[241126] #Ford #Oxa #May Mobility

1. Ford unleashes game-changing update to autonomous driving system

• Ford’s latest BlueCruise 1.5 update introduces an automatic lane-changing feature for the 2025 Mustang Mach-E, enhancing hands-free driving on highways.
• The feature automates up to 45% of lane changes, avoiding high-risk situations, and provides drivers with alerts before changing lanes; drivers can override or disable the feature.
• Ford introduces new BlueCruise subscription options: an annual plan at $495, a monthly plan at $49.99, and a one-time lifetime access purchase for $2,495 for new 2025 models.
• BlueCruise 1.5 is Ford’s step towards improving autonomous driving accessibility, positioning the Mach-E closer to the Tesla Model 3 in hands-free driving capabilities.

  

2. This Company Is Testing Autonomous EV Vans Here

• UK-based autonomous tech developer Oxa is testing SAE Level 4 electric vans in the US and the UK, after starting robotaxi sedan testing in 2020.
• Oxa’s Reference Autonomy Designs (RADs) allow for autonomous hardware and software to be fitted to a variety of mass-produced vehicles from different manufacturers.
• Several autonomous developers have created prototypes of driverless vans and shuttle buses, but these models have yet to launch on a city-wide scale in the US due to a variety of reasons.

Oxa is advancing its SAE Level 4 autonomous tech by testing electric vans in the US and UK, with adaptable designs for diverse mass-produced vehicles.

3. TIER IV: Japan’s First Level 4 Autonomous Driving Milestone

• TIER IV achieved Japan’s first Level 4 certification for its AI Pilot autonomous driving system, which powers an autonomous bus in Shiojiri, Nagano Prefecture.
• The certified route allows autonomous buses to operate at speeds up to 35 km/h on public roads with mixed pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
• AI Pilot, built with Autoware open-source software, is adaptable to various vehicle types, making it scalable for autonomous applications.
• TIER IV’s commitment to open-source technology through Autoware enables flexible, future-ready autonomous driving solutions.
• This certification supports Japan’s national goal for widespread autonomous vehicle deployment and standardizes certification processes for other companies.
• TIER IV’s vision focuses on making autonomous vehicles safe, reliable, and accessible, positioning it as a leader in Japan’s autonomous mobility revolution.

4. Mars Auto looks to automate Class 8 trucks for $7K

5. May Mobility to deploy autonomous vehicles to the Lyft platform

• May Mobility and Lyft have partnered to launch autonomous vehicles on the Lyft app, with the first deployment planned for Atlanta in 2025.
• The service will use May Mobility’s Toyota Sienna Autono-MaaS vehicles, marking May Mobility’s entry into the rideshare industry.
• The partnership aims to expand AV services gradually, starting with safety operators before transitioning to fully autonomous, driver-out operations.
• May Mobility’s vehicles feature Multi-Policy Decision Making (MPDM) technology, providing real-time adaptive driving responses for enhanced safety and comfort.