Autonomous Vehicles

Chinese EV makers focusing on global expansion Chinese EV makers are looking to expand their presence in international markets. Years of state subsidies have helped boost domestic sales in China. EV makers are leveraging their experience of keeping costs low and a stable supply chain to expand abroad. Author's take: After benefiting from state subsidies and establishing themselves as strong players in the domestic market, Chinese EV makers are now eyeing global expansion. With their expertise in cost management and a well-established supply chain, these companies are in a strong position to compete in international markets. As they venture abroad, it will be interesting to see how they adapt to different consumer preferences and regulatory landscapes. Click here for the original article.

Renault Slams Nissan's Proposed Board Changes Key Facts Renault has criticized Nissan’s proposed board changes, calling them "beyond any comparative parameter." In a statement, the carmaker said it remained open to dialogue but found the proposed 15.5 percent increase unacceptable. Author's Take Renault has expressed its disapproval of Nissan’s proposed board changes, stating that the suggested 15.5 percent increase is unreasonable. While Renault remains open to discussion, it believes the suggested change goes beyond any reasonable comparison. This disagreement between the two companies highlights the ongoing tensions within their partnership. Click here for the original article.

CleanTechnica: Software-Defined Vehicles Should Be More Open, Modular, and Upgradable Main Ideas: GM has decided to abandon Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in favor of its own infotainment system This move highlights the need for software-defined vehicles to be more open, modular, and upgradable Current infotainment systems limit the ability to customize and upgrade vehicle software A more open approach would allow for third-party app developers and faster innovation Software-defined vehicles can offer advanced features such as over-the-air updates and personalized experiences Author's Take: GM's decision to develop its own infotainment system instead of relying on Android Auto and Apple CarPlay underscores the need for software-defined vehicles to be more open, modul...

California Laws Struggling to Keep Up with Autonomous Vehicles Key Points: Autonomous vehicles in San Francisco are exempt from traffic tickets if there is no driver in the seat, highlighting the legal and safety concerns surrounding the technology. California law has not kept pace with autonomous vehicles, even though they are already on the roads. San Francisco Police Department allows officers to make traffic stops of autonomous vehicles, but citations can only be issued if there is a safety driver present. Since June 2022, autonomous vehicles have been allowed to operate without safety drivers in San Francisco, but citations for non-moving violations can only be issued to the registered owner of the vehicle. California's Legal Gap with Autonomous Vehicles The rise of autonomous vehic...

UK councils to digitise traffic regulation measures Satnavs and Google Maps to include live data on road closures and speed limits Government scheme aims to assist drivers and driverless cars - UK councils will be required to digitise all traffic regulation orders (TROs), including temporary speed limits and road closures. - The move is part of a government scheme to provide live data on road closures, parking restrictions, and temporary speed limits to satnavs and navigation apps such as Google Maps. - The initiative aims to ease drivers' navigation and make way for the development of driverless cars. - The digitisation of traffic regulation measures will enable more accurate and up-to-date information to be provided to drivers in real-time. - The government is also considering making it...

Tesla's Gross Margin Declines in Q4 Summary: The company's gross margin for the three months ended December was 17.6 percent. This represents a decline of 6.2 percentage points compared to the same period last year. The decrease in gross margin could be attributed to various factors. The company will need to address this decline to improve profitability in the future. Author's take: The company's Q4 results show a decline in gross margin compared to the previous year. This signifies a potential challenge the company will need to overcome to ensure future profitability. Identifying the factors contributing to this decline and implementing appropriate strategies will be crucial for the company to improve its financial performance. Click here for the original article.