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One of only thing keeps me sane Colin’s updates
The history books will record 2024 as the year the #automotive #driver #monitoring #systems market reached a tipping point. Now confirmed with DMS (shown below located above the steering column) is the 2025 Ram Professional 1500 #pickup, and based on illumination patterns seen in the video, this points to another production start for Seeing Machines. Secondary research suggests the Ram 1500 reached #SoP at the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (SHAP) on February 5th.
That looks to be BMW Group, Ford Motor Company, MINI, Lincoln Motor Company, Ram, and Volkswagen bringing models to SoP in the first half of 2024 with DMS from Seeing Machines. This could explain why the company has been practically silent from a PR perspective so far this year, is staying out of the "design wins" circus, and will instead demonstrate commercial success in the "cars on road" numbers released with the quarterly #KPIs. In 2024, leadership of the DMS market is established using metrics which cannot be gamed, such as delivery.
Seeing Machines has reiterated profitability will be reached at the end of this fiscal year (in the current Apr-Jun quarter), which should be evident either way from the preliminary results and KPIs to be released in August. The next set of KPIs (to be published in May) will likely signal a big clue of progress made.
Ram is a Stellantis brand, and Stellantis appears to be procuring DMS within each of its sub-brands. There are major differences in customer and regulatory requirements across the U.S. and Europe, and within Stellantis there are obviously North American focused brands (like Chrysler, Jeep, and Ram) and European focused brands (like Fiat, Opel, and PSA). Hence procurement at a brand level makes practical sense. The awards so far look to be shared across Seeing Machines and Smart Eye.
The Ram win also looks to be the production debut for Seeing Machines with Valeo as the tier-1. Valeo has come from almost nowhere to be one of the leading tier-1 suppliers for DMS and is often overlooked in the market, yet it has clear DMS wins both on the #ADAS and #infotainment sides, and is alongside Aptiv and Magna International at the top of the rankings. Valeo is assumed to also have a win with Seeing Machines for Renault Group (and maybe a technology transfer into Nissan Motor Corporation in Europe), also with BMW, and maybe with other Stellantis brands, such as Fiat.
Sales figures for new cars are out for the first quarter of 2024, and in “Murica, f-yeah” news, year-over-year quarterly sales of the GMC Hummer EV jumped by 83,000 percent to 1,668 units. Yep, that means GM only sold two in the first quarter of 2023, and this can largely be contributed to the fact that making cars is hard.
It’s no secret that General Motors has experienced substantial troubles rolling out its Ultium EV architecture. Up until recently, key battery pack assembly line equipment wasn’t, um, online, forcing GM to build Ultium battery packs by hand, as reported by Inside EVs. With a usable capacity of 212.7 kWh, the battery pack in the Hummer EV seems like it would take quite a while to assemble with the appendages many of us were born with, which helps explain how such a monumental backup of orders happened.
BMW kicks off 2024 with a sales bump and a bold electric leap.
As the automotive industry rolls out of Q1 2024, many are reflecting on the successes and areas of improvement surrounding both ongoing vehicle manufacturers and future plans for enhancing mobility as a whole. With a strong position in the luxury car market, BMW of North America just reported promising Q1 2024 sales results for the U.S. The two main factors attributed to BMW’s successful sales strategy are its four fully electric U.S. models and the overall increase in EV deliveries. BMW’s first quarter in 2024 clocked in a solid 2.4% increase in U.S. sales with 84,475 vehicles driving off the lot, an uptick from last year’s 82,466 units.
https://news.dupontregistry.com/bmw/bmw-hits-the-gas-on-growth-electric-sales-shine-in-2024/
BMW Electric Vehicle Sales.
With the addition of the BMW i5 at the end of last year, BMW now offers four fully electric models in the U.S. – the BMW i4, BMW i5, and BMW i7 Sedans, and the BMW iX Sports Activity Vehicle. In the first quarter of 2024, the company sold 10,713 electric vehicles, accounting for approximately 12.7% of total U.S. sales.
