Android Auto was designed to enhance the driving experience, so it’s surprising that it lacks essential features that make life on the road easier.
Opening and closing the (continue reading…)
Mysterious 1964 Ford Mustang Spent Almost 50 Years in the Woods, Is Now a Sad Sight
Keeping a classic car in a barn is not ideal if you want to keep it in good condition for years to come. However, it is still a better choice than abandoning it in the woods, where it is exposed to the harsh elements. Unfortunately, this 1964 Ford Mustang was left in the woods for a staggering 48 years, resulting in extensive rust and damage.
According to a recent article on Autoevolution, the once beautiful Mustang is now a sad sight to behold. Left to deteriorate with no protection, the car has become a rusty bucket of bolts.
It is crucial to provide proper care and shelter for classic cars to preserve their beauty and functionality. The extreme weather conditions in the woods have taken a toll on this unfortunate Mustang, leaving it in an unrecognizable state.
Classic car enthusiasts and collectors understand the importance of regular maintenance and storage in safe environments. Unfortunately, this 1964 Ford Mustang fell victim to neglect and now serves as a reminder of the consequences of improper car care.
Europe Takes a Step Forward in Implementing AI Regulations
The AI Act has been introduced in Europe to address the risks associated with AI systems and establish clear boundaries for their use. It sets obligations for both users and developers, proposes a governance structure at national and bloc levels, and outlines an assessment guideline. However, exemptions are made for open-source projects and scenarios where AI innovation supports small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to avoid excessive regulatory oversight.
One significant objective of the AI Act is to prevent AI systems from generating illegal content. While well-known generative AI products like OpenAI’s Dall-E and ChatGPT, Microsoft’s Bing Chat, and Google’s Bard have safety measures in place, there are publicly accessible AI tools that lack such filters.
These tools can be misused to create manipulated media, including explicit deepfakes. In fact, the FBI recently issued a warning regarding the increase in deepfake crimes. Additionally, AI systems may generate false “facts” due to inherent problems like “hallucinations.” It’s worth mentioning that Europe is not the only region actively working on AI regulation, and it will still take months for the AI Act to be legally enforced.
In April, the Commerce Department sought public input to shape AI policy recommendations, particularly with regards to necessary safety measures at the federal level. Likewise, China’s internet regulator released a comprehensive proposal on AI product regulation, aligning with the country’s strict censorship laws.
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch Will Have a New Health Feature to Monitor Irregular Heart Rhythm
Samsung is introducing a new Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification (IHRN) system in the Samsung Health Monitor app. This system will work alongside existing metabolic detection services that monitor heart rate, heart rhythm, and blood pressure. While the app is running, the IHRN system quietly tracks your vitals in the background and immediately notifies you if any irregularities are detected. Atrial fibrillation, while not always immediately concerning, can indicate the potential for stroke or heart disease. Therefore, receiving immediate notifications can be life-saving.
Hon Pak, Vice President and Head of Digital Health Team, MX Business at Samsung Electronics, stated, “Cardiovascular disease remains a significant cause of death worldwide, and we are committed to enabling our users to stay informed about their heart health by providing monitoring tools, including blood pressure measurement and irregular heart rhythm notification. We are constantly exploring new ways to help Galaxy Watch users effortlessly gain deeper insights into their health and wellness, day and night.”
The IHRN feature will come as a standard in the Samsung Health Monitor app and will be available on Galaxy Watch devices. It will be included in the new One UI 5 Watch, set to launch later this year, and will also be made compatible with previous Watch versions.
2024 Discovery Sport Enhances Luxury in 7-Seat Off-Road SUV
The 2024 Land Rover Discovery Sport brings an added level of comfort to its interior, and this includes the quality of the air you breathe. The vehicle is equipped with a Cabin Air Purification Plus system that effectively filters out odors, bacteria, pathogens, and other harmful substances from the outside air, ensuring a safe and pleasant environment inside the car. It’s like having a household air purifier installed in your vehicle. Safety features are also a priority, with the Discovery Sport featuring a 360-degree camera system and a rearview mirror that provides a “see through” view using multiple cameras installed on the rear tailgate.
Land RoverWhen it comes to storage, the Discovery Sport doesn’t disappoint. With the rear seats folded down, it can accommodate up to 63.35 cubic feet of cargo. The interior is also designed with numerous storage bins and essential charging ports for all your family’s devices.
