Honda has confirmed it will showcase a mix of cutting-edge concept models and race-bred machines at Tokyo Auto Salon 2026, scheduled to run from 9 to 11 January at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan. The brand’s display will carry the theme “Honda Sports DNA,” highlighting its performance heritage and motorsport influence.

Headlining the stand will be three world premieres. The first is the Civic Type R HRC Concept, developed by Honda Racing Corporation and infused with motorsport-derived enhancements aimed at elevating the performance of the already potent Civic Type R. Joining it is the Prelude HRC Concept, based on the new-generation Prelude that debuted in September 2025, featuring HRC-developed components designed to sharpen driving dynamics.

The third debut is the Civic e:HEV RS Prototype, a sport-focused iteration of Honda’s hybrid Civic. This model becomes the second Honda, after the Prelude, to feature the brand’s new S+ Shift control technology, which is intended to deliver a more engaging and responsive driving feel.

Beyond concept cars, Honda will also showcase its racing pedigree with the HRC Prelude-GT, a GT500-class machine slated to compete in the Super GT 2026 Series. Rounding out the experience will be a racing simulator constructed from the NSX-GT, offering visitors an immersive taste of Honda’s track-focused engineering.

Lexus has announced the launch of the RZ 600e F Sport Performance, a new high-performance special edition in its battery electric SUV lineup. The model will go on sale through Lexus dealerships across Japan from 2 March 2026.

Based on the RZ 550e F Sport, the RZ 600e F Sport Performance has been developed with inputs from air race pilot Yoshihide Muroya and racing driver Masahiro Sasaki. Both were also involved in shaping the limited-run RZ 450e F Sport Performance that debuted in early 2024, bringing motorsport-inspired fine-tuning to Lexus’ electric portfolio.

Power comes from a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup delivering a combined system output of 313 kW. Each electric motor produces 167 kW, translating into stronger acceleration and improved high-speed performance over the standard RZ variants. To better handle the additional power, Lexus has lowered the ride height by 20 mm compared to the RZ 550e F Sport, a move aimed at reducing aerodynamic drag and enhancing stability.

Braking hardware has also been upgraded, with larger 20-inch brake rotors fitted to ensure consistent stopping performance that matches the increased output. While Lexus has not yet disclosed detailed performance figures or range data, the focus of the RZ 600e F Sport Performance is clearly on sharper dynamics and a more engaging driving experience.

Tata Motors has crossed a major milestone in India’s electric mobility journey, surpassing 250,000 cumulative electric vehicle sales. The automaker currently commands a dominant 66% share of the Indian EV market and has confirmed an ambitious product expansion plan running through FY30.

A key highlight of this achievement is the Nexon EV, which has become the first electric car in India to cross 100,000 cumulative sales since its launch in 2020. Tata Motors’ existing EV portfolio spans multiple segments and includes the Tiago EV, Punch EV, Nexon EV, Curvv EV, Harrier EV, and the Xpres-T for fleet operators.

Looking ahead, Tata Motors plans to strengthen its EV lineup further with the launch of the Sierra EV and a new Punch EV in 2026. These will be followed by the introduction of the Avinya range of premium electric vehicles later the same year. By FY30, the company aims to roll out five all-new EV nameplates, alongside regular updates and refreshes across its current range.

Charging infrastructure remains a key focus area. Tata Motors claims access to over 200,000 charging points nationwide and plans to expand this network to 400,000 chargers by 2027 and one million by 2030. The company already operates 100 MegaCharging Hubs offering charging speeds of 120 kW and above.

To further localise its EV ecosystem, Tata Motors will source battery cells from Agratas’ upcoming gigafactory in Sanand, reinforcing its long-term commitment to India’s electric future.

Renault has achieved a new electric vehicle efficiency milestone with its Filante Record 2025 demo car, covering 1,008 km on a single charge during a certified test at UTAC’s circuit in Morocco on 18 December. The run was completed at an average speed of 102 km/h, underlining the feasibility of long-distance EV travel at sustained highway speeds.

Weighing just 1,000 kg, the Filante Record 2025 completed the distance in 9 hours and 52 minutes using an 87 kWh battery—the same capacity as the production Scenic E-Tech Electric. Renault recorded an energy consumption figure of just 7.8 kWh per 100 km. Notably, the car still had 11% battery capacity remaining at the end of the run, enough for an estimated additional 120 km at speeds exceeding 100 km/h.

Aerodynamic efficiency played a key role in the achievement. Extensive wind tunnel testing helped Renault reduce the car’s drag coefficient from around 0.40 to 0.30, achieved through redesigned wheel fairings and reduced air intakes.

