Self-Driving

Hyundai launches self-driving on-demand ride-sharing pilot service

Eileen Falkenberg-Hull
Oct 27, 2019, 1:15 pm

Hyundai is doing autonomous Kona test drives in Irvine, California.

Photo courtesy of Hyundai Motor Company

Hyundai is partnering with Pony.ai and BotRide to launch a shared, on-demand, autonomous vehicle service operating on public roads. Beginning November 4, a fleet of self-driving Hyundai Kona all-electric SUVs will provide free rides around Irvine, California.

Pony.ai built the car's self-driving system and Via created the BotRide on-demand ridesharing technology and application, according to the automaker.

BotRide autonomous Kona EV The vehicle fleet is now running in Irvine, California.Photo courtesy of Hyundai Motor Company

"The pilot introduces BotRide to several hundred Irvine residents, including college students. The goal is to study consumer behavior in an autonomous ride-sharing environment," said Christopher Chang, head of business development, strategy and technology division, Hyundai Motor Company. "We are going to learn about ecosystems, where the vehicles travel and optimize the customer experience. BotRide, is another example of Hyundai's ongoing efforts to actively build expertise in mobility technology as well as the company's commitment to providing more user-friendly mobility services to customers."

Riders can use the BotRide app, available for Apple and Android devices, to hail the service from their smartphone. Multiple rides are able to share the same vehicle, despite having different pickup and drop off locations.

The vehicles are equipped with Pony.ai's latest sensor hardware and proprietary software that identifies other vehicle and pedestrian locations surrounding the Kona. It works to predict human and vehicle behavior and then logs the information gathered during the rides to validate user experience.

BotRide autonomous Kona EV Riders hail the ride using their smartphone.Photo courtesy of Hyundai Motor Company

"The BotRide pilot represents an important step in the deployment and eventual commercialization of a growing new mobility business," said Daniel Han, manager, Advanced Product Strategy, Hyundai Motor America. "In addition to the technology partners powering BotRide, the broader city and community ecosystem have also played an important role in making BotRide possible. The BotRide pilot can serve as an example of how cities and companies can come together to truly enable smart cities and smart transportation systems of the future."

The fleet is on the road now.

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Nuts & Bolts

 
 

New App

New MyDucati app keeps the Ducati universe close at hand

A new app allows Ducati ethusiasts to be connected to the company in a variety of ways.

Photo courtesy of Ducati

Ducati's new mobile app allows fans to stay connected to one of their favorite brands at all times. Designed to be a one-stop shop for everything Ducati offers, the app is custom-made and even has unique event opportunities for members.

The motorcycle manufacturer has designed the app to include a Garage section where customers consult the documentation of their motorcycles at any time. This area of the application also keeps record of customers' MyDucati Card, the official Ducatista document. It also allows users to configure the Ducati of their dreams, save it and share it with friends and dealers.

MyDucati App The MyDucati App is available now.Photo courtesy of Ducati

Some customization of the app is available. For instance, users can upload a picture of their own Ducati to use in the Garage section. Additionally, MyDucati offers a system of badges that are unlocked upon completion of the various sections. By achieving goals, subscribers can access promotions and personalized services based on the interests and preferences they have expressed within the application.

The Ducati Dealers area of the app allows users to locate the closest dealer based on geo-localization, consult the services available, and save it as a favourite to contact it or make an appointment for a test ride with a click.

The app's News section gives enthusiasts access to fresh information on new services and events organized by Ducati around the world, with a notification system that will always keep them updated on the most important news.

Another area of the product is the Desmo Owners Club (DOC) community, where club members can share their passion for Ducati and take advantage of all the initiatives and benefits reserved for them.

The MyDucati app is available for iOS and Android. It can be downloaded for free from the Apple Store and Play Store. Users already registered with MyDucati can quickly access the app with the same credentials they use on the web.

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Take a Peek

Lordstown Motors announces 40,000 electric truck pre-orders, releases interior photos

The Lordstown Endurance all-electric pickup truck is moving closer to production.

Photo courtesy of Lordstown Motors

The Lordstown Endurance isn’t under production yet, but the company is already receiving orders for the all-electric pickup truck - 40,000 of them. The model is targeted at commercial fleet vehicle buyers like city governments and large corporate entities that require the capability of a full-size truck.

Each pre-order is a non-binding agreement to purchase the truck, the same as the reservations received by Ford for the Mustang Mach-E and Tesla for the Cybertruck. The purchases equal $2 billion in revenue for the company, which is based in Lordstown, Ohio.

2021 Lordstown Endurance The design of the interior of the Endurance is crisp and modern.Photo courtesy of Lordstown Motors

Lordstrown has kicked up the cadence of its news releases as the company moves closer to production. In June, the company debuted the truck and announced its $52,000 price point.

July marked the release of the first renderings of the interior of the Endurance and the debut of the first commercial starring the truck. Then, in August, Lordstown announced that they had entered into an agreement with DiamondPeak Holdings to become a publicly traded company.

Lordstown Motors is operating out of the former General Motors Lordstown Assembly site. The new company has its plant next to the battery facility that General Motors is developing to assist with the products coming to market in the future, like the Cadillac Lyriq.

2021 Lordstown Endurance The large screen combines most vital functions of the car’s command center into one place.Photo courtesy of Lordstown Motors

Now, the company as revealed its first pictures of the interior of the truck. Notably, the Endurance has its large screen spanning the width of the driver and center console, housing most all vital functional controls of the vehicle.

Reservations for the truck continue to be taken via the company’s website.

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