Towards a Safer, Automated Driving Experience

Automakers are investing in technologies that boost automation and prioritize safety. Ford is developing an app that will warn drivers of obstacles and pedestrians. XPeng Motors developed an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) that will enhance the driving experience. Nissan is presenting technologies to the Mexican market that aim to reduce accidents and transform the mobility paradigm. Continental and Elektrobit opened a new software development center in Queretaro. 

Ready for more? This is the Week in Automotive.

Ford to Use App to Prevent Road Accidents

Ford is working on a smartphone-based communication technology to warn drivers when a pedestrian or a cyclist is approaching the vehicle’s path. This technology is expected to communicate with Ford SYNC vehicles using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), which is already available in smartphones and compatible with SYNC connected vehicle technology. Ford also aims to demonstrate the app with T-Mobile’s 5G Advanced Network Solution. Learn more about it here. 

Continental, Elektrobit Open Development Center in Queretaro

Continental and Elektrobit announced the opening of a new automotive software development center in Queretaro that will provide a platform for local engineers. “We are excited about our expansion in Queretaro and look forward to welcoming and developing a new team of ambitious automotive software engineers,” said Artur Seidel, America Vice President, Elektrobit, according to Tyt. Read the full story here. 

Xpeng’s City NGP Aims to Compete with Tesla’s FSD Beta

Chinese automaker XPeng Motors launched the City Navigation Guided Pilot (NGP) program, an ADAS for urban scenarios. XPeng’s ADAS can perform a variety of driving tasks such as maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles, making overtaking decisions, changing lanes and keeping the correct speed throughout the driving route. The City NGP aims to compete with Tesla’s Full Self Driving (FSD) Beta. Read the full story on MBN.

Nissan Presents Innovative Technologies for Mexico, Brazil

Nissan is investing in R&D projects for the Mexican and Brazilian markets, which aim to achieve a cleaner and more inclusive mobility while contributing to reduce road accidents. These efforts include several electrification projects and driving assistance technologies. In Mexico, the Japanese automaker has introduced the Nissan e-POWER system and the Nissan e-Pedal. Moreover, Nissan believes that Mexico is getting ready to become an attractive market for autonomous driving technologies. “Until a few years ago, talking about driving assistance technologies was a reality that existed only in other markets, however, currently Mexico is positioning itself as a spearhead in the adoption of a large part of them,” said Nissan. Learn more about it here. 

Hertz Partners with GM 

Over the next five years Hertz will order 175,000 EVs from General Motors (GM) as it is investing to create the largest rental fleet of EVs in North America. Hertz aims for one quarter of its fleet to be composed of electric cars by the end of 2024. The Chevrolet Bolt EV and Bolt EUV will begin to be delivered in 2023."We are thrilled to partner with GM on this initiative, which will dramatically expand our EV offering to Hertz customers, including leisure and business travelers, rideshare drivers and corporates," said Stephen Scherr, CEO, Hertz.