Don’t Take It Personally

The EPA Considers Cali’s EV Mandate

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is reviewing California's ambitious plan to mandate all new vehicles sold in the state by 2035 to be electric or plug-in electric hybrids.

• 💨 Emission Revolution: The California Air Resources Board (CARB) hopes to end the sale of gasoline-only vehicles in California by 2035, but many others are saying “not so fast.”
• 📅 Upcoming Review: A public hearing scheduled by the EPA on the 10th will discuss CARB's request, and the agency says they will consider written comments until February 27th.
• 🇺🇸 National Impact: This move sets a precedent, with at least 12 other states planning to adopt similar zero-emission vehicle requirements starting in 2026.

California in 2035: Where the only thing exhausting will be the wait in line to charge your EV.

Hyundai's Tech Glow Up

Hyundai is bolstering its software-defined vehicle (SDV) capabilities through a strategic expansion with Wind River.

• 🤝 Software Shift: The automaker’s Tier 1 supplier wing, Hyundai Mobis, is committing to a deeper collaboration with the software developer, Wind River, targeting next-gen mobility.
• 🖥️ Advanced System Development: Focusing on Wind River Linux, VxWorks operating systems, and system simulation, they aim to craft a global collaboration network that will improve scalability and efficiency.
• 🌐 Cloud-Native Evolution: Utilizing Wind River’s resources, Hyundai Mobis hopes to modernize the future development, deployment, and operation of its central controller gateways and infotainment systems.
  

Stellantis Bows Out of Super Bowl Ads

Stellantis (parent company of Chrysler) is making cuts to its advertising budget after a difficult year for the industry.

• 📉 Advertising Cutbacks: Following a similar move by General Motors, Stellantis announced it will not advertise in the upcoming NFL Super Bowl citing market challenges.
• 🚘 Sales and Shows: The company reported a 1% decline in U.S. sales last year and has since opted out of major auto shows in Chicago and Washington, as well.
• 💼 Cost-Cutting Measures: Initiating voluntary buyouts for U.S. employees and adjusting to a new UAW contract, Stellantis is still navigating financial pressures and a volatile market.

At approximately $7M per 30-second commercial, we can’t say we blame them.

Self-Driving Semi-Trailers

Spearheaded by Aurora and Continental, the impending arrival of their Level 4 autonomous semis is set to revolutionize the freight industry in the very near future.

• 🚛 Pioneering Partnership: Autonomous vehicle company Aurora Innovation announced the finalization of the design, architecture, and hardware for its Aurora Driver. That technology is ultimately destined to power a lineup of driverless semi trucks being produced in partnership with German auto supplier, Continental.
• 🖥️ Fallback System Innovation: They’ve designed a unique fallback system designed to take control in case of a primary failure, enhancing the safety of these auto autos.
• 📆 Strategic Roadmap: The next few years are crucial, with final testing and initial driverless launches planned for late this year, and industrialization and validation phases set for 2026-2027.

Pros: Never worry about running into Large Marge again.
Cons: No more quirky truck stops filled with local candy and bizarre souvenirs.