No-frills tech news

Assets of Canoo & Arrival 4 Sale for Liquidation on 5/18 EV Spac-Speculation Over?

The equipment that was supposed to build the next generation of American electric vehicles is going up for sale. AssetBuilt, a Houston-based industrial auction firm, announced it will conduct a major global webcast auction beginning May 18, 2026, featuring assets from the former Canoo and Arrival electric vehicle manufacturing facility in Oklahoma City. The eight-day online event, open to registered bidders worldwide through BidSpotter, represents the final chapter in an American EV startup story that promised thousands of jobs, hundreds of millions in state incentives, and deliveries to Walmart, NASA, and the U.S. Army — and delivered, ultimately, very little of any of it. “This is an opportunity to acquire modern, low-hour equipment from a fully integrated EV manufacturing environment,” AssetBuilt CEO Tara Shaikh said in announcing the auction. “The scale, quality, and readiness of these assets make this a highly compelling event for automotive and advanced manufacturing buyers worldwide.” What’s for Sale The Oklahoma City facility was purpose-built to support next-generation EV manufacturing, fitted with integrated robotic automation, modular assembly systems, and precision processing environments. Much of the equipment was installed as recently as 2023 and remains, according to AssetBuilt, in exceptional condition. The auction’s centerpiece is a Manz battery production line — one of the first such systems to enter the secondary market. The Manz line, a high-precision automated assembly system used in battery cell and module production, represents the kind of capital equipment that new entrants to energy storage and EV manufacturing typically wait years to procure new. That it is available at all, barely used, tells its own story. Additional lots include robotic assembly cells, conveyor-based production lines, modular manufacturing systems, diagnostic and validation stations, testing and quality control equipment, and plant infrastructure assets including compressed air systems and electrical distribution equipment. Assets also include equipment

GM cuts hundreds of IT jobs as automaker reshapes workforce strategy

On the Dash: - GM continues prioritizing AI and software capabilities even as it reduces traditional salaried positions. - Workforce restructuring signals ongoing pressure for automakers to balance cost controls with technology investment. - Dealers should expect continued emphasis on connected vehicle, autonomous, and software-driven retail strategies. General Motors is cutting hundreds of salaried IT positions as the automaker restructures its workforce and reduces costs, while continuing to invest in artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicle development, and other future-focused technology roles. GM began layoffs on Monday that affected approximately 500 to 600 salaried IT employees worldwide. Most of the impacted workers are located in Austin, Texas, and Warren, Michigan. The automaker confirmed the layoffs, which were first reported by Bloomberg, stating that this move is part of an initiative to transform its IT organization and better position the company for the future. GM also mentioned that it will support the affected employees during their transition. At the end of last year, GM employed around 68,000 salaried workers globally, including 47,000 white-collar employees in the United States. Despite these layoffs, GM is still actively hiring for IT roles and currently has dozens of open positions in artificial intelligence, motorsports, and autonomous vehicle development. In recent years, GM has regularly reassessed its salaried staffing levels and skill requirements. Notably, the company laid off more than 200 CAD engineers in October, citing business conditions as the reason for that decision.

Zen Insurance Will Have Verisk Power Under The Bonnet -

The latest news from Verisk, as One Call launches Zen Insurance in the UK; As UK insurers, brokers, and distributors face increasing pressure to control operating costs, improve customer engagement and bring new products to market faster, digital‑first and technology‑enabled insurance models are gaining traction. Zen Insurance enters the market at a time when speed, efficiency and genuine product choice are becoming critical for competitive differentiators for digital-first brands. One Call is launching Zen Insurance in the UK using Verisk Ignite’s end‑to‑end policy management platform, working in conjunction with Applied Systems Europe’s Applied Rating Hub to support insurer connectivity. Zen Insurance, a new brand under One Call, will offer a no-touch, fully digital customer experience, enabling consumers to easily manage their policies through online portals, live chat and self-service interactions. This efficient online operating model, powered by Verisk’s policy management system and Applied Rating Hub, enables One Call to pass along cost savings in the competitive customer pricing offered by Zen Insurance. “Our customers want an easy-to-use platform with seamless transactions and self-service options, and Zen Insurance will deliver just that,” said Josh Barnsdale, Chief Technology Officer at One Call. “With Verisk Ignite providing the intuitive end-to-end policy management system and Applied Rating Hub powering real-time access to an influential insurer panel, we have been able to bring Zen Insurance to market with speed and agility.” Technology Powering Zen Insurance Verisk Ignite, a cloud‑based policy management platform, will power the brand. Ignite supports the full policy lifecycle — from quote and bind through to mid‑term adjustments, renewals, documentation and billing — enabling high levels of automation while reducing the operational complexity typically associated with launching new insurance brands. As part of Verisk, a long‑standing data analytics and technology partner to the global insurance industry, Ignite brings decades of insurance expertise,

