Tesla Partner: Autopilot Not Designed For Circumstances of Model S Crash

After the fatal accident involving a Model S and its Autopilot feature, the system’s co-developer, Mobileye, told TechCrunch in a statement that the system wasn’t designed for such scenarios. The incident, which is now under investigation by government authorities, happened when a tractor trailer made a left turn at an intersection without any traffic lights right in front of the Model S. Tesla said that neither Autopilot nor the driver noticed the tractor trailer, which caused the Model S to dive underneath it, resulting in the windshield hitting the bottom of the trailer.

The automatic emergency braking feature in the Model S was designed specifically to avoid rear-end collisions, and yesterday’s incident was one that it couldn’t prevent, according to the statement sent to TechCrunch by Mobileye’s chief communications officer, Dan Galves. He also said that the May 7 incident involved a vehicle crossing laterally, and that current automatic emergency braking systems aren’t designed to react to that kind of hazard. However, by 2018, Mobileye will include Lateral Turn Across Path detection capability in its automatic emergency braking systems, and the feature will also be included as part of the Euro NCAP safety ratings in 2020.

Tesla released a statement yesterday mourning the loss of the driver and reiterating that even with Autopilot active, the driver’s full attention is still required. The EV maker has also announced the launch of update 8.0, according to a report from Electrek. Like previous updates, 8.0 will be added over-the-air and add new features to the car, including additional functions for Autopilot. While we don’t know the true extent of this update yet, one of the features will allow the car to exit off a freeway when in Autopilot once the turn signal is activated. Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer have also been upgraded so that the car will operate in traffic more smoothly.

Electrek also notes that Tesla is referring to software 8.0 as the biggest update to its user interface since the Model S launched. Additional upgrades in the 8.0 update include improved voice commands that no longer require the driver to hold a button to use, and it now shows a transcript of what the system thinks you said on the dashboard. The media player was also updated, but U.S. owners miss out on Spotify, which is available on European-spec Teslas. The TuneIn app for podcasts will also receive an upgrade that now lets you search through artists, songs, and albums.

Currently, update 8.0 is still undergoing beta testing, and it’s unclear if all of its features will make it live. Electrek, however, says that the release may only be a few weeks away or a few months at most. It’s unclear if any of the Autopilot updates are in response to the fatal crash.

Source: TechCrunch, Electrek

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Top 10 Best-Selling Cars: June 2016

Renault Alaskan Pickup is a Reskinned Nissan for Markets Outside U.S.

Renault pulled the wraps off the production version of its first one-ton pickup. The bold styling of the concept shown at the 2015 Frankfurt auto show carries over to the all-new Renault Alaskan pickup.

While full details haven’t been revealed, we suspect the Renault Alaskan shares its underpinnings with the Nissan NP300 Navara, which likely previews the next-generation Nissan Frontier, and upcoming Mercedes-Benz GLT-Class pickup.

Depending on market, the Renault Alaskan will be available with three different engines. The 2.3-liter dCi I-4 from the Renault Master is a twin-turbo diesel four-cylinder available in 160-hp and 190-hp versions. The engine uses a small turbo for low-rpm torque and a larger turbo for higher-rpm operation. The automaker says that engine will have best-in-class fuel consumption and some of the lowest CO2 emissions in the segment as well as provide outstanding acceleration.

The other engine options include a 2.5-liter diesel (160 hp or 190 hp) or a 2.5-liter gas engine. Transmission choices include a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic.

The Renault Alaskan will be offered in two- or four-wheel drive. Alaskan four-wheel-drive models feature an eLSD (Electronic Limited Slip Differential), which uses the braking system to regulate left and right axle speeds. There is also a mechanical rear-locking differential.

Other features include Hill Start Assist (HSA), Hill Descent Control (HDC), Antilock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Stability Program (ESP).

Sales of the Renault Alaskan pickup will begin in Colombia with other South American markets to follow as well as South Africa. Don’t expect the French-badged pickup to come to the U.S.

Source: Renault

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Report: Tesla Driver May Have Been Watching Movie at Time of Fatal Crash

A new twist in the fatal crash involving a Tesla Model S and its semi-autonomous Autopilot system alleges that the driver may have been watching a “Harry Potter” movie at the time of the accident.

The fatal accident occurred in May when a Model S owner was driving his vehicle on a highway in Florida with the Autopilot feature activated. A tractor trailer traveling from the opposite side of the highway attempted to make a left turn in front of the Tesla, but neither the AutoPilot system nor the driver reacted in time to prevent the vehicle from crashing into and under the trailer. The driver died at the scene.

Now, the AP reports that the driver of the truck, Frank Baressi¸ says he heard a “Harry Potter” movie playing in the Tesla following the crash, though he wasn’t able to see where it was coming from in the vehicle. Investigators don’t believe it was playing from the Tesla’s infotainment screen (which would require a hack). However, the report states a portable DVD player was later found in the vehicle, though it’s unclear if it was used at the time of the accident.

The accident is still under investigation. Baressi could face charges for making the unsafe maneuver, though he claims he was unable to see the Model S because it was traveling fast.

Tesla yesterday published a blog post acknowledging the incident, which is the first death involving Autopilot. The automaker pointed out its Autopilot system had logged over 130 million miles prior to the incident and that drivers must always maintain awareness and control of their vehicles at all times.

