Latest news with #driverassistance
The Drive
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Drive
Hands-Free Driving Aids Top List of Most Wanted New Car Features: Study
The latest car news, reviews, and features. Automakers continue to go all-in on advanced driver assistance systems. The question is: Do people actually want them? A recent study from research firm AutoPacific confirms that, yup, features like hands-off highway driving aids are the most desired among surveyed folks who intend to buy a new vehicle soon. Those systems, which include GM's Super Cruise and Ford's BlueCruise, are on the 'want' list for 43% of people who plan to buy a vehicle in the next three years. In 2024, automated driving features ranked far lower, with just over 20% of those surveyed seeking out hands-free driving. And just to be clear, these people specifically want systems where driver attention is still required; totally autonomous cars are further down the list, with a still-impressive 38% of people wanting a car with no steering wheel. AutoPacific This jump in popularity correlates with an increase in trust of automated driving features. Sixty percent of people said they would feel comfortable with their cars handling certain driving tasks, like staying in their lane or parallel parking, while 56% trust their cars' safety systems to prevent accidents on their own. Notably, 48% say they want their vehicle to drive itself so they can do something else, like read, or watch movies, or knit, or scroll some more. Now, this is where I interject to say that AutoPacific is not just surveying enthusiasts. People who actually enjoy driving are a lot less likely to say they'd rather trawl Pinterest than handle the steering wheel. But this seems to be reflective of the greater general population. Caleb Jacobs Having tested Ford's BlueCruise 1.4 suite in the 2025 Expedition just a few months back, I have to say that it was genuinely impressive. It made the drive between Louisville, Kentucky, and Columbus, Indiana, a breeze as it handled nearly everything on its own. Lane changes were hands-free, it didn't wander around in its lane, and aside from yelling at me to pay attention to the road when I was locked in on the highway ahead, it was largely glitch-free. I can understand why people want it, for sure. It makes the mundane daily drive a lot less repetitive. I just don't trust people to use it responsibly, as drivers have been trying to game these systems—and, in some cases, succeeding—since they first hit the road. Fortunately, Ford and GM's systems seem pretty foolproof in that regard. Got a tip or question for the author? Contact them directly: caleb@
Fox News
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Fox News
Lucid joins Tesla and GM with hands-free highway driving
Lucid Motors is about to make highway driving a lot more relaxing. The electric vehicle startup is rolling out a major upgrade to its driver-assistance technology, placing it squarely alongside Tesla and GM in the growing hands-free driving market. Starting July 30, Lucid Air owners who opted for the DreamDrive Pro package will have access to an over-the-air update unlocking two key features: The update launches first for the Lucid Air sedan, with the upcoming Gravity SUV getting these features later this year. DreamDrive Pro combines advanced hardware and intelligent software to power Lucid's driver-assistance system. It uses 32 integrated sensors, including LiDAR, radar, visible-light and surround-view cameras and ultrasonic sensors. This setup delivers precise environmental awareness for everything from highway cruising to close-range maneuvers. Because the platform is software-defined, Lucid can roll out new features like hands-free highway driving and automated lane changes through over-the-air updates. Drivers receive continuous improvements without needing hardware upgrades or service appointments. These updates are just the beginning. Lucid is investing heavily in advanced driver-assistance and automation, with a clear focus on safety, comfort and long-term innovation. Lucid now joins the ranks of top hands-free driving systems. Tesla's Full Self-Driving and GM's Super Cruise both offer hands-free driving on highways, though they differ in how they monitor driver attention and what roads they support. Ford's BlueCruise is another major option, available on a growing number of mapped highways. Mercedes-Benz Drive Pilot goes a step further by letting drivers take their eyes off the road in certain traffic conditions, though it's only available in limited markets for now. If you're driving a car with advanced driver-assistance features, such as the Lucid Air or similar models, you're likely noticing real changes in your daily routine. With hands-off driving now available on select highways, those stressful commutes can feel a little easier. Sitting in stop-and-go traffic doesn't have to be such a chore anymore. Long road trips? Suddenly, they're much more comfortable. Many automakers, not just Lucid, are pushing out updates directly to your car, so you can access new tools without ever stepping into a service center. Safety is at the forefront with these new systems. As you drive, a network of sensors and smart software helps keep your lane changes smooth, your following distances steady and your ride free from abrupt surprises. These advances can give you peace of mind, but it's essential to remember that these systems don't drive for you. You still need to stay alert and keep your hands ready. With more cars using similar technology each year, the roads themselves are changing. There's hope that fewer accidents caused by distraction or delayed reactions will benefit not just tech-savvy drivers, but everyone out there. While these models, like the Lucid Air, showcase what's possible, the real transformation comes as driver-assistance features become the new normal in cars everywhere. Lucid's new hands-free driving update puts it in direct competition with Tesla, GM, and other automakers working to change the way we drive. With DreamDrive Pro, Lucid shows that combining advanced hardware, in-house software, and frequent updates can deliver real capability. As more companies roll out similar systems, drivers are getting more options, and the convenience once reserved for luxury models is becoming more accessible. Would you trust your car to drive hands-free on the highway? Let us know by writing us at Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
New York Times
21-07-2025
- Automotive
- New York Times
Tesla Driver Testifies Autopilot Failed to Prevent Fatal Crash
