Connected cars

Ford and Toyota join forces on SmartDeviceLink software

Toyota will adopt Ford’s SmartDeviceLink platform in its vehicles, aiming to reduce reliance on Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and encourage wider industry use.

Mercedes and Siroop Launch Urban Drone Delivery Trial in Zurich

Mercedes-Benz and Swiss retailer Siroop are testing drone-assisted parcel deliveries in Zurich, using Vito vans as mobile drone landing platforms for city-wide e-commerce orders.

DS3 Connected Chic launches with contactless payment car key in UK

DS Automobiles introduces a car key with integrated contactless payment as standard on the DS3 Connected Chic, available to UK buyers through September.

Volkswagen demos in-car control of Magenta SmartHome at IFA 2017

Volkswagen and Deutsche Telekom presented prototype integration of smart home controls in the e-Golf at IFA 2017, using the car’s infotainment system and MirrorLink-enabled smartphones.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class upgrades voice control and cabin tech

Mercedes-Benz has rolled out a major update to the E-Class, adding a new generation of voice control, expanded ambient lighting and upgraded interior options.

Milton Keynes to Launch AI-Controlled Smart Traffic Lights in 2018

A £3 million project will see over 2,500 cameras and AI systems deployed across Milton Keynes, aiming to reduce congestion by reacting to real-time traffic conditions.

Bentley Continental Supersports buyers offered limited-edition Breitling B55 watch

Owners of the 2017 Bentley Continental GT Supersports can pair their car with a Breitling for Bentley Supersports B55 chronograph, limited to 500 pieces worldwide.

Toyota Concept-i debuts AI-driven interface at CES

Toyota unveiled the Concept-i at CES 2017, featuring an artificial intelligence system called Yui that learns from its driver and prioritises safety and minimalism.

Hyundai adds Amazon Alexa voice control to Blue Link app

Hyundai owners with Blue Link can now use Amazon Alexa to remotely start engines, adjust climate, lock doors and manage EV charging on compatible 2016 and 2017 models.

Volkswagen ID production model to introduce augmented head-up display

Volkswagen’s upcoming ID electric vehicle will debut an advanced augmented head-up display, projecting navigation and safety information directly into the driver’s view.

Uber, Lyft and Zipcar offer discounted rides for US Election Day

On 8 November 2016, major US ride-sharing firms including Uber, Lyft and Zipcar rolled out special offers to help voters reach polling stations, with free or discounted journeys nationwide.

2017 Honda Pilot gets tech upgrades and higher price

Honda adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to the 2017 Pilot, updates interior options, and raises the base price for the US market.

GM and IBM Launch OnStar Go AI Platform for Connected Cars

OnStar Go, developed by General Motors and IBM, will use IBM’s Watson AI to deliver personalised services to drivers in two million 4G-enabled GM vehicles from early 2017.

Audi, BMW and Daimler launch 5G Automotive Association

Audi, BMW and Daimler have joined telecom and tech giants to create the 5G Automotive Association, aiming to accelerate connected car standards and deployment.

Warwick University develops £2.1m simulator to combat car hacking

A £2.1 million simulator at the University of Warwick will let researchers test how hackers could attack autonomous and connected vehicles, and how to stop them.

Fiat Chrysler offers up to $1,500 for car hacking discoveries

FCA launches a bug bounty programme through Bugcrowd, paying hackers between $150 and $1,500 for reporting cybersecurity flaws in its vehicles and connected services.

Actev Motors launches Arrow Smart-Kart for children

Silicon Valley's Actev Motors has introduced the Arrow Smart-Kart, an electric go-kart for children aged five to nine, with app-based parental controls and customisation options.

Hyundai Releases Free CarPlay Update for Sonata and Other Models

Owners of 2015 and 2016 Hyundai Sonata, Genesis, Elantra and Tucson can now add Apple CarPlay via a free download or paid dealer installation.

Hyundai to Launch First Branded Android Auto App

Hyundai is developing its MyHyundai app for Android Auto, aiming to offer exclusive connected services directly through the car’s infotainment system by year-end.

2017 Ford Escape introduces FordPass with SYNC Connect

Ford’s 2017 Escape is the brand’s first in the US to offer FordPass with SYNC Connect, allowing owners to control key functions remotely via smartphone.

Daimler CEO says more partners want in on HERE mapping business

Daimler's Dieter Zetsche confirmed the German automaker consortium behind HERE is in talks with new investors, including Renault-Nissan and Continental, to expand the digital mapping venture.

J.D. Power: More In-Car Tech Means More Owner Complaints

J.D. Power’s latest dependability study finds technology-related issues now account for a fifth of all reported vehicle problems, with infotainment and connectivity systems leading the complaints.

Nissan pulls Leaf remote app after security flaw exposed

Nissan disabled its NissanConnect EV app for the Leaf after a researcher revealed that hackers could exploit a vulnerability to control certain car functions remotely.

Seat unveils smartphone-based digital key and parking app at MWC 2016

Seat, in partnership with Samsung and SAP, introduced a digital key and integrated parking app at Mobile World Congress 2016, aiming to expand connected car features for its users.