CES 2016: Yes, automated cars WILL be on sale by 2020

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January 6, 2016

Highly automated versions of mainstream cars will go on sale by 2020 says Bosch – and it should know: the German firm will be supplying the technology and systems to many car makers that will allow them to launch these self-driving cars.

At CES 2016, Bosch is thus showcasing the very latest systems and sensors that “assume all the driver’s tasks and responsibilities” on motorways. Such ‘highly automated’ cars will drive themselves when conditions allow (similar to how the Tesla Model S is starting to do today).

The immediate benefit for us? A drop in car crashes by up to a third in Germany alone, it says.

And once high-speed, straight-road self-driving cars are here, adds Bosch, the next steps will be possible: connected cars will be able to ‘see around bends’ and anticipate dangers; proof of autonomous technology on the road will also encourage legislators to further ease legislation outlawing fully hands-off cars.

Solving many a city centre headache, Bosch also expects autonomous parking to become the norm: “It’s up to cars, not drivers, to find a parking space”.

Automated valet parking lets drivers leave cars at the entrance to a car park, for it autonomously to drive off and find a space. Call it back later with a tap of the smartphone or smartwatch.

Dash display car

Connected cars will let makers do more inside the car too. Bosch’s CES 2016 showcar has a dashboard made fully into an electronic display. It’s touch-sensitive and fully configurable; it’s also smart.

If a pedestrian walks up from the right, says Bosch, that side of the dash will flash a warning sequence. If a diary appointment is cancelled, the sat nav will auto-reprogramme it the next location. Sales reps, never make a wasted trip again.

Best of all, turn on automated driving and the sheer flexibility of the virtual dashboard will provide hours of interactive entertainment, from watching movies to checking emails.

Wrong-way warning

Bossh is also working on a ‘wrong way driver’ warning system, that alerts both drivers and other motorists within 10 seconds if a car is driving the wrong way on a road.

The system is autonomous and, as part of the Bosch MyDriveAssist smartphone app, cheap: this is why the firm’s planning to roll it out later in 2016 as a cloud service.

Further connectivity with the smart home will also bring new functionality – such as being able to unlock a safe storage spot from your car if a courier calls and you’re not in.

You’ll even confirm receipt from within the car.

This is how London cabbies responded to our story about Toyota Prius Uber drivers

By

Andrew Brady

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January 5, 2016

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A freedom of information investigation by Motoring Research recently revealed that the most popular car for private hire drivers in London is the Toyota Prius.

Yesterday, we ran a blog post pointing out the advantages of this. We argued that “If each of these Toyota Prius models were replaced with the latest Euro 6 TX4 black cabs, which emit 222g/km CO2, carbon dioxide emissions from these drivers would more than double.”

Taxi drivers aren’t a bunch to shy away from confrontation, so many have taken to Twitter to make their point of view and pick holes in our argument. In a bid to show both sides of the story, we thought we’d publish the responses here.

Some pointed out that Uber drivers are increasing congestion on London roads

@MR_AndrewBrady not all good news? Record traffic on London’s roads ’caused by firms like Uber’ https://t.co/gOloVAtrh7

— Mark White (@TootlestheTaxi) January 5, 2016

Others questioned whether we were harsh on ‘old black cabs’

@MR_AndrewBrady What viechles are available to the Black cab trade..and are they all old as you say ? pic.twitter.com/0lqojY0ZvX

— Tk(luddite)cab (@tony4625) January 5, 2016

(Regulations introduced by Boris Johnson enforce a 15-year age limit on black cabs)

While others pointed out that most Uber drivers are not qualified to drive black cabs

Need to do better research, mate. Taxi Drivers aren’t Über Drivers! https://t.co/xxmycgJsW3

— Mark White (@TootlestheTaxi) January 5, 2016

@MR_AndrewBrady Can you explain this to me as well please ? pic.twitter.com/hcCbZQRueE

— Tk(luddite)cab (@tony4625) January 5, 2016

And some even brought up the Volkswagen ‘dieselgate’ emissions scandal

@Editorial_MR Toyota Prius only has a maximum of 11mile range fully electric and the official emissions figures are unreliable. #VWgate

— ricksta (@ply4hyre) January 5, 2016

But zero-emission black cabs ARE on their way

@MR_AndrewBrady @TootlestheTaxi more research as of 2018 all new london taxis will have to be hybrid and PH can cont to buy diesel till 2020

— David (@deloncab) January 5, 2016

(Yes – regulations previously announced by Transport for London state that, as of 2018, all new taxis registered in London must be ‘zero emission capable’ – i.e. a hybrid capable of running under electric power alone when in high-pollution areas of the capital.)

