Google’s self-driving cars are crossing the Atlantic. According to reports from the Guardian, transport officials in London are in “active discussions” with the Silicon Valley firm to make the British capital one of the trial cities for its autonomous technology. If it happens, London would become the first non-U.S. city (and one of the few, period) to play host to these self-driving cars. And if Google really is planning on world domination, then hopping over the pond seems like a logical move anyway.
The self-driving cars project, which first began back in 2009, has made considerable strides and the vehicles have been tested thus far in the streets of Mountain View, California, Austin, Texas, and soon, Kirkland, Washington. “It’s going to have to work in big cities, so why don’t we start trialling it now?” asked Isabel Dedring, the U.K.’s deputy mayor for transport. “Google have said they are focused on the US, but they’re starting to think about going elsewhere, so we’re in active discussions.”
Hyundai isn’t giving up on hydrogen cars, but don’t expect one in your driveway anytime soon
Hydrogen gets a maybe; hybrids get a warning.
Hydrogen cars have spent years in the same waiting room as flying taxis. They’re always almost here, but no commercially available product exists for interested buyers. So when a Hyundai manager pushed back on the obituary, I was immediately curious.
To be clear, Hyundai hasn’t announced a new car. The big news here is that its Australian arm says hydrogen is “not dead” for passenger cars. Apparently, the automaker is still evaluating a next-generation hydrogen fuel-cell car if it can find buyers (via CarExpert).
Ford says it doesn’t sell your driving data, but opting out comes with a catch
From vehicle diagnostics to location tracking, here's what Ford knows about your driving habits and how it uses that information.
Your connected car knows more about your daily driving habits than you realize. This is why Ford unveiled its new Privacy Promise to keep your vehicle data safe and let you control what you share. It explains what information connected vehicles collect, why they need it, and how owners can manage their privacy settings.
Xpeng just launched a $20,800 electric SUV, and US automakers should be paying attention
China’s $20,800 Xpeng Mona L05 makes the US EV price problem look even worse
Xpeng has launched the Mona L05 in China with a starting price of 139,800 yuan (around $20,800), bringing a new electric crossover with up to 635 km of claimed range, an extended-range option and a technology-heavy cabin to its mass-market lineup. While the vehicle is not confirmed for the US market, its combination of pricing, range and features offers a glimpse of the competition American automakers face as Chinese EV makers expand overseas.
The five-seat mid-size SUV is available with fully electric and extended-range electric powertrains. The launch also comes as Xpeng looks beyond China, with the company targeting 65 countries and regions for the model.