The 2024 Land Rover Discovery Sport starts at $48,900.
Europe May Break Up Google’s Adtech Business Over Alleged Anticompetitive Practices
Europe may soon take action against Google’s adtech business due to alleged anticompetitive practices. The European Commission, after evaluating Google’s dominant position in the online ad industry, has concluded that only divesting part of its services would address competition concerns. This would involve Google selling off its core ad-tech assets. It’s not the first time Google has faced scrutiny for its practices. In January, the Department of Justice filed a lawsuit accusing Google of monopolistic behavior that harmed publishers and advertisers in the US. The Justice Department has also previously indicated support for breaking up Google’s ad-tech conglomerate. Similarly, the United Kingdom’s Competition and Markets Authority is investigating Google’s ad-tech business. European Commissioner for Competition, Margrethe Vestager, states that if Google’s abusive conduct is confirmed, it would be illegal under EU competition rules. Rivals and online publishers have long complained about Google’s extensive control over the online advertising ecosystem, arguing that it gives the company an unfair advantage.
Is the Pricey Mercedes G-Wagon Really Worth It?
Back in 1979, the G-Wagon had a measly 71 horsepower. Today, each G550 model features a powerful twin-turbocharged 4.0 liter V8 engine, providing 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. This impressive power is delivered to the wheels through a standard all-wheel drive system with locking differentials on both the front and rear. Additionally, the G-Wagon sits 9.5 inches above the ground, allowing it to handle various obstacles with ease.
The newer second-generation G-Wagon offers a better ride, thanks to its independent front suspension and lower center of gravity. However, its boxy shape and tall profile still result in significant wind noise and uncertainty when maneuvering corners. Despite this, the G550 surprises with its quick acceleration, able to reach 0-60 MPH in just over five seconds, with a top speed limited to 130 MPH.
In recent years, other luxury SUVs like the Land Rover Defender, Audi RS Q8, and Maserati Levante have challenged the G-Wagon’s status as the go-to luxury off-roader, offering lower prices. Nonetheless, for those in the market for a G-Wagon, the higher price tag may not be a deterrent. It’s worth noting that the G550 does have some downsides, including a small cargo area, cramped rear seats, and poor fuel economy.
Ultimately, the G-Wagon appeals to buyers because of its rugged toughness, military heritage, celebrity endorsements, and timeless design.
CITROËN C4 AND Ë-C4 NAMED BEST CARS TO OWN IN THE UK ACCORDING TO DRIVER POWER SURVEY 2023
- Citroën C4 and ë-C4 have won the ‘Car of the Year’ title in the Driver Power survey 2023.
- Citroën C4 and ë-C4 have secured the top spot in the list of 75 most satisfying models to own in the UK.
- The model has also been named the ‘Best Compact Family Car’ in this year’s survey.
- Citroën ë-C4 can now be purchased with two all-electric powertrains that have a maximum WLTP range of 260 miles.
The Driver Power survey 2023, conducted and published by Auto Express, has crowned Citroën C4 as the most gratifying car to own in the UK. The C4 and ë-C4 have also been declared the ‘Best Compact Family Car’. Auto Express performs the survey each year, and this year more than 60,000 car owners provided their feedback on various aspects, including running costs, performance, and technology. Recognition in the Driver Power survey is valued by industry commentators and media worldwide as a fair and unbiased evaluation of car owners’ opinions.
Citroën C4 and ë-C4 outperformed their competitors according to the scores given by their respective owners. The car owners seemed satisfied with the good MPG or all-electric efficiency, running costs, safety features, and reliability. The quality of ride and handling left an excellent impression on the owners, irrespective of the chosen powertrain.
Both C4 and ë-C4 are beneficiaries of the Citroën Advanced Comfort® Program. Citroën Advanced Comfort® seats are constructed specifically with high-density foam in the core of the seat, providing additional support, along with an additional layer of 15mm memory foam just under the fabric. The Advanced Comfort® suspension system, which is exclusively available in Citroën cars, improves the absorption of imperfections in the road and ensures that passengers experience a comfortable ride, creating a real ‘flying carpet’ consistency. This experience is further enhanced by the serene soundless electric powertrain of ë-C4.