It’s the debate that’s set to continue – traditional London cabbies are calling for stronger regulations on Uber drivers, while Uber-supporters claim private hire cars are more efficient, cheaper and safer.

Whose side are you on? Leave a comment below or tweet us @editorial_MR.

CES 2016: Ford Sync gets Apple CarPlay, Android Auto at last

By

Richard Aucock

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January 5, 2016

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Ford has finally installed Apple CarPlay and Android Auto into the latest version of its in-car infotainment system, Sync 3.

It’s a big deal. Ford says there are over 15 million Sync-equipped cars on the road. By 2020, there will be a staggering 43 million.

The long-awaited announcement at CES 2016 thus at last will allow Ford drivers to control their Apple and Android smartphone apps through the colour Sync touchscreen.

It means smartphone maps, messages, music and phone can all be controlled via the car – and it should also offer in-car access to additional apps such as Spotify.

The interface mirrors the smartphone’s too.

Rolling out this year on 2017 cars, for now it’s only on the latest Sync 3 system currently on sale in the United States: Europe still uses the older, fiddlier Sync 2 system.

Wait for a possible announcement at next month’s Worldwide Mobile Congress in Spain on that, hinted a spokesman…

Sync apps

Ford’s also launching a suite of apps for Sync 3, via a new Sync AppLink system.

In the US, this links to apps such as Eventseeker, which hunts down events that fit a user’s preassigned profile as they drive. Another app tracks fuel prices and plans a route to the cheapest.

Similarly smart apps are expected for European owners when the system is launched.

Ford’s proud of the Sync system, which it launched in 2007 as “the industry’s first system to widely and most affordably offer voice-activated technology to control smartphones”.

It’s grown and been honed a lot since then. And at last, now more fully links with the world’s two most widely used smartphone platforms.

Your Uber cab is most likely to be a Toyota Prius – and why that’s a good thing

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Motoring Research team

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January 4, 2016

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It’s the controversial app that is being blamed for killing London’s black cab industry. Uber is facing tough opposition, and not just from angry taxi drivers – even Transport for London (TfL) has made proposals to curtail its success.

But figures obtained by Motoring Research reveal that the booming private hire car sector could be doing a substantial amount to reduce harmful emissions in the city – with the hybrid Toyota Prius being the most popular car with drivers of private hire vehicles.

Uber good: London’s favourite private hire cars

A Freedom of Information investigation by Motoring Research quizzed Transport for London on the most popular licensed private hire vehicles across Greater London, and discovered that 12,429 Toyota Prius minicabs are currently registered.

It sees the Prius top the list of private hire cars, ahead of conventional fuel vehicles such as the Ford Galaxy. A total of 10,052 Ford Galaxy people carriers are registered as private hire vehicles with TfL.

Toyota GB’s general manager, press relations and social media, Scott Brownlee, said: “The low running costs – both in fuel and maintenance – of hybrids are a big attraction for private hire firms.

“The mechanical reliability of the hybrid system results from the fewer moving parts compared to a conventional cars (e.g. no clutch or starter motor) while the regenerative braking reduces wear on brake pads and discs.

“Combined, it can mean extraordinary high mileages are common with Prius. We know of one private owner who has clocked up over 435,000 fuss-free, reliable miles.”

Private hire cars can only collect pre-booked fares, and include (but are not exclusive to) those used by Uber drivers. The new proposals outlined by Transport for London include a ban on apps showing cars available for hire, and a minimum five-minute wait time between ordering a cab and it arriving.

Campaigners have said it could trigger a ‘backward step’ in the industry, as Uber drivers instead look towards driving black cabs.