The BMW electrified lineup also includes four plug-in hybrid electric models: the BMW X5 xDrive50e, BMW 330e, BMW 750e and BMW XM. The plug-in hybrid electric BMW 550e will begin arriving in showrooms towards the end of this year.
https://www.ixforums.com/threads/bmw-electric-vehicle-sales-up-63-in-q1-2024.3109/
BMW of North America announced the Q1 2024 sales performance of both the BMW and MINI brands in the U.S. For the BMW brand, sales reached 84,475 vehicles in the first quarter, marking a 2.4% increase from the same period in 2023 when 82,466 vehicles were sold. Sebastian Mackensen, President and CEO of BMW of North America, expressed confidence in the company’s trajectory for the year, citing the strength of their vehicle lineup and commitment to customer satisfaction through their dealer network.
https://www.bmwblog.com/2024/04/02/bmw-usa-sales-increased-in-q1-2024/
Ford now a close second to Tesla as Q1 electric vehicle sales zoom 86%
Ford Motor Company has kicked off 2024 with a surge in electric vehicle (EV) sales, marking an 86% increase in comparison to the same period last year. The company's stellar performance in the EV market has solidified its position as a formidable contender in the rapidly evolving automotive landscape.
In the first quarter of 2024, Ford sold a total of 20,223 EVs, highlighting a significant uptick in consumer interest and demand for electric mobility solutions. This achievement firmly establishes Ford as America’s second best-selling EV brand for the quarter, trailing closely behind industry giant Tesla.
Leading the charge in Ford's electrification journey is the Mustang Mach-E, the company's flagship electric SUV. The Mustang Mach-E witnessed an strong surge in Q1 sales, with figures soaring to 9,589 units, reflecting an 77% increase over the previous year.
https://www.cnbctv18.com/auto/ford-electric-vehicle-q1-sales-zoom-86-pc-as-company-closes-in-on-tesla-19391769.htm
New: Ford Motor Co.'s U.S. sales in the first quarter grew 6.8% year-over-year as the automaker emphasized a portfolio of mixed powertrain options amid less-than-expected demand for electric vehicles.
Even still, EV sales were up 86% in the first three months of the year, representing 4% of the #Dearborn automaker's mix. It sold 20,223 EVs of a total 508,083 deliveries in January through March. Hybrid sales, meanwhile, were their best ever for a quarter. #Ford
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/the-detroit-news_ford-us-sales-up-68-in-q1-hybrids-hit-activity-7181342242786217985-xXVo?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios
Https://europe.autonews.com/automakers/bmw-tata-tech-launch-software-defined-vehicle-tie
Good news: Ford Mustang Mach-E price cuts are working
Ford cut Mustang Mach-E prices by up to $8,100 in February with new finance and lease incentives. New data shows sales are up while inventory is finally dwindling.
The move came after Mach-E sales fell over 50% in January, with only 1,295 units handed over. In February, sales of the electric SUV surged 64% year over year. However, Mach-E sales were down 20% through the first half of 2023 as Ford retooled its plant in Mexico, where the vehicle is assembled.
According to a recent report from data analytics firm Cloud Theory, the price reductions are working.
Ford Mustang Mach-E movement has been “dramatic and immediate,” according to the data analytics company. The weekly movement rose from around 300 to over 1,000, even reaching over 1,800 in early March.
The layoffs will mainly impact the engineering, technology and software departments at Chrysler’s Auburn Hills, Michigan headquarters, according to the Washington Post.
The Washington Post article says CEO Carlos Taveres has claimed the company would have to become more efficient to make the cost of EVs more affordable for the middle class.
Stellantis, which formed in the 2021 merger of PSA Peugeot and Fiat Chrysler, plans to launch 18 new electric vehicles this year, the article says. It says this would increase its global EV offerings by 60%.
While Stellantis doubles down on its EVs, Apple announced earlier this month it was terminating EV efforts and shifting more focus to AI. Bloomberg reported that the shift would cause some layoffs for the company.
https://www.repairerdrivennews.com/2024/03/25/stellantis-to-lay-off-400-as-it-puts-more-focus-on-evs/
Liking like our biggest customer & they big in china. Let’s hope they win some Dms business over there.
