Audi of America today announced that it is working with Spoke, a mobility platform for safety, connectivity, and rich rider experiences; Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.; and Commsignia to bring the benefits of cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) technology to vulnerable road users (VRUs) and enhance safety on roadways. Using C-V2X technology, the companies are working together by conducting C-V2X demonstrations with particular bicycle to vehicle use cases to explore solutions to make Audi vehicles aware of bicyclists and other VRUs, as well as create safety alerts that can help prevent incidents among all road users.

The C-V2X demonstrations will aim to validate Spoke’s first-of-its-kind hardware and software suite, which is designed to be the industry’s first reliable, robust connected system to offer secure, direct communication for contextual awareness and alerts between drivers and bike riders. Audi is also continuing to refine its C-V2X technologies for production-intent applications, allowing for a truly connected ecosystem between drivers and the world around them.

This comes at a particularly crucial time, as Congress passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in November 2021. In addition to providing various significant funding opportunities for deployments incorporating connected vehicle technologies, the legislation also allocates funds for a two-year research study led by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Federal Highway Administration to “expand vehicle-to-pedestrian research efforts focused on incorporating bicyclists and other vulnerable road users into the safe deployment of connected vehicle systems.”

NHTSA reported in its most recent data 846 bicycle fatalities from motor-vehicle-related accidents in 2019. That represents a 36% increase since 2010. Year-over-year, NHTSA reported on-road cycling injuries increased 4.3% to 49,000 in the U.S. in 2019. In addition, the National Roadway Safety Strategy released by the Department of Tranportation (DOT) in January 2022 notes “fatalities among pedestrians and bicyclists have been increasing faster than roadway fatalities overall in the past decade”.

A man working on his laptop and writing in a notebook at a desk.

Audi is developing hardware and software in its all-electric Audi e-tron Sportback test vehicle to use both direct vehicle-to-bicycle communication using short range signals that do not rely on a cellular network and LTE signals that use cellular towers to identify bicycles on the road. Vehicles will be able to read their surroundings to identify when bicycles are nearby, interfacing with Spoke Safety’s connected suite, and even identify bicycles that may be obstructed from a driver’s view.

Since 2020, Audi has been working with partners to develop C-V2X technologies in the U.S. to help protect VRUs. In Northern Virginia, organizations including the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute and Virginia Department of Transportation teamed up with Audi and Qualcomm Technologies on a C-V2X based program to inform vehicles approaching a construction zone, alert drivers of work-zone speed limit when entering construction zones, and alert roadside workers when vehicles were close to construction zones via a connected safety vest.

In Alpharetta, Georgia, Audi collaborated with Applied Information and the Fulton Co. School System, Qualcomm Technologies and others, to connect cars with school buses to identify when children were boarding or exiting buses as well as show vehicle drivers when they were entering active school zones.

The ability to realize the potential safety benefits of C-V2X technology only recently became possible following a U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ruling reached in November 2020 and published in May 2021. In its decision, the FCC agreed to allocate a portion of the ITS 5.9 GHz cellular band for C-V2X applications for the first time. The decision allowed C-V2X for the exchange of standardized communications between vehicles and between vehicles and infrastructure.

Through internal research, as well as publicly available data, Audi estimates there will be 5.3 million vehicles, work zones, railway crossings, bicycles, and other devices that will be able to connect using C-V2X by 2023. By 2028, it is possible that number will increase to 61 million connected devices, including as many as 20,000 crosswalks, 60,000 school zones, 216,000 school buses, and 45 million smartphones.

The first public demonstrations of the Spoke connected bicycle technology with the Audi e-tron Sportback will be March 21-23 at the PeopleForBikes Bicycle Leadership Conference in Dana Point, California, followed by the Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, California, April 7-10.

INTELLIGENT MOBILITY

GM Updates Infotainment System With Smarter Features

Published

12 hours ago

July 30, 2026

Marcelo Lagos

General Motors is rolling out new over-the-air software updates that improve the infotainment experience with a redesigned interface, enhanced personalization and easier-to-use controls across eligible Cadillac models.

