Chinese NEVs Sell Like Hotcakes
In August 2024, a total of 1.1 million NEVs were produced in China, a 30-per-cent year-on-year jump. NEVs constituted 44.8 per cent of the 2.5 million auto sales in China last month; the country’s year-to-date NEV production volume was 7 million units as of end August 2024, up 29 per cent over August 2023.
Honda Invests in SiLC for AI Vision Development
SiLC Technologies has received an investment from Honda to develop integrated, single-chip FMCW lidars for mobility applications. The investment was made through Honda’s startup-focused global innovation program Honda Xcelerator Ventures. The latest funding comes less than a year after SiLC introduced four versions of their FMCW lidar-based Eyeonic Vision System, and secured $25m to expand production to support designs for their Eyeonic solutions.
Vueron Secures Lidar Investment
Vueron raised $17m in series-A funding, bringing their total accumulated investment to $25m. New investors include Shinhan Venture Investment, T.S. Investment, Industrial Bank of Korea, E&Venture Partners, Quantum Ventures Korea, Woori Financial Capital, JB Investment, and Samho Green Investment. Existing investors Timefolio Asset Management, Korea Development Bank, and Daesung Private Equity also chipped in.
Xpeng P7+ Shown at Apsara Conference
Xpeng Chairman-CEO He Xiaopeng showcased the new Xpeng P7+ at the Apsara Conference organized by Alibaba Group. The maker says this car, equipped with ‘AI’, can ‘learn’ and anticipate needs autonomously. It includes Xpeng’s new-generation ‘AI’ Hawkeye Vision system with LOFIC (lateral overflow integration capacitor) pixel architecture for better adaptability and clearer, more accurate data collection in various lighting conditions.
Volvo Expands Nvidia Partnership
Volvo Cars is expanding their partnership with Nvidia to improve software-driven Volvos’ safety, autonomous driving, and sophisticated in-car experiences. This collaboration will allow Volvo to incorporate Nvidia’s ‘AI’ and computing technologies. Volvo says their dedication to safety and innovation drives their pursuit of integrating in-house development with strategic partnerships.
Wayve Gets Uber Funds for Self-Driving Tech
Uber is investing into British startup Wayve, as an extension of the previously-announced $1.05bn series-C funding round. The two companies will work with automakers to integrate Wayve’s ‘AI’ into consumer vehicles which could eventually operate on Uber’s platform.
Uber, WeRide Launch AVs
Uber and WeRide have announced a strategic partnership to introduce WeRide’s AVs to the Uber platform, beginning in the United Arab Emirates later this year; Uber users will be able to choose an AV ride, and it will be in a WeRide vehicle.
Uber, Waymo Expand Autonomous Rides
Uber and Waymo have expanded their existing partnership to bring autonomous ride-hailing to Austin, Texas and Atlanta, Georgia by early 2025. Uber will manage and dispatch a fleet of Waymo’s electric Jaguar I-Paces, which is expected to grow to hundreds over time. Riders who request an Uber X, Green, Comfort, or Comfort Electric may be matched with a Waymo vehicle for qualifying trips.
Nuro Expands Autonomous Driving with Licensing Model
Autonomous-tech company Nuro has announced a shift in their business strategy: they will license their ‘AI’-driven Nuro Driver autonomy platform to automakers and mobility providers. The move is aimed at accelerating the adoption of autonomous vehicles, allowing for L4 autonomy in passenger and delivery vehicles.
