Autonomous driving

Lyft Secures $1 Billion Investment Led by Alphabet’s CapitalG

Alphabet’s CapitalG leads a $1 billion funding round for Lyft, raising its valuation to $11 billion and intensifying the US ride-hailing contest with Uber.

California DMV Moves to Tighten Driverless Car Testing Rules

Proposed regulations would require a licensed operator in all autonomous vehicles and restrict fully driverless testing, affecting firms like Google.

Google to spin off self-driving car project as separate company in 2016

Google is preparing to launch its autonomous vehicle unit as a stand-alone Alphabet business next year, with ride-hailing services planned for limited US locations.

Kia granted approval to test driverless cars in Nevada

Kia joins Hyundai in securing permission from Nevada to conduct autonomous vehicle trials on public roads, focusing on the Soul EV equipped with advanced driver assistance systems.

Hyundai Begins US Road Tests of Autonomous Hydrogen SUV

Hyundai has started public road testing in Nevada with fully autonomous fuel cell Tucson SUVs, aiming to advance both hydrogen and self-driving technologies.

Hyundai plans in-house chip development for autonomous cars

Hyundai Motor is preparing to design its own computer chips for self-driving vehicles, aiming for greater control over critical autonomous technology components.

Audi, BMW and Mercedes complete €2.55bn purchase of Nokia’s HERE mapping business

The German carmakers have finalised their joint acquisition of Nokia’s HERE digital mapping unit, securing a key resource for future autonomous and connected vehicle technologies.

Google’s push accelerates autonomous car development

A report from IHS Automotive claims Google’s rapid progress in self-driving technology is forcing established carmakers to quicken their own autonomous vehicle programmes.

Automakers turn to CES for innovation push as tech rivalry heats up

Carmakers including General Motors are stepping up their presence at the Consumer Electronics Show, using the Las Vegas event to showcase new technology and court partnerships.

Driving assistance systems risk fuelling driver distraction

Features like lane keeping and adaptive cruise control are easing workloads but may be encouraging drivers to take more risks behind the wheel.

Google and Automakers Pursue Divergent Routes to Driverless Cars

Leading US experts highlight the contrast between Google’s push for full autonomy and carmakers’ incremental approach, as debate sharpens over the safest path to self-driving vehicles.

BMW, Audi and Mercedes buy Nokia’s HERE mapping for €2.5bn

BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz have agreed to acquire Nokia’s HERE mapping business for €2.5 billion, securing a key asset for future autonomous and connected car development.

Apple hires auto manufacturing veteran, fuelling car division rumours

Doug Betts, former head of global quality at Fiat Chrysler, has joined Apple, intensifying speculation about the tech giant’s ambitions in electric and autonomous vehicles.

Google’s self-driving cars frequently rear-ended in US tests

A Google autonomous Lexus RX450h was struck from behind in Mountain View, injuring three, as rear-end collisions continue to dominate the tech giant’s self-driving car incident record.

Bosch forecasts €1bn sales from assisted driving tech by 2016

Bosch expects its automated driving assistance business to reach €1 billion in sales by 2016, driven by demand for radar and video sensor systems from global carmakers.

BMW 7 Series introduces remote control parking via key fob

BMW's new 7 Series saloon debuts a remote control parking system operated by a touchscreen key, allowing the car to park itself while the driver stands outside.

Apple hints at automotive ambitions as car speculation grows

Senior Apple executives have made comments suggesting the company is exploring automotive projects, intensifying rumours about a possible Apple car.

Italdesign Giugiaro GEA Concept Spotted on Milan Streets

The Italdesign Giugiaro GEA, first shown at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, has been seen parked in Milan, offering a rare look at the luxury autonomous concept away from the exhibition stand.

US experts: Autonomous cars will improve safety but cannot eliminate surprises

Engineering leaders at the SAE World Congress in Detroit agreed self-driving vehicles could cut traffic deaths, but warned that unpredictable incidents and regulatory challenges will persist.

Chevrolet FNR Concept Unveiled at Shanghai Auto Show

Chevrolet has revealed the FNR concept in Shanghai, showcasing autonomous driving, hubless electric motors and a dramatic capsule design developed by its Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center.

Chinese Tech Giants Target Smart Electric Car Market

Tencent, Alibaba and Baidu are investing heavily in internet-connected electric vehicles, aiming to establish China as a leader in the emerging segment.

US Regulator Eyes Bigger Role as Car Tech Advances

NHTSA chief Mark Rosekind signals the agency’s intent to shape policy on autonomous driving, connected cars and new safety technology as the US car market faces rapid change.

Baidu Targets Autonomous Car Launch by Year-End

Chinese technology company Baidu says it plans to introduce an autonomous car before the end of 2015, joining a crowded field of global tech and automotive firms racing to deploy self-driving vehicles.

Audi demonstrates progress towards fully autonomous driving

Audi’s piloted driving prototypes have completed autonomous journeys on US roads and race circuits, but legal and commercial hurdles remain before buyers see production-ready systems.