The Filante Record 2025 also serves as a technology showcase. It features steer-by-wire and brake-by-wire systems, extensive use of carbon fibre, and 3D-printed aluminium components. Special low-rolling-resistance tyres were developed in partnership with Michelin, while Ligier was responsible for the powertrain, chassis, and carbon structure.

Renault says the project highlights how intelligent design, lightweight construction, and aerodynamics can significantly extend real-world EV range without increasing battery size.

India Yamaha Motor (IYM) Pvt. Ltd. has announced the appointment of Mr. Hajime Aota as the new Chairman of Yamaha Motor India Group, effective 1 January 2026. The move signals Yamaha’s continued focus on strengthening its long-term strategy and leadership in the Indian market.

Mr. Aota brings extensive global experience in corporate strategy, planning, and new business development within the automotive and mobility space. Prior to this role, he served as Executive Officer at Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., and Chief General Manager – Corporate Strategy Center at the company’s global headquarters in Japan. In this capacity, he led key initiatives spanning corporate strategy, sustainability, and digital transformation.

His international exposure includes senior leadership roles across Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Mr. Aota has also been closely associated with Yamaha’s future-facing initiatives, having served as Chairperson of Yamaha Motor Ventures & Laboratory Silicon Valley (YMVSV). There, he oversaw strategic investments in emerging areas such as robotics, advanced transportation, fintech, insurtech, digital health, and data-driven technologies.

A key contributor to Yamaha Motor’s long-term roadmap, Mr. Aota played an instrumental role in shaping the company’s 2030 vision, “Art for Human Possibilities,” and continues to support its execution across global markets. His appointment is expected to further align Yamaha Motor India with the parent company’s global priorities, especially in innovation-led growth and digital initiatives.

Mr. Aota is an alumnus of Keio University, Japan, with a degree in Political Science, and has completed the Program for Leadership Development (PLD) at Harvard Business School.

As millions prepare for Christmas journeys to visit family and friends, motorway service stations will be packed with travelers grabbing quick meals and snacks. But for those choosing to eat these purchases in their cars rather than inside the services, there are hidden health risks they should know about.

Vehicle interiors can harbor surprisingly high levels of bacteria - and the festive travel season, with its longer journeys and rushed meal stops, makes this problem even more pressing. Research has found that several areas inside vehicles actually contain more contamination than the average toilet seat, a comparison that might make you reconsider that next drive-through meal.

“The combination of factors inside a vehicle creates an environment where bacteria can flourish,” explains Kazimieras Urbonas, Supplier Excellence Manager at Ovoko, one of Europe's largest online marketplaces for used car parts. “When drivers eat inside their cars without understanding these risks or taking proper precautions, they're potentially exposing themselves to health hazards they'd never tolerate at home.”

Below, Urbonas explains why car interiors pose hidden health risks and shares expert advice on making your vehicle safer for eating.

Why Cars Are a Perfect Breeding Ground for Bacteria

Unlike kitchens, which are designed with hygiene in mind, cars create the perfect storm for bacterial growth. The enclosed space traps warmth from the engine, sunlight, and body heat, maintaining temperatures that allow microorganisms to multiply rapidly.

“Think about how often your car sits in direct sunlight or how warm it gets after you've been driving for a while,” says Urbonas. “These warm, humid conditions are exactly what bacteria need to thrive. Add food debris to the mix, and you've essentially created an incubator.”

Food particles easily become lodged in seat crevices, floor mats, and around the centre console. Even small crumbs can sustain bacterial colonies for extended periods. Unlike a kitchen table that gets wiped down after every meal, these areas often go weeks or months without proper cleaning.

High-touch surfaces present another problem. Steering wheels, gear sticks, and door handles are constantly touched by hands that have been exposed to petrol pumps, cash machines, and countless other contaminated surfaces throughout the day. When drivers eat without washing their hands first, they transfer these contaminants directly to their food.

The Dirtiest Places Inside Your Car

Research into vehicle hygiene has identified the most contaminated areas inside cars, with results that might surprise many drivers:

• Boot – 1,425 bacteria identified: The car boot harbours the highest concentration of bacterial contamination. Items like shopping bags, sports equipment, and dirty shoes all contribute to this accumulation.
• Driver's seat – 649 bacteria identified: The seat where most drivers spend hours each week contains nearly 650 different types of bacteria, fed by sweat, dead skin cells, and spilled food.
• Gearstick – 407 bacteria identified: One of the most frequently touched surfaces in manual vehicles, the gearstick collects bacteria from hands throughout every journey.
• Back seat – 323 bacteria identified: Often used for transporting shopping bags and passengers, the back seat becomes a repository for various contaminants.
• Dashboard – 317 bacteria identified: Despite being a hard surface that should be easy to clean, the dashboard's various nooks and air vents trap dust and bacteria.
• Steering wheel – 146 bacteria identified: Though it has fewer bacteria than other areas, the steering wheel is touched constantly, making it a key transmission point.

