Author: M.Chen

26Nov By M.ChenNo Comments
News

GM Experiences Leadership Shift as Software and Product Units Merge

General Motors (GM) is undergoing significant leadership changes as the automaker restructures its software and product units under one organization, led by Sterling Anderson as Chief Product Officer. Baris Cetinok, GM's Senior Vice President of Software and Services Product Management, announced his departure effective December 12th, becoming the third high-profile technology executive to leave in a month.Cetinok joined GM in September after holding positions at Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon. His role was seen as pivotal for integrating software into automotive products, but now, with Anderson's appointment, GM aims to streamline this process by merging hardware and software engineering under the Global Product unit. This move is expected to accelerate innovation within the company.Anderso...
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Euro NCAP Overhauls Crash Testing for Enhanced ADAS Evaluation
26Nov By M.ChenNo Comments
News, Tech & Autonomous

Euro NCAP Overhauls Crash Testing for Enhanced ADAS Evaluation

Vehicle safety body Euro NCAP is set to implement significant changes to its testing procedures, marking the most substantial update since 2009. The new system introduces four core pillars of safety: safe driving, crash avoidance, crash protection and post-crash safety, aiming to better assess advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and cockpit usability.These modifications are partly in response to consumer feedback regarding the annoyance caused by intrusive ADAS warnings. NCAP aims to evaluate real-world utility alongside laboratory conditions, ensuring that these technologies perform as intended outside controlled environments. From 2026, higher ratings will be given to vehicles with driver monitoring systems that maintain driver attention and engagement.The new scoring system emphas...
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BMW Z4 Final Edition: Last Chance for a Classic Roadster
26Nov By M.ChenNo Comments
News

BMW Z4 Final Edition: Last Chance for a Classic Roadster

BMW has announced the final edition of its iconic Z4 roadster, marking the end of production after 24 years. The Z4 Final Edition will be available from January 2026 and is set to become a collector's item due to limited availability. This special edition model retains the existing engine options but adds unique cosmetic features such as Frozen Matt Black paint with gloss black trim, red brake calipers, and bespoke interior details.The Z4 Final Edition will be offered in both sDrive20i and M40i variants, which currently retail at £59,365 for the latter. The standard sDrive20i model is powered by a 194bhp turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the more powerful M40i variant boasts a 335bhp straight-six unit. Despite no official pricing details being released yet, enthusiasts anticipate th...
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BEV Market Gains Momentum in Europe: A Year of Rebound and Growth
26Nov By M.ChenNo Comments
EV & Electric Cars, News

BEV Market Gains Momentum in Europe: A Year of Rebound and Growth

One year after the BEV market faced significant challenges, particularly within the European Union (EU), new data reveals a more optimistic outlook for battery electric vehicles (BEVs). According to recent analysis by GlobalData, the BEV sector has seen improvements in response to shifting market demands. In Europe, BEVs are projected to account for 18% of the Light Vehicle (LV) market by the end of 2025, marking a significant increase from approximately 13.5% recorded in both 2023 and 2024.Despite the lack of growth in BEV sales during 2024, the trend has reversed in 2025 with a notable uptick. This resurgence is driven by strategic adjustments from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) who are increasingly focusing on hybrid vehicles as a transitional technology while maintaining their...
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Spanish Survey Reveals Shifts in Urban Mobility and Car Ownership
26Nov By M.ChenNo Comments
News

Spanish Survey Reveals Shifts in Urban Mobility and Car Ownership

The latest study from Cetelem's Observatory on Spanish mobility habits indicates that nearly half of the population, specifically 45.5%, resides or frequently travels to low-emission zones (LEZ) with access restrictions for highly polluting vehicles.Among age groups, those aged between 25 and 29 years are most affected by LEZ policies, with a notable 58% of respondents mentioning such areas, surpassing the overall average by 12 percentage points. This demographic also shows a preference for bicycles as their primary mode of transport over cars.The survey reveals that 46.3% of Spanish individuals are considering abandoning private vehicle use for commuting to work due to various factors including urban sustainability and environmental concerns. Notably, people aged between 45 and 49 years a...
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26Nov By M.ChenNo Comments
News

Automakers Seek Rare Earth Alternatives in Electric Motors

Stunned by frequent shortages of essential materials from China, automakers in the United States and Europe are quietly trying to reduce or eliminate their reliance on rare-earth metals used in electric vehicle motors. This shift is driven by geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions.BMW has taken a lead role with its iX SUV model, which uses electric motors that do not require neodymium or other rare earth elements. The company's approach reflects growing concerns about the stability of global rare-earth supplies, particularly as China controls most mining and processing operations for these materials.Researchers at Northeastern University and other institutions are exploring synthetic materials with magnetic properties similar to those found in meteorites. These efforts aim to d...
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Jeep Cherokee Híbrido Debuta com 213 cv e Consumo de 18 km/l
26Nov By M.ChenNo Comments
News

Jeep Cherokee Híbrido Debuta com 213 cv e Consumo de 18 km/l

Novidade da Jeep apresentada no Salão do Automóvel de São Paulo promete mudar o jogo para SUVs híbridos.O novo Jeep Cherokee Híbrido, que estreia na plataforma modular STLA Large, possui um sistema híbrido pleno (HEV) capaz de gerar 213 cv e oferecer uma autonomia de até 80% em modo elétrico. O motor turbo a gasolina de 1.6 litros é combinado com dois motores elétricos, proporcionando um torque máximo de 31,8 kgfm.Comparativamente ao Compass da mesma marca, que tem potência e torque de 272 cv e 40,8 kgfm respectivamente, o Cherokee Híbrido prioriza a eficiência em detrimento do desempenho. As mudanças na propulsão resultaram também em melhorias no consumo médio: 15,7 km/l no ciclo combinado e até 17,8 km/l na cidade.A nova geração do Cherokee apresenta um aumento de tamanho considerável co...
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BMW’s Designworks Redefines Sustainability
26Nov By M.ChenNo Comments
News

BMW’s Designworks Redefines Sustainability

As BMW continues to lead the charge in automotive sustainability, its design studio, Designworks, is embracing a new mantra: circularity. This concept isn't just about recycling materials; it’s about creating products that are sustainable from inception.Adrian van Hooydonk, who heads up design at BMW, acknowledges that reducing the company's carbon footprint is crucial, but he also emphasizes that sustainability must be attractive to customers on an emotional level. “If the CO2 footprint is smaller, then so much the better,” Van Hooydonk says.Designworks sees circularity as a benefit mindset rather than a sacrifice. The team’s goal is not just to reduce waste but also to enhance quality and performance. This approach is reflected in the development of the BMW i Vision Circular concept car,...
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