Honda Cars India is set to launch the much-awaited facelift of the current (fifth-generation) City on May 22, 2026. The updated model will have notable design changes and feature additions. Recently, an image of it was leaked online. Based on it, we have created more renders so that you get a better view of the new City. Let’s start with this- a proper front view of the car. The facelift’s front fascia has been redesigned significantly. It has been brought closer to those of global models like the Civic Type R and the new Prelude. In this image, you can see the design of the front grille, headlamps and the bumper. The headlamps continue to be LED units, but are sleeker now, with sharper edges. These now extend inward and merge neatly into a larger grille. The grille itself is new. It gets a mesh pattern and extends along the width of the car, seamlessly connecting the headlamp units. It highlights the facelift’s wide stance. The Honda logo now sits on the bonnet and adds more character to the design. Previously, it used to be placed on the grille section. The lines on the bonnet also seem to have been tweaked. The front bumper is also new. It features more angular elements and looks sportier than before. As can be seen in the second image, the side profile view remains unchanged. The roofline and most of the character lines remain the same as before. The silhouette is instantly recognizable. The facelift will, however, get new wheels. A redesigned tail lamp cluster and new bumper are expected at the rear. Overall, the design has been made sharper and cleaner than before. The car looks much more upmarket. The design changes appear to be evolutionary and keep the familiarity safe. We don’t

When a Waymos Dives into a Creek All Robotaxis Get Recalled | auto <b>connected car</b> news

On April 20, a Waymo robotaxi traveling a 40-mile-per-hour road in San Antonio, Texas, encountered standing water across the lane ahead. A human driver would have braked, reversed, or found another route. The vehicle did none of those things. It slowed, then continued forward — into a flooded section of roadway that was, in the company’s own words, “untraversable.” The car was swept into Salado Creek. Nobody was aboard. Nobody was hurt. But days passed before the vehicle was recovered from the water. Three weeks later, Alphabet’s autonomous driving unit recalled its entire U.S. fleet. The voluntary recall, disclosed Tuesday through documents posted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website, covers 3,791 Waymo vehicles equipped with the company’s fifth- and sixth-generation automated driving systems. It is the third recall Waymo has filed since February 2024, and by far the most consequential — both for its scale and for the uncomfortable question it forces into the open: when a self-driving car faces a situation no one fully anticipated, what happens? In this case, it drove into a creek. A Fleet That Grew Faster Than Anyone Knew The recall did something the company had not done voluntarily: it told the world exactly how many cars Waymo is operating. Federal recall filings require a precise accounting of affected vehicles, and the figure — 3,791 — surprised even close observers of the autonomous vehicle industry. Prior estimates, drawn from city-level permitting data, had suggested Waymo was running roughly 800 to 1,000 vehicles in San Francisco and around 500 in Phoenix. The company itself did not publicly acknowledge crossing the 2,000-vehicle threshold until September 2025. The recall number confirms that the fleet has since nearly doubled, making Waymo’s the largest commercial autonomous ride-hailing operation in the world. That growth reflects enormous capital behind the

Museum's 'Knight Rider' replica <b>car</b> got a speeding ticket. It hasn't gone anywhere in years

Museum’s ‘Knight Rider’ replica car got a speeding ticket. It hasn’t gone anywhere in years Museum’s ‘Knight Rider’ replica car got a speeding ticket. It hasn’t gone anywhere in years It’s a mystery on the streets of New York City. What traffic law violator with unpaid fines is driving a black Pontiac Trans Am that looks like the car with the talking computer from the 1980s TV series “Knight Rider,” and even has the same license plate? Officials at an Illinois museum are among the people who would like to know. The Volo Museum near Chicago, which has a replica of the show’s Trans Am that hasn’t moved from its exhibit in years, recently received a $50 traffic ticket from the Big Apple, alleging its car was doing 36 mph (59 kph) in a 25 mph (40 kph) zone in Brooklyn on April 22. The ticket came complete with traffic camera photos showing a black Trans Am with the California license plate KNIGHT, the same plate as the car on the show and the novelty one on the museum’s unregistered car. The license plate is also connected to five other unpaid traffic violations in New York City since late 2024, city records show. How the city linked the plate to the museum was not immediately clear. City officials did not immediately respond to email and phone messages Wednesday. “The fact that we’re legally tied to a movie prop is interesting,” said Jim Wojdyla, the museum’s marketing director. “We’re known for having our Hollywood cars from TV and movies, but I have no idea how we got registered from a ticket in New York to the plates in California to the Volo Museum in Illinois. We’re still trying to figure it out.” The museum has requested a hearing challenging the ticket.