China is Valeo's largest country with 35 sites and nearly 20,000 employees. Valeo believes in "being Chinese in China" and has strengthened its presence in the country since 1994. We are now an integral part of the local ecosystem and our 4,000 engineers are preparing the future of mobility
For almost three decades, Valeo has built trustful relationships with Chinese manufacturers and suppliers. Our four business groups and Valeo Service are active in the country and produce locally, with a local supply chain, for the Chinese market. More than 90% of our production in China is for the national automotive market, which is the largest in the world. In 2022, China represented 18% of the group’s sales. Chinese OEMs, both traditional and new, represent more than 40% of our OEM sales and 45% of our order intake in the country.
https://www.valeo.com/en/valeo-presents-its-latest-technologies-for-smarter-safer-and-greener-mobilities-at-auto-shanghai-2023/
overview
the bmw x7 may have been fashionably late to the full-size luxury suv party—it first went on sale in 2019—but it didn't waste any time snagging a spot on the vip list. while its lavish interior, standard air-ride suspension, and list of standard equipment expertly fulfill their assignments, it's the sharp handling and roster of robust engine choices that elevate the x7 above its competition. the base engine is a sweetly smooth 375-hp turbocharged straight-six, but a 523-hp turbocharged v8 is on deck for buyers seeking more urgency; big spenders with a need for speed can opt for the exclusive alpina xb7 trim and its 630-hp twin-turbo v-8. all-wheel drive is standard across the lineup. while power is clearly not in short supply, cargo space and third-row legroom are, as the x7 trails competitors like the cadillac escalade and jeep grand wagoneer in both. but that's of little concern from the first two rows, where the x7's smooth ride, top-tier materials, and tasteful design conspire to coddle the occupants on trips of any length. though its s*****-eyed front-end remains a point of contention, its approximately $83k starting price seems like a relative bargain in a class where both xxl dimensions and msrps are the rule.
what's new for 2025?
the available driving assistance professional package, which allows hands-free driving at speeds up to 85 mph when conditions permit, is upgraded with new eye-activated lane change functionality. now, when the system suggests a lane change, the driver can authorize the action by simply looking in the corresponding rear-view mirror. previously, the lane-change was confirmed by activating the turn signal.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m25iknlyzg4
One of the most exciting Nautilus® features is the available Lincoln BlueCruise, the hands-free driving technology that’s available on designated highways, and also has Lane Change Assist and In-Lane Repositioning features. The vehicle has more than 20 different state-of-the-art driver-assist features to help make operating the vehicle more enjoyable.
The all-new 2024 Lincoln Nautilus® is a breath of fresh air in the world of automotive design, and offers a vehicle that’s thoughtful, peaceful, and intentional. The future of a true luxury driving experience has arrived.
https://www.wired.com/sponsored/story/how-lincoln-is-transforming-the-driving-experience/
Ford's all-electric Explorer was due to launch in Europe in the last quarter of 2023, but hit delays with the introduction of new EU battery certification. Now, after tweaking the formula, the American marque is finally ready to put its competitive SUV on sale in the region.
Starting at €45,000, or £39,875 in the UK (around $42,000 minus Europe's taxes/ AU$65,000), this base level electric model, which will go on sale after more expensive versions, features a single 168bhp motor mounted to the rear axle and takes power from the smaller 52kWh battery pack.
Predictably, all-electric range (expect around 230 miles) isn’t anywhere near the whopping 374-miles touted by Ford in its more potent, Extended Range rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions, which start at £45,875 (around $46,000 minus VAT/ AU$71,000).
https://www.techradar.com/vehicle-tech/hybrid-electric-vehicles/all-electric-ford-explorer-finally-launches-in-europe-promising-up-to-374-miles-of-range
March 26 (Reuters) - Top executives of General Motors (GM.N), opens new tab and Ford (F.N), opens new tab gave upbeat outlooks for the U.S. auto market and their profit plans on Tuesday, saying U.S. consumer demand remains strong.
GM Chief Financial Officer Paul Jacobson said auto sales in March were "looking really strong" after a strong February as GM incentives come down.