The latest GM infotainment software update introduces a wide range of enhancements designed to make the in-vehicle experience more intuitive and personalized. Developed using customer feedback, the new features improve navigation, media controls, seating preferences and charging functions while delivering a cleaner and more responsive interface.

Moreover, the updates are arriving through over-the-air software downloads, allowing eligible Cadillac owners to receive new functionality without visiting a dealership.

Smarter Audio Controls and Easier Navigationdia playback.

Drivers can now view an upcoming playlist through a new side queue, making it easier to see which songs will play next. Additionally, a new drop-down source selector allows users to switch between music apps and audio sources with fewer taps, creating a faster and more seamless listening experience.

Furthermore, larger touch targets throughout the interface reduce accidental presses and make frequently used controls easier to access.

GM’s updated infotainment interface features improved media controls and larger touch targets.

Personalized Driver Profiles and Comfort Settings

The GM infotainment software update also expands personalization features.

Drivers can now link two user profiles to the vehicle’s memory seat buttons. With a single press, both the preferred seating position and the driver’s personalized profile are restored automatically. The feature will debut on the 2026 Cadillac VISTIQ before expanding to additional GM models.

Meanwhile, seat adjustment graphics have been redesigned to match the physical controls located on the vehicle’s doors. As a result, changing comfort settings becomes more intuitive and visually consistent.

Additionally, the charging application now features clearer labels and descriptions, making charging options easier to understand.

Updated driver profiles automatically restore personalized seating and infotainment settings.

Better Connectivity and Improved Display Quality

GM has also refined several everyday features to improve convenience.

The latest software includes sharper Head-Up Display graphics, making important driving information easier to read. Furthermore, Bluetooth pairing has been simplified by removing an extra confirmation step, allowing devices to connect more quickly.

These refinements contribute to a smoother user experience while reducing unnecessary interactions with the infotainment system.

Eligible Cadillac Models Receive Over-the-Air Updates

The new GM infotainment software update is being released gradually through over-the-air updates.

Eligible vehicles include:

2025 Cadillac LYRIQ
2026 Cadillac LYRIQ
2025 Cadillac OPTIQ
2026 Cadillac OPTIQ
2025 Cadillac VISTIQ
2026 Cadillac VISTIQ
2025 Cadillac CT5
2026 Cadillac CT5

GM confirmed that additional software improvements will continue rolling out over the coming months as updates become available.

Eligible Cadillac models receive the latest infotainment improvements through over-the-air software updates.

Future Updates Will Expand the Experience

General Motors has already outlined additional enhancements planned for future releases.

Upcoming updates will introduce a redesigned home screen featuring a larger interactive navigation map alongside media controls. Drivers will also benefit from simplified widget customization, making it easier to personalize the dashboard layout with just a few taps.

Overall, these software improvements demonstrate GM’s continued focus on enhancing the digital driving experience through regular over-the-air updates, delivering new features that improve usability, convenience and personalization without requiring new hardware.

INTELLIGENT MOBILITY

2027 Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV Adds NACS Fast Charging

Published

3 days ago

July 28, 2026

Marcelo Lagos

Mitsubishi has revealed new charging details for the 2027 Eclipse Sportback EV, confirming NACS compatibility, fast charging capabilities and flexible home charging options ahead of its North American launch.

The 2027 Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV is taking another step toward its North American debut with new details about its charging technology. Mitsubishi has confirmed that every version of its upcoming electric crossover will feature multiple charging options, giving drivers greater flexibility whether charging at home or on the road.

Moreover, the new EV will arrive with direct access to one of the continent’s largest public charging networks.

Standard NACS Compatibility Across the Lineup

The 2027 Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV will come standard with the North American Charging System (NACS) connector on every trim level.

This compatibility allows owners to access the growing Supercharger network without requiring additional hardware. Furthermore, the electric SUV supports DC fast charging at up to 150 kW, enabling the battery to recharge from 10% to 80% in approximately 35 minutes, depending on charging conditions.

As a result, Mitsubishi aims to make long-distance travel more convenient for future Eclipse Sportback EV owners.

The 2027 Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV will feature standard NACS charging compatibility across the lineup.