Bill would ban import, sale of China-made <b>vehicles</b> in US | Montgomery | waaytv.com

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville introduced legislation to ban Chinese-made vehicles and connected car technologies from American roads. The Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026 was introduced with Sen. Bernie Moreno from Ohio. The bill would stop the import, sale and operation of vehicles made in China or other countries considered threats to national security, according to a press release. "China is our greatest adversary. For years, they've bought up our nation's fertile farmland, stolen our intellectual property, and released a worldwide virus killing millions of Americans—all in an attempt to destroy the greatest nation on earth. Now, they're trying to invade our country with spy technologies disguised as cars," Tuberville said. "We must protect the American auto industry and American autoworkers by continuing to promote 'Made in America' policies that will strengthen our national security and our economic future." The bill also targets Chinese-developed software and data systems used in connected vehicles. It would give the Department of Commerce power to identify and block vehicle technologies and parts that pose risks to U.S. economic or national security. "The American auto industry is the backbone of the American industrial economy, we cannot afford to make the same mistakes globalists have made for decades and see these great American companies devastated by predatory and massively subsidized Chinese state enterprises hellbent on the destruction of our economy," Moreno said. The legislation includes a phased rollout. Vehicle and software restrictions would start in 2027, while hardware restrictions wouldn't take effect until 2030. The delay is meant to give U.S. companies time to secure domestic supply chains. The bill also sets up enforcement tools to keep banned technologies out of the U.S. market. The link to the Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026 is below. AI assisted with the formatting of this

<b>Connected vehicles</b> - Redding Chico Eureka

Thu, 14 May 2026 02:32:28 GMT (1778725948164) Tags - News3 v1.0.0 (common) e289f55fac99d27be65d48b6a9b03c6f8f51127b Fallback Presentation. Using deprecated PresentationRouter. Skip to main contentPresident Trump greets President Xi President Trump greets President Xi THE PRESIDENT participates in a greeting with Chinese president Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Trump visits Beijing with tech CEOs as U.S. automakers watch China trade talks

Trump visits Beijing with tech CEOs as U.S. automakers watch China trade talks WASHINGTON (TNND) — President Trump arrived in Beijing, China, on an official state visit that could have far-reaching implications for global technology and trade, as American automakers watch closely for any shift in how the U.S. approaches China’s growing auto industry. Trump arrived to fanfare and brought a group of prominent tech executives with him. The business leaders included Nvidia CEO Jenson Huang, the leader of what is considered the world’s most valuable company. Tesla CEO Elon Musk also made the trip on Air Force One. Outgoing Apple CEO Tim Cook is also in Beijing. “This is going to be a very exciting trip. A lot of good things are going to happen,” Trump said Tuesday ahead of leaving for China. Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to address trade and competition over artificial intelligence, with the tech leaders in attendance. The meeting comes as domestic automakers remain wary of Chinese electric vehicles entering the U.S. market. The United States has used tariffs and national security concerns to shield itself from Chinese electric vehicles flooding the market. The vehicles often come with advanced features at an affordable price, but Trump earlier this year signaled openness to a deal that could allow Chinese manufacturing in the U.S. “If they want to come in and build the plant and hire you and hire your friends and your neighbors, that's great. I love that. Let China come in, let Japan come in,” Trump said in January while speaking to the Detroit Economic Club. Ahead of Trump’s trip, bills were introduced in Congress that would ban Chinese “connected vehicles” — cars that have internet access — from being sold in the United States. The proposed restrictions would also cover