The driver of a Tesla car that killed a woman in 2019 testified in federal court on Monday that the company's Autopilot driver-assistance system failed to warn him of an impending accident or engage the brakes. The driver, George Brian McGee, was driving his new Tesla Model S on a dark, two-lane road in South Florida when his phone fell to the floor and he bent to find it. That's when he failed to see the road was ending in a T-intersection and a sport-utility vehicle was parked on the other side and two people were standing next to that car. Neither he nor Autopilot hit the brakes, and the Tesla crashed into the S.U.V. at 62 miles per hour, killing a 22-year old woman and gravely injuring her boyfriend. In a civil case in federal court in Miami, Mr. McGee said on the witness stand that he was responsible for keeping his eyes on the road even with Autopilot engaged. But he also said he had been relying on Tesla's semi-automated driving system to serve as his co-pilot, and thought it had the capability to avoid such a crash. 'I thought it would assist me if I made a mistake,' said Mr. McGee, 48, a partner in a Florida private equity firm. 'It didn't warn me of the car and the individuals and hit the brakes.' The case, in the U.S. District Court for Southern Florida, was filed by the family of the woman killed in the crash, Naibel Benavides, and her companion, Dillon Angulo. The plaintiffs are seeking unspecified damages from Tesla and aim to convince the jury that Tesla was partly responsible for the crash. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
BMW, Momenta agree to collaborate on ADAS development
BMW Group has announced it has signed a new partnership agreement with Momenta, a Chinese driver-assist (ADAS) technology company, to co-develop advanced driver assistance solutions specifically for the Chinese market. The German automaker confirmed the deal will allow it to expand 'its footprint in China's digital innovation landscape,' allowing it to expand its technology portfolio in China. The collaboration will initially focus on developing and integrating systems for the Neue Klasse. BMW said the partnership will build on its driving philosophy of 'combining Intelligent Interaction, Control and ADAS for the maximum benefit of the driver in all situations.' It will focus on software development and integration specifically for Chinese road networks, traffic conditions and user expectations, using advanced AI algorithms and data-driven development methods. Dr Mihiar Ayoubi, senior vice president of BMW's Driving Experience division, said in a statement: 'This collaboration between partners sharing the same mindset, will enable us to offer our customers in China a very unique automated driving experience. We are combining 20+ years of pioneering safety with locally trained driving knowledge and state of the art Chinese AI technologies.' Sean Green, CEO of BMW Group Region China, added: 'This expands BMW's collaboration with Chinese tech players from digital ecosystems and AI-based user interaction into the realm of the ADAS domain.' "BMW, Momenta agree to collaborate on ADAS development" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
WIRED
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- WIRED
GM's Cruise Cars Are Back on the Road in Three US States—But Not for Ride-Hailing
Jul 4, 2025 10:28 AM After sightings by WIRED, GM confirms that a limited number of sensor-laden Bolt EVs have been given a second life. Cruise robotaxis are back on the road… well, kind of. Though General Motors pulled the plug on its self-driving taxi business last year, the automaker has been quietly repurposing a few of the vehicles as it seeks to develop new driver-assistance technologies. This week, WIRED spotted a GM Bolt electric hatchback on the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, and later saw a similar vehicle on Interstate 880 near Oakland. In each instance, the car was being driven by a human. But it held equipment on the roof such as lidar sensors that resembled the setup from the Cruise ride-hailing system. The vehicle had 'Mint' written on the hood, but didn't include any visually apparent Cruise branding. GM spokesperson Chaiti Sen confirms to WIRED that the company is indeed 'using a limited number of Cruise Bolt vehicles on select highways in Michigan, Texas and Bay Area for testing with trained drivers to further develop simulation models and advanced driver assistance systems.' She adds, 'This is internal testing and does not involve public passengers.' GM removed the orange-and-white Cruise logo from the cars' sides after it took full ownership of the unit in February, she says. The recent activity began in Michigan and Texas in February and the San Francisco Bay Area-region in mid-April, Sen says. Cruise had named each vehicle in its fleet, and Sen confirmed that 'Mint' has been among the vehicles newly active in the Bay Area. The testing shows for the first time how GM is beginning to give a second life to a fleet of no less than hundreds of vehicles left over from a costly project that ran aground. GM initially acquired a majority stake in San Francisco-based Cruise in 2016, and invested more than $8 billion into developing a robotaxi service. The operation was off to a fast start and eyeing a rapid expansion until October 2023, when a Cruise vehicle struck a pedestrian in San Francisco who had just been hit by a human-driven vehicle. In the aftermath of the incident, Cruise misled state regulators, lost a key permit, halted operations, and laid off a quarter of its workers. After some attempts to restart the business, GM announced this past December that the experiment would be cancelled altogether. At the time, GM CEO Mary Barra told analysts that running a robotaxi fleet was an expensive distraction from the business of making cars. But the technology behind Cruise is helping improve the roughly 7-year-old Super Cruise system found in some GM cars. It aims to help drivers stay in and change lanes, or apply the emergency brake without needing to use their hands. Several automakers are racing to develop cars that offload an increasing amount of driving tasks to computers. GM claims about 60 percent of its 360,000 Super Cruise customers regularly make use of the capability. In the US, the robotaxi industry has been dominated by Waymo, though Elon Musk's Tesla and Amazon's Zoox are among those continuing to try to catch up. GM's repurposed Bolts blend into San Francisco-area roads, on which cars with heavy-duty computer gear attached to roof, back, and sides have become commonplace. They include not only companies testing sensors and algorithms, but also map providers collecting data and hobbyists attempting to upgrade their personal rides.
