John Schmotzer

https://lnkd.in/eVMA43dV Let's not forget public safety applications.... "The automotive industry is undergoing a digital transformation, with embedded software playing a critical role in modern vehicle innovation. The Automotive Embedded Software Development Service Market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the increasing demand for connected, autonomous, and electrified vehicles." #ConnectedVehicle #V2X #CV2X #Telematics #PostCrashCare #VehicleToEverything #Vehicle2Everything

1

If any of this sounds familiar, you may have safety, quality, and retention problems at work: “The problem stemmed from the fact that a plant doesn't run well without continual investment in upgrades and maintenance. Decades-old machines were held together with quick fixes and running repairs, and the dies themselves were much the same. Thus, things would break down. They would break down a lot. Then, because they'd broken down, we wouldn't have made enough parts on a given shift. So to make up for the shortfall, the factory would then skip future maintenance windows in an attempt to catch up.”

13

😎 Rivian’s Passion Overcomes Losses Per Vehicle 🚙 Exceeding Expectations: Despite facing a gross profit loss of $38,784 per vehicle, Rivian Automotive has surpassed its production and delivery outlook, with a significant increase compared to last year. 🚘 Strategic Moves: The company’s introduction of a new midsize platform and the decision to begin R2 production in Illinois are strategic steps towards future savings and efficiency. 🗽 State Support: Rivian’s expansion is bolstered by an $827 million incentive package from the State of Illinois, highlighting the support for its vision. 🚗 Driving Towards Profitability: CEO RJ Scaringe emphasizes the company’s focus on demand generation, cost improvements, and advancing development, all while celebrating milestones and steering towards profitability. Rivian’s journey illustrates that not all automakers operate on profits; their enduring passion for innovation and sustainable transportation keeps their business thriving. 🚗💚 #rivianautomotive #rivian #riviantruck #rivianofficial #automotiveindustry #electricvehicles https://lnkd.in/d7n2a3D4

2

The latest in software-defined vehicles (SDV). https://lnkd.in/gXMc6SdR   Additional readings. For SDVs, Software Is The Biggest Challenge. Software-defined vehicles (SDVs) involve far more than just OTA applications enabling software upgrades over the air. Software that will manage hundreds of ECUs and other functions within the vehicle is expected to grow beyond hundreds of millions of lines of code, possibly making SDV software development the number one challenge in automotive design. https://lnkd.in/g6bhRx5U

1

Dearborn based automaker, Ford Motor Company, is seeking to patent a camera system designed to report speeding vehicles to police. The patent, titled “Systems and Methods for Detecting Speeding Violations,” was filed on January 12, 2023, and published by the USPTO on July 18. The system would enable vehicles to monitor each other’s speed and report violations. When a vehicle detects another traveling over the speed limit, it uses onboard cameras to capture an image and sends a report, including speed data, pictures, and GPS location, to law enforcement or monitoring units. Ford suggests this would ease law enforcement’s burden by reducing the need for pursuits and allowing self-driving vehicles to detect speeders. However, it remains unclear how legal issues, such as the absence of real officers to witness violations, would be addressed. While #Ford frequently patents emerging technologies, not all are implemented, though there is speculation that this system could be used in future Ford police vehicles.

11

2 Comments

Autonomous & Self-Driving Vehicle News: TIER IV, Aurora, Ford & NHTSA. https://lnkd.in/g-fc9ati auto connected car newsIn autonomous and self-driving vehicle news are TIER IV, Aurora, Ford and NHTSA. TIER IV in Japan TIER IV, a pioneer in open-source autonomous driving (AD) technology, announced an exciting initiative aimed at shaping the future of highway trucking. In response to driver shortage challenges facing Japan’s cargo industry, the company is set to develop a new function for highway trucking and conduct proof of concept (PoC) tests on Japan’s public highways, starting from fiscal year 2024. By developing a reference design for commercial truck manufacturers, TIER IV is fully dedicated to facilitating the deployment of autonomous driving. The reference design will encompass

1

The US federal tax credit is a big incentive for automakers to localise EVs and their components in the US. The local assembly of the EV is mandatory, but there are other requirements, too. The $7,500 incentive is a sum of two equal amounts, with $3,750 depending on the source of critical minerals and the remaining half on the source of battery components.

5

Really interesting article and how race cars can be used to further the development of autonomous vehicles!

13

Recent anti-EV journalism highlights early adopters' frustration, often due to inadequate planning and the high initial cost of EVs. Many others are complaining about depreciation. While initial discounts and other factors play a role, EVs were priced too high from the start. Despite entering the "Trough of Disillusionment" in the Gartner Hype Cycle, EVs are poised to advance to the "Slope of Enlightenment" and eventually the "Plateau of Productivity" due to continuous technological improvements and market evolution. I had the privilege to share my opinion about the race for affordable electric cars and main challenges & oportunities for the European Industry at just-auto.com | The automotive industry news & information site #ev #tippingpoint #china #battery #lfp #gigafactory #integration #tariffs #industrialpolicy #innovation #technology FICOSA FICOSA Viladecavalls