Amid Trump trip, Michigan duo latest to float Chinese <b>car</b> ban

Amid Trump trip, Michigan duo latest to float Chinese car ban Washington — A bipartisan duo of Michigan lawmakers is backing a push to ban Chinese vehicles from the United States, adding yet more force behind a widespread effort to keep President Donald Trump from opening the American marketplace to a major competitive threat. Republican U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar of Caledonia and Democratic Rep. Debbie Dingell of Ann Arbor introduced a bill on Monday titled the Connected Vehicle Security Act, which seeks to solidify barriers to China building its U.S. automotive presence on both economic and national security grounds. "This legislation that Debbie and I have introduced shows bipartisan support for doing what must be done to protect manufacturing sector jobs and the American people from China's predatory trade practices and manipulative attacks on American industry," Moolenaar said during a press conference on the new bill. The move came a day before Trump flew to China for a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss, among other topics, international trade between the United States and its chief geopolitical rival. It's the latest in a flurry of public pleas to Trump that allowing Chinese companies to manufacture cars and trucks in the United States would be disastrous for a domestic auto industry that has fallen behind China globally in many key areas. "Unfortunately, there are ... too few, rare bipartisan moments these days in Congress," Dingell said. "And we will fight this with all of our might in a very bipartisan way." Lawmakers and industry insiders have said they do not expect the auto sector to be a part of conversations between Trump and Xi this week, though they have noted that anything is possible when Trump is at the negotiating table. "You never quite know what he's going to

AT&amp;T stock (US00206R1023): Partners with Lexus on 5G connectivity

AT&T stock (US00206R1023): Partners with Lexus on 5G connectivity 13.05.2026 - 21:41:31 | ad-hoc-news.deAT&T announced a partnership with Lexus to integrate advanced 5G connectivity into the 2026 ES model, aiming to deliver faster in-vehicle data speeds and improved user experiences. This collaboration underscores AT&T's expanding role in the connected car sector. The stock traded at $25.10, down 0.50%, as of May 13, 2026, according to MarketBeat as of 05/13/2026. As of: 13.05.2026 By the editorial team – specialized in equity coverage. At a glance - Name: AT&T Inc. - Sector/industry: Telecommunications - Headquarters/country: United States - Core markets: US, Latin America - Key revenue drivers: Wireless services, broadband, media - Home exchange/listing venue: NYSE (T) - Trading currency: USD Official source For first-hand information on AT&T, visit the company’s official website. Go to the official websiteAT&T: core business model AT&T operates as one of the largest telecommunications providers in the United States, offering wireless, broadband, and entertainment services to over 100 million subscribers. The company generates revenue primarily through mobility segments, including postpaid and prepaid wireless plans, as well as fiber-based internet services under brands like AT&T Fiber. Its business model relies on network investments to support 5G rollout and spectrum acquisitions, positioning it as a key player in US connectivity infrastructure. Historically, AT&T has diversified into media through ownership of WarnerMedia, though it spun off Warner Bros. Discovery in 2022 to refocus on core telecom operations. This strategic shift, detailed in its 2023 annual report published April 2024, emphasizes debt reduction and network expansion, with mobility revenue comprising about 47% of total sales in Q1 2026 per company filings. Main revenue and product drivers for AT&T AT&T's primary revenue streams come from its Communications segment, which includes wireless services accounting for roughly $32 billion quarterly, based on Q1 2026

Museum's 'Knight Rider' replica <b>car</b> got a speeding ticket. It hasn't gone anywhere in years

It's a mystery on the streets of New York City. What traffic law violator with unpaid fines is driving a black Pontiac Trans Am that looks like the car with the talking computer from the 1980s TV series “Knight Rider," and even has the same license plate? Officials at an Illinois museum are among the people who would like to know. The Volo Museum near Chicago, which has a replica of the show's Trans Am that hasn't moved from its exhibit in years, recently received a $50 traffic ticket from the Big Apple, alleging its car was doing 36 mph (59 kph) in a 25 mph (40 kph) zone in Brooklyn on April 22. Other WRAL Top Stories The ticket came complete with traffic camera photos showing a black Trans Am with the California license plate KNIGHT, the same plate as the car on the show and the novelty one on the museum's unregistered car. The license plate is also connected to five other unpaid traffic violations in New York City since late 2024, city records show. How the city linked the plate to the museum was not immediately clear. City officials did not immediately respond to email and phone messages Wednesday. “The fact that we’re legally tied to a movie prop is interesting,” said Jim Wojdyla, the museum's marketing director. “We’re known for having our Hollywood cars from TV and movies, but I have no idea how we got registered from a ticket in New York to the plates in California to the Volo Museum in Illinois. We’re still trying to figure it out.” The museum has requested a hearing challenging the ticket. “It’s really amusing,” Wojdyla said. "We want to find out who this Knight Rider guy is because, birds of a feather. We just want to know