Flexible Home Charging Solutions

In addition to DC fast charging, Mitsubishi is equipping the Eclipse Sportback EV with a J1772 connector for Level 1 and Level 2 charging.

This setup allows owners to recharge the battery at home or through thousands of public AC charging stations across North America. Consequently, drivers will have multiple charging solutions depending on their daily needs.

Additionally, Mitsubishi says the vehicle’s charging performance may vary depending on battery temperature, ambient conditions and charger output.

A J1772 connector will support both Level 1 and Level 2 home charging.

A Key Model in Mitsubishi’s EV Expansion

The 2027 Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV plays an important role in the company’s Momentum 2030 strategy.

The sporty electric crossover features distinctive front and rear styling, signature lighting and Mitsubishi’s recognizable Triple Diamond branding. Meanwhile, the automaker plans to continue expanding its lineup, with an all-new off-road-oriented Outlander variant expected to follow in early 2027.

Therefore, the Eclipse Sportback EV represents another major milestone in Mitsubishi’s broader electrification plans for North America.

The Eclipse Sportback EV is a cornerstone of Mitsubishi’s Momentum 2030 electrification strategy.

2027 Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV Expands Charging Convenience

The 2027 Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV combines flexible charging solutions with modern electric vehicle technology to improve everyday usability.

Overall, standard NACS compatibility, fast DC charging and home charging capability position Mitsubishi’s newest electric crossover as an attractive option for drivers seeking greater charging convenience when it arrives in North America later this year.

INTELLIGENT MOBILITY

Hyundai Opens UX Studio Shanghai to Drive Global Innovation

Published

5 days ago

July 26, 2026

Marcelo Lagos

Hyundai Motor Group has opened UX Studio Shanghai, a new research hub designed to study Chinese consumer behavior and shape the next generation of connected mobility worldwide.

Hyundai UX Studio Shanghai is the latest step in the automaker’s strategy to develop smarter and more connected mobility experiences. Located in one of China’s leading innovation centers, the new research hub will gather consumer insights and help transform them into future vehicle technologies for global markets.

Moreover, the facility strengthens Hyundai Motor Group’s commitment to designing vehicles around real customer needs.

A New Center Focused on User Experience

The new Hyundai UX Studio Shanghai expands the company’s global user experience network, joining existing research centers in Seoul, Frankfurt and Irvine.

As a result, Hyundai can better understand how Chinese consumers interact with connected vehicles and digital technologies. The facility will also support the company’s “In China, For China, To Global” strategy by turning local innovations into worldwide solutions.

Furthermore, researchers will work directly with customers throughout the product development process.

Hyundai’s new UX Studio Shanghai will study consumer behavior to improve future mobility experiences.

Designed for the Era of Software-Defined Vehicles

As vehicles become increasingly software-driven, Hyundai believes customer experience is becoming just as important as performance.

Therefore, UX Studio Shanghai focuses on technologies such as connected ecosystems, voice interaction, intelligent interfaces and digital mobility services. In addition, the company expects local consumer feedback to influence future software-defined vehicles across its global lineup.

The new center also supports collaboration between engineers, designers and customers from the earliest development stages.

The research hub will help develop software-defined vehicles through customer collaboration.

Chinese Innovation Will Influence Global Products

Shanghai was selected because of its advanced technology ecosystem and rapidly evolving mobility market.

Meanwhile, Hyundai is partnering with leading academic institutions and local experts to better understand changing consumer behaviors. Research will cover a wide range of mobility scenarios, including family transportation, urban commuting and connected driving experiences.

Consequently, innovations developed in Shanghai will be shared across Hyundai’s worldwide research and development network.

Hyundai expects insights from Shanghai to shape future vehicles sold around the world.

Hyundai UX Studio Shanghai Strengthens Future Mobility Development

The Hyundai UX Studio Shanghai represents far more than a regional research center.

Overall, the new facility reinforces Hyundai Motor Group’s strategy of combining local innovation with global development. By placing Chinese consumer insights at the center of future product planning, the company aims to create smarter, more connected and more personalized mobility experiences for customers worldwide.