“What makes these findings particularly concerning is that the gearstick, dashboard, driver's seat, back seat, and boot all equal or exceed the bacterial contamination typically found on an average toilet seat and flush,” Urbonas points out. “Yet most people would never consider eating their lunch off of a toilet seat.”

What Happens When You Eat in a Contaminated Environment

Urbonas warns that consuming food in a bacteria-rich environment creates multiple health risks. Cross-contamination occurs when bacteria from surfaces transfer to hands, then to food, and finally into the body. This is particularly problematic with foods eaten by hand, such as sandwiches, crisps, or fruit.

“When you're eating in your car, you're usually touching contaminated surfaces and then handling your food without washing your hands,” explains Urbonas. “This direct transfer pathway makes it easy for harmful bacteria to enter your system.”

Respiratory health can also be affected. Mould and fungi that develop in damp areas of the vehicle, such as under floor mats or in air conditioning systems, release spores into the enclosed cabin air. When combined with eating, you're not only consuming food but also inhaling these airborne contaminants.

Digestive problems can result from ingesting bacteria commonly found in vehicle interiors. While healthy immune systems can often fight off low levels of contamination, repeated exposure or particularly high bacterial loads can lead to stomach upset, nausea, or more serious gastrointestinal issues.

How to Make Your Car Safe Enough to Eat In

Urbonas recommends establishing regular cleaning routines to reduce bacterial contamination. Weekly vacuuming removes food debris before it can attract bacteria, while monthly deep cleaning of all surfaces with appropriate disinfectants keeps contamination levels down.

“Use disinfectants specifically designed for automotive interiors,” he advises. “Some household cleaners can damage car materials, but automotive-specific products are formulated to clean effectively without causing harm.”

Pay particular attention to high-touch surfaces. Steering wheels, gearsticks, and door handles should be wiped down regularly, ideally after each journey where you've stopped for fuel or touched public surfaces.

Ventilation plays a vital role in maintaining a healthier car interior. Opening windows for a few minutes before eating helps circulate fresh air and reduces humidity levels that bacteria need to multiply. Regular air conditioning maintenance, including filter changes, prevents mould and fungi from colonizing the system and spreading spores throughout the cabin.

Volvo Cars has confirmed it will discontinue the V60 Cross Country for the US market from April 2026, as shifting customer demand continues to favour SUVs over wagons. Final orders for the rugged estate will be accepted until late January, after which US buyers will have to rely on remaining dealer inventory. Production of the V60 Cross Country will continue for other global markets.

The announcement coincides with Volvo’s 70th anniversary in the United States. The Swedish automaker entered the market in 1955 with the PV444 and has since sold around five million vehicles across the country. Over the decades, Volvo has steadily evolved its lineup to align with American preferences, most notably by expanding its SUV portfolio.

That strategy began with the launch of the XC90 in 2003 and continues today with models like the US-built EX90, which is assembled at Volvo’s South Carolina plant. The company has also revealed plans to further expand its American manufacturing footprint, with the XC60 set to be produced locally alongside a next-generation hybrid model tailored specifically for US customers.

While the V60 Cross Country bows out of the US market, Volvo says it remains committed to adapting its product range to local demand. To mark its seven-decade presence, the brand has launched a dedicated microsite highlighting key moments from its US journey.

As Volvo looks beyond its anniversary year, the focus remains firmly on SUVs and electrified models, reflecting the changing tastes of American buyers.

Car color impacts how fast other drivers see your vehicle on the road. Some colors jump out in almost any environment, while others disappear into the background and reduce reaction times.

Image source

For years, drivers have asked how car color and crash risk are related, particularly since visibility changes with weather, lighting, and the rest of the landscape. While color can never dictate safety, it does determine how easily others perceive your vehicle when in a real-world traffic situation.

This article examines how visibility shifts with various colors and how safety is affected in various situations.

How Car Color Affects Visibility

Visibility depends on contrast. When a vehicle blends into the road, drivers cannot register it quickly, especially during lane changes, merges, or unprotected turns. Black, grey, and deep blue are colors that often blend into pavement, building shadows, or at night.