MG Starlight 560: 1100km on a Tank, Launch Timeline

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. MG Starlight 560 launch by Diwali 2026 125km range on pure electric The Indian automotive market is shifting towards hybrid powertrains, MG Motor India and JSW Motors are ready to launch plug-in-hybrid vehicles. The MG Starlight 560, which is a rebadged version of the Wuling Starlight 560, has been spotted testing multiple times on the Indian roads, and its design has also been officially patented. The SUV will be offered with both plug-in hybrid and electric powertrains, former likely to arrive before Diwali, 2026. The Starlight 560 PHEV is designed to offer the best of both worlds: a combined range of over 1100km and a usable electric-only mode for city commutes. Expected Launch: October-November 2026, festive season Estimated Price: Rs 20 lakh - 30 lakh Positioning: to be positioned between the MG Hector Plus and the MG Majestor, the new Starlight 560 will directly rival the Mahindra XUV 7XO and the Tata Safari. The biggest USP of the Starlight 560 PHEV is its staggering combined range of over 1100km on a single tank of fuel and a full battery. - It is packed with a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine paired with a powerful electric motor. Unlike mild hybrids, the engine in the system works as a generator or drive the wheels directly. This system optimises fuel consumption to levels that traditional diesel SUVs can’t match. - 125km EV-Only Range: the Starlight 560 has the ability to function as a pure EV, which makes it a game-changer for urban India. It features a 20.5kWh LFP battery pack, and offers a claimed

Suits &amp; Settlements-The <b>Car</b> Pro Legal Roundup

In this week’s Suits & Settlements, you’ll find the following reports: - Class Action Targets Subaru for Repeated Battery Failures - Judge Throws Out Nissan Leaf EV Fire Risk Lawsuit - Goodyear Seeks FCC Waiver for Next-Generation Smart Tires - GM Pays $12.75 Million in California OnStar Privacy Settlement Class Action Targets Subaru for Repeated Battery Failures. Subaru is facing a proposed class-action lawsuit in New Jersey federal court alleging the automaker sold hundreds of thousands of vehicles with defective electrical systems that prematurely drain batteries, according to Law360. Plaintiffs claim the defect causes batteries to fail unexpectedly, forcing owners to repeatedly replace batteries and, in some cases, leaving drivers stranded when vehicles will not start. The lawsuit alleges Subaru knew or should have known about the issue through warranty claims, customer complaints and dealership service records but failed to adequately correct the problem or warn consumers. The complaint seeks damages along with broader remedies that could include a recall, reimbursement for battery replacements or even vehicle buybacks for affected owners. While battery drain complaints have surfaced periodically across the industry as vehicles become increasingly dependent on complex electronics and always-on systems, the suit argues Subaru’s alleged defect goes beyond ordinary wear and tear and represents a systemic design problem. Subaru has not publicly responded to the lawsuit or admitted wrongdoing. The case adds to a growing number of automotive class actions centered on electrical systems, software management and parasitic battery drain issues as modern vehicles rely more heavily on connected technology, sensors and power-hungry convenience features that continue operating even when the vehicle is turned off. Judge Throws Out Nissan Leaf EV Fire Risk Lawsuit. A California federal judge has dismissed a proposed class-action lawsuit accusing Nissan of selling Leaf electric vehicles with defective batteries that plaintiffs claimed created

Congress Introduces Bill to Permanently Block Chinese <b>Vehicles</b> from U.S.

- A new bill introduced by John Moolenaar, a Michigan Republican, and Debbie Dingell, a Michigan Democrat, is aimed at expanding restrictions on Chinese cars in the U.S. - The bill, introduced on May 11, would effectively ban vehicles from Chinese automakers if they contain China-developed software or connectivity systems. - This news coincides with President Trump's arrival in China this week for a summit meeting with President Xi Jinping. Some in Congress have expressed concern that Trump will entertain the topic of allowing Chinese vehicles to be sold here. A group of Michigan lawmakers has introduced a bill in Congress that would effectively place a permanent ban on Chinese connected vehicles from being sold in the United States. While an executive order signed by Joe Biden in early 2025 already imposed heavy restrictions, the new bill would codify and expand on the ban, as first reported by Autoweek and explained in a release by the House of Representatives Select Committee on China. For Sale Near You See all results for used cars for sale near 94043 The bill, titled the Connected Vehicle Security Act, was co-signed by John Moolenaar, a Michigan Republican, and Debbie Dingell, a Michigan Democrat. It joins a companion version of the same Connected Vehicle Security Act introduced last month to the Senate by Sen. Bernie Moreno, an Ohio Republican, and Sen. Elissa Slotkin, a Michigan Democrat. While the wording is similar to that found in former President Biden's January 2025 executive order, the new bill would codify the language into law, as well as determine rules for compliance and enforcement. Specifically, the new bill would restrict Chinese automakers from selling passenger cars in the United States if those vehicles contain any China-developed connectivity software. Officially, the bill covers the sale of vehicles from states deemed

