Recently, under the cover of night, a Ford Fusion Hybrid autonomous research vehicle with no headlights on navigated along lonely desert roads, performing a task that would be perilous for a human driver.
Driving in pitch black at Ford Arizona Proving Ground marks the next step on the company’s journey to delivering fully autonomous vehicles to customers around the globe. It’s an important development, in that it shows that even without cameras, which rely on light, Ford’s LiDAR – working with the car’s virtual driver software – is robust enough to steer flawlessly around winding roads. While it’s ideal to have all three modes of sensors – radar, cameras and LiDAR – the latter can function independently on roads without stoplights.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data has found the passenger vehicle occupant fatality rate during dark hours to be about three times higher than the daytime rate.
“Thanks to LiDAR, the test cars aren’t reliant on the sun shining, nor cameras detecting painted white lines on the asphalt,†says Jim McBride, Ford technical leader for autonomous vehicles. “In fact, LiDAR allows autonomous cars to drive just as well in the dark as they do in the light of day.â€
To navigate in the dark, Ford self-driving cars use high-resolution 3D maps – complete with information about the road, road markings, geography, topography and landmarks like signs, buildings and trees. The vehicle uses LiDAR pulses to pinpoint itself on the map in real time. Additional data from radar gets fused with that of LiDAR to complete the full sensing capability of the autonomous vehicle.
For the desert test, Ford engineers, sporting night-vision goggles, monitored the Fusion from inside and outside the vehicle. Night vision allowed them to see the LiDAR doing its job in the form of a grid of infrared laser beams projected around the vehicle as it drove past. LiDAR sensors shoot out 2.8 million laser pulses a second to precisely scan the surrounding environment.
“Inside the car, I could feel it moving, but when I looked out the window, I only saw darkness,†describes Wayne Williams, a Ford research scientist and engineer. “As I rode in the back seat, I was following the car’s progression in real time using computer monitoring. Sure enough, it stayed precisely on track along those winding roads.â€
After more than a decade of Ford autonomous vehicle research, the company is dedicated to achieving fully autonomous driving capability, which, as defined by SAE International Level 4, does not require the driver to intervene and take control of the vehicle.
This year, Ford will triple its autonomous vehicle test fleet – bringing the number to about 30 self-driving Fusion Hybrid sedans for testing on roads in California, Arizona and Michigan.
These developments are key elements of Ford Smart Mobility, the plan to take Ford to the next level in connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles, the customer experience, and data and analytics.
INTELLIGENT MOBILITY
Toyota Accelerates U.S. EV Expansion With Major Kentucky Investment
Toyota is increasing its commitment to electric mobility in the United States through a major investment aimed at expanding production capacity and supporting the launch of future battery-electric vehicles.
The initiative highlights the automaker’s long-term strategy to strengthen its EV presence while continuing to invest in domestic manufacturing and advanced vehicle technologies.
As demand for electrified transportation continues to evolve, Toyota is positioning itself for the next phase of growth in the North American market.

Toyota is expanding its U.S. manufacturing footprint as part of its electric vehicle strategy.
$800 Million Investment Supports Future EV Production
Toyota is investing approximately $800 million in its Kentucky manufacturing operations to prepare for future electric vehicle production.
The investment will support facility upgrades, advanced manufacturing technologies and additional production capabilities designed to accommodate the company’s growing electrified vehicle portfolio.
The Kentucky plant remains one of Toyota’s most important production centers in North America and will play a key role in the company’s future plans.
New Electric Models Planned For The U.S. Market
The investment is closely tied to Toyota’s expanding lineup of battery-electric vehicles.
The automaker is preparing several new EV models aimed at American consumers, broadening a portfolio that already includes hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric offerings.
Toyota’s strategy focuses on providing customers with multiple powertrain options while gradually increasing the availability of battery-electric vehicles across different segments.

Toyota continues to expand its electric vehicle portfolio for North American customers.
Domestic Manufacturing Remains A Priority
Building vehicles closer to consumers remains a major objective for Toyota.
By increasing investment in U.S. production facilities, the company aims to improve supply chain efficiency while supporting local jobs and manufacturing operations.
Domestic production also allows Toyota to respond more quickly to changing market conditions and future demand for electric vehicles.
Electrification Strategy Continues To Expand
Toyota has traditionally focused on hybrid technology, but the company is now accelerating efforts across multiple electrified vehicle categories.
Alongside battery-electric vehicles, Toyota continues investing in hybrid systems, plug-in hybrids and other advanced mobility solutions designed to reduce emissions and improve efficiency.
This diversified approach allows the automaker to adapt to different consumer preferences and regional market requirements.

Electrification remains a central pillar of Toyota’s long-term product strategy.
Future Growth Focused On Advanced Mobility
The automotive industry is undergoing one of the largest transformations in its history, with manufacturers investing heavily in new technologies and electrified platforms.
Toyota’s latest investment reflects the growing importance of advanced mobility solutions and the company’s efforts to remain competitive in an increasingly electrified market.

Toyota is preparing the next generation of electric vehicles for the U.S. market.
The Kentucky expansion is expected to support future vehicle programs while reinforcing Toyota’s position as one of the largest automotive manufacturers operating in North America. The project also demonstrates the company’s continued confidence in U.S. manufacturing as demand for electrified vehicles continues to grow.
INTELLIGENT MOBILITY
IIHS Study Highlights Major Differences In Driver Assistance Technology
Advanced driver assistance systems have become one of the fastest-growing areas of vehicle development, but a new study shows that not all technologies deliver the same level of performance.
As automakers continue investing in safety innovations, organizations such as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) are increasing efforts to evaluate how these systems perform in real-world situations. The latest findings reveal significant differences between manufacturers when it comes to accident prevention and driver support.