California Says GM Made $20 Million Selling Driver Data Headed For The Insurance Industry

- General Motors sold personal and sensitive driver data to two major brokers. - Automaker must purge every retained driver record within the next 180 days. - California banned the company from selling driver data for the next five years. As modern vehicles collect more connected-car data than ever, regulators have started paying closer attention to how the industry handles that information. Last year, several owners, along with the states of Arkansas and Nebraska, sued General Motors over allegations it harvested driver telematics and sold the information to brokers. Now, GM has agreed to a $12.75 million settlement in California over those same practices. The case was brought by the California Department of Justice and Attorney General Rob Bonta on behalf of state residents, who accused GM of funneling location and driving records from hundreds of thousands of drivers to two data brokers, Verisk Analytics and LexisNexis Risk Solutions, in direct violation of the California Consumer Privacy Act and the state’s Unfair Competition Law. Read: Toyota Owner Didn’t Know His Car Was Talking To Insurers Until He Saw His Rates This is not the first time GM has faced consequences over its OnStar data practices. In January 2025, the FTC barred the automaker from sharing customer location and driving information for five years, a federal action that preceded California’s separate case. While laws in California prohibit insurers from using driving data to raise premiums for customers, the state’s lawsuit stated that selling personal and sensitive information, including an owner’s contact information, name, and geolocation data, was “patently illegal.” GM collected the data using the OnStar system fitted into its vehicles and made roughly $20 million nationwide selling it to Verisk Analytics and LexisNexis Risk Solutions, according to the California DOJ. The investigation also found that GM gave consumers no notice

Zeno Media Adds Apple CarPlay, Android <b>Auto</b> As It Signs College Radio Deal.

Global streaming and podcast company Zeno Media is broadening its reach across both connected-car listening and digital broadcasting partnerships with a pair of new initiatives aimed at expanding access to global audio content and strengthening monetization opportunities for stations. The company announced a major update to its flagship ZenoRadio app that adds compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing listeners to access stations directly through their vehicle dashboards. The update is designed to simplify access to international radio programming while reflecting broader shifts toward mobile and on-demand listening habits. The revamped app allows users to browse stations by country and discover programming across music, news, talk, and sports formats from around the world. Zeno Media says the platform continues to add new stations and regions as it expands its international footprint. “Audio doesn’t stop when people get in the car,” said Morris Berger, CEO at Zeno Media. “ZenoRadio is built to remove barriers of geography and discovery, bringing listeners closer to the content that matters most to them.” One of the platform’s distinguishing features remains its “call-to-listen” functionality, which enables listeners to tune into stations through a phone number rather than a traditional data stream, offering an alternative for users in bandwidth-constrained environments. At the same time, Zeno Media announced a new partnership with modern/alternative rock “Revolution 91.7” WWHR-FM Bowling Green, the student-run station operated by Western Kentucky University. Under the agreement, Zeno will power the station’s digital streaming infrastructure across mobile, web, and connected devices. The partnership will also provide the station with access to programmatic audio tools that allow it to manage and monetize its own advertising inventory while extending its reach beyond its South Central Kentucky broadcast footprint. Nikols Latuff, Chief Growth Officer at Zeno Media, said college radio stations remain an important part of the

