• Vroom Daily
  • Posts
  • 12/14/23 - A NEW LEGEND IS BORN: THE ALL-NEW 2024 LEXUS GX, Tesla Announces Massive 2 Million Vehicle Recall in the US, China rolls out autonomous vehicle guidelines/requires safety operators and in-car recordings

12/14/23 - A NEW LEGEND IS BORN: THE ALL-NEW 2024 LEXUS GX, Tesla Announces Massive 2 Million Vehicle Recall in the US, China rolls out autonomous vehicle guidelines/requires safety operators and in-car recordings

GM. Rev up your day with the latest automotive news and insights delivered to your inbox in our exclusive newsletter! In today’s email:

  • 🚗 Car reveal/review: 

    • A NEW LEGEND IS BORN: THE ALL-NEW 2024 LEXUS GX

    • 800-volt electric Range Rover promises V8-level performance

    • 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV: A Lot To Like In A Pricey Bag

  • 🏭 Industry trend: Tesla Announces Massive 2 Million Vehicle Recall in the US for Autopilot Safety Upgrade, Tesla Cybertruck Rescued by Pickup Brigade After Off-Road Mishap, Raising Questions

  • 🤖 Auto Tech: China rolls out autonomous vehicle guidelines, requires safety operators and in-car recordings, Comau deploys innovative dedicated hybrid transmission assembly lines for HYCET, Embedded software now rooted within the future of mobility

Lexus GX - Lexus USA Newsroom

The 2024 Lexus GX is released with a redesigned exterior, sharing the GA-F platform with the LX 600. It offers a 3.4L Twin Turbo V6 engine, 10-speed Direct Shift Automatic Transmission, and improved off-road capabilities. The GX has six grades, including Overtrail and Overtrail+, and introduces the Lexus Overtrail Project for refined adventures. The interior features a modern design, seating for up to seven, and tech enhancements like a 14-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay. Assembled in Japan, the model is set to arrive at dealerships in early 2024,

Upcoming Range Rover Electric | New Atlas

Land Rover is testing its first all-electric SUV, the Range Rover Electric, promising V8-like performance, off-road capability, and water wading up to 3 feet. The 800-V electrical system enables fast charging, while active road noise cancellation aims for a quiet experience. Teasers reveal a familiar design with EV-specific details. Extreme weather testing is underway, and preorders are open.

Chevrolet Blazer EV | Forbes

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV, part of GM's electric push, comes with three drive configurations: front, rear, and all-wheel-drive. The RS trim, with a 340-hp rear motor, is available, and an SS variant with 557-hp is upcoming. Its dimensions make it larger and heavier than competitors like Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. The interior has a bold design but faces concerns about material quality. Driving dynamics, especially in the RWD RS model, receive positive reviews, enhanced by one-pedal driving. The RWD variant offers better range (324 miles) and faster DC fast charging (190 kW). Pricing starts at $57,710, raising affordability questions compared to competitors.

Tesla is recalling over 2 million vehicles in the U.S. due to concerns about Autopilot misuse. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigated Tesla for over two years, emphasizing the need for effective driver monitoring systems. Tesla plans a crucial over-the-air software update to address controls and alerts within Autopilot. The recall, triggered by NHTSA probes into collisions with stationary emergency vehicles, covers various models. Tesla's Autopilot is not autonomous but a driver-assist feature.

Tesla's Cybertruck faces off-road challenges, getting stuck on a California trail, raising questions about its touted capabilities. Despite claims of advanced features, a video shows it struggling due to a reported software issue. Mixed reviews follow the official launch, with influencers noting missed specs. Tesla introduces off-road software, including "Wade Mode," but incidents highlight the need for independent testing.

China's Ministry of Transport issues guidelines for autonomous vehicle services, including robotaxis, self-driving trucks, and robobuses. Key points include AVs operating only in designated areas, with restrictions based on automation levels. Safety operators and reporting requirements differ from U.S. regulations, emphasizing real-time data transmission to regulators. In case of accidents, AVs must provide a minimum of 90 seconds of recorded event data, including audio and video recordings of driver behavior and human-machine interaction, reflecting a surveillance-oriented approach.

Comau deploys an automated assembly line for HYCET, a subsidiary of Great Wall Motor, producing the L.E.M.O.N. hybrid transmission system. The next-gen transmission allows simultaneous use of gasoline engines and electric motors. The high-volume production line features 12 robots across 6 lines, achieving an annual capacity of 150,000 units per line with a cycle time under 2 minutes. Comau's solution prioritizes flexibility, efficiency, and quality, supporting large-scale manufacturing goals for DHT products. The production line is adaptable to different market needs and includes a Manufacturing Execution System for optimization.

The automotive industry has transitioned from analogue to digital, with modern vehicles heavily relying on embedded software for functions like steering and braking. As cars move towards electrification and autonomy, the importance of proper software development becomes crucial. A shift-left approach and robust development procedures are recommended to ensure successful model launches, avoiding risks associated with recalls and legal issues. The V-model is suggested for guiding development teams and driving advancements in embedded software practices.

I hope you enjoy today’s edition from Vroom Daily! If you have any comments or feedback, please response to this email.

Thanks for reading.