Summary
– Toyota, Subaru, and Mazda have introduced a plan to extend the life of combustion engines by co-developing new engines powered by synthetic fuels
– The CEOs of Ford and GM have contrasting views on hybrids, with Ford focusing on hybrids while GM sees them as not a long-term solution
– Tesla is working on registering its Full Self Driving (Supervised) feature in China, teaming up with Baidu for mapping credentials
– Toyota’s approach to combustion engines has left many questions unanswered regarding costs, efficiency gains, and timelines
– Hybrids have seen increasing sales, seen as an interim solution as automakers prepare for a fully electric future.
Article
### Toyota, Subaru, and Mazda Introduce Plan to Extend Life of Combustion Engines
Earlier this week, Toyota, Subaru, and Mazda collaborated on a plan to develop a new set of engines powered by synthetic fuels as a way to extend the life of combustion engines. The plan includes fitting these engines into cars designed for electric powertrains. However, the automakers left several significant questions unanswered, such as timelines, costs, and emissions. This move has raised concerns among environmental groups, who question the sustainability of this approach.
### Tesla’s Full Self Driving Feature to Roll Out in China
Tesla, under the leadership of Elon Musk, has announced plans to introduce its Full Self Driving (Supervised) feature in China. Despite facing challenges with testing the system on Chinese roads, Tesla has made progress after meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang to seek regulatory approval. The company is set to team up with tech giant Baidu to facilitate the rollout of the system in China, opening a new revenue stream for Tesla in the region.
### Ford and General Motors’ Contrasting Views on Hybrids
There is a stark contrast between the views of Ford and General Motors on hybrids as an interim solution amid the shift towards fully electric vehicles. Ford, led by CEO Jim Farley, has redirected its focus towards hybrids, citing soaring sales in recent months. On the other hand, GM, under the leadership of CEO Mary Barra, views hybrids as a response to regulatory requirements rather than a long-term strategy. Both companies emphasize their commitment to electric vehicles as the future of mobility.
### Is Toyota’s “Multipathway Approach” Economically Viable?
Toyota’s multi-pronged approach to electrification, including conventional hybrids, PHEVs, FCEVs, and BEVs, has garnered attention. However, the recent collaboration with Subaru and Mazda to extend the life of combustion engines through synthetic fuels raises questions about the economic feasibility of these plans. Synthetic fuels are currently significantly more expensive than traditional gasoline, leading to skepticism about the sustainability of this approach.
### The Future of Combustion Engines Amidst a Shift to Electric Powertrains
Despite the push towards electric powertrains in the automotive industry, Toyota, Subaru, and Mazda are exploring ways to prolong the life of combustion engines through the use of synthetic fuels. While this approach may raise concerns among environmental groups, the automakers believe that combustion engines can still play a role in the future of mobility. The strategy involves developing new engines that can be integrated into vehicles designed for electric powertrains, highlighting a potential shift in the industry.
### Exploring Opportunities for Self-Driving Technology in China
Tesla’s efforts to register its Full Self Driving software in China mark a significant step towards expanding the use of autonomous driving technology in the country. By collaborating with tech giant Baidu and seeking regulatory approval, Tesla aims to introduce its advanced driver assistance system to Chinese consumers. This move not only opens up new revenue opportunities for Tesla but also intensifies competition in the self-driving technology space, with local Chinese rivals also offering similar systems.
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