9 Clever Ways I Use Google Gemini in My <b>Car</b> With Android <b>Auto</b>

I’m primarily an iPhone and CarPlay user, but I do sometimes use my Android phone and Android Auto when I’m driving, and one of its latest perks is the ability to chat with Gemini AI. Using Google’s AI, you can send emails and messages, ask for playlist suggestions, get information on local restaurants and businesses via Google Maps, set a reminder, ask any question on your mind, play a game, and listen to a story. To get started, you'll need an Android phone and a car that supports Android Auto. With that settled, here are the initial steps. Set Up Gemini on Your Phone First, set up Gemini as your AI assistant on your phone. If you haven’t already downloaded the Gemini app, grab it from Google Play. To enlist Gemini as your default assistant on most Android phones, go to Settings > Apps > Assistant > Digital assistants from Google. Tap the option for Gemini, select Switch to confirm your action, and then tap the button for Use Gemini. The process is different on Samsung phones. Head to Settings > Apps and tap the option for Choose default apps. Tap the entry for Digital Assistant app and make sure it says Google. If not, tap the entry on the next screen and change the selection to Google. To confirm that Gemini is the default on your Samsung phone, hold down the power button. A window should pop up telling you that Gemini is your new AI assistant from Google. Set Up Gemini for Hands-Free Use To use Gemini in your car, you want to be able to activate it hands-free. For this, open the Gemini app on your phone, tap your profile icon, and select Settings. Tap the option for Talk to Gemini hands-free and then turn on the

China starts construction of world's largest ice-snow test base for intelligent <b>connected</b> NEVs

China starts construction of world's largest ice-snow test base for intelligent connected NEVs BEIJING -- China Automotive Technology and Research Center Co., Ltd. (CATARC) has started construction of an ice-snow test base for intelligent connected new energy vehicles (ICNEVs), the world's largest of its kind, in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region. The facility, scheduled to open in 2028, will also be the world's first such base capable of indoor snow-making for testing under simulated snowfall conditions, Science and Technology Daily reported on Sunday. ICNEVs are vehicles that integrate new energy technologies with advanced connectivity, autonomous driving, and smart systems, transforming traditional cars into mobile intelligent terminals. The new test base represents a leap in China's cold-weather NEV testing capabilities. Spanning approximately 1,000 mu (about 67 hectares), the test base will feature core functional zones covering calibration of NEV three-electric systems, namely battery, motor, electronic control, chassis systems, simulated snowfall testing for intelligent connected vehicles, and flying car evaluations. "The project directly addresses the industry bottleneck in extreme cold-weather validation," said Li Wei, vice-president of CATARC. "Once completed, it will break testing cycle constraints, improve industry standards, overcome low-temperature core technologies, and create a world-class validation platform. This will enhance China's comprehensive strength and international voice in extreme-environment automotive testing." Wen Jinlei, vice-mayor of Hulunbuir, the city hosting the test base, noted that the test base will promote the deep integration of regional ice-snow economy and automotive technology innovation, accelerating the exploration of an "ice-snow + technology" model. The construction comes as China's NEV industry continues rapid expansion. According to the latest official data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, China's NEV production and sales reached 16.626 million and 16.49 million units in 2025, up 29 percent and 28.2 percent year-on-year, respectively. However, cold-weather performance remains a critical challenge

GM Sold Driving Locations, Parking &amp; Driving Behavior Data &amp; Now Has to Pay $12.75 Million

A $12.75 million California settlement — the largest in the state’s history under its consumer privacy law — marks the latest reckoning for an industry that turned driver data into a commodity without telling drivers. For years, millions of Americans climbed into their General Motors vehicles, accepted the turn-by-turn navigation and roadside emergency features of OnStar, and drove on — never knowing that their precise GPS coordinates, braking habits, and acceleration patterns were being packaged and sold to data brokers who then sold driving “scores” to their insurance companies. That arrangement, which GM reportedly used to generate roughly $20 million in revenue over four years, came to a costly end last week. On May 8, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a $12.75 million settlement with General Motors and OnStar, resolving allegations that the automaker had illegally sold the location and driving data of hundreds of thousands of California residents to two data brokers — LexisNexis Risk Solutions and Verisk Analytics — without adequate notice or consent. The settlement, which is subject to court approval, is the largest penalty ever assessed under the California Consumer Privacy Act, a 2018 law requiring companies to disclose how they share data and to honor consumer requests to stop. “General Motors sold the data of California drivers without their knowledge or consent,” Bonta said at a news conference, “and despite numerous statements reassuring drivers that it would not do so.” It is a remarkable line. GM’s own privacy policy had stated that it did not sell driving or location data, and that any disclosure for insurance purposes would occur only at a customer’s direction. Investigators found that neither promise was kept. A Scandal Years in the Making The backstory of how GM’s data practices came to light is almost as striking as the practices