"All in all, a really, really good start to the year and we feel good about where we're trending," Jacobson said. GM had assumed a 2-2.5% price reduction but this year GM has not seen any drop in prices. "Demand is actually hanging in pretty strong," Jacobson said.
https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/ford-reaffirms-annual-core-profit-outlook-2024-03-26/
Another model goes on sale. Good seller usually aswell.
https://www.topgear.com/car-news/electric/ford-explorer-does-lap-planet-celebrates-going-sale
For more than three decades, Explorer has helped define SUV comfort, performance and functionality. The new 2025 Explorer lineup – from well-equipped Active to stylish ST-Line to high-performance ST and top-of-the-line Platinum – continues that legacy with a more refined cabin that features sophisticated new color, texture and material choices, and introduces the new Ford Digital Experience infotainment system.
And for the first time, Explorer drivers who opt for ST-Line, ST and Platinum models can enjoy the convenience of Ford BlueCruise2 hands-free highway driving.
“For nearly 35 years, families have chosen the Ford Explorer, making it America’s all-time best-selling SUV. We have refined almost every part of the new Explorer – focusing on a redesigned interior, additional technology like BlueCruise hands-free highway driving and special editions like the 400 horsepower Explorer ST. It’s the right combination of delivering what the next generation of customers want and love in a large SUV."
https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2024/02/01/the-new-ford-explorer--its-all-in-the-name.html
Some studies report that as many as 75% of pilots admit to having fallen asleep while flying.
The recent aviation incident involving pilots sleeping during a Batik Air flight has raised the question: How often do pilots actually fall asleep inflight? The answer might be shocking to many people, as some studies report that as many as 75% of pilots admit to having fallen asleep while flying.
We’re all aware of the dangers of falling asleep behind the wheel of an automobile. When it comes to flying an airplane, however, many experts believe that catching a few minutes of shut-eye might actually be more beneficial than harmful. Fatigue is widely recognized as a major risk to flight safety, and more crashes result from fatigue than from sleeping pilots.
In light of this, most countries use various fatigue mitigation techniques for pilots that range from minimum rest requirements to medical countermeasures (in the military). The effectiveness of these techniques can be questioned, however, when faced with the results of various studies showing that anywhere from 56-75% of commercial pilots surveyed admitted to having fallen asleep inflight.
https://simpleflying.com/how-often-do-pilots-fall-asleep-inflight/
Collins has demonstrated its pilot support system, which uses flight deck sensors to capture objective data on pilot alertness. “This is a big frontier in all the segments we service,” Evanschwartz said. “It starts with the concept of a fatigue risk-management system (FRMS) and the view that this is important to have in place, but heavily reliant on subjective reports by individuals to assess their fatigue state.”
He explained that a need exists for more objective data on crew alertness so operators and flight crews can make better decisions about stage lengths, crew pairings, or even whether it’s safe to fly a repositioning flight after a long charter leg. Flight deck sensors would be similar to those found in high-end cars, which offer a way to detect and classify drowsiness and alertness.
Sensor-based systems could also feed information to a FRMS although it would need to be de-identified. However useful information such as location and the time of day when fatigue happens could help drive risk mitigation. “If the system can detect and classify drowsiness, it can also detect sleep or incapacitation if the eyes are closed," he explained. "If you have a pilot support system in one of those uncommon but not unheard-of events where both flight and flight crew members fall asleep, there's an additional layer of safety, to alert and wake them up.”
Evanschwartz said he expects to see pilot support system products—useful not only for single-pilot jets but also for controlled rest-in-seat operations—reach the market around 2025. “It’s better to arrive at a mechanism to support safe rest and enable pilots to be alert at the end of a flight, he said, than to ignore the problem. “Worse yet from a safety perspective is uncontrolled rest without a plan," he explained. “We’re looking to address all of those and relieve pressure on the aviation safety system caused by pilot fatigue.”
Collins is working on advanced sensor systems that either replace antiquated systems such as air data computers relying on pneumatic pressure inputs and dissimilar inputs that provide another layer of redundancy. Instead of relying on pilots to detect when an input is bad, the system evaluates the quality of the dissimilar inputs and chooses the best.
https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aerospace/2024-02-15/avionics-manufacturers-explore-new-interface-and-safety