01/01/24 - Tesla's Latest Self-Driving Update Rolled Out To More Than 15,000 Cars | Rivian Max Pack doesn't deliver much extra range in first real test | Facing roadblocks, China's robotaxi darlings apply the brakes

Good morning and happy new year, readers! Rev up your day with the latest automotive news and insights delivered to your inbox in our exclusive newsletter! What we cover in today’s edition:

• 🚗 Car reveal/review: 

  • Tesla's Latest Self-Driving Update Rolled Out To More Than 15,000 Cars

  • Toyota GR Yaris With Direct Automatic Transmission Coming Very Soon

• 🏭 Industry trend: Rivian Max Pack doesn't deliver much extra range in first real test, How India will navigate EVs in 2024

• 🤖 Auto Tech: Kia Introduces New Theft Deterrent Device For Vehicles Not Eligible For Software Upgrade, Facing roadblocks, China's robotaxi darlings apply the brakes

• 😄 Fun read: The 10 biggest auction sales from 2023

Tesla's Latest Full Self-Driving Update Rolled Out To More Than 15,000 Cars (3 mins read)

Tesla has rolled out Full Self-Driving (Beta) V12.1 to over 15,000 personally-owned employee vehicles. The update introduces a neural network-based system for city driving, processing inputs like a human brain. V12.1 is expected to be a major improvement, eliminating over 300,000 lines of human-written code for Autosteer in the city. A public release for Model S, Model Y, Model 3, Model X, and Cybertruck owners is anticipated in mid-January. The update may drop the "Beta" suffix, and speculation persists on a potential Full Self-Driving price increase in the new year. Read more.

Toyota GR Yaris With Direct Automatic Transmission Coming Very Soon (2 mins read)

The Toyota GR Yaris with a direct automatic transmission (DAT) will debut at the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon in January. The DAT minimizes acceleration lag, enhancing performance. Production starts in January 2024, and the hatchback may receive a power boost to nearly 300 horsepower. The Tokyo Auto Salon runs from January 12-24, 2024, featuring other GR and Lexus models. Read more.

Rivian Max Pack doesn't deliver much extra range in first real test (4 mins read)

Rivian's Max battery pack, promising 410 miles of range, faces scrutiny as real-world tests show only a marginal 22-mile difference compared to the Large Pack, despite a $10,000 higher cost. The Max Pack's 149 kWh capacity, achieved through a proprietary battery management system, is not significantly larger or heavier than the $6,000 Large Pack. Questions arise about whether the Max Pack justifies its premium. Read more.

How India will navigate EVs in 2024 (12 mins read)

In 2023, India sold 24 million vehicles, with EVs comprising 6.35%. Despite a 47% growth in EV sales, a subsidy cut led to a temporary decline. Top players like Ather Energy consolidated the market, capturing 80%. Ather Energy sold 80,000 to 85,000 units in 2023. The government provided over $628 million in FAME-II subsidies, and despite a 52% decrease in equity investments in 2023, optimism prevails for 2024. Commercial EVs, particularly in the B2B segment, are expected to drive future growth. Read more.

Facing roadblocks, China's robotaxi darlings apply the brakes (10 mins read)

Chinese robotaxi startups, such as Baidu and WeRide, faced challenges in commercializing self-driving taxis due to safety, regulatory, and cost issues. To address funding concerns, they shifted focus to selling advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) instead. Baidu remains optimistic about achieving profitability in robotaxi operations, while others, like Deeproute, scaled back robotaxi operations and entered the ADAS market. Some, like Pony and WeRide, are exploring overseas markets. Funding uncertainties and accumulated losses pose challenges for these companies in realizing their self-driving dreams. Read more.

Kia Introduces New Theft Deterrent Device For Vehicles Not Eligible For Software Upgrade (5 mins read)

Kia introduces a free ignition cylinder protector to combat theft methods popularized on social media. The modification reinforces the ignition cylinder body, preventing removal. Available from December 20, it targets models ineligible for a prior security software upgrade. Kia emphasizes vehicle security, also offering free steering wheel locks. Since January, nearly 940,000 vehicles received anti-theft software upgrades. Kia plans additional software clinics in early 2024. Eligible vehicles include Sportage, Forte, Soul, Rio, and Sedona models from 2010 to 2022. Read more.

The 10 biggest auction sales from 2023 (9 mins read)

In 2023, the North American collector car auction market witnessed remarkable sales, with the Monterey auctions achieving their second-highest totals ever. The article highlights the top 10 most expensive cars sold, ranging from iconic Ferraris to rare classics, providing a glimpse into the captivating world of high-stakes collector car auctions. Read more.