Sebastian Blanco Freelancer [email protected] See All Staff Page Recent Stories Robotaxi providers implement measures to keep rides germ-free Here's how five AV companies are keeping backup drivers and riders safe amid the coronavirus pandemic. Meritor's modular ePowertrain carries plug-and-play convenience Meritor's Blue Horizon name is applied to its modular medium- and heavy-duty ePowertrain system for Class 4-8 commercial vehicles. StealthPath aims to shield connected cars StealthPath's zero-trust technology was designed to use one of two primary operating modes: passive or active. Nothing needs to be installed on endpoint devices in passive mode, whereas active mode requires some software to be installed. Honda: AI ‘almost gives us superpowers' to build, inspect cars As today's vehicles get more and more complicated to build, Honda is using AI in the design and testing stages as well as in the vehicle inspection at the factory. Chatbots give dealerships a way to stay connected Artificial intelligence has become a staple at U.S. dealerships. Often, it takes the form of chatbots following up on leads. Toyota AI Ventures won't stand in way of ideas The investment unit's operating partner, Natalie Fonseca Licciardi, says Toyota wants startups "to be successful, whatever that looks like." As e-commerce grows, companies seek best ways to get products to customers For some delivery companies, automakers and suppliers, the answers may lie in autonomous technology. The immediate issue: what long-term effects is the e-commerce boom having on America's cities. Partners in Grand Rapids, Mich., AV project seek to transcend transportation A project to deploy four self-driving electric buses from May Mobility in Grand Rapids, Mich., this year required the involvement of Michigan Economic Development Corp., the city government and a half-dozen companies. Truck platoons can save fuel and combat a rising shortage of drivers Two or more semis following each other at a distance of 40 to 60 feet can seem like they're operated by thrill-seekers, but in reality it's a solution to problems that plague the trucking industry. Building trust in AVs can start with the user interface A central focus of current research is the user experience, specifically the type and amount of information an autonomous vehicle should provide to the rider. The push for data security Lessons learned from other industries While the auto industry is embracing big data and its opportunities for new services and deep insights, auto companies are wary of security risks that could spark a costly backlash. Nio rolls out the welcome mat Chinese electric vehicle startup Nio hopes to engage with its customers through carefully designed areas in branded stores. It's all part of an ambitious plan by founder William Li to reshape what it means to be a lifestyle brand. A penny for your thoughts In a world in which we are all about to become back-seat drivers, autonomous vehicle developers are working to let passengers know what the car sees and comprehends as it moves. Team players In the transforming auto industry, bathing everything in secrecy is like planning to fail. The size and range of batteries, and the charging infrastructure needed to power them, keeps changing. Automakers have realized they won't be able to keep up with the fast pace of change unless they are willing to be more open with partners. Load More