Hey, Your Top Automobile News for 21 October, 2020

Your Daily Automobile updates From Around The World [img]  [Learn more about RevenueStripe...]( [img]( [The Automobile News]( [THE FUTURE OF AUTONOMOUS DRIVING: IMPACT ON BUSINESS, WORKFORCE AND SOCIETIES]( ight from the first time when vehicles where first produced, someone has always been behind the wheels, monitoring and controlling its operations. However, this phenomenon is set to change with the advancements in Autonomous Driving. Also known as Automation Driving Systems (ADS), this technological evolution is expected to revolutionize transportation (by extension, businesses and societies), thereby creating a paradigm shift in term of consumer experience, mode choices and business preferences. The last decade has seen remarkable progress in ADS technology, as automobile companies continue to integrate elements of auto-piloting into vehicle operations. The present status of ADS signifies continuous advancements and variation in ADS systems in the foreseeable future. By the end of this decade, ADS vehicles are expected to become commercially available. What is Autonomous Driving: Where are We Now and What Does the Future Look Like? Autonomous Driving goes by many names, Automated Driving System, Autonomous Vehicle, and so on. They all imply the substitution of human driving for machine. Sources define Autonomous Vehicles as cars or trucks capable of sensing the environment and functioning without human involvements or inputs. AV does not require the presence of a human passenger to take control of its operations at any time; rather, it works using a combination of sensors, actuators and complex software, to control, navigate and drive. According to the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), Autonomous Driving has 6 phases or levels, each level varying in functionality. Here are the levels as adopted by the US Department of Transportation. - Level 0: No Automation: Fully manual, the human passenger performs all driving task, although vehicles might consist of features like automatic emergency braking as so on. - Level 1: Driver Assistance: Vehicle possesses a singular automated system while drivers control navigation. - Level 2: Partial Automation: Vehicles can carry out steering and acceleration tasks. Drivers still monitor operations and can take control at any time - Level 3: Conditional Automation: Environmental monitoring and navigation capabilities. Vehicles can perform almost all driving tasks is criteria are met, however, human override is still needed. - Level 4: High Automation: Here, the vehicle can execute all driving operations and doesn’t require drivers to take over navigation. However, automated features are conditional and human intervention is optional. - Level 5 – Full Automation: Zero human input is required as vehicles can perform all driving functions in all conditions. At present, the world isn’t yet at level 5 yet, but optimists and most auto manufacturers are hopeful for its implementation soon. In fact, Elon Musk, founder of Telsa, disclosed intentions of making fully automated electric vehicles available by 2020. Regulations and guidelines have also been put in place in preparation of the influx of self-driving vehicles by the Federal Automated Vehicle Policy and the Centre For Internet and Society. At present, there are no legal completely automated cars in the USA; the latest car models consist of level 2 and level 3 features, with different amounts of self-automated functionalities. Brands such as BMW have introduced traffic jam assists and automated parking systems in their new products. Other semi-automated features of newer cars include intelligent drive, super cruise, multiple lane control or lane correction, potential collision detection and much more. Despite the significant progress currently experienced with Automated Vehicles, there are still divergent perspectives on its projections. While Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Toyota and other manufacturers intend to release fully automated, level 5 vehicles to the market by 2020-2021, others are of the view that self-driving vehicles are not feasible in the next five years. A recent McKinsey & Company study revealed that autonomous vehicles and advanced driver assistance systems could reduce motor vehicle deaths by 90 percent, saving thousands of lives and roughly $190 billion annually in health care costs. Improved vehicle safety will also boost business operations and save costs by significantly lowering the number of goods damaged due to road accidents and ensuring quicker delivery of products and services. Roads filled with automated vehicles will ensure smooth traffic flow and reduce traffic congestion, thereby saving commuters’ time and money. Impacts on Businesses Intelligent, self-automated vehicles have wide-ranging benefits to the business sector, especially to industries that require autonomous fleet for operations. Farming and mining industries which fall under this category, are rapidly adopting the technology because it is safer, as it has the potential of minimalizing work accidents and cost-effective. AVs can also create a variety of opportunities for retail, healthcare, and entertainment industries if they proliferate as anticipated. According to the US Census Bureau, an average American spent up to 29.5 billion hours in transit in 2014. With automated driving, the time is expected to reduce drastically, thereby creating a lot more time for other activities such as shopping online, consuming movies or music content, or buying food and beverages. In 2018, China’s e-commerce giant Alibaba began using driverless robots, G Plus, to deliver online orders to secured e-lockers. The following year, the German automotive manufacturing company, Continental AG, announced a new solution to autonomously deliver packages to customers’ doorsteps: robot delivery ‘dogs.’ Automobile manufacturer, Ford estimates that A.V.s will reduce delivery cost per mile from $2.5 to $1 as more and more retailers strive to apply autonomous technology in all their logistics processes. This shift can catapult e-commerce, retail food vendors, and entertainment businesses to the next level. The importance of AVs in the industry also includes reduced cost of human labor and increased safety of employees in high-risk environments. Impacts of Workforce Studies have revealed that by 2035, an estimated 12 million fully automated and 18 million partially automated vehicles are expected to be sold annually across the globe. The implications of this are mass unemployment, particularly for drivers. In the US, states like Mississippi, Wyoming, North Dakota, Virginia, and Idaho who have a large percentage of drivers will be severely affected. Also, minority races such as Blacks, Hispanic and Native Americans will be hit hard. There are also predictions that the auto manufacturing industry will rapidly decline, leading to the loss of millions of jobs. Experts explain that this decline will be as a result of lesser needs for car ownership as more people opt for automated vehicles. On the brighter side, AVs can increase the productivity of workers and reduce the stress of commuting, by eliminating traffic jams and creating more time to work while commuting. Experts believe that the A.V. industry will create more jobs; especially as multiple companies race to put the first self-driving car into action. Investments plunged into the development and improvement of A.V. technology are massive and expected to grow in the not-to-distant future. Ford recently announced that its plans to spend $4 billion on autonomous vehicles by 2023. G.M. intends to pour $100 million into self-driving cars, and Toyota launched a $2.8 billion self-driving car company in Tokyo. To achieve and maintain fully automated systems, these companies will need engineers, technicians, software developers, and designers, increasing the demand for these workers. Impacts on Societies The greatest impact of Autonomous vehicles is an enhanced quality of life for individuals in society. The journey to improved welfare via AVs begins with safeguarding lives on roads. [Read more…]( The post [THE FUTURE OF AUTONOMOUS DRIVING: IMPACT ON BUSINESS, WORKFORCE AND SOCIETIES]( first appeared on [TheAutomobileNews.com](. [Read Full Story]( [Hyundai unveils all-new Hyundai i20 N, promises to shake up hatchback segment]( The 1.6-litre turbo engine can produce 204 PS of power, and can go zero to 100 kmph in just under 7 seconds. Hyundai has revealed the all-new racetrack capable i20 N hatchback inspired by the i20 WRC rally car. The i20 N joins the i30 N and i30 Fastback N among Hyundai’s high-performance line-up in Europe. The i20 N has its roots in motorsport, and thus has the same weight as the minimum weight required in FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). It adds aerodynamically functional forms to the sporty and dynamic styling of its base model, the Hyundai i20, such as a 10 mm lower ground clearance. The front bumper has a larger air intake for the turbo engine. The wide radiator grille with N logo features a unique pattern inspired by a chequered flag. The lip spoiler below the grille features Tomato Red accents, which extends to the new side skirt and the rear. It also gets front LED headlamps and darkened tail lamps. At the rear, a distinctive WRC-inspired roof spoiler underscores the aerodynamic nature of the i20 N. A rear bumper with built-in diffuser-like elements and triangular rear fog light echo the design elements in i30 N and i30 Fastback N. In addition, there is also a big single exhaust indicating high-performance potential of the engine. The sporty credentials are further accentuated by the bespoke 18 inch alloy wheels with a grey matte finish and N-branded brake callipers. The all-black interior of the all-new i20 N gets N-specific advanced and high-tech premium features. This includes dedicated sport seats with an integrated headrest unique to the i20 N, as well as N steering wheel and N gear knob and sporty N metal pedals. It also gets an optional 10.25-inch LCD touchscreen navigation system with dedicated N content, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It is also available with the latest version of Bluelink, Hyundai’s state-of-the-art connected car services. The i20 N is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged GDi engine with a six-speed manual transmission. This engine is the first of a new generation to feature in a European Hyundai model, and delivers a maximum output of 204 PS and a maximum torque of 275 Nm. It can deliver a maximum speed of 230 kmph, and can go from zero to 100 kmph in just 6.7 seconds. The all-new i20 N is equipped with a number of dedicated functionalities for a sporty fun-to-drive experience. It gets five distinct drive modes in Normal, Eco, Sport, N and N Custom. Like the i30 N, the i20 N boasts a range of high-performance driving