Bill puts ban on adversary <b>connected vehicles</b> from China, Iran, others

A bipartisan effort from two Michigan representatives in the U.S. House is aiming to ban the import, manufacture, sale or resale of Chinese, Russian, North Korean and Iranian vehicles with certain connections, vehicle software and vehicle hardware tied to foreign adversary countries. Republican Rep. and Select Committee on China Chairman John Moolenaar and Democratic Rep. Debbie Dingell announced Monday afternoon that they have introduced what's being called the Connected Vehicle Security Act. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Michigan is home to the Detroit Three automakers — Ford, General Motors and Stellantis. "The American auto industry is vital for jobs, national security, and the future of America’s manufacturing base," Moolenaar said in a statement. "China cheats in every industry, and in autos it is overproducing vehicles and components, and selling them for cheap in hopes they will put our companies out of business. "In some cases, Chinese companies, including CATL and BYD, use slave labor to undercut the fair wages of hardworking Americans. These companies should not be allowed to do business in America, and their products shouldn’t be in our cars or threatening our infrastructure." Advertisement Article continues below this ad According to the Bureau of Industry and Security U.S. Department of Commerce, similar action was taken in January 2025 when the U.S. Commerce Department finalized rules restricting the sales and imports of certain connected vehicles and software and hardware linked to China or Russia. Moolenaar and Dingell's bill adds North Korea and Iran to the list. The same bureau said the rule was put in place to protect connected vehicle supply chains because companies from those countries may seek to share data or gain remote access. “This bipartisan legislation will ban Chinese vehicles from coming into our country and undercutting our workers through massive government subsidies, unfair trade

US Lawmakers Push Bill to Ban Chinese-Linked <b>Vehicles</b> Ahead of Beijing Visit | EV

A bipartisan pair of US House members on Monday formally introduced legislation banning Chinese-made vehicles and connected components from American roads, citing national security and data-collection concerns just days before President Donald Trump’s state visit to Beijing. The Connected Vehicle Security Act — introduced by Representative John Moolenaar (R-MI), chairman of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, and Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI) — is the House companion to a Senate bill of the same name introduced April 29 by Senators Bernie Moreno (R-OH) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI). “The American auto industry is vital for jobs, national security, and the future of America’s manufacturing base,” Moolenaar said in a statement. “China cheats in every industry, and in autos it is overproducing vehicles and components, and selling them for cheap in hopes they will put our companies out of business,” he added, accusing Chinese companies including CATL and BYD of using slave labor to undercut American wages. Dingell described the legislation as a guard against repeating “the mistakes that hollowed out manufacturing communities across this country.” The bill’s introduction arrives as Trump prepares to depart for his May 13-15 state visit to Beijing — his first trip to China during this term and the first state visit by a sitting US president to China since his own 2017 trip. What the Bill Does The Connected Vehicle Security Act would prohibit the importation, manufacture, sale, or introduction into US commerce of connected vehicles originating from or controlled by a covered foreign adversary country, effective January 1, 2027. Software-related prohibitions would also take effect January 1, 2027, with hardware prohibitions following on January 1, 2030. The legislation covers four designated adversaries: China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran. The bill directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a declaration of conformity process, authorization

