[240802] #Uber #Nissan #Baidu

1. Uber to offer driverless truck services in Texas after deal with past rival Aurora

• Uber Technologies Inc. and Aurora Innovation Inc. plan to launch a fully autonomous freight service between Dallas and Houston by the end of the year.
• This service will use up to 20 of Aurora’s self-driving trucks without human safety drivers.
• Uber is Aurora’s first partner for its self-driving service, and Aurora is Uber’s first announced partner for fully autonomous freight.
• Freight prices will remain unchanged despite the switch to driverless trucks.
• Aurora was chosen partly due to its safety record, with no injuries reported in seven incidents since 2021.
• The deal represents Uber’s shift from developing its own autonomous vehicles to partnering with other companies.
• Uber sold its self-driving unit to Aurora in 2020 after investing over $1 billion.
• Aurora aims to reduce driver turnover, offer 24/7 deliveries, cut fuel use, and improve safety.
• If successful, the partnership may expand along the sun belt.
• Aurora’s goal is to attract more trucking companies to use its software on a subscription basis.

2. Driverless taxis augur a new road ahead. Are we ready to accept them?

• Driverless taxis face skepticism despite promises of efficiency and cost savings, with safety, reliability, and job displacement concerns.
• Autonomous taxis are operational in cities like Phoenix, Tokyo, and Wuhan, where Baidu’s Apollo Go service has grown rapidly.
• Apollo Go vehicles match human taxi drivers’ daily workloads, with high user satisfaction and a rating of 4.9 out of 5.
• Baidu’s stock surged due to investor interest in its Apollo Go robotaxi service.
• Public opinion is mixed, with concerns about job displacement and safety, despite supporters highlighting convenience and cost benefits.
• Critics note malfunctions and safety issues, but the service is generally seen as more economical and efficient.
• Baidu’s Apollo Go is expanding, offering both autonomous and driverless options, with plans for profitability by 2025.
• Autonomous taxis operate in 11 Chinese cities, with legislative support growing for autonomous vehicles in public transport.
• China’s market for autonomous vehicles is expected to grow significantly in the next 5-10 years.
• Traditional taxi drivers face income challenges and job insecurity due to the rise of autonomous taxis.
• Experts highlight ongoing technological and regulatory challenges for autonomous driving.
• Other companies like Pony.ai and Ruqi Mobility are also investing heavily in autonomous taxi technology.
• Autonomous technology is expanding into freight transport, delivery services, and street cleaning in China.
• Global companies like Waymo, Cruise, and Tesla are also developing and deploying autonomous taxis.
• The transition to autonomous vehicles must balance technological progress with social equity, considering the impact on existing drivers.

3. Live traffic testing for Germany’s Level 4 autonomous shuttles

• The first Level 4 autonomous vehicle in Germany is operating in Darmstadt.
• Level 4 automation allows the vehicle to drive autonomously within a defined area, with a safety driver on board during tests.
• The Kira project will eventually deploy six autonomous shuttles in Darmstadt and Offenbach.
• Technical supervisors monitor the vehicles’ driving maneuvers, but passengers are not yet allowed.
• Citizens can later apply to be test users and book shuttles via an app.
• The project required a Level 4 test permit from the Federal Motor Transport Authority.
• Kira involves Deutsche Bahn, Rhein-Main-Verkehrsverbund, HEAG Mobilo, and Kreisverkehrsgesellschaft Offenbach.
• The first trips are testing Mobileye’s self-driving system, ensuring accurate map data.
• On-demand autonomous shuttles could improve mobility, especially in rural areas.
• Deutsche Bahn’s DB Regio Bus Mitte operates the shuttles, and Ioki provides booking and route planning software.
• Mobileye supplies the software and hardware for the autonomous system.
• The test phase will run until the end of the year, with possible extension.
• The project is supported by €2.2 million from the Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport and additional funding from Hesse.

4. BYD will release the Haibao 07 EV in Early August, will be Priced between 179,800 and 249,800 Yuan

• BYD will release the upgraded Haibao 07 EV in early August, featuring enhanced intelligent driving and powertrain performance.
• The current Haibao model is priced between 179,800 and 249,800 yuan.
• The Haibao 07 will include a LiDAR system and utilize BYD’s e-platform 3.0 Evo.
• It will have an 800-volt high-voltage system for improved motor performance and charging efficiency.
• The design will be similar to the current Haibao, with expected dimensions of 4800mm length, 1875mm width, 1460mm height, and a 2920mm wheelbase.
• The Haibao 07 will offer rear-wheel and four-wheel drive variants with multiple motor options and lithium iron phosphate blade battery options.
• Despite initial success, Haibao sales declined to 813 units in June.
• The Haibao 07 EV will compete with electric vehicles like the Tesla Model 3, Xiaopeng P7, and Zeekr 007, as well as traditional gasoline models such as the Accord, Camry, Passat, Sagitar, and Teana.

5. 2024 Nissan X-Trail SUV To Get Panoramic Sunroof, ADAS & 3-Row Seating; Check New Teaser

• The new-generation Nissan X-Trail 7-seater SUV will debut in India later this month after a decade-long hiatus.
• The SUV will be imported as a CBU and features a tech-laden, all-black 7-seater (2-3-2) cabin with a bench seat in the second row.
• Features include a dual-pane sunroof, touchscreen infotainment, digital instrument cluster, dual-zone automatic climate control, wireless charging, electronic parking brake with auto-hold, and ADAS.
• The 2024 Nissan X-Trail will be petrol-only, powered by a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine with a strong-hybrid system, producing 201 bhp and 305 Nm torque, paired with an 8-step CVT.
• The SUV will offer both 2WD and 4WD options and is expected to be priced between INR 35-40 lakh.
• It will compete with the Mahindra XUV700, Tata Safari, Volkswagen Tiguan, Skoda Kodiaq, Toyota Innova HyCross, and Hyundai Tucson.