Industry News for Automotive Technology: October 22-28
Content
Every week we bring together the latest industry news and exciting content not to be missed. Here is the digest for October 22-28.
Japan pays more attention to car cybersecurity
Picture this: The 2017 Summer Olympics went crazy with self-driving cars everywhere. This is exactly the scenario that Japanese officials are trying to avoid, which is why they are stepping up cybersecurity ahead of the Tokyo Olympics next year.
Automotive cybersecurity has been all over the news lately thanks to hackers demonstrating their ability to remotely control vehicles. So far, these have been good hackers hired to find software weaknesses. But it won't be like this forever. That's why Japanese automakers are teaming up to form a support group to share information about hacks and data leaks. The US already has such a group, the Automotive Information Exchange and Analysis Center. As cars become more computerized and autonomous, it's good to see automakers around the world paying more attention to keeping their technology safe.
If you want to know more about the cybersecurity of Japanese cars, check out Automotive News.
Mercedes-Benz introduced a pickup truck
Mercedes-Benz has released many luxury cars over the years, but they've never targeted the Texas oil tycoon - until now. On October 25, the Mercedes-Benz X-Class pickup was introduced to the world.
The X-Class features a frame structure and a crew cab with five passengers. Mercedes says production models will be available with both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. Various diesel engines will be installed under the hood, with the V6 being the best option in the lineup (no word yet on whether the X-Class will receive an overhaul from AMG). The towing capacity is said to be 7,700 pounds and the payload of 2,400 pounds is impressive.
Like any car with a silver arrow on its grille, the X-Class will have a well-appointed interior with all the latest gizmos. Options include leather upholstery, wood trim, a range of driver assistance and automatic safety systems, and an infotainment system accessible via a smartphone app.
At the moment, the truck is still under development, but Mercedes says it will release a production version in Europe next year. However, it is unknown if it will make it to the shores of the United States - we will have our Cristal and Stetsons ready if it does.
Digging up an X-class? Read more about it on Fox News.
Car sharing grows thanks to Turo
Do you want to have a short affair with a car but not marry it for the next few years? You might want to talk to Turo, a ridesharing startup in the US and Canada. Through Turo you can rent a car from a private party by the day. You can also rent out your car if you wish.
Touro has created a network of entrepreneurs who rent multiple cars. Personally, we hesitate at the thought of letting a stranger drive our pride and joy, but we wouldn't mind renting that cute BMW M5, Porsche 911 or Corvette Z06 Turo for sale for a couple of days.
Learn more about the future of carsharing on the Turo website.
Court approves $14.7 billion settlement against VW
The VW diesel drama continues: After a year of suspense, the US Department of Justice has finally given final approval to a $14.7 billion settlement. As a reminder, the V-Dub was sued for cheating on emissions tests with its 2.0-liter diesel engine. The settlement means owners of illegal vehicles are entitled to a check for an amount equal to the value of their car traded to NADA in September 2015, adjusted for mileage and option packages. We bet not many of them will buy another Volkswagen with their newfound money.
To learn more about VW's big payouts, visit Jalopnik.
Faraday Future accused of delaying payments
Faraday Future may be building a car that looks like the Batmobile, but that doesn't mean they have Bruce Wayne's money. Recently, AECOM, a construction company hired by an electric vehicle startup, complained about non-payment. AECOM's vice president says the Southern California automaker owes them $21 million. Faraday Future was given 10 days to pay in full before work was stopped. A spokesperson for Faraday Future said they would work hard to resolve the payment issue. We're not sure how this will happen - if you don't have it, you don't have it.
Learn more about Faraday's lack of funds at AutoWeek.