Steve Fowler, auto express editor-in-chief, commented on this achievement, stating that, “We’ve been greatly impressed by this sleek and stylish Citroën from the outset, and it’s clearly making a huge impression on its owners. It’s a remarkable win for the French firm, which has not only transformed its product range in recent years, but has also invested hugely in improvements to quality.”
Citroën C4 is available with a collection of efficient petrol and diesel engines, and the ë-C4 comes with two electric powertrains, one with a 50kW battery that promises a maximum of 222 miles of range (WLTP), and the other with a 54kW battery that ensures up to 260 miles of range (WLTP). Citroën ë-C4 supports 100kW rapid charging, implying that you can charge from 0-80% in only thirty minutes from a public rapid charger.
Citroën UK’s Managing Director, Greg Taylor, commented, “This is a wonderful accolade for everyone at Citroën UK, but much more importantly it’s fabulous news for present and future Citroën customers. An enormous amount of work has gone into our latest products to ensure they’re best in class in terms of quality and ownership experience. And now, the outstanding service delivered by our retailer partners means Citroën can proudly say that we are the maker of the most satisfying car to own in the UK right now.
To learn more about C4 and ë-C4 and the rest of the Citroën range, visit: https://www.citroen.co.uk/
Hyundai Creta continues to dominate compact SUV sales, as Kia Seltos experiences a major decline
Maruti Grand Vitara records the largest growth in sales
In May 2023, compact SUV sales dropped by 4.8% compared to April 2023. Out of all the models, the Hyundai Creta was the only one to sell more than 10,000 units, while Kia Seltos had the highest decline of over 40% in monthly sales.
Here’s a breakdown of the compact SUV sales in May 2023:
|
Compact SUVs & crossovers |
|||||||
|
May 2023 |
April 2023 |
MoM Growth |
Market share current(%) |
Market share (% last year) |
YoY mkt share (%) |
Average sales (6 months) |
|
|
Hyundai Creta |
14449 |
14186 |
1.85 |
33.17 |
47.54 |
-14.37 |
12866 |
|
Mahindra Scorpio |
9318 |
9617 |
-3.1 |
21.39 |
18.83 |
2.56 |
7921 |
|
Maruti Grand Vitara |
8877 |
7742 |
14.66 |
20.37 |
0 |
20.37 |
7706 |
|
Kia Seltos |
4065 |
7213 |
-43.64 |
9.33 |
25.79 |
-16.46 |
7921 |
|
Toyota Hyryder |
3090 |
2616 |
18.11 |
7.09 |
0 |
7.09 |
3485 |
|
Skoda Kushaq |
1685 |
2162 |
-22.06 |
Suzuki V-Strom 800DE to be Released in India by October 2023Suzuki has recently been criticized for being slow to innovate. Many of its models still use technology that is more than a decade old. However, the brand has recently been making waves with its new middleweight lineup. With the GSX-8S and the V-Strom 800DE, Suzuki seems to be reinventing itself. The GSX-8S has already proven itself as a strong competitor in the middleweight naked bike market in the US and Europe. Meanwhile, the V-Strom 800DE aims to challenge the Yamaha Tenere 700 in the adventure bike segment. 
The V-Strom 800DE has been seen being tested in India, and it is expected to be released there by October 2023. Suzuki dealerships have already stopped taking delivery of the V-Strom 650XT, which is built on a platform that is over a decade old. Although bookings for the new model have not yet opened in India, there is a market for adventure-tourers like the V-Strom. Models like the BMW F 850 GS and the Triumph Tiger 900 Rally are popular among affluent off-road and adventure enthusiasts. The V-Strom is expected to be assembled in India, which should reduce taxes and make it more affordable. The V-Strom 800DE boasts a brand-new 776cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, parallel-twin engine with a 270-degree crankshaft. It produces an impressive 83 horsepower and 53 pound-feet of torque. Power is transferred to the rear wheel via a six-speed manual gearbox. The bike also features modern technology like a bi-directional quick shifter, traction control, and multiple riding modes. It has a full-color TFT display that provides riders with a wealth of information. The V-Strom 800DE has a 21-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel, which improves its off-road performance. It has Showa suspension both at the front and rear, with a range of adjustability, enhancing its overall off-road capability. The bike offers a ground clearance of 220 millimeters and a tall seat height of 855 millimeters, making it an ideal choice for adventure riding. Unlock Your Automotive Passion and Explore the Road Ahead | |||