58

4 Comments

Open letter to #Ford A Call for Change in the Automotive Industry By Prof. Timothy E. Bates Friends, I've owned electric vehicles (EVs) for the past seven years. I currently make a 50-minute commute to Flint, MI, where I spread technology knowledge to underrepresented communities. This journey isn't just a commute—it's a mission to bring about positive change, one that aligns with the very ethos of innovation and progress. But here's what baffles me: Ford, as the proud pioneers of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, hasn't your family amassed enough wealth from that legacy already? When the push for EVs began, wasn't it about reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, fighting climate change, and creating a healthier future for our children and future generations? Yet, here we are, with decisions being made that seem to prioritize profit over the planet's well-being. EVs perform exceptionally well, regardless of the negativity you might see in the media. They are cleaner, quieter, and yes, they can be fun to drive too! However, recent decisions in the automotive industry, like Ford's announcement to roll back EV production in favor of more profitable ICE vehicles, are disheartening. This isn’t just a business decision—it's a message to the world that profit still comes before people and the planet. To the automotive industry: What good is all the profit if future generations won't be able to breathe the air you're polluting? Isn't it time we took a hard look at the long-term impacts of our choices? We need change — we must change! It's frustrating to see that automotive companies, their executives, and the oil-tooting families continue to push misinformation and disinformation campaigns to protect their bottom line. This greed-driven approach must end, and a new chapter must begin.For this reason, I've been a proud owner of a 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E. But, if the industry's trajectory continues on this path, I may soon end up with two Teslas. While I may not agree with #ElonMusk on many things, on this particular issue, he stands as a peer innovator with the right mindset. We need more of that bold thinking and less of the same tired tactics that have kept us tethered to outdated technologies. Let’s not forget: The push for EVs is not just a trend—it's a necessary step towards a sustainable future. This isn’t about abandoning the past; it’s about embracing a better future. There must be a way to continue building EVs, innovating for cleaner air, and creating sustainable options for our children's sake.So, #FordFamily and all of the automotive giants out there, let’s rethink our strategies. The road to the future is electric, or other cleaner energy sources and it is paved with the hope of a healthier planet. Let’s not let short-term profits blind us to the long-term gains of a clean, sustainable future.The choice is clear. Are you going to be part of the problem or the solution?Sincerely, Prof. Timothy E. Bates #SustainableFuture

4

Can you guess which automaker has the most sophisticated over-the-air software update capability in the United States market as of 2024?   The answer is Ford Motor Company, whose #OTA capability as demonstrated on the Mustang Mach-E exceeds every other automaker selling vehicles with the capability in the United States today.   While #Tesla and #Rivian update their vehicles more frequently and with more content overall, Ford’s ability to update the car while the vehicle is in use represents a novel capability that we’ve seen no other automaker employ on the road in the United States – and they’re quickly catching up in cadence, too, thanks to broad availability of their capability across all brands and powertrains.   Ford made an active design choice to equip vehicle electronics with “A/B” partitioning, allowing software updates to be installed silently, then “switched over” to the newly updated partition without an interruption to the vehicle’s functionality.   Laying the technology foundation that Ford has is a crucial step in enabling the long-term vision of the software-defined vehicle, and we’re now seeing the fruits of sizeable investments in development tools, organizational changes, and architecture overhauls give the company the opportunity to meet or even leapfrog the agility of their #EV competition.   For more information on this ranking and methodology, refer to our quarterly OTA and Software-Delivered Features Guide, which also tracks every known software update pushed by every automaker in the United States, Europe, and China: https://lnkd.in/gq5ce2TK

671

50 Comments

Could not believe it when I read the news about GM yesterday, which I have summarized below. General Motors (GM) is stepping back from its robotaxi plans, citing high costs and tough competition in the autonomous vehicle space. This shift comes after a rocky year for Cruise, GM’s self-driving unit. Cruise hit a major roadblock in 2023 when one of its vehicles injured a pedestrian, triggering a pause in operations, regulatory reviews, and a legal settlement. Despite resuming testing in California and striking a deal with Uber to deploy its robotaxis, GM has decided the financial and operational challenges are too steep right now. Instead, the company will combine Cruise’s team with GM’s other technical groups to focus on driver assistance tech, like its Super Cruise and Ultra Cruise systems, which are already being used in consumer vehicles. While this may seem like a step back, it’s also an opportunity for GM to double down on the technologies that are closer to market and can make driving safer for millions of people today. By focusing on practical solutions, GM could set itself up for long-term success in autonomous tech. All this being said, it is being reported that the decision has left many Cruise employees feeling blindsided and uncertain about their future. Clear communication and support from leadership will be crucial to maintaining morale and ensuring a smooth transition. What do you think—are incremental advancements like driver assistance systems the smarter play for now, or should companies keep pushing full steam ahead on robotaxis? #GM #Cruise #GeneralMotors #robotaxi #autonomousvehicles #ADAS

16

10 Comments

Despite teething problems, #drivermonitoringsystems continue to mature and develop as a key #automotivesafety technology - discover how they are being used to detect driver impairment in this exclusive feature in the September 2024 issue of ADAS & Autonomous Vehicle International - essential!

6