Driver assistance systems continue to play a growing role in modern vehicle safety.
Safety Technology Continues To Evolve
Modern vehicles are equipped with a wide range of advanced safety features designed to help drivers avoid collisions.
These technologies include automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring systems. Together, they form the foundation of what is commonly known as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, or ADAS.
The goal is not to replace drivers, but to provide an additional layer of protection during everyday driving situations.
Real-World Performance Remains A Key Challenge
While many systems perform well under controlled conditions, real-world environments present far greater challenges.
Traffic density, weather conditions, visibility and unexpected obstacles can all influence how effectively safety technologies operate. For that reason, independent testing organizations continue to place increasing emphasis on evaluating performance beyond laboratory conditions.
Manufacturers are now focusing on improving sensor accuracy, software processing and response times to help vehicles react more effectively to complex traffic situations.

Automatic emergency braking remains one of the most important safety technologies available today.
Cameras, Sensors And Artificial Intelligence
Today’s driver assistance systems rely on a combination of cameras, radar sensors and advanced software.
Many vehicles now use artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies to better interpret road conditions and identify potential hazards.
This allows safety systems to process large amounts of information in real time and provide faster responses when drivers encounter unexpected situations.
Automakers Continue Expanding ADAS Capabilities
The automotive industry is investing heavily in the development of increasingly sophisticated driver assistance technologies.
Features that were once reserved for luxury vehicles are now becoming common across mainstream segments, including compact SUVs, sedans and pickup trucks.
As competition increases, manufacturers continue introducing new capabilities designed to improve safety, convenience and overall driver confidence.

Modern safety systems rely on cameras, radar and advanced software to monitor road conditions.
Driver Assistance Systems Are Becoming A Key Buying Factor
For many consumers, safety technology now ranks alongside performance, efficiency and design when choosing a new vehicle.
As ADAS systems become more advanced, buyers are paying closer attention to how effectively these features perform in everyday driving situations.
The growing importance of vehicle safety is expected to drive further innovation as automakers continue refining the technologies that support drivers on the road.

Driver assistance technology is rapidly becoming one of the most important areas of automotive development.
INTELLIGENT MOBILITY
Cadillac VISTIQ Expands Luxury EV Options With Three Rows And Up To 305 Miles Of Range
Cadillac continues to strengthen its electric vehicle portfolio with the VISTIQ, a three-row luxury SUV designed to bridge the gap between the Lyriq and the flagship Escalade IQ.
Blending premium comfort, advanced technology and impressive performance, the VISTIQ aims to offer families and luxury SUV buyers a compelling all-electric alternative without sacrificing space, capability or long-distance usability.
With seating for up to seven passengers and more than 300 miles of estimated range, the VISTIQ becomes one of the most important additions to Cadillac’s growing EV lineup.

The Cadillac VISTIQ brings three-row practicality to the brand’s expanding electric vehicle family.
Up To 615 Horsepower And Rapid Acceleration
Power comes from a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system that delivers impressive performance figures for a luxury SUV of its size.
Cadillac estimates the VISTIQ produces up to 615 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque when operating in Velocity Max mode.
Those numbers allow the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in an estimated 3.7 seconds, placing it among the quickest three-row electric SUVs currently available.
Designed For Long-Distance Driving
Range remains one of the VISTIQ’s strongest selling points.
Models equipped with the standard 11.5-kW charging system offer an EPA-estimated driving range of up to 305 miles, while versions fitted with the available 19.2-kW charging system provide an estimated 300 miles.
The SUV utilizes a 102-kWh battery pack and adopts the North American Charging Standard (NACS), giving drivers access to a growing charging network throughout the United States and Canada.

The VISTIQ combines long-range capability with premium SUV proportions and three-row versatility.
Fast Charging For Everyday Convenience
Cadillac has designed the VISTIQ to make charging as convenient as possible.
Using DC fast charging, the SUV can add up to 80 miles of driving range in approximately 10 minutes, with charging speeds reaching up to 190 kW.
For home charging, the available 19.2-kW Level 2 system can add up to 47 miles of range per hour, while the standard 11.5-kW setup can recover approximately 29 miles per hour.
The VISTIQ also comes equipped with a dual-level charging cord compatible with both standard household outlets and higher-capacity home charging connections.
Spacious Cabin With Three Rows Of Seating
Inside, the VISTIQ focuses on comfort and versatility.
The SUV accommodates up to seven passengers and offers generous interior dimensions throughout all three rows.
Front passengers benefit from more than 43 inches of legroom, while second-row occupants receive over 40 inches. Even the third row provides more than 30 inches of legroom, helping improve comfort for passengers during longer trips.

The three-row cabin is designed to provide premium comfort for up to seven occupants.
Cargo Capacity Built For Family Adventures
Practicality remains a key part of the VISTIQ package.
Behind the third row, the SUV provides 15.2 cubic feet of cargo space. Folding the third row expands capacity to 43 cubic feet, while lowering both rear seating rows unlocks up to 80.2 cubic feet of total cargo volume.
Those figures position the VISTIQ as a strong option for families seeking both luxury and utility in a fully electric vehicle.
Cadillac’s Growing Electric SUV Portfolio
Measuring more than 205 inches in length and riding on a 122-inch wheelbase, the VISTIQ occupies an important position within Cadillac’s EV lineup.
The model gives buyers a spacious three-row alternative while continuing the brand’s push toward an increasingly electrified future. Combined with strong performance, extensive charging capability and premium accommodations, the VISTIQ represents another major step in Cadillac’s electric transformation.

The VISTIQ strengthens Cadillac’s electric SUV range with luxury, performance and family-focused practicality.
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