Making electric <b>vehicles</b> accessible: the real challenge of the energy transition

Making electric vehicles accessible: the real challenge of the energy transition Published on Article summary In response to the challenges of the electric transition, Renault Group is making accessibility a cornerstone of its futuREady strategy. By reconciling profitability with decarbonization, the Group is reinventing its industrial model around the concept of “easy and affordable.” Grégoire Ginet, Revenue Leader for Twingo, explains how Twingo E-Tech electric embodies this new era. How is Renault Group addressing the challenge of combining competitiveness with the ecological transition through Renault Twingo E-Tech electric? Grégoire Ginet: It is indeed a complex equation, especially in the A-segment (small vehicles), where costs can rise quickly due to safety and environmental requirements. To tackle this, we focused on three fundamental pillars from the very start of the project: offering an attractive car priced below €20,000 (before incentives), ultra-fast development within two years, and production in Europe. Development agility is the key driver of profitability. By reducing development time to just 21 months, compared with four years for the previous generation, we have significantly lowered fixed and engineering costs. This efficiency allows us to offer a competitive alternative to internal combustion engine vehicles while ensuring European production at our plant in Novo Mesto, Slovenia. This location is also strategic: it secures access to government incentives for our customers, bringing the final price below €16,000, and even under €14,000 for some households. Beyond the purchase price, you emphasize the idea of a vehicle that is “affordable to own and run.” What does that mean in practice for everyday drivers? Accessibility should not be a one-off benefit at the point of purchase; it must extend throughout the vehicle’s entire lifecycle. The new Twingo E-Tech electric targets a record energy consumption of 12.2 kWh/100 km (WLTP), the lowest on the market. For customers,

New Mahindra BE.07 EV May Offer 650 km Range

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. Mahindra BE.07 EV could offer around 650 KM range Upcoming electric SUV expected to launch next year BE.07 may get futuristic styling and AWD setup Mahindra is working on a new electric SUV called the BE.07, which is expected to launch in India next year. The upcoming EV was first previewed as a concept in 2022 and will be part of Mahindra’s growing electric vehicle lineup. Internally known as B07, the SUV is expected to compete with models like the Tata Harrier.ev and upcoming premium electric SUVs in India. Also Read: New Hyundai Bayon SUV for India - Bigger Than Expected One of the biggest highlights of the Mahindra BE.07 could be its claimed driving range. Reports suggest the electric SUV may offer a range of up to 650 km on a single charge, making it one of the longer-range EVs in its segment. While official battery details are still not confirmed, Mahindra is expected to use a large battery pack along with advanced EV technology to achieve this figure. The BE.07 is expected to feature a sporty coupe-SUV design with a futuristic look. The concept version showcased sharp styling elements, sleek LED lighting, aggressive lines, and large alloy wheels. Mahindra is likely to retain most of the bold design elements in the production model as well. The SUV is expected to be around 4.6 metres long with a wide stance and strong road presence. Inside, the BE.07 is likely to offer a modern cabin loaded with technology and premium features. Expected highlights may include large connected screens, a digital

