Hyundai and Kia Launch Service Campaign to Prevent Theft of Millions of Vehicles Targeted by Social Media Challenge
Hyundai and Kia have developed theft deterrent software for millions of their vehicles that lack an immobilizer and will provide it FREE of charge to vehicle owners.
The software updates the theft alarm software logic to extend the length of the alarm sound from 30 seconds to one minute and requires the key to be in the ignition switch to turn the vehicle on.
The effort is in response to a TikTok social media challenge that has spread nationwide and has resulted in at least 14 reported crashes and eight fatalities. NHTSA urges owners of these vehicles to contact Hyundai (toll-free at 800-633-5151) or Kia (toll-free at 800-333-4542) for information on the FREE update.
J.D. Power Study: Vehicle Dependability Increases Despite New Tech Challenges
The J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) looks at vehicles from 2020 regarding quality, component replacement and overall appeal.
This year’s study report reveals that vehicle owners were more satisfied with their mass market vehicles than owners in the premium segment, largely driven by their frustration with new technology.
Amazon’s Driverless Zoox Taxi Hits the Streets of Foster City
image: Zoox
Zoox, the Amazon subsidiary that created an autonomous self-driving robotaxi, witnessed the vehicle’s inaugural voyage on public roads over the weekend, when the company’s employees were shuttled through the streets of Foster City,. California
The vehicle, which has no steering wheel or pedals, has received state approval to operate on public thoroughfares, according to Zoox. Starting this spring, the robotaxi will shuttle full-time employees between the company’s two Foster City office buildings during business hours, carrying up to four people at a time and traveling as fast as 35 mph.
The Electric Charging Experience Is Hindering EV Adoption
What makes EV charging so frustrating? The first major hitch is the physical state of the chargers: Often broken, glitching, or out of commission for updates.
Owner education is a concern - slower-charging EVs take up fast-charging spots. A Chevy Bolt may not be able to handle the high charging speeds of a Rivian, but the Bolt owner may not know — and may default to the charger with the biggest number on it.
These issues, plus even more relating to fees and payment processing, are hindering EV adoption. Range anxiety is one thing, but charging issues still turn prospective buyers off from going electric and are yet another factor holding up the full-scale EV transition.
Ford’s EVs Are Getting Faster Charging and More Affordable Batteries Thanks to New Chemistry
Ford's new $3.5 billion electric vehicle factory, to be built in Michigan, will produce EV batteries with a lithium iron phosphate chemistry.
Ford claims it is the first automaker to commit to developing two separate battery chemistries for its EVs at the same time: lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and nickel cobalt manganese (NCM).
“They are exceptionally durable and they tolerate more frequent and faster DC fast charging,” Lisa Drake, vice president of EV industrialization at Ford model e, the company’s EV division, said during a briefing with reporters Monday. “And they actually perform best when they’re being charged from zero to 100 percent regularly. And that is ideal for customers who want to drive all the way to empty and then charge quickly back to 100 percent.”