Conversely, light or strong shades have greater contrast. They remain visible in dim places, bright sun, or heavy traffic. Visibility issues become increasingly apparent at dawn, dusk, or in shadowed road segments, where muted colors merge with the background more quickly than drivers realize.

What Research Says About Crash Rates and High-Risk Car Colors

Different research has shown a similar pattern throughout the years, but the most consistent is a general point: the darker the car, the more likely it is to be involved in crashes. Black rates as the strongest, just behind navy, dark green, and charcoal. These colors soak up light, not reflect it, making it much harder to observe from a distance.

Lighter shades, white, silver, and beige, show less crash involvement. Researchers say this suggests higher levels of detectability both during daytime and nighttime driving. The color of a car never guarantees an outcome, but data indicates that visibility is a significant factor in driver response time.

Bright and Light-Colored Cars Are Easier to See

Light colors reflect more light and allow drivers to quickly recognize these visual cues. White sticks out in nearly every context, which is why it often ends up as one of the safest color preferences. Yellow and orange also catch the eye quickly since the human eye tends to immediately see warm hues. A bright red tone is generally best against both natural and urban terrain, as it serves as a harsh contrast.

Weather, Lighting, and Environment: The Effect of Color On Safety

Changes in the weather can affect visibility on the road almost instantly. Fog, rain, and snow affect virtually every hue on the spectrum. Dark cars look almost invisible in heavy rain, and silver or grey cars disappear into the overcast sky and wet ground.

Lighting conditions aren’t less important. Streetlights, headlights, and reflective signs influence the play of colors at night. In underlit roads, the problem is compounded, making dark-colored cars invisible.

The cityscape introduces a new dimension: the shadows from tall buildings and glass distort color contrast during the day. Color alone isn’t enough to help prevent accidents, but it does impact visibility and plays a role in accidents.

Other Factors That Affect Accidents

It’s not paint that has a huge impact, but other factors like driver attention, lane discipline, speed management, and vehicle maintenance impact the results too. Even the brightest car could get in an accident if headlights fade, mirrors remain dirty, or the driver just drifts through traffic oblivious to it.

Safety technology, like lane assist, blind spot monitoring, and automatic braking, vastly reduces the risk of accidents, whether your car is black or white. Road awareness remains the most effective way to combat crashes.

Conclusion

Your car's color makes others likely to recognize it, and some colors provide better visibility compared to others. However, overall safety depends on your driving habits, awareness, and the condition of your vehicle.

Even better, awareness on the road makes more of a dent in reducing crash rates than any old paint code on a dealership lot.

Key Takeaways

• Dark colors are more prevalent in crashes, due to their lower visibility. Bright or light cars are visible in different settings.
• The visibility of all colors is dramatically altered by weather and lighting.
• Driver behavior and safety technology matter more than color.
• Color affects detection, but habits affect long-term accident prevention.

BMW Group Plant Munich has completed key functional checks of its manufacturing equipment ahead of production of the new BMW i3. The automaker confirmed that equipment installed in the new body shop and assembly line has successfully undergone dry-run testing, marking an important step in the plant’s transformation.

The functional checks involved running every stage of the production process without vehicle parts. Production planners and plant technicians tested machinery cycle by cycle to ensure systems operate seamlessly before series production begins.

BMW will shift assembly of the i3 from its Research and Innovation Centre to Plant Munich in January, with series production scheduled to start in summer 2026. The move brings future electric vehicle manufacturing into the heart of BMW’s historic Munich facility.

The new body shop and assembly line were digitally planned and constructed using BMW Group’s Virtual Factory approach. Existing press shop and paint shop facilities were also integrated into the digital model, allowing engineers to validate production processes virtually before physical installation and testing.

Over the past 18 months, BMW has remodelled around one-third of the Munich plant site as part of this upgrade. Older halls were dismantled and replaced with a new assembly hall, logistics centre, and body shop. Notably, the redevelopment was carried out while the plant continued to build up to 1,000 BMW 3 Series and 4 Series vehicles per day.

Once fully operational, the upgraded Plant Munich will play a central role in BMW’s next phase of electric mobility, with the new i3 set to become one of its flagship locally produced EVs.

BYD has crossed a major global milestone with the production of its 15 millionth new energy vehicle (NEV), underlining the rapid scale-up of the Chinese automaker’s electrification drive. Remarkably, the company moved from 10 million to 15 million NEVs in just 13 months, with the 14 millionth vehicle rolling off the line in October 2025.

The milestone was marked at BYD’s Jinan manufacturing facility in China, which has been in mass production for only three years. The 15 millionth vehicle was a DENZA N8L, a six-seat SUV from BYD’s premium sub-brand. Built on the Super Hybrid and e3 platform, the N8L shares its architecture with the Z9GT and forms part of DENZA’s preparations for its European debut in 2026.

