01/09/2024 - Kia's PBV concept for electric minivans 🚗 | US Auto Industry's Best Sales Year; GM Tops Toyota 🏭 | Hesai Launches New High-Performance Lidar At CES 🤖

GM. 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: 

  • Kia’s ‘Platform Beyond Vehicles’ is a family of modular electric minivans for businesses

  • VW Will Be The First Carmaker To Offer Integrated ChatGPT

  • Sony's AFEELA: Unveiling the Future of Electric Cars

• 🏭 Industry trend: US Auto Industry's Best Sales Year; GM Tops Toyota | Europe Needs Mass Market EVs To Avoid Existential Threat

• 🤖 Auto Tech: Hesai Launches New High-Performance Lidar At CES | Bosch thinks in-car eye-tracking can be used for more than safety

• 💡 Tips: Why You Should Wait At Least A Month To Trade In Your Car

Kia’s ‘Platform Beyond Vehicles’ is a family of modular electric minivans for businesses (4 mins read)

Kia's CES reveal, the PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle), is a flexible chassis supporting nine variations. Phase one introduces the PV5, an EV for hailing and delivery. Phase two expands with AI-based mobility platforms, and phase three aims for highly customizable solutions. The PBV emphasizes practicality with interchangeable bodies and a robust structure. PV5 includes Basic, Van, High Roof, and Chassis Cab variants. Phase two adds PV7 and PV1, with the former being the largest and enhanced, and the latter designed for agile logistics. A robotaxi model with Motional is in the plans. Read more.

VW Will Be The First Carmaker To Offer Integrated ChatGPT After All None Of You Demanded It (5 mins read)

Volkswagen introduces ChatGPT integration at CES 2024, allowing voice-activated AI in cars for infotainment control and queries. Standard in various models from Q2 2024, including ID.7, ID.4, ID.5, ID.3, Tiguan, Passat, and Golf. Emphasizes privacy by not accessing vehicle data, deleting questions and answers immediately. Criticism arises over the necessity and value of ChatGPT in cars. Read more.

Sony's AFEELA: Unveiling the Future of Electric Cars at CES 2024 (7 mins read)

Sony unveils AFEELA electric car concept at CES, planning a 2026 release. Specs include a 400kW dual-motor AWD, 0-100km/h in 4.8s, and a top speed of 240km/h. Emphasis on sensing and infotainment systems, targeting autonomous capabilities. Software-defined, offering continuous over-the-air updates. Partnership with Honda in Sony Honda Mobility Inc. Privacy-focused, no vehicle data access for ChatGPT. AI integration for gaming experiences. Sony plans a 2025 preorder availability for a 2026 release. Read more.

US Auto Industry's Best Sales Year; GM Tops Toyota (3 mins read)

In 2023, the U.S. auto industry rebounded, with GM surpassing Toyota in sales. GM reported 2.6 million units sold, a 14.1% increase. Total industry sales reached 15.5 million units. Concerns about high interest rates persist. EVs gained popularity, with Toyota experiencing 30.4% growth. GM predicts continued robust demand in 2024, offering $7,500 incentives on EVs. The industry remains cautiously optimistic amid challenges. Read more.

Europe Needs Mass Market EVs To Avoid Existential Threat (8 mins read)

European automakers face a threat from affordable Chinese EVs unless they offer mass-market electric vehicles. EU targets 80% EV sales by 2030, but regulations and higher prices hinder adoption. Analysts predict 8.9 million EV sales in Europe by 2030, but challenges like insurance costs persist. Industry experts call for policy changes to encourage affordable EVs and prevent the influx of low-cost Chinese alternatives. Read more.

Hesai Launches New High-Performance Lidar At CES (4 mins read)

China's Hesai introduces two lidar sensors at CES 2024. The AT512, designed for above-windshield mounting, offers a 300m detection range and 2,400 x 512 pixels resolution. The ET25, a slim sensor for behind-windshield installation, claims a 225m detection range. Both sensors use 905nm lasers, catering to hands-free and eyes-off driver assist systems. Read more.

Bosch thinks in-car eye-tracking can be used for more than safety (3 mins read)

Bosch showcases eye-tracking tech applications at CES 2024. One scenario involves detecting drowsiness and offering to make espresso upon arrival. Another, more complex, uses eye tracking to identify points of interest for contextual information. While these ideas are presented at CES, their practicality raises questions, leaving implementation decisions to automakers. Read more.

Why You Should Wait At Least A Month To Trade In Your Car (6 mins read)

The used car market sees fluctuations due to the tax refund season's "spring bounce," prompting dealers to seek more used car inventory in the first months of the year. Tax returns temporarily suspend the usual depreciation of used cars, creating a favorable environment for trade-ins. The Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index indicates falling used car values, with increased sales to large fleets, rental fleets, and government fleets, which may impact future consumer choices as rental fleets often introduce cars to the used market after a year. Read more.