Council to review proposed standards for safer, more <b>connected</b> streets

Council to review proposed standards for safer, more connected streets How should Lexington's streets be redesigned to work for cyclists, pedestrians, and public transit – not just cars? A draft design manual could shape road projects going forward. How should Lexington's streets be redesigned to work for cyclists, pedestrians, and public transit – not just cars? A draft design manual could shape road projects going forward. During May 12th's Environmental Quality and Public Works Committee, Councilmembers will review a draft design manual aimed at further implementing Lexington's Complete Streets policy. It's the latest step in a years-long process to begin reimagining Lexington's streets, with the goal of making them work for a variety of travel modes – not just cars. In 2022, Lexington adopted its Complete Streets policy. The policy applies to all public and private roadway projects in Fayette County. Developers will need to comply with the manual for new roadwork, as will local government employees when they repave and redesign existing streets. Previously, Lexington's streets have been designed to move vehicles quickly, but the city's Complete Streets policy adopts a broader, people-focused vision. Its work includes making streets safer and more accessible by improving sidewalks and intersection crossings, and adding protected bike lanes, to name a few examples. A separate Complete Streets Action plan adopted in 2023 lays out a checklist of 39 different tasks with goals, outcomes, lead local government divisions, and deadlines. Examples include adding a Complete Streets coordinator position and training opportunities for city staff and local design professionals. In 2023, during a particularly dangerous year for bicyclists and pedestrians, Lexington adopted a Vision Zero policy. Of the 180 collisions that year where a car struck a pedestrian or cyclist, 22 resulted in deaths. Thirty-seven were hit and runs. As Lexington works to implement these

The case for a proactive CRM engagement platform

Skip to main content Publishing Partner: Solera Publishing Partners The case for a proactive CRM engagement platform Gift Article Share Expand (Adobe Stock) EB By Earl Brown, Solera May 11, 2026 09:00 AM EDT

California authorities announce largest CCPA fine to date | IAPP

California authorities announce largest CCPA fine to date General Motors' USD12.75 million settlement covers the automaker's past data collection and sale practices related to geolocation and driving habits data. Contributors: Lexie White Staff Writer IAPP California Attorney General Rob Bonta along with the California Privacy Protection Agency and local district attorneys announced a USD12.75 million California Consumer Privacy Act settlement with General Motors over allegations of unlawful collection and sale of Californians' driving and location data. The settlement represents the largest CCPA fine ever issued. A joint investigation looked into GM's handling of data collected through its OnStar Smart Driver connected vehicle services. The automaker allegedly sold drivers' geolocation data, driving behavior data and other personally identifiable information to data brokers, including Verisk Analytics and LexisNexis Risk Solutions, without obtaining consumer consent. "We're talking about data that not only shows how a person drove, but also precisely where they drove, which could easily be used to paint a picture of their everyday habits and movements," Bonta said during a press conference. He added while GM's privacy notices stated the company would not sell driving or location data, the company "kept driver's data beyond what is needed for OnStar services … and then sold it with the intent to use it for insurance rate setting." The settlement includes corrective measures, including commitments to stop selling consumer driving data to credit reporting agencies for five years, delete specific driving data collected within the last 180 days and request that data brokers delete consumer data sold by GM. In a statement to the IAPP, a GM spokesperson indicated it discontinued the Smart Driver program in 2024 due to customer feedback while also ending collaborations with data brokers LexisNexis and Verisk. They said the settlement "reinforces steps we've taken to strengthen our privacy practices."

The Mood At Volkswagen Of America Is Reportedly So Bad That Someone Is Nostalgic For ...

There’s a long interview this morning in a German business newspaper with the head of Scout Motors, and it is dense with information. Some of it is pretty well known, like that 87% of deposit holders opted for the extended-range hybrid. The fact that Scout is considering an IPO wasn’t, I believe, previously disclosed, although it makes sense. Most other outlets seem to be running with the IPO news, but The Morning Dump is more concerned with the vibes at Volkswagen Group of America. The vibes, the article alleges, are not good. A lack of compelling product, a bunch of losses, and leadership changes have taken a toll. Of course, Scout remains a potential bright spot, but that’s a quasi-separate company. The mood is probably better at the office of the California Attorney General after getting a large settlement from GM following the illegal release of driving behavior and information to third-party firms. Up the road in Fremont, I presume a sort of bittersweet feeling pervades as Tesla produces the last Model S and Model X models. The mother of all bummers has hit the Chinese market as higher gas prices haven’t resulted in enough electric car sales to counteract the drop in ICE-powered vehicles. Do Chinese consumer just not want to buy as many cars anymore? What Does Volkswagen Have To Be Excited About? I feel the strong need to preface every discussion of VW with the admission that there are numerous Volkswagen fans amongst our staff and readership, to say nothing of all the VWs that Jason and Mercedes own. Perhaps we’re collectively harder on the company’s decision-making because of this affection. Or, maybe, VW is just a mess. If you’re not a Handlesblatt subscriber, it’s a German business newspaper that’s sort of like The Wall Street Journal.