If each of these Toyota Prius models were replaced with the latest Euro 6 TX4 black cabs, which emit 222g/km CO2, carbon dioxide emissions from these drivers would more than double. There would also be a significant increase in NOx emissions – with the most-efficient black cabs producing 52mg/km.

Some of those Prius currently being used as private hire vehicles are likely to be plug-in models – which officially return 59g/km CO2, but can also travel on electric-only power for 12.5 miles after being charged. At these times, they’ll produce no tailpipe emissions at all.

To find out the top 10 most popular private hire cars in London, click through our gallery on MSN Cars.

Porsche to build Mission E electric sports car

By

Richard Aucock

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December 4, 2015

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Porsche will launch its first all-electric car before the end of the decade as it commits €1 billion to put the Mission E concept car into production.

The 600hp four-door, four-seat sports car will have a range of over 300 miles, accelerate to 62mph in less than 3.5 seconds – and Porsche promises a flat battery will recharge to 80% capacity in just 15 minutes.

Porsche chairman Dr. Oliver Blume says it is “beginning a new chapter in the history of the sports car”. More than 1,000 new jobs will be created to build the production Mission E in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen: Porsche is even extending its engine factory to add electric motor production capacity.

The Mission E was revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2015. A beautiful, surprisingly compact and delicate machine, the influence of the Porsche 911 is clear: the focus now is on how much of the concept car will make production.

In making the Mission E, Porsche hopes it will future-proof its world-famous sports cars by responding to ever-present environmental concerns (and face off the threat of upstart eco brands such as Tesla).

Dr. Wolfgang Porsche, chairman of the supervisory board of Porsche AG said: “With Mission E, we are making a clear statement about the future of the brand. Even in a greatly changing motoring world, Porsche will maintain its front-row position with this fascinating sports car.”

Uwe Hück, chairman of the Central Works Council and deputy chairman of the Porsche AG Supervisory Board, enthusiastically added: “A day to celebrate! Yes, we did it! With today’s decision, Porsche is driving flat out with no speed restrictions into the automotive and industrial future.”

Infiniti car production begins in Britain

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Motoring Research team

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December 3, 2015

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Infiniti has officially opened its first ever European production facility with the launch Q30 today leaving the assembly line in Sunderland – bringing £250 million new investment and 300 new jobs to Britain.

It’s yet another boost to Nissan’s booming Sunderland factory, which now employs a total of 6,700 people to produce the Q30 compact premium car from the same base as the Nissan Qashqai, Juke and Note.

British Q30 production means Infinitis are now made in five plants, in four countries, on three continents. The UK plant comes online as 2015 sales already exceed 2014 levels – and the Q30 is the next step in Infiniti’s long-awaited arrival as a viable premium alternative to Audi and BMW in Europe.

Nissan chief performance officer Trevor Mann has worked at Sunderland since it opened in 1985 and says the Q30’s arrival begins “an exciting new chapter in the Infiniti story, and I can’t think of a better place to start than here”.

The Q30 will now be exported from Britain to Europe, China and America; Infiniti estimates 1,000 extra jobs in the supply chain, on top of the 300 jobs directly at Sunderland.

Scrapping of paper tax discs leads to more unlicensed cars on UK roads

By

Motoring Research team

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November 26, 2015

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The number of untaxed cars on Britain’s roads has more than doubled since the paper tax disc was abolished, according to statistics released by the Department of Transport.

In 2013 the estimated number of unlicensed vehicles in use on UK streets was 210,000 (0.6%), but in 2015 this figure rose to 1.4%.

In total 560,000 of vehicles (1.5%) were unlicensed in 2015. This is the highest level for eight years and equates to £80 million worth of potential revenue that was lost.

The rise demonstrates the consequence of the abolition of the paper tax disc, which came into force on 1 October 2014, according to the RAC.

RAC chief engineer David Bizley said: “These are very worrying and disappointing statistics indeed. Sadly, the concerns we raised about the number of car tax evaders going up at the time the tax disc was confined to history have become a reality.

“The RAC believes it is vital that this survey is repeated in 12 months’ time – if not sooner – rather than in the normal two-year period so we can establish once and for all whether the increase is simply a temporary result of the new system.”

