[240726] BMW #Tesla #GM

1. BMW gets approval for combination of Level 2 and Level 3 autonomous driving

• BMW introduces the new 7 Series with both Level 2 (Highway Assistant) and Level 3 (Personal Pilot L3) driving assistance systems.
• The BMW Highway Assistant allows hands-free driving at speeds up to 130kph on highways with separated carriageways, including automated lane changes.
• The BMW Personal Pilot L3 enables hands-free driving in traffic jams up to 60kph, allowing the driver to engage in other activities but must be ready to take control if necessary.
• This combination of Level 2 and Level 3 systems in one vehicle marks a significant technological advancement for BMW.
• The BMW Personal Pilot L3, including the Highway Assistant, is priced at €6,000 in Germany, and existing vehicles can add the Highway Assistant for free from Aug 24.

2. Elon Musk Says ‘Safety First’ Over Convenience As Tesla Scales Up FSD To Fulfill Autonomous Driving Future

• Elon Musk emphasized safety as the priority while scaling Tesla’s full self-driving (FSD) technology.
• Responding to Sam Pullara on X, Musk highlighted the importance of safety over convenience features like rolling stops, which are technically illegal.
• Tesla delayed the new FSD version due to issues with driving smoothness, as it was overly trained on interventions.
• Tesla aims to improve FSD for full vehicle autonomy, currently requiring active driver supervision.
• Regulatory approval is crucial for deploying autonomous vehicles, with Tesla citing minimal hurdles if sufficient safety data is provided.
• Tesla’s FSD includes features like auto lane change and auto park, and the company claims Autopilot enhances vehicle safety.
• In December, Tesla recalled 2.03 million vehicles for Autosteer misuse concerns, addressed through a software update, but NHTSA is probing the adequacy of the remedy.

3. Stellantis: future with their STLA Brain and AutoDrive

• Stellantis Group is introducing its Level 3 autonomous driving system, AutoDrive, aiming for availability on 2025 models in the U.S.
• The Level 3 Hands-free Active Driving Assist (HFDA) system will debut on select 2024 models, including the Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L.
• HFDA allows hands-free driving at any speed and lane changes with turn signal activation on approved roads.
• The STLA Brain is the central processing unit of AutoDrive, handling large amounts of sensor data in real-time for enhanced safety and comfort.
• Stellantis aims to extend the autonomous driving time between driver interventions from 10 to 40 minutes, surpassing current systems like Ford’s BlueCruise and GM’s Super Cruise.
• AutoDrive utilizes Qualcomm chips for maximum reliability and efficiency.
• The software platforms for AutoDrive are expected to be ready by the end of 2024, with the first vehicles equipped with the technology arriving between late 2024 and early 2025.
• Official launch dates and further details are awaited from Stellantis.

4. Nio to Launch Driver-Free Autonomous Battery Swapping Later this Year

• Nio announced driver-free autonomous battery swapping for highway service areas in China, launching later this year.
• The technology uses vehicle intelligence and V2X equipment, enabling autonomous queuing for battery swaps.
• Nio operates 2,443 battery swap stations in China, including 809 on highways.
• The autonomous battery swapping has been extensively tested and will be available at select stations later this year.
• Dr. Shen Fei highlighted cost savings through peak and off-peak charging regulation, with a Danish station covering 25-33% of operational costs via grid trading.
• Nicola Marsala, Nio’s Head of Southern Europe, indicated expansion plans to France, Italy, and Spain, including sub-brands Onvo and Firefly.
• Steven Wei Feng resigned as CFO, with Stanley Yu Qu promoted to the position.
• Nio delivered 21,209 vehicles in June, marking a 98.10% year-over-year growth and 57,373 units delivered in the quarter, growing 143.90%.
• Nio’s US-listed stock increased by 4.33% following the news.

5. We tried GM’s Super Cruise handsfree driving tech – here’s what we think

• GM’s Super Cruise is a Level 2 self-driving system allowing hands-free driving on designated roads.
• The system is extensive in North America, covering many single-lane roads and backroads.
• Super Cruise performs automatic lane changes on multi-lane highways without driver input, unlike other systems that require manual prompts.
• The system requires drivers to keep their eyes on the road and will alert them if they fail to do so.
• It doesn’t handle exit ramps, turns, or stop lights autonomously, requiring driver intervention.
• Super Cruise can travel up to 85 mph, but drivers should set it to the speed limit to avoid speeding tickets.
• The feature is included for three years with Super Cruise-enabled vehicles, after which a subscription costs $25 per month or $250 per year.