Mercedes Benz Gle vs Land Rover Range Rover Velar Comparison

Mercedes Benz Gle vs Land Rover Range Rover Velar Mercedes Benz Gle 3.0 Diesel 450d 4Matic 1.17 crore Land Rover Range Rover Velar Autobiography 2.0 Diesel 85.90 lakh Engine & Transmission Fuel Type/ Propulsion Pure Electric Driving Mode Number of Cylinders Engine Installation Engine Displacement Engine Type Max Engine Power Max Engine 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 Fuel & Performance Fuel Tank Capacity Fuel Supply System Auto Start/Stop Emission Standard Terrain Modes Official Fuel Economy Drive Mode Types Suspension & Steering Front Brakes Rear Brakes Type of Power Assist Steering Adjust Steering Adjust type Turning Radius Front Suspension Type Front Springs Rear Suspension Type Rear Springs Damper Control Ride Height Adjust Wheels Wheel Size Front Tyre Size Rear Tyre Size Spare Wheel Dimensions Length Width Chassis Type Height Wheelbase Doors Kerb Weight Boot Capacity Comfort Power Windows Cabin Boot Access Driver Armrest Storage Door Pockets Steering Mounted Controls Digital Instrument Cluster Sunglass Holder Cup Holders Cooled Storage Cooled Glovebox Front Seatback Pockets Glove Box Headlight and Ignition on Reminder Bluetooth Connectivity Trunk Light 12 Volt Port Interior Lamps Power Windows with One Touch-Down Powered Tailgate Vanity Mirror Rear Reading Lamp 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 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 Bottle Holder in Doors Voice Assisted Sunroof Rear Window Sun Shades Safety Airbags Rear Seatbelt Reminder Seat Belt Warning Side Airbag Impact Sensing Auto Door Unlock

<b>Automotive</b> Engineering Services Market Size to Reach USD 391.59 Billion by 2032 at 8.9% CAGR

Automotive Engineering Services Market Size to Reach USD 391.59 Billion by 2032 at 8.9% CAGR | Maximize Market Research Electrification, autonomy, and software are driving automotive engineering outsourcing as a core force reshaping vehicle development. Global Automotive Engineering Services Market was valued at USD 197.97 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 391.59 Billion by 2032, expanding at an 8.9% CAGR. Driven by accelerating electrification mandates, the proliferation of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), and the industry-wide pivot to software-defined vehicles (SDVs), OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers are restructuring their entire product-development value chains. The convergence of EV powertrain engineering, autonomous vehicle simulation, and digital twin technology has transformed automotive engineering services from a cost centre into a strategic competitive asset anchoring multi-billion procurement decisions globally through 2032. Get Full PDF Sample Copy of Report: (Including Full TOC, List of Tables & Figures, Chart) @ https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/request-sample/32395/ Non-Discretionary Demand: Three Structural Forces No Legacy OEM Can Reverse Global Automotive Engineering Services Market growth is anchored by three irreversible engines: the electrification imperative compelling every OEM to invest in high-voltage battery engineering and EV powertrain development services; the regulatory mandate for advanced safety systems driving demand for ADAS calibration, sensor fusion, and real-time embedded software development; and the software-defined vehicle (SDV) platform paradigm forcing automakers to integrate over-the-air (OTA) update architectures and automotive cybersecurity engineering across all new model lines. Integrated with AI-powered digital twin simulation, these forces compress development cycles and elevate outsourced engineering expertise as the decisive competitive variable across European and Asia-Pacific automotive corridors through 2030. Structural Friction: Where IP Complexity Meets Talent Scarcity The automotive engineering services sector faces persistent structural headwinds. Intellectual property risk in engineering outsourcing remains a decisive concern, with OEMs guarding proprietary calibration data, software architectures, and next-generation platform designs. A concurrent

Volo Museum's KITT from &quot;Knight Rider&quot; gets speeding ticket in New York City