BYD defines new energy vehicles as battery electric models and electrified vehicles using its Super Hybrid system with DM technology. The company’s NEV journey began in 2008 with the launch of the F3DM plug-in hybrid, taking 13 years to reach its first million units before accelerating rapidly over the past decade.

Production momentum remains strong. In the first 11 months of 2025, BYD produced 4.182 million vehicles, up 11.3 per cent year on year. Overseas sales reached 917,000 units during the same period, already surpassing the full-year total for 2024. Today, BYD operates in more than 110 countries and regions, with a presence in 33 European markets through around 1,000 sales outlets. The company plans to double its European dealership network by the end of 2026.

Heavy investment continues to fuel this growth. BYD spent RMB43.75 billion on research and development in the first three quarters of 2025 alone, driving advances in battery technology, intelligent driver assistance, and megawatt-level Flash Charging, slated for Europe in 2026.

Ather Energy has announced a price increase across its electric scooter lineup, effective 1 January 2026. The revision will see prices go up by up to ₹3,000, with the company citing rising global costs of raw materials, foreign exchange pressures, and higher prices of key electronic components as the reasons behind the hike.

For prospective buyers, December offers a window to secure current prices before the increase comes into effect. Ather is currently running its ‘Electric December’ campaign, offering benefits of up to ₹20,000 in select cities. These benefits include instant credit card EMI discounts, cash incentives, and a complimentary eight-year extended battery warranty under Ather’s Eight70 programme on select models, along with financing support from multiple partners.

Now in its third year, Electric December continues to underline Ather’s focus on delivering long-term value to EV customers during the year-end buying season, backed by its integrated hardware-software approach and expanding after-sales network.

Ather’s product portfolio includes the performance-focused 450 series and the Rizta, the brand’s first family-oriented electric scooter. The Ather 450 range offers features such as multi-mode traction control, MagicTwist regenerative braking, and connected technology including Google Maps navigation, WhatsApp integration on the dashboard, and call and music controls.

The Rizta has emerged as a strong growth driver for the brand, recently crossing the 2 lakh sales milestone. Designed with everyday usability in mind, it offers up to 56 litres of storage, a wide seat, and generous floorboard space. Safety features include SkidControl, Fall Safe, Emergency Stop Signal, and theft and tow alerts. Ather also recently announced a touchscreen upgrade for the Rizta Z. Ather scooters are available via Experience Centres as well as online through Amazon and Flipkart.

Maruti Suzuki India Limited has introduced a swivel seat option for the WagonR, marking a significant step towards promoting inclusive mobility in the mass-market car segment. Designed to make vehicle access easier for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, the swivel seat aims to extend the brand’s promise of delivering the ‘Joy of Mobility’ to a wider section of society.

The initiative draws inspiration from Suzuki’s global corporate slogan, ‘By Your Side’, and aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 10, which focuses on reducing inequality. Maruti Suzuki says the move reflects its commitment to customer-centric, human-focused mobility solutions that cater to diverse needs.

To develop the swivel seat solution, Maruti Suzuki has partnered with Bengaluru-based startup TRUEAssist Technology under its startup incubation programme in collaboration with NSRCEL–IIM Bangalore. The swivel seat is offered as a retrofit kit and can be ordered at Maruti Suzuki Arena dealerships. It can be installed on new WagonR models as well as retrofitted to existing vehicles, expanding accessibility for current owners.

The WagonR’s tall-boy design, with its generous headroom and legroom, makes it well-suited for this feature by allowing easier ingress and egress. Initially, the swivel seat option will be available at over 200 Arena dealerships across 11 cities, with plans to expand availability based on customer demand.

From a safety standpoint, the WagonR swivel seat kit has been tested and certified by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI). The installation does not require any structural modifications to the vehicle and comes backed by a three-year warranty, offering added reassurance to customers.

Maruti Suzuki India Limited has achieved a major production milestone with the WagonR, as cumulative output across three generations reaches 35 lakh units. Introduced in India in December 1999, the WagonR becomes the third Maruti Suzuki model after the Alto and Swift to cross this landmark, underlining its enduring popularity among Indian car buyers. The WagonR is currently manufactured at the company’s Gurgaon and Manesar plants in Haryana.

Globally, the WagonR story began earlier, with Suzuki launching the model in Japan in 1993. Designed as a semi-bonnet mini wagon, it quickly gained recognition for its practicality and ease of use. Today, the WagonR is produced in multiple markets including Japan, India, Hungary and Indonesia, and is sold in over 75 countries and regions worldwide. In August 2025, global cumulative sales of the Suzuki WagonR crossed the one-crore mark.