features. Rev Matching synchronises the engine to the output shaft and has its own dedicated activation button on the steering wheel. This allows smoother or sportier downshifts, depending on the drive mode. The all-new i20 N is equipped with advanced drivers assistance system and safety features like Forward Collision Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), Lane Following Assist (LFA) and Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW). [Read more…]( The post [Hyundai unveils all-new Hyundai i20 N, promises to shake up hatchback segment]( first appeared on [TheAutomobileNews.com](. [Read Full Story]( [Why The Audi A6 Is Worth The Hype]( When it comes to a luxury automobile brand that’s renowned for effortlessly combining solid performance and immense style in a car, the spot undoubtedly belongs to Audi. The German manufacturer has continually delivered cars with state-of-the-art technology, advanced engineering, exquisite modern design, and superior comfort. And the Audi A6 45 TFSI is no exception. The Audi A6 is a sedan that packs a punch with its progressive yet elegant design, powerful 2.0L TFSI engine, innovative technologies, and a bunch of other noteworthy features. So, let’s take a deeper dive into these features! Complete Powerhouse The Audi A6 is more powerful and efficient than ever, all thanks to its 2.0L TFSI engine that’s capable of delivering unparalleled performance. The engine generates 180KW (245 hp) and 370 Nm of torque, which can accelerate the car from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.8 seconds. To further ramp up your driving experience, there’s a 7-speed S Tronic dual-clutch transmission that combines two gearboxes in one, providing effortless and precise gear shifts. The Audi Drive Select is available as standard on the car which lets you add more versatility to your driving experience. The different modes – auto, comfort, dynamic, efficiency, and individual – allow you to adjust the vehicle’s characteristics by adapting the power steering assistance, engine, and gear changing characteristics. Sporty Elegance – Both Inside And Out Audi cars are known for their exquisite design and high-grade interiors. And the Audi A6 takes everything that’s great about Audi cars and adds its own unique twist with high tech features and sporty looks. On the outside, you’d notice the wide, low-slung Singleframe grille with chrome trim, giving the car its luxurious and technical visual appeal. The flat headlights and the contoured air inlets exude elegance and sportiness at the front. The side view embodies striking contours over the wheel arches and 3D-shaped rear Matrix LED headlights with high-resolution high beam and dynamic light function. Coming to the interiors, the cabin offers superior comfort and relaxation with tons of space – a signature Audi style. The Audi A6 features a black-panel design and a sleek instrument panel. The body-built combines steel and aluminum construction that adds superb rigidity to the car. All the seats are newly developed with leather and the luggage compartment has increased loading width with 530 liters capacity. Other nifty features include a 4-Zone Air-conditioning, Audi Music Interface in the rear, an electric adjustment of the steering column, and memory function for the driver side seat and mirrors. Tech Innovation Galore Audi as a brand has long remained committed to enhancing the driving experience with technology. And the Audi A6 also packs in a slew of technological innovations including an MMI touch response operating system and a display concept with great customization ability. In fact, this is the most modern operating concept in its class where the two large displays replace most of the buttons and controls of the previous model. The top display comes with buttons for all functions that can be placed freely, similar to the user experience with smartphone apps. The car also includes MMI navigation plus with 25.65cms (10.1-inch) display and MMI touch response. The MMI navigation plus is a highly networked media hub that packs in a ton of innovation including a self-learning function based on the driver’s preferred routes. This entire experience is further enhanced with the Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System that delivers 3D sound. MMI navigation plus also includes an Audi virtual cockpit with a high-resolution display. Its operation can be conducted via the multifunction buttons on the steering wheel. You also get features like the Lane Departure warning system for driver assistance that prevents the driver from inadvertently drifting out of the lane through visual and acoustic warnings. The car is also equipped with the Audi Park Assist. [Read more…]( The post [Why The Audi A6 Is Worth The Hype]( first appeared on [TheAutomobileNews.com](. [Read Full Story]( ------------------ You Might Like [Learn more about RevenueStripe...](        ------------------ Connect with TheAutomobileNews on Facebook and Twitter [fb](  [tw]( ------------------ You received this email because you operate or create content for a website/service and based on your website it seemed like this could be important information to you and your users. TheAutomobileNews daily newsletter is managed by [Postbox Consultancy Services Pvt. Ltd.]( C-4/5, IBD Emporia, Kolar Road, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, INDIA, 462042 Want to change how you receive these emails? [Update your preferences]( or [Unsubscribe]( Â