Software

BMW Launches i8 Configurator for US Buyers

BMW has introduced an online configurator for the i8 plug-in hybrid sports car in the United States, allowing customers to personalise their vehicles before ordering.

Future Mobility recruits BMW i executives for China EV push

Future Mobility, backed by Tencent and Foxconn, has hired key former BMW i managers as it prepares to accelerate electric vehicle development in China.

Changan self-driving car completes 1,200-mile China test

Chongqing Changan Automobile has finished a six-day autonomous drive from Chongqing to Beijing, covering 1,200 miles to trial advanced driver-assistance features.

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.

GM acquires Cruise Automation to advance self-driving push

General Motors has bought San Francisco-based Cruise Automation, aiming to accelerate its autonomous vehicle development by integrating the startup’s technology and talent.

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.

BMW X5 and X6 to receive touchscreen displays from summer

BMW will introduce touchscreen functionality to the X5 and X6 SUVs via a navigation system update, following the lead set by the 7 Series sedan.

GM acquires Sidecar assets following $500m Lyft investment

General Motors has bought assets from the closed ride-sharing company Sidecar for a reported $39 million, following its $500 million investment in Lyft earlier in January 2016.

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.

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.

Bosch Named in US Lawsuit Over VW Diesel Emissions Scheme

A New York diesel owner has brought legal action against Bosch, alleging the supplier helped Volkswagen develop software to cheat US emissions tests.

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.

Computer simulations cut vehicle development costs and time

Automakers are using advanced digital prototyping and simulation tools to reduce new model development time by up to a year and save millions in prototype and testing costs.

Paramount and DiCaprio to Produce VW Dieselgate Film

Paramount Pictures and Leonardo DiCaprio’s Appian Way have optioned film rights to an upcoming book on Volkswagen’s diesel emissions scandal, with the project in early development.

How a West Virginia Test Exposed Volkswagen’s Emissions Cheating

A university study in the US uncovered Volkswagen’s use of defeat devices in diesel cars, triggering a global scandal and regulatory investigations.

South Korea launches probe into VW and Audi diesels after US scandal

Korean environment officials will test 4,000 to 5,000 Volkswagen and Audi diesel cars following the US emissions cheating revelations, with potential for a wider investigation.

Google patents tech to warn drivers of potholes and cut repair bills

A new Google patent details a system to detect and map road damage using vehicle sensors and navigation data, aiming to steer drivers around potholes and reduce costly car repairs.

Ford confident in brand identity as Apple and Google expand automotive presence

Ford's electrical engineering chief says the company is unfazed by Apple and Google's push into car technology, citing ongoing partnerships and a focus on brand independence.

Most Consumers Expect Car Hacking to Become Routine Threat

A Kelley Blue Book survey found nearly 80 percent of car buyers expect hacking to be a frequent problem within three years, with many willing to pay for better security.

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.