Software

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.

BMW’s new traction control system debuts with i3s and spreads across range

BMW’s updated traction control, introduced with the i3s, now reacts 50 times faster and will be fitted to all BMW and Mini models, including petrol and diesel cars.

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.

Lyft partners with nuTonomy to advance autonomous ride-hailing

Lyft has formed a technology partnership with nuTonomy, the Boston-based startup known for launching public autonomous taxi trials in Singapore, to integrate their systems for future ride-hailing services.

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.

BMW to Deploy 40 Autonomous 7 Series Test Cars in Europe and US

BMW will launch a fleet of around 40 self-driving 7 Series prototypes on public roads across Europe and the US before mid-2017, advancing its collaboration with Intel and Mobileye.

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.

BMW and Mercedes-Benz Begin Public Autonomous Vehicle Trials in Germany

BMW and Mercedes-Benz have both secured approval to run autonomous vehicle tests on German public roads, escalating competition between the two in self-driving technology.

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.

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.

Singapore launches first public trial of autonomous taxis

nuTonomy begins offering free rides in driverless electric taxis to invited users in Singapore’s business district, aiming for a full-scale service by 2018.

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.

German Transport Authority Reviews Tesla Autopilot Update

The Federal Motor Transport Authority is examining Tesla’s latest Autopilot software update after concerns were raised about its approval process in Germany.

GM faces lawsuit over alleged emissions cheating in US Chevrolet Cruze diesels

A class-action suit accuses General Motors of using illegal emissions software in US-market Chevrolet Cruze diesels, echoing claims that rocked Volkswagen.

Automakers Rank Second Globally in R&D Spending, Report Finds

A trade group report shows global automakers and suppliers invest over $115 billion yearly in R&D, trailing only the pharmaceutical industry and outpacing technology and energy sectors.

GM to Add 1,000 Jobs in Ontario as Self-Driving R&D Expands

General Motors will hire 1,000 engineers and invest $10 million in cold-weather testing, strengthening its Canadian operations with a focus on autonomous and connected vehicle technologies.

German Prosecutors Probe Volkswagen Over Alleged Data Deletion in Diesel Scandal

Authorities in Germany have launched an inquiry into claims that Volkswagen employees deleted sensitive internal data around the time the diesel emissions cheating became public in September 2015.

Toyota in talks to acquire Boston Dynamics and Schaft from Alphabet

Toyota is negotiating with Alphabet to buy Boston Dynamics and Schaft, aiming to strengthen its robotics and artificial intelligence capabilities beyond automotive applications.

Apple explores electric car charging station technology

Apple has started investigating electric vehicle charging infrastructure, hiring specialists and contacting charging firms, as it weighs its next move in the automotive sector.

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.