Volo Museum's KITT from "Knight Rider" gets speeding ticket in New York City The Volo Museum got a traffic ticket for one of its vehicles in the mail but the thing is, the museum says the car hasn't moved in years. The museum shared a ticket they got in the mail from the New York City Department of Finance for $50. According to the ticket, KITT, the famed talking car from "Knight Rider," was going 11 miles per hour above the speed limit in a school zone. But KITT had been in the Volo Museum the whole time; in fact, it's been stationary and on display for years. The museum said they think New York City's official system must have connected the novelty plates in the picture to the car in the museum. The museum shared a picture of their security footage with CBS News Chicago dated at the time of the speeding ticket and shows the car parked. The museum said they requested a hearing about the ticket. A spokesperson for the New York City Department of Finance said in a statement that they are looking into the matter.

China starts construction of world's largest ice-snow test base for intelligent <b>connected</b> NEVs

China starts construction of world's largest ice-snow test base for intelligent connected NEVs BEIJING, May 11 (Xinhua) -- China Automotive Technology and Research Center Co., Ltd. (CATARC) has started construction of an ice-snow test base for intelligent connected new energy vehicles (ICNEVs), the world's largest of its kind, in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The facility, scheduled to open in 2028, will also be the world's first such base capable of indoor snow-making for testing under simulated snowfall conditions, Science and Technology Daily reported on Sunday. ICNEVs are vehicles that integrate new energy technologies with advanced connectivity, autonomous driving, and smart systems, transforming traditional cars into mobile intelligent terminals. The new test base represents a leap in China's cold-weather NEV testing capabilities. Spanning approximately 1,000 mu (about 67 hectares), the test base will feature core functional zones covering calibration of NEV three-electric systems, namely battery, motor, electronic control, chassis systems, simulated snowfall testing for intelligent connected vehicles, and flying car evaluations. "The project directly addresses the industry bottleneck in extreme cold-weather validation," said Li Wei, vice president of CATARC. "Once completed, it will break testing cycle constraints, improve industry standards, overcome low-temperature core technologies, and create a world-class validation platform. This will enhance China's comprehensive strength and international voice in extreme-environment automotive testing." Wen Jinlei, vice mayor of Hulunbuir, the city hosting the test base, noted that the test base will promote the deep integration of regional ice-snow economy and automotive technology innovation, accelerating the exploration of an "ice-snow + technology" model. The construction comes as China's NEV industry continues rapid expansion. According to the latest official data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, China's NEV production and sales reached 16.626 million and 16.49 million units in 2025, up 29 percent and 28.2 percent year-on-year, respectively. However, cold-weather

Applications open for MG Developer Program and Grant (India)

Deadline: 14-May-2026 The MG Developer Program Grant is an innovation-focused initiative designed to accelerate the development of mobility and automotive technologies in India. It encourages practical, scalable solutions that can be integrated into real-world transportation and automotive systems. The program connects participants with industry experts and provides opportunities to collaborate with MG Motor and ecosystem partners to bring innovations closer to market readiness. Focus Areas of Innovation The program supports a wide range of technology and mobility-related domains. Key focus areas include: - Logistics and supply chain innovation - Artificial intelligence in automotive systems - Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication technologies - Sustainability and circular economy solutions - EV battery recycling and repurposing - EV battery diagnostics and performance optimization - Electric vehicle charging infrastructure - Vehicle technology and mobility innovation - Manufacturing innovation and process optimization - Make in India initiatives including localization and cost reduction - Digital transformation in automotive systems - Connected car services and platforms - Order-to-delivery automation systems - Customer experience technologies - AI-powered customer service and CRM solutions - Digital retail automation and knowledge management systems Objectives of the Program The program is designed to strengthen innovation in the mobility ecosystem and support scalable solutions. Key objectives include: - Encouraging innovation in automotive and mobility technologies - Supporting development of practical, real-world solutions - Promoting EV ecosystem advancement in India - Enhancing digital transformation in the automotive sector - Supporting sustainability and green mobility initiatives - Strengthening Make in India and localization efforts - Bridging innovation with industry deployment opportunities Eligibility and Participants The program is open to a broad range of innovators and organizations. Eligible participants include: - Students and academic researchers - Early-stage and established startups - Independent innovators and inventors - Technology companies - Mobility and automotive solution developers Participants are expected to