Latest news with #ChineseCarmaker
The Australian
6 days ago
- Automotive
- The Australian
Bizarre ‘Nintendo' solution to huge road problem
Chinese carmaker XPeng has unveiled a quirky new feature that could address one of Australia's biggest driving problems - road rage. And the EV maker's solution might be one of the cleverest ways to deal with bad drivers. The feature, called 'Road Rage Reliever', lets frustrated drivers 'throw' virtual emojis at the offender's car by using the vehicle's AR head-up display found in the new XPeng models. And it will look familiar to anyone who has enjoyed a game of Mario Kart, the Nintendo game that allows you to toss items at other road users while you race. XPeng will allow drivers to throw virtual emojis at other cars. Picture: Instagram/em3rging XPeng revealed the feature in the all-new P7. Picture: XPeng MORE: China's RAM ute dupe to land in Aus Video circulating on social media shows the feature being introduced during the unveiling of the P7 which offers a massive 87-inch AR-HUD. During a live demonstration, XPeng showed how drivers can express their frustration by throwing virtual emojis onto the car in front by pressing a button on the steering wheel. XPeng claims the feature offers a safer way to release frustration without engaging in aggressive driving. XPeng's Road Rage Reliever feature. Picture: X/@42how_ MORE: China unveils plan to smash Tesla in Aus However, the idea has received mixed opinions. Users online praised the feature as being the perfect solution for people with road rage, while others worry it could lead to further incidents caused by driver distraction. 'So you tap the screen while driving....I wonder what happens when driving distracted,' one user on Instagram said. 'Ummm does this distract the drivers?,' another said. 'This will not distract the driver in the slightest....,' another user said sarcastically. 'Imagine throwing a bunch, then they crash, and then you crash. Drivers shouldn't be allowed more distractions,' another commented. While there is visible criticism, other users saw the humorous side of things. 'Now add proximity chat at the same time with a timer. Turn the streets into a COD lobby,' One user said. 'Being visible only to you makes it ineffective, but if it was to both it'd end up being a game,' another said. XPeng revealed the feature in the all-new P7. Picture: XPeng Inside the P7. Picture: XPeng MORE: Famous sports car hints at bold EV future According to XPeng, the feature is optional, and drivers must decide when it's safe to use. The XPeng P7 is being considered for the Australian market, but there is no confirmation yet on whether Australians will have the opportunity to see this vehicle on local roads. Additionally, it remains uncertain if the innovative Road Rage Reliever feature will be included if the car does become available. However, if introduced, it could be a surprisingly fitting addition considering the Australia's driving habits. Did somebody say Mario Kart? In September 2024, a survey conducted by the insurer NRMA involving 1,464 drivers from two states highlighted a concerning trend in Australia's driving behaviour. The survey results revealed that 71 per cent of respondents had witnessed tailgating, 67 per cent had observed drivers excessively honking their horns, 60 per cent had noticed the use of hand gestures, and 58 per cent had seen motorists deliberately cutting in front of others. James Chung Digital Content Creator James is a Digital Content Creator at and is part of the News Corp Australia's digital real estate team. His previous experience includes working for Sky News Australia.
Bloomberg
19-06-2025
- Automotive
- Bloomberg
China's EV Powerhouse BYD Accelerates Into Europe's Heartland
A synchronized flock of drones lit up the sky above Rome's Olympic Stadium last month to mark the European launch of the latest electric hatchback from Chinese carmaker BYD Co. Against the blackened night, the glowing orbs outlined an image of the new Dolphin Surf in front of classic Roman landmarks like the Colosseum, St. Peter's Basilica and the Pantheon — a cinematic nod to the Fiat 500 and the postwar lifestyle it came to symbolize. The message was as clear as it was audacious: BYD had arrived with an EV for the masses, a market segment its European peers have struggled to lock down. The Dolphin Surf aims to be a Fiat 500 or VW Beetle for the electric age — fun, accessible and built to put millions of drivers behind the wheel, only this time with a battery.