In India, the WagonR has consistently evolved to meet changing customer expectations while retaining its core strengths of space and comfort. Over the years, it has helped redefine the family hatchback segment by adding contemporary design updates, improved safety, and premium features.

The latest-generation WagonR is built on Suzuki’s fifth-generation HEARTECT platform and comes equipped with six airbags as standard. Safety features include ABS with EBD and Electronic Stability Program (ESP). On the comfort front, the hatchback offers a 7-inch SmartPlay Studio touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and voice command functionality.

Bajaj Auto has introduced the updated 2026 Pulsar 220F in India, giving its iconic fully-faired motorcycle a subtle yet relevant refresh. Priced at ₹1.28 lakh (ex-showroom), the new Pulsar 220F is now available across Bajaj dealerships nationwide.

For 2026, the Pulsar 220F gets refreshed graphics and four new colour options — Black Cherry Red, Black Ink Blue, Black Copper Beige, and Green Light Copper. Adding to its modern appeal, Bajaj has equipped the motorcycle with new LED turn indicators, bringing the ageing design in line with current styling trends while retaining its familiar sporty silhouette.

Feature-wise, the Pulsar 220F continues to offer a well-rounded package aimed at everyday riders. It comes with a digital instrument console featuring Bluetooth connectivity, Ride Connect app support, and turn-by-turn navigation. Braking duties are handled by front and rear disc brakes supported by single-channel ABS, while five-spoke alloy wheels complete the setup.

Powering the motorcycle is the trusted 220cc single-cylinder, Twin Spark DTS-i engine. The fuel-injected, oil-cooled motor produces 20.9 PS at 8,500 rpm, delivering a balance of performance, efficiency, and long-term reliability that has defined the Pulsar 220F’s popularity over the years.

With these updates, Bajaj aims to keep the Pulsar 220F relevant for riders seeking a proven, performance-oriented motorcycle with modern features and an aggressive road presence.

KTM has updated its popular 160 Duke in India with a major tech upgrade, introducing a new 5-inch colour TFT display with bonded glass and smartphone connectivity. Borrowed from the Gen-3 KTM 390 Duke, the new screen adds a premium touch to the entry-level streetfighter. The updated KTM 160 Duke with TFT display is priced at ₹1,78,536 (ex-showroom, Delhi), while the base variant continues at ₹1,70,545.

The 5-inch TFT display is paired with a new switch cube featuring four-way menu controls, allowing riders to access vehicle functions and connected features with ease. When paired via Bluetooth using the KTM My Ride app, the system enables turn-by-turn navigation, incoming call alerts, and music control, all displayed clearly on the TFT screen.

Navigation is handled through the KTM Connect app, which mirrors directions directly onto the instrument cluster, helping riders stay focused on the road. Bluetooth connectivity also allows riders to view and manage incoming calls, with the option to accept or decline using the handlebar switch. For safety reasons, outgoing calls and access to the phone’s contact list are disabled while riding.

With a compatible Bluetooth helmet headset paired, riders can also control music playback, switch tracks, and adjust volume directly from the left handlebar, with track information shown on the display.

Already a favourite among young riders, the KTM 160 Duke is known for its strong power-to-weight ratio and sharp street performance. This latest technology upgrade further enhances its appeal, making the 160 Duke a more connected and feature-rich option in the competitive entry-level performance motorcycle segment.

Remember the family car from twenty years ago? It got you from point A to point B. Maybe it had a CD player. That was about it. Today, stepping into a new vehicle feels different. It feels like entering a tech hub on wheels.

Modern cars are not just transportation. They have become intelligent companions. This shift is huge. It is not about one single gadget. It is about a complete technological revolution. Our vehicles are now smarter than ever. Let us explore the reasons why.

Photo by Vladimir Srajber

The Brain Behind the Beauty

Every modern car has a powerful computer. This is not your average laptop. It is a robust electronic control unit, or ECU. Some luxury models have over one hundred of these little brains.

They manage everything. They control the engine’s fuel mixture. They operate the advanced climate system. They even monitor tire pressure. This network of computers makes millions of calculations every second. It’s your car’s central nervous system. Without it, all the smart features would be impossible.

The Networked Machine

Connectivity is the real game-changer. Today’s cars are always online. A built-in 4G or 5G modem provides a constant data link. This enables so much. It allows for real-time traffic and navigation updates. It powers streaming music services without your phone. It also enables advanced remote features. You can check your vehicle's status from an app.

