Tech & Autonomous

The Tech & Autonomous category focuses on automotive technology, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), autonomous driving features, vehicle software and connectivity. Here you will find news about over-the-air updates, sensor and camera systems, AI-based driving functions and how software is changing the modern car.

Chery Fulwin T9L: A Technological Marvel in the Large SUV Segment
News, SUV & Crossovers, Tech & Autonomous

Chery Fulwin T9L: A Technological Marvel in the Large SUV Segment

At the recent 2025 Guangzhou Auto Show, Chery unveiled its latest offering, the Fulwin T9L, a large five-seat SUV that promises to redefine expectations for performance and technology. Positioned under Chery's Fulwin sub-brand, this vehicle is set to enter the Chinese market between March and April 2026.The T9L showcases Chery’s 'Eastern calligraphy' design language, featuring a minimalist front with narrow headlights, large side air vents on the bumper, and an integrated LiDAR system in its roof. This sleek exterior is complemented by semi-hidden door handles and a rear design that includes a full-width taillight and upturned spoiler.Dimensions-wise, the T9L measures 4,870 millimeters long, 1,930 millimeters wide, and 1,710 millimeters tall with a wheelbase of 2,920 millimeters. This spac...
Tesla’s FSD Licensing: Musk Surprised by Automakers’ Rejection
Industry & Business, News, Tech & Autonomous

Tesla’s FSD Licensing: Musk Surprised by Automakers’ Rejection

Elon Musk recently expressed his surprise and frustration over the lack of interest from other automakers in licensing Tesla’s Full Self Driving (FSD) technology. In a tweet, he mentioned that despite previous optimism about potential deals, discussions have been few and far between. He described these conversations as tepid and unrealistic, with no real progress being made.Musk's earlier statements suggested significant interest from other manufacturers in licensing FSD, but those promises seem to have faded over time. During an investor call last year, he claimed that one automaker was already discussing a potential deal, while in January this year, he reiterated there was substantial interest. However, the reality has been different.The current situation highlights Musk's belief that FS...
Uber and WeRide Launch Driverless Robotaxis in Abu Dhabi
Industry & Business, News, Tech & Autonomous

Uber and WeRide Launch Driverless Robotaxis in Abu Dhabi

Just over a year after Uber announced its partnership with autonomous vehicle specialist WeRide, the companies have officially started offering driverless robotaxi rides to the public in Abu Dhabi. The journey began in September 2024 when both firms declared their intent to bring self-driving cars to the UAE.Three months later, they launched supervised rides in Abu Dhabi with a safety operator on board, setting the stage for fully autonomous operations planned for early this year. Today marks the beginning of true driverless commercial robotaxi services without any human presence inside the vehicle.Citizens and visitors in Abu Dhabi can now choose an UberX or Uber Comfort ride through the app, which could potentially match them with a WeRide GXR Robotaxi. To increase their chances of getti...
Euro NCAP Overhauls Crash Testing for Enhanced ADAS Evaluation
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...
Industry & Business, News, Tech & Autonomous

Uber Launches Driverless Robotaxis in Abu Dhabi with WeRide

Uber has expanded its autonomous vehicle footprint to the Middle East, launching driverless robotaxi services in Abu Dhabi through a partnership with Chinese AV company WeRide. This marks Uber's fourth market for fully automated rides, following Austin, Phoenix, and Atlanta in the U.S.The introduction of these vehicles in Yas Island represents a significant milestone as it is the first such service to operate without human oversight in the Middle East region. Previously, Uber had been testing autonomous technology with safety operators on board since December 2023 in Abu Dhabi, and similarly in Riyadh earlier this year.Riders can now book WeRide robotaxis through the Uber app by selecting the autonomous option when requesting an UberX or Uber Comfort ride. The service is currently limited ...
Tesla’s FSD License Hopes Face EU Obstacles
News, Tech & Autonomous