General Motors lays off 500+ IT employees as cost-cutting intensifies

ADVERTISEMENT General Motors has begun laying off hundreds of salaried employees within its information technology division as part of a broader effort to tighten cost controls and reassess workforce requirements across key operations. According to a report by Bloomberg News, the job cuts began on Monday and are expected to impact between 500 and 600 employees globally, with the largest concentration in Austin, Texas, and Warren, Michigan. The company confirmed the layoffs but did not disclose the exact number of affected employees. In a statement emailed to CNBC, General Motors stated that it is transforming its information technology organisation to better align with future business priorities and informed that the decision to eliminate certain roles globally was part of this restructuring, while adding that affected employees would be supported through the transition. The latest move comes as the automaker balances significant investments in next-generation technologies with increasing pressure to improve efficiency and streamline operations. Workforce review intensifies across auto sector The layoffs reflect a wider trend across the automotive and technology industries, where companies are recalibrating workforce structures amid economic uncertainty, evolving software demands and rising investments in artificial intelligence. Automakers are increasingly operating like technology companies, directing resources towards digital systems, connected vehicles, automation and AI-driven mobility services while continuing traditional vehicle manufacturing. For General Motors, this transition has involved repeated reviews of salaried staffing levels and technical capabilities. According to CNBC, the company employed around 68,000 salaried workers globally at the end of last year, including approximately 47,000 white-collar employees in the United States. The latest cuts follow earlier reductions within the company’s engineering and technology ecosystem. In October last year, General Motors laid off more than 200 computer-aided design engineers, citing business conditions, signalling an ongoing effort to align employee skill sets with changing operational priorities. Hiring

Michigan Reps. Dingell, Moolenaar introduce bill pushing to keep Chinese <b>vehicles</b> out of U.S.

Michigan Reps. Dingell, Moolenaar introduce bill pushing to keep Chinese vehicles out of U.S. A bipartisan bill introduced in Washington, D.C., by Michigan Congresswoman Debbie Dingell and Congressman John Moolenaar would prohibit the importation, manufacture or sale of Chinese cars in the United States. The Connected Vehicle Security Act stems from the fear that Chinese cars pose a threat to our auto industry and national security. A similar bipartisan bill was introduced last month by Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin and Ohio Sen. Bernie Moreno "When the Chinese subsidizes its manufacturers, it manipulates its currency, it uses slave labor. That's not a level playing field and what they're trying to do is fight us from within," Dingell said. Paul Eisenstein, the editor of Headlight.News tells CBS Detroit that the high-tech but far less expensive Chinese vehicles could tear down the auto brands based in Metro Detroit that employ hundreds of thousands of Michiganders. "There's downright fear, we've heard Jim Farley talk about this, the CEO of Ford, saying that if the Chinese were let in here, it could be a so-called existential threat. In some cases, they've got vehicles coming in for 10 thousand dollars or so in some markets, and these aren't just junk cars," said Eisenstein. Lawmakers say national security is another key aspect of this new proposed legislation. "Every vehicle on American roads is a rolling data collection device capturing information on location movement, people and infrastructure in real time, and we cannot allow Chinese vehicles or their components to be a part of that system," Moolenaar said. Eisenstein says that fear may well be justified, even though he expects Americans to one day have Chinese cars on their roads. Similar to Canada, Mexico and other countries that may view China as an adversary. "Nobody wants to be

General Motors to pay $12.75 million over driver data sales

General Motors to pay $12.75 million over driver data sales General Motors has agreed to a $12.75 million settlement with California over allegations that it unlawfully sold drivers’ location and behavioral data to brokers, marking the largest penalty in the history of the state’s Consumer Privacy Act. Prosecutors say GM made approximately $20 million nationwide from the sales. “General Motors sold the data of California drivers without their knowledge or consent and despite numerous statements reassuring drivers that it would not do so. This trove of information included precise and personal location data that could identify the everyday habits and movements of Californians,” Rob Bonta, Attorney General, said. The settlement, which is subject to court approval, requires GM to stop selling driving data to consumer reporting agencies for five years. The automaker must also delete retained driving data within 180 days unless consumers provide affirmative, express consent for limited internal uses. In addition, GM must ask LexisNexis Risk Solutions and Verisk Analytics to delete any driving data they received. The company must establish and maintain a privacy program to assess, mitigate, and document risks tied to data collected through OnStar and ensure compliance with the California Consumer Privacy Act. GM must also report its privacy assessments to the California Department of Justice, participating district attorneys, and CalPrivacy. “It is patently illegal to secretly sell consumers’ personal data,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said. “To car companies who want to speed off with your data without your consent, these penalties should serve as a warning: No matter how big a company is, it will be held accountable in California.”