The DVLA has responded by saying the new system makes it easier than ever for people to tax their cars.

DVLA Chief Executive Oliver Morley said: “Almost 99% of all vehicles on the road are correctly taxed: that’s around £6 billion in vehicle tax passed to the Treasury every year. We write to every registered vehicle keeper in the UK to remind them when their tax is due and we have introduced a range of measures to make vehicle tax easy to pay. At the same time we are taking action against those who are determined to break the law.”

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Spending review 2015: diesel company car drivers will continue to be penalised

By

Motoring Research team

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November 25, 2015

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Chancellor George Osborne has announced that drivers of diesel company cars will continue to pay an extra 3% in tax following “the slower than expected introduction of more rigorous EU emissions testing”.

Osborne said the Government would continue to support the development of ultra-low emission vehicles, but the planned axe of a 3% diesel car supplement for company car drivers would be delayed until 2021.

RAC urges George Osborne to cut costs for motorists

Previously, plans were in place to drop the supplement – meaning drivers of diesel company cars would pay the same benefit-in-kind (BIK) tax as those with petrol cars emitting the same CO2.

Last night, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) president Gareth Jones urged the Government not to penalise the industry following the Volkswagen emissions scandal.

He said: “Create the conditions that allow us to develop the quality products for which we are world-renowned. Back us to create the jobs, economic growth and prosperity that Britain needs. We have shown we can deliver; work with us to make sure that success continues.”

The Chancellor today announced he’d be spending more than £5 billion on roads maintenance and was creating a £250 million pothole fund. A further £250 million would be invested in Kent’s motorway infrastructure in a bid to relieve some of the congestion caused by Operation Stack.

Osborne also confirmed he would bring forward reforms to the compensation culture around minor motor accident injuries.

He said: “This will remove over £1bn from the cost of providing motor insurance. We expect the industry to pass on this saving, so motorists see an average saving of £40-50 per year off their insurance bills.”

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UK to remain no.1 for new Ford Focus RS

Mercedes-Benz makes the best model cars

Volkswagen tells us ‘our CO2 and MPG may be incorrect’

UK to remain number 1 for new Focus RS

By

Motoring Research team

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November 24, 2015

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Ford of Britain chairman and MD Andy Barratt expects the UK to remain the biggest market in the world for the new Focus RS, despite the £29,995, 350hp hot hatch now being a global Ford Performance car.

Speaking as he pulled the covers off the very first early-build production-spec car, Barrett said the UK will “without doubt take the lion’s share of production” – and confirmed that the firm already has almost 2,000 orders for the new five-door RS.

Britain v Australia

Focus RS product boss David Calder does, however, expect newfound competition for the new car – from another right-hand drive market, Australia.

“It’s being officially sold there [in full production volume] for the first time and the Australians are already responding very positively to it. We haven’t had to fight for right-hand drive cars before, but if enthusiasts down under start to demand more cars, we may have a battle on our hands.”

However, despite it being sold globally, Calder added that the UK will remain the spiritual heartland for the Focus RS. “RS is very much a strong ‘asset’ brand in Britain that commands a huge following.

“We’re already seeing thousands of enthusiasts putting their orders in and this fantastic early response will ensure the UK will be the key market for the new car.”

Mercedes-Benz makes the best model cars

By

Motoring Research team

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November 13, 2015

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Readers of German model car magazine Modell Fahrzeug have voted Mercedes-Benz as the ‘top benchmark brand’ for miniature replicas of its cars.

Readers were also able to vote for a total of 162 model cars in 22 categories. Four miniatures based on Mercedes-Benz vehicles came first in their field. These include a 1/43 scale Mercedes-AMG GT and a remote control Unimog.

Fans can currently buy a total of 350 Mercedes-Benz model cars in various scales.

Which Mercedes-Benz would you like to see a model of?

Dash display car

Wrong-way warning

Some pointed out that Uber drivers are increasing congestion on London roads

Others questioned whether we were harsh on ‘old black cabs’

While others pointed out that most Uber drivers are not qualified to drive black cabs

And some even brought up the Volkswagen ‘dieselgate’ emissions scandal

But zero-emission black cabs ARE on their way

Sync apps

Read more:

Britain v Australia