Source: electrek

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Aftermarket vs. In-Market: OEM Telematics vs. Verizon Hum

Most vehicles on the market today feature telematics or connectivity systems, such as GM’s OnStar or Chrysler’s Uconnect, and offer a free six-month subscription with a new lease or purchase. However, Verizon has created the Hum, its own version of what a telematics system should be. It offers many similar features found on OEM systems but can come in at a lower total price.

When your subscription to the OEM telematics system runs out, should you pay the subscription fee, or should you opt for an aftermarket system? We’ve compared some of the most popular OEM systems with the Verizon Hum to give you an apples-to-apples comparison so you can decide if you should make the switch.

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OEM Telematics System

Navigation

One of the only things that Verizon’s Hum doesn’t offer is a navigation service. Nearly all OEM telematics systems feature navigation, whether it’s included in a monthly subscription or an extra service for an additional cost. GM’s OnStar system offers turn-by-turn direction and destination download, and with the OnStar app, you can even send the directions straight to your vehicle. Chrysler’s Uconnect offers similar features, including Send ’N Go, which lets you look up directions on your phone then display them on the infotainment screen through the Uconnect system. Lexus with its Enform system offers added navigation features such as Destination Assist and eDestination.

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Connectivity

Hum also won’t let you connect to the internet. It doesn’t offer a Wi-Fi hot spot, 4G LTE, 3G, hands-free calling, voice-to-text, or any other similar feature. The Hum system was meant more for safety and security and less about staying connected. While not all OEM systems offer a Wi-Fi hot spot, many feature app suites in the infotainment system along with different hands-free features to keep drivers and passengers connected. From Pandora to Yelp, from Facebook to movie times, vehicles these days offer plenty of additional connected options for an extra price. Hum may be a simpler system, but it keeps drivers focused on the more important aspects of driving a car.

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App Capabilities

Mobile apps for the various OEM telematics systems are becoming more and more advanced, and with systems such as Chrysler’s Uconnect, you have the ability to lock and unlock the doors, start your vehicle, and heat or cool the car before you even get behind the wheel. GM’s OnStar lets you send directions straight to your vehicle, locate it, manage your Wi-Fi settings, and see your vehicle’s diagnostic reports. Subaru’s Starlink and MySubaru app adds on these and even lets you flash your lights and use your horn. Hum offers some of these features, such as finding your car and viewing vehicle diagnostics, but doesn’t have the ability to lock/unlock doors or start the vehicle remotely.

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Verizon Hum

Price

One of the biggest advantages that Verizon’s Hum has over OEM telematics systems is its price point. Up-front costs are $30 for the hardware and a $10 per month subscription with a two-year contract. OnStar starts at $20 per month for the most basic subscription service, and with additional standalone options, it can end up costing quite a bit more. For Uconnect, pricing starts at $15 per month, but you have to purchase the $50 per month 3G Wi-Fi hot spot subscription to use the advanced features. The Lexus Enform system starts at $140 per year but can go up to $345 per year, depending on the package. Subaru’s Starlink is the closest in terms of price, with the lowest package starting at $100 per year and going up to $150 per year.

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Driving Reports

When it comes to monitoring your driving habits or those of your teen, Hum offers a great system. You have the ability to set speed alerts, so when that max speed is exceeded, you get an email or text notification. You can also set up boundary alerts to keep track of where your teen is driving. If the vehicle exits the boundary, you’ll get a notification. You can also set the boundary for specific days and times. Lastly, it offers vehicle location in the event that you forget where you parked or want to make sure your teen is where they say they are. Most OEM systems don’t offer such a system but instead share driver reports that can show your driving behavior and how to improve.

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Compatibility

Perhaps the best selling point of Verizon’s Hum is that it’s compatible with almost every vehicle on the road. If your car is a 1996 model year or newer, there’s a good chance Hum will work in your car. Most OEM telematics systems currently on the market aren’t available on older models; Chrysler’s Uconnect, for example, isn’t compatible with vehicles from before 2013. GM’s OnStar isn’t much better, as it’s only available on 2011 model year vehicles or newer. Subaru’s Starlink is all-new for the 2016 model year and isn’t compatible with older models.

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Top 10 Best-Selling Cars: June 2016

Recall Alert: 2015-2016 Dodge Journey, Grand Caravan, Chrysler Town & Country; 2016 Ram ProMaster

CARS.COM

Vehicles Affected: Approximately 26,000 model-year 2015-16 Dodge Journey SUVs, Grand Caravan minivans and Chrysler Town & Country minivans, and model-year 2016 Ram ProMaster vans

The Problem: Transmission pumps in the vehicles' six-speed automatic transmissions may not conform to specifications, which could lead to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles said the problem was discovered during an examination of warranty data, which prompted an investigation by the automaker. FCA noted that most of the affected vehicles are still in dealer possession.

The Fix: Dealers will replace the transmission pump for free.

What Owners Should Do: FCA did not immediately announce an owner-notification schedule. Owners can call the automaker at 800-853-1403 for more info.

Need to Find a Dealer for Service? Go to Cars.com Service & Repair to find your local dealer.

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