Cars these days have more screens than an outdoor wedding in mosquito country. Why plan your wedding there? Is this the setup for a revenge movie? Who knows.
Google is adding more screens, or at least more things to do on the screens for Android native infotainment systems. Including HBO's Max, NBC's Peacock, and the game Angry Birds (You'll never replace Flappy Bird, you furious little fowl). Wrapped up in the plan is a plan for Uber to integrate Android Auto for driver functionality. So, there is a chance your next wordless Uber ride will at least have The Office on tap.
Rivian, on the other hand, is bringing YouTube and Google Cast to their RI line of electric trucks. The announcement specifically mentions these features are available "while parked," which is a nice touch. The update is expected by Over-The-Air download.
Following poor sales, Mercedes-Benz canceled its next-gen large EV platform and will upgrade its existing one. Fulfilling that age-old word of wisdom, "If it ain't broke, don't replace it; upgrade it until people beg you to replace it." Got ya some details here.
While researching this piece, we discovered a German shepherd named Mercedes, just took runner-up at the 148th Westminster Dog Show. So that’s interesting, but also just so weird to watch.
Man in suit runs with dog. Why tho?
News of the White House making moves against Chinese EVs flooding the US has apparently only excited China for a challenge.
Global Perspective:
Chinese EV maker Aiways will go public in the US via a merger with Hudson Acquisition SPAC, valuing the company at around $400 million. Aiways aims to focus on European EV sales, leveraging its existing models and operations while manufacturing remains in China.
US Market Impact:
The SPAC merger, set to close by year-end, offers a lifeline to Aiways. US auto dealers can anticipate potential market shifts as Aiways strengthens its European presence and possibly considers future expansion into North America.
Baidu's Apollo Go robotaxi unit expects to turn profitable next year. The company, a power player in China's robotaxi market, operated 839,000 rides in Q4 2023 and aims to deploy 1,000 new 6th generation robotaxis in Wuhan this year.
It's been a while since we saw a van that made us think, "Yeah, sure, actually, I could live in a van," but this Kia is close.
Kia will launch its futuristic PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle) modular electric vehicles in 2025. These vehicles will feature robotics, AI technology, and smart charging. The PBV lineup includes four versatile models, and the goal is to sell 250,000 units annually by 2030.
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