July 2021

Hyundai, Rhode Island School of Design research future of cities



(July 7, 2021) SEOUL, South Korea — Hyundai Motor Group and Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) today announced a research collaboration exploring new relationships between advanced technologies, public environments and personal experiences. These interactions are defined as “adaptive ecologies:” the technological interfaces that exist between beings (such as living organisms and machines) and their surroundings (the vast spatial and material structures of nature).

Bentley introduces new Flying Spur Hybrid on its journey to electrification



(July 7, 2021) CREWE, England — Bentley Motors has announced details of the company’s latest luxury model on its journey to electrification. The introduction of the new Flying Spur plug-in hybrid builds on the success of the third generation Flying Spur, using a highly innovative third powertrain delivering the most environmentally friendly Bentley to date. The introduction of the Flying Spur Hybrid establishes a family of Bentley hybrids for the first time, emphasizing Bentley’s commitment to its Beyond100 strategy to become an end-to-end carbon neutral organization and the world’s leading sustainable luxury mobility company.

Volvo and Google continue partnership for next-generation user experience



(July 6, 2021) In Volvo Cars’ next generation of fully electric cars, customers can look forward to a car that gets better every day and offers a simple, serene and seamless Volvo user experience — from getting a car, to being inside it and controlling it on your mobile device. Volvo Car Group was the first car maker to introduce cars with an infotainment system powered by Android Automotive OS with Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play built in. It now continues its strategic collaboration with Google to take infotainment and connectivity to the next level.

VNC Automotive Cobalt Cube streamlines systems integration



(July 6, 2021) Police and emergency services vehicles are set to become safer and more efficient for responders, thanks to a compact but powerful new device launched today by connectivity pioneer VNC Automotive. Capitalizing on VNC Automotive’s 10 years’ of experience working with car manufacturers and police forces, Cobalt Cube enables the secure and safe integration of multiple devices with a vehicle’s existing displays and controls, removing the need for bulky aftermarket hardware and screens.

Audi's most affordable EV — Q4 e-tron — to go on sale by end of year



(July 6, 2021) Audi's newest electric model to reach U.S. showrooms late this year is its most mainstream yet. The Q4 e-tron and its Sportback stablemate are smaller and more affordable than the e-tron SUV and e-tron GT sedan, being based on the same MEB platform as the VW ID.4 electric crossover. Audi says the Q4 e-tron will start at around $45,000 when it goes on sale.

Karma Automotive debuts first Club Car Current vehicles



(July 5, 2021) MORENO VALLEY, Calif. — The Karma Innovation and Customization Center (KICC) has revealed the first Club Car Current vehicles being produced under a contract manufacturing agreement with AYRO, Inc. These light-duty electric vehicles (EVs) fill the gap between full-sized trucks and small utility carts for low-speed logistics and cargo services in campus and urban environments. Karma and AYRO previously announced the formation of a partnership to produce vehicles under the arrangement.

Hyundai announces open innovative platform for startups



(July 5, 2021) SEOUL — Hyundai Motor Group have announced its 2021 ZER01NE Accelerator, an open innovation platform to facilitate collaboration between startups and the Group on various projects. This program aims to discover valuable startups and explore the possibilities of strategic usage of their innovative technologies.

Jeep recognized as America’s 2021 'Most Patriotic Brand'



(July 4, 2021) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Leading into the Fourth of July holiday, the Jeep brand has been recognized for the 19th consecutive year as America’s “Most Patriotic Brand” in the annual Brand Keys 50 Most Patriotic Brands survey, in which nearly 6,000 Americans participated.

GM to source U.S.-based lithium from California for next-gen batteries



(July 3, 2021) DETROIT — General Motors has agreed to form a strategic investment and commercial collaboration with Controlled Thermal Resources in California to secure local and low-cost lithium. This lithium will be produced through a closed-loop, direct extraction process that results in a smaller physical footprint, no production tailing and lower carbon dioxide emissions when compared to traditional processes like pit mining or evaporation ponds.