Latest news with #Tesla-like
Axios
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- Axios
Why cars will never be smartphones on wheels
The digital transformation of the auto industry has hit a speed bump: Slower-than-expected electric vehicle adoption has delayed the rollout of intelligent, software-defined vehicles. The big picture: Automakers are forecasting billions of dollars in recurring revenue from software and services that improve over time through constant updates. That requires a next-generation electrical architecture — think of it as the car's brain — to handle everything from ride dynamics and safety functions to the in-car experience that consumers want. Automakers dream of being more like Apple, with an elegant operating system like iOS that enables the same digital experience across all their vehicles. Tesla and other EV startups already have such platforms, and they regularly send software updates to add features or improve performance. But they had an advantage: Their modern cars were designed from scratch. Legacy automakers are saddled with complex software networks cobbled together from more than 100 electronic control units that manage specific functions like braking or infotainment. Even minor software updates are a hassle with such a fragmented system. The shift to electric vehicles seemed like the ideal time for many automakers to toss out those antiquated architectures in favor of a Tesla-like approach. Many companies who yoked software modernization to their EV development plans, however, are now thinking better of it. Driving the news: Ford recently pulled the plug on an ambitious next-generation software project, deciding instead to pour those efforts into improving its existing architecture. The fully networked vehicle project (FNV4) was to have been the foundational software platform for a future lineup of smart, connected vehicles. In a blog post explaining the pivot, Doug Field, Ford's chief EV, digital and design officer, noted: "The world has changed since automakers, including Ford, laid out plans to rapidly redesign their vehicles for an electric future." EV adoption has been slower than expected, he noted, and Ford's digital transformation shouldn't leave behind customers who prefer gasoline or hybrid vehicles, he wrote. Instead, Ford will take a more incremental approach to software, building upon the digital experience launched recently in the Ford Explorer and Lincoln Nautilus and Navigator and deploying it across its full portfolio of vehicles. The move will save money, Ford CEO Jim Farley told analysts this week, and even make future products more affordable. Between the lines: The software conundrum demonstrates why a car is not a smartphone and Detroit will never be like Apple. Phones are replaced every two or three years; cars stay on the road for 10 to 15 years or more. That means automakers are often stuck spending money to keep old technologies alive, even as they're investing billions to develop more sophisticated, modern vehicles. "Having a new electrical architecture on some vehicles and a legacy architecture on other vehicles and maintaining them all at the same time is not a good strategy for this new world," Field wrote.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally
(WHTM) — When Ford introduced the all-electric Mustang Mach-E a few years ago it was like many electric cars, fast, but not very entertaining. Now for an extra $6,000 in the Mach-E Rally, you'll be grinning ear to ear. With all-wheel-drive, adjustable magnetic ride suspension, 480 horsepower and more. This thing is a blast. White wheels, a hatch-mounted spoiler and stripes give it visual appeal too. EPA rates it at 265 miles range, about 20 less than a base Mach-E, but in my opinion, worth it. I don't care for the seats in a regular Mach-E, but these are better. The rally package includes Ford's blue cruise self-driving feature. A Tesla-like center screen works well once you get used to it. More room is freed up in the center console because of the rotary gear selector. Also, clever is the audio knob that doubles as a fan speed control. Two adults will be comfortable in row two, three would be snug. The battery pack sits high in the Mach-E and that cuts into cargo space. Even on ice and snow handling and braking are balanced and power is excellent. One of the most entertaining electric cars available. So for the 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E rally, I say thumbs up to the fun factor. Excellent traction and decent range. Thumbs down to the price. The as-reviewed sticker is $65,485. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Reuters
30-01-2025
- Automotive
- Reuters
After robotaxi failure, GM software bet turns to driver assistance
DETROIT, Jan 30 (Reuters) - General Motors (GM.N), opens new tab is charting a technological future focused on its Super Cruise driver assistance technology, similar to Tesla's (TSLA.O), opens new tab Autopilot, with the expectation of bringing in billions of dollars in revenue. GM's push on hands-off driving system Super Cruise comes as the automaker exits its multi-billion-dollar-losing robotaxi business Cruise, which focused on self-driving vehicles hailed by an app. GM forecast on Tuesday that Super Cruise would bring in about $2 billion in total annual revenue within five years, aiding in its efforts to be known like Tesla for technology as much as it is for vehicles. The revenue from Super Cruise "is much higher-margin than manufacturing vehicles" and would pave the way for consumer acceptance of completely self-driving cars, said Morningstar analyst David Whiston. Super Cruise is conceptually similar to Tesla's Autopilot in that they both offer partially automated driving technology. The difference is Super Cruise uses a more robust sensing system than Autopilot to ensure the driver stays attentive to the road, according to Sam Abuelsamid, vice president of market research for Telemetry Insights. Super Cruise is available on about 20 newer higher-end gasoline and electric vehicle models, including many Cadillacs and large SUVs. It is standard on some vehicles and optional on others. For the optional vehicles, customers can access the technology for $2,200 to $2,500. Super Cruise is free for three years and then customers are offered a subscription at $25 a month or $250 a year. GM's push into the technology has yet to bring Tesla-like benefits to its stock valuation. The Elon Musk-run electric vehicle maker's stock is trading around 120 times expected earnings, reflecting a perception of it as a high-growth tech company, according to LSEG data. By comparison, GM is valued at around 5 times its earnings. Investors are also concerned about the effect of the Trump administration's proposed tariffs on Canada and Mexico on GM, which sent shares down 8.9% after its results on Tuesday and a further 0.5% on Wednesday. But driver assistance technology remains a promising growth area, GM CEO Mary Barra said on Tuesday, with the automaker expecting to double the about 360,000 vehicles in the Super Cruise fleet in 2025. In 2024, about 20% of roughly 18,000 users signed up for a Super Cruise subscription after the complimentary subscription ended, Barra said. Another 33,000 vehicles will end a three-year trial period in 2025 and GM is targeting to more than double subscription revenue, she added. There are hardware costs associated with Super Cruise, including cameras, radar and the driver attention system. "However, software tends to be very profitable," Edward Jones analyst Jeff Windau said. "Additionally, if it is a feature the customers value, you could see a high renewal rate (recurring revenue) and it could drive customer loyalty to the brand when they look for a new car." Stay up to date with the latest news, trends and innovations that are driving the global automotive industry with the Reuters Auto File newsletter. Sign up here.