Stellantis CEO Says Chinese OEMs Won't Be in US for 'Few Years' | EV

Stellantis Chief Executive Officer Antonio Filosa said on Tuesday he does not expect Chinese automakers to enter the United States market for “at least a few years,” even as the world’s fifth-largest automaker deepens its existing partnership with Chinese EV maker Leapmotor in Europe. “I don’t see today Chinese OEMs in the US, sincerely. At least for a few years, starting from now,” Filosa said at the Financial Times Future of the Car summit in London, which EV attended. The Italian-American CEO — who took over as Stellantis CEO nearly a year ago following the resignation of Carlos Tavares — was speaking hours after Representatives John Moolenaar (R-MI) and Debbie Dingell (D-MI) formally introduced the Connected Vehicle Security Act in the US House. “The US being one of the largest markets in the world, can provide ground for partnerships, maybe not with Chinese OEMs,” he said. “So let’s see. It’s a matter of finding a common ground, a common roadmap to mutual benefits,” Filosa added. “This is all about partnership.” Bullish on Leapmotor in Europe Filosa’s restrained framing on the US contrasted sharply with his enthusiasm for the European Leapmotor relationship. Last week, Stellantis and Leapmotor announced that they are exploring a major expansion of their partnership, first announced in 2023. The planned moves include the co-development of a fully electric Opel SUV, a potential transfer of ownership of a plant in Madrid, and expanded joint purchasing through the Leapmotor International (LPMI) joint venture. Stellantis became Leapmotor’s single largest shareholder in October 2023 with an approximately 21% stake, which has been diluted since then to approximately 19%. “The partnership that we have very strong in Europe is with Leapmotor International,” Filosa said. “It’s a partnership where we distribute Leapmotor cars — step one was very good, very successful. And now

Chinese EVs take the world by storm — except in the United States

BEIJING — China loves electric cars: making them, driving them and selling them to the rest of the world. Electric vehicles have been widely adopted in China, thanks in part to years of now-defunct government subsidies and a fast-growing network of charging stations. According to the International Energy Agency, almost half of the cars sold in China in 2024 were electric, compared with about 1 in 10 in the U.S. But despite growing global interest in the innovative sector, Chinese electric cars remain out of reach for consumers in the world’s second-largest auto market, the United States. Advanced technology and affordable prices have driven the explosive success of Chinese electric vehicles such as BYD’s Sealion 06, a midsize SUV that “NBC Nightly News” took on a test drive in Beijing. The Sealion 06 has leather seats, massage features, an infotainment touch screen and a mini fridge and charges in minutes — and sells in China for the equivalent of about $20,000. “This feels like luxury, but not a luxury price,” said Lei Xing, a Chinese American podcaster and consultant who covers the auto industry, likening BYD to the “Volkswagen of China.” The Sealion 06, which launched almost a year ago, is not yet available in the United States, but “the key word is yet,” Xing said in an interview Monday at a BYD dealership in Beijing. China dominates the EV industry, with its brands responsible for about two-thirds of global sales in 2024, according to the IEA. None of those sales were in the U.S., where Chinese EVs are shut out of the market. Interest in Chinese EVs appears to be growing among Americans, especially as energy shocks from the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran send gas prices soaring. According to a recent study by Cox Automotive, 38% of Americans say

Android <b>Auto</b> &amp; <b>Automotive</b> Updated with AI, Movie Screens &amp; Widgets

For most of the past decade, the car’s center console has been the tech industry’s most awkward outpost — a place where smartphones reluctantly projected their interfaces onto unfamiliar screens, with limited success. Google wants to change that. On Monday, the company announced a sweeping redesign of Android Auto, the software that connects Android phones to car displays, along with major updates to its deeper in-car platform, Google Built-in. The changes, rolling out across the year, amount to the most ambitious overhaul Google has made to the in-car experience since the product launched in 2015. At the center of the announcement is a recognition that the car is no longer just a vehicle — it is, increasingly, a place where people work, relax and consume media. With more than 250 million Android Auto-compatible cars already on the road, Google is pressing its advantage. “Modern cars can be the perfect personal movie theaters when you’re parked or charging,” the company said in materials accompanying the announcement, framing a feature that would have seemed audacious in a product once defined by its insistence on minimal distraction. A New Look, Built for the Dashboard The visual overhaul borrows heavily from Material 3 Expressive, the design language Google introduced for Android phones last year, extending its rounded fonts, animated transitions and customizable wallpapers to the car dashboard. The effect, Google says, is an interface that feels personal rather than generic — tailored, as the company puts it, to look great whether a car’s screen is a wide rectangle, a circle or some proprietary shape that automakers have lately favored. New widgets allow drivers to place shortcuts — a garage door opener, a weather summary, a favorite contact — directly on the navigation screen, visible even while Google Maps is active. For drivers who have