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Motional, Lyft to Launch Robo-Taxi Service in 2023
“Driverless technology is no longer a science project; it’s real technology that’s poised to change how the world moves,” declared Motional CEO Karl Iagnemma last month when the company was approved for testing in Nevada.
Coming Soon
Now the joint venture, which was formed a year ago by Aptiv and Hyundai, is adding some real-world science substance.
In partnership with Lyft, Motional will offer robo-taxi services in several U.S. cities starting in 2023.
Wait, Don’t They Already Do This?
Sort of. Aptiv and Lyft have been testing a fleet of robot-taxis in Las Vegas since early 2018.
But those vehicles are operated with a backup driver, who can seize control if needed.
The new service will be driven fully autonomously—with no driver in ...READ MORE
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ZF Looks to the Middle(ware) for Innovation
ZF has developed a new middleware interface that will be introduced in production vehicles in 2024.
Middle What?
Although computer geeks are probably familiar with the concept, middleware is not a common term in the auto industry.
As its name suggests, middleware connects traditional software and hardware systems. And ZF expects it to be a key enabler for a host of next-generation technologies—connected, electrified and autonomous—and software-defined cars.
ZF’s Definition
“Middleware translates data from hardware to software in a common language that enables different systems to easily communicate and interact with each other,” explains Nico Hartmann, ZF’s vice president in charge of software systems.
Layered Approach
Future vehicles are ...READ MORE
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Conti Focuses on Tech to Hike Earnings
Continental aims to triple its pretax earnings with a strong focus on advanced software and “future-oriented” technologies.
“We will be among the winners in the transformation in the mobility industry,” declares CEO Nikolai Setzer. The 49-year-old took over on Dec. 1 after the sudden resignation of Elmar Degenhart last month for health reasons.
Earnings Targets
Within the next few years, Setzer vows, Conti will hike its adjusted pretax earnings margin (excluding powertrain operations, which is to be spun off in 2021) from 3% to somewhere between 8% and 11%—roughly 3 percentage points better than average market growth.
He expects automotive technologies (mobility, safety, networking and information) will deliver margins of 6%-8%. Rubber technologies ...READ MORE
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Zoox Vehicle Officially Unveiled
Zoox has officially launched its mobility vehicle: “Revealing our functioning and driving vehicle is an exciting milestone in our company’s history and marks an important step on our journey towards deploying an autonomous ride-hailing service,” said Aicha Evans, Zoox CEO.
She added: “We are transforming the rider experience to provide superior mobility-as-a-service for cities.”
Details
Length: 3,630 mm (fender to fender)
Height: 1,936 mm
Turning radius: 8.6 m
Sensor suite: Cameras, radar, lidar (270° field of view for all corners)
Battery: 133 kWh (said to allow 16-hour vehicle operation)
Top speed: 75 mph (either direction)
Seating: Four
Safety First
“Safety is the foundation of everything we do. Building a vehicle from the ground up ...READ MORE
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