A service like On Star takes this further. It provides emergency help, remote diagnostics, and stolen vehicle assistance through that constant connection. Your car is no longer an island. It is part of the Internet of Things.

A Car That Listens and Talks

Voice assistants have moved from our kitchens into our cars. Systems like Google Assistant or Alexa are now common. You just speak naturally. Ask for directions to the nearest coffee shop. Tell the car to play your favorite podcast. Request a weather update for your destination.

The car hears you and obeys. This is not just a novelty. It is a major safety feature. You keep your hands on the wheel. Your eyes stay fixed on the road. The car handles the rest.

Eyes That Never Blink

Modern safety systems rely on a suite of sensors. Cameras watch the road. Radar sensors monitor blind spots. Ultrasonic sensors check for parking obstacles. This sensor fusion creates a 360-degree shield of awareness.

The car sees things you might miss. It can warn you about a cyclist in your blind spot. It can apply the brakes if a pedestrian steps out. These systems work together silently. They provide a superhuman level of situational awareness. This makes driving safer for everyone.

Learning Your Habits

New cars have a surprising trait. They get to know you. They learn your daily routines and preferences. Your vehicle might suggest your commute route every morning. It could automatically adjust the cabin temperature to your liking. The seat might move to your perfect position when you unlock the door.

This personalization happens through clever software. It uses data from your drives to make life easier. The car feels less like a machine. It feels more like a thoughtful partner.

Software That Evolves

This might be the smartest feature of all. Many cars now get over-the-air updates. Just like your smartphone. The manufacturer can send improvements directly to your vehicle. You might wake up to new features. Your map system could improve. Your battery management might get more efficient.

These updates happen wirelessly overnight. Your car improves over time. It does not become obsolete the moment you drive it off the lot. This changes the entire ownership experience.

Photo by Mladen Šćekić

The Ecosystem Effect

Smart vehicles do not operate alone. They plug into your digital life. They integrate with your smartphone seamlessly. They can connect to your smart home devices.

Imagine your car telling your house you are ten minutes away. The lights turn on. The thermostat adjusts. This level of integration is becoming common. The car is a key piece in a larger, smarter ecosystem. It works in harmony with the other technology in your life.

More Than Just a Ride

So, what is the big picture? Modern vehicles are smarter because they think, connect, and adapt. They process immense amounts of data. They communicate with the world around them. They learn to serve you better.

This intelligence transforms the driving experience. It makes journeys safer, more efficient, and far more convenient. The car is no longer a simple tool. It is an intelligent platform for modern life. And this is likely just the beginning.

Toyota has launched the sixth-generation RAV4 in Japan, introducing the SUV with a hybrid electric (HEV) powertrain and confirming a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version will follow within the current fiscal year ending March 2026. The new RAV4 also marks a major milestone for Toyota as the first model to use its Arene software development platform, laying the foundation for the brand’s software-defined vehicle (SDV) strategy.

Arene enables simultaneous over-the-air updates across multiple vehicle systems, allowing Toyota to enhance functionality and features over time. In Japan, the RAV4 is offered in Z and Adventure trims, priced at ¥4.9 million and ¥4.5 million respectively. A more performance-oriented GR Sport variant is scheduled to arrive within fiscal 2025, with Toyota targeting monthly sales of 3,000 units.

Power comes from a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired with electric motors, delivering a combined output of 177 kW (240 hp). The E-Four electric all-wheel-drive system can vary torque distribution between the front and rear axles from 100:0 to 20:80, depending on driving conditions.

Inside, the sixth-gen RAV4 features a 12.9-inch central display as standard, a colour head-up display, and Toyota’s new Electro-Shiftmatic gear selector. Safety tech has also been upgraded, with an expanded Toyota Safety Sense suite offering improved pre-collision detection and a new shoulder-stop function that can guide the vehicle safely to the roadside in the event of a driver emergency.

Stellantis has launched a European demonstration tour to highlight the potential of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) as a renewable fuel for existing diesel vehicles. Branded as the HVO Aurora Trial, the initiative uses a Citroën Berlingo and a Fiat Ducato to showcase how the fuel can be adopted without any vehicle modifications.

Conducted in partnership with French sensor specialist SP3H, the trial monitors fuel consumption and estimates carbon emissions in real time. Stellantis says all of its diesel passenger cars and light commercial vehicles are compatible with HVO, offering an immediate pathway to lower lifecycle carbon emissions for fleets and private owners alike.

HVO is produced from waste cooking oil and animal fats, making it a renewable alternative to conventional diesel. According to Stellantis, many Euro 5 and Euro 6 diesel vehicles already in use across Europe can also run on the fuel, widening its potential impact.

The project originated from Stellantis’ internal Start*Up programme, which encourages innovation driven by employees. SP3H’s smart sensor technology plays a key role in documenting and validating HVO usage during the tour.

The demonstration recently stopped at Stellantis’ Vigo production facility in Spain, where the Citroën Berlingo is built, and will continue through several other European cities. The data collected will be used to raise awareness and support the case for renewable fuels derived from waste as a practical, near-term solution for reducing emissions.

Accidents caused by defective products can be both shocking and overwhelming. Many people assume that if a product is sold on the market, it must be safe to use as intended.

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Unfortunately, manufacturing errors can lead to serious injuries and unexpected financial burdens. Some defects may even contribute to incidents such as rear-end crashes, when a faulty vehicle component fails at a critical moment.

When an injury occurs due to a manufacturing defect, pursuing compensation can be a complex process. Hiring a lawyer can help protect your rights and guide you through a challenging legal process.

1. Manufacturing Defect Cases Are Legally Complex

Manufacturing defect cases differ from typical accident claims. These cases often involve product liability laws, technical evidence, and multiple parties, such as manufacturers, distributors, or retailers.

A lawyer understands how these laws apply and can identify which party may be legally responsible for the defect. This legal knowledge is critical when navigating a complicated claim.

2. Identifying the Defect Requires Detailed Investigation

Proving a manufacturing defect is not always straightforward. It often requires showing that the product deviated from its intended design during production.

Lawyers work with engineers, safety experts, and investigators to examine the product, review manufacturing records, and determine how the defect occurred. This level of investigation is difficult to handle without legal support.

3. Preserving and Presenting Evidence Properly

Evidence plays a crucial role in manufacturing defect cases. The defective product itself, photographs, repair records, and medical documentation must be preserved and presented correctly.

A lawyer ensures that evidence is collected, stored, and documented in a way that meets legal standards. Proper handling of evidence strengthens the claim and reduces the risk of dismissal.

4. Dealing With Manufacturers and Insurance Companies

Manufacturers and their insurers often have legal teams working to limit liability. They may argue that the product was misused or that the defect did not cause the injury.

A lawyer manages all communication with these parties and responds to arguments on your behalf. This helps level the playing field and protects you from being pressured into an unfair settlement.

5. Accurately Valuing Your Claim

Manufacturing defect accidents can result in serious injuries, long-term medical care, lost income, and emotional distress. Calculating the full value of these damages requires careful evaluation.

A lawyer considers both current and future losses when valuing your claim. This helps ensure that any settlement or award reflects the true impact of the injury.

6. Preparing for Litigation if Necessary

While some manufacturing defect cases settle outside of court, others require litigation. Lawsuits against manufacturers often involve strict deadlines, detailed filings, and expert testimony.

A lawyer prepares your case for court from the beginning. Even if the case settles before trial, being prepared for litigation strengthens your negotiating position.

Common Types of Manufacturing Defect Accidents

Manufacturing defects can affect many types of products, including:

• Motor vehicles and vehicle components
• Medical devices
• Household appliances
• Industrial machinery
• Consumer electronics

When defects occur, the resulting injuries can be severe and life-changing.

Why Timing Matters in These Cases

Manufacturing defect claims are subject to statutes of limitations. Waiting too long to take action can limit or eliminate your ability to recover compensation.

A lawyer ensures that deadlines are met and that the case moves forward without unnecessary delays.

Conclusion

Manufacturing defect accidents can leave injured individuals facing physical pain, financial strain, and uncertainty about what to do next. These cases require careful investigation, strong evidence, and a clear understanding of product liability laws.

Hiring a lawyer provides guidance, protection, and advocacy throughout the legal process. With professional support, injured individuals are better positioned to pursue fair compensation and hold responsible parties accountable.

Key Takeaways

• Manufacturing defect cases involve complex product liability laws.
• Proving a defect often requires expert investigation.
• Proper evidence handling is essential for a strong claim.
• Manufacturers and insurers aggressively defend these cases.
• Legal representation improves the chances of fair compensation.

Cambridge has taken another step toward future-ready public transport with the launch of two 26-seat electric autonomous buses under the Connector trial. The self-driving buses now operate between the Trumpington and Babraham park and ride sites and the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, offering free rides to passengers from Monday to Friday.

The trial is being led by the Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) and aims to assess whether autonomous buses can be safely and effectively integrated into the city’s public transport network. The larger Connector buses build on the success of a smaller autonomous shuttle already operating in West