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| ZF says Microsoft deal could be boon for its autonomous shuttle business |
A partnership between ZF Friedrichshafen and Microsoft will allow the German parts supplier to create new capabilities for its autonomous shuttle systems, the company said.
ZF said this week that it expanded its partnership with Microsoft to move all of its business, production and industrial processes onto the tech company’s Azure cloud platform. It’s a move that ZF said will be far-reaching, allowing for everything from more efficient manufacturing to a better understanding of the global supply chain.
It could also be a boon for its autonomous-shuttle business. ZF said the cloud platform will allow for “continuous data flow” between its autonomous shuttles and their environments, providing real-time information on traffic and weather, for example. It could also allow for new mobile applications for customers, including giving them live updates on shuttle availability and accurate wait times.
– John Irwin
What you need to know
Biden, visiting GM in Detroit, says U.S. will overtake China in EVs The U.S. will surpass China to lead the charge in electric vehicles, President Joe Biden said Wednesday at the opening of General Motors’ EV plant in Detroit, Factory Zero. China has been in the lead, but the infrastructure bill Biden signed this week will put the U.S. ahead, he said. Factory Zero will launch the first of GM’s EVs powered by its proprietary Ultium batteries. The GMC Hummer EV pickup, the first vehicle built at the plant, will begin shipping to dealerships by year end. GM also plans to build an SUV version of the Hummer, an electric Chevrolet Silverado and the Cruise Origin self-driving van at the plant. GM soon will announce another electric truck plant in the U.S., CEO Mary Barra said Wednesday.
Tesla Autopilot probe may be beginning of tougher NHTSA scrutiny U.S. auto safety regulators could be laying the groundwork for closer scrutiny of advanced driver-assistance systems after years of forgoing a regulatory route for these Level 2 automated functions, vehicle safety and technology experts say. NHTSA — amid an investigation into Tesla’s Autopilot system after a series of crashes involving the electric vehicle maker’s models and emergency vehicles — has begun piecing together a potentially more active and assertive approach to examining the safety and efficacy of driver-assist technologies offered by Tesla and other major automakers
Roundup
Electric vehicle startups Lucid and Rivian are in the running for the 2022 North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards.
Vietnamese startup VinFast debuted two electric concepts at the Los Angeles Auto Show, launching its global brand in the U.S.
Hyundai North America CEO Jose Muñoz says Hyundai needs clarity from U.S. on EVs.
Qualcomm on Tuesday said that BMW will use its chips in its next-generation driver-assistance and self-driving systems.
Level 3 vehicles can drive without constant human supervision, but they rely on humans to quickly take over the driving upon request.
What’s in a name? For ADAS systems, a push for clarity.
Curvy roads still pose challenges for driver-assistance systems.
Eye on radar: Startup Oculii draws big investor and, weeks later, a buyer.
High-tech cleaning keeps cameras and automatic braking and steering sensors working.
Brain food
As enthusiasm builds for driver-assistance systems, federal investigations into Tesla are a reminder that many safety questions remain unanswered.
Last mile
Fully self-driving cars are not yet for sale to the public, but some systems offer a degree of automated highway operation, sometimes hands-free.