EV/AV Report: Perpetual motion and delayed releases
Toronto, Ontario — In this week’s report, BMW patents a suspension system capable of converting road bumps into electric vehicle (EV) energy, Apple delays its autonomous vehicle (AV) debut to 2026, and Tesla returns radar sensors to its autopilot suite after a short hiatus. This is the latest in electric and autonomous vehicles. Unlimited Power […]
Gaming on the Go: BMW to integrate AirConsole mobile gaming platform in 2023
Toronto, Ontario — A new partnership between BMW and mobile gaming startup AirConsole represents yet another foray for the auto industry in bringing play to the passenger seat. Starting next year, BMW owners will be able to access a library of mini games from the central display of their vehicle through AirConsole’s on-the-go gaming platform. […]
Deja Vu: 22 Audi models affected in Transport Canada recall across 10 OEMs
Mississauga, Ontario — More than 20 models across ten OEMs have been recalled by Transport Canada, with some models being especially popular in Brampton, Mississauga and western parts of the Greater Toronto Area. Fiat Chrysler’s 2020-2021 RAM 1500, 2020-2021 Jeep Wrangler and 2021 Jeep Gladiator models were recalled for delays in the rear-view camera input, […]
Jewel or Jalopy: Range Rover tops list of least-reliable used cars
Blackburn, United Kingdom – Luxury vehicles and the Range Rover have been identified as the UK’s least reliable vehicles, according to data from the extended warranty provider, WarrantyWise. While the highest repair cost for a Range Rover peaked at an eye-watering $36,000, most repair jobs cost around $2,450. It wasn’t just Land Rover’s Range Rover […]
Hot Seat: BMW owners push back against heated seat subscription, pirate software to access features
Toronto, Ontario – Where there’s a will, there’s a way, as the old saying goes. This seems exceptionally true for BMW owners who’ve found a way to hack their vehicles despite the announcement last week that BMW would be instating a subscription service within their cars in order to access heated seats, as well as […]
Pay to Play: BMW locks certain digital functions behind paywall
Seoul, South Korea — Taking a cue from the airline industry and mobile gaming, BMW is pushing paid subscriptions as the only way customers access certain services. According to BMW South Korea’s website, several functions on consumer BMWs have been rebranded as the “connected booster package,” locking off certain digital functions behind a subscription-based paywall. […]
Ecological Emissions: BMW pushes sewage-based paints
Munich, Germany — BMW is partnering with BASF to develop the next generation of paints using an innovative new material—poop. Euphemistically dubbed “sustainable paints made from bio-waste,” these matte paints are part of the company’s focus on sustainability and reduced CO2 emissions. Most importantly, these new paints are chemically identical to previously manufactured body coatings and […]
Cyber Sorting: BMW-backed startup develops digital fingerprints for auto parts
Toronto, Ontario — A BMW-affiliated tech company has developed a piece of technology that allows automakers and suppliers to track and authenticate parts across supply chains and distribution systems through a digital fingerprinting system. According to the CEO of Bellevue, Wash.-based Alitheon, Roei Ganzarski, the company’s technology is able to authenticate tiny surface characteristics within […]
Save Yourself: Former IIHS president ‘wouldn’t be here to talk’ about near-fatal 2021 crash, if not for safety ratings
Arlington, Virginia — Do you ever have those moments where you catch up with a favour you did for yourself in the past? Like putting a note in your calendar to cancel a free trial before you get charged. Well, the former president of the IIHS, Adrian Lund, has himself to thank for crucial vehicle safety […]
Oh Snap: BMW announces autonomous driving platform for 2025
Munich, Germany – BMW has partnered with tech companies Qualcomm and Arriver, announcing its goal to release a new autonomous driving system in 2025. Dubbed Snapdragon Ride, German carmaker says their level three system can drive autonomously but requires the driver to take over the vehicle’s controls within seconds of notification. Despite the name, Snapdragon […]