Tesla’s FSD License Hopes Face EU Obstacles

Tesla has announced plans to start licensing its Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology in Europe as early as February 2026, but regulatory bodies are not fully onboard. This news comes after years of anticipation from Tesla owners who have been waiting for FSD in their vehicles.The latest update states that the Dutch Road and Vehicle Authority (RDW) has given assurances to issue a license for FSD functions in February 2026, but other European nations might not be far behind. However, this is not the unmitigated victory Tesla's enthusiasts hoped for. The regulatory process remains contentious.For years, Tesla customers in Europe have had the option to purchase full autonomous driving potential through their FSD package. Yet, unlike in the United States, these advanced systems require specific ...
Tesla’s FSD Licensing Dream Crashes
News, Tech & Autonomous

Tesla’s FSD Licensing Dream Crashes

Elon Musk’s vision of other automakers licensing Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system has hit a brick wall. In recent comments on X, the CEO admitted that no one is interested in adopting the technology.The idea was once touted as a key part of Tesla's future business model. Musk claimed competitors would inevitably come knocking to license FSD, citing the software’s superiority over alternatives like Waymo or GM’s Super Cruise. But reality hasn't played out as expected.Earlier this year, Ford CEO Jim Farley shot down any notion of adopting FSD technology, calling it “not as good” compared to its own autonomy efforts and those offered by Google's Waymo. The sentiment echoed the broader industry’s skepticism towards Tesla's approach.Tesla’s aggressive deployment strategy sets it apart fro...
Tesla FSD Hurdles in the Netherlands
News, Tech & Autonomous

Tesla FSD Hurdles in the Netherlands

Dutch safety regulators are telling Tesla fans to back off and chill out over the company's push for approval of its 'FSD Supervised' system in the country.The RDW, a Dutch safety authority tasked with vehicle certification, has had enough of emails and calls from excited Model Y owners eager to see their cars' semi-autonomous systems get the green light. They're politely but firmly asking everyone to stop contacting them about it. The agency's message? Such efforts won't change its mind."We thank everyone who has already done so and would like to ask everyone not to contact us about this," the RDW said in a statement, adding that these communications take up unnecessary time for customer service and have no impact on decision-making. The regulator is clear: road safety trumps all else.The...
Stellantis Drivers Encounter Unwanted Ads on Infotainment Screens
News, Tech & Autonomous

Stellantis Drivers Encounter Unwanted Ads on Infotainment Screens

Drivers of Stellantis vehicles are once again facing a barrage of unwanted advertisements popping up on their infotainment screens. Zerin Dube, an owner of a Jeep Grand Cherokee, shared on social media that he encountered a pop-up offering a $1,500 loyalty discount for purchasing a new Jeep Wrangler Rubicon X.This isn't the first time Stellantis has faced issues with intrusive ads in their cars. Earlier this year, another owner reported receiving repeated notifications for an extended warranty they didn’t qualify for due to exceeding mileage requirements. While the company claims these ads are meant to inform customers about important updates and offers, many see them as unwanted spam.According to a Stellantis spokesperson, these advertisements appear only during startup or when the vehicl...
Nissan Reveals UK Prices for New Leaf EV
News, Supercars, Tech & Autonomous

Nissan Reveals UK Prices for New Leaf EV

Nissan has officially announced pricing details for its latest offering, the all-electric Nissan LEAF, in the United Kingdom. The base model of the new generation LEAF starts at £32,249 after applying the Electric Car Grant (ECG), making it one of the most affordable EVs on the market.Our previous analysis highlighted that this pricing strategy by Nissan makes the LEAF an attractive option for consumers looking to switch to electric vehicles without breaking the bank. The new model comes equipped with a 75 kWh battery, offering a range up to 386 miles and powered by a 213 bhp motor capable of accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in just 7.6 seconds.Additionally, Nissan plans to introduce a more affordable variant later this year with a smaller 52 kWh battery pack, offering up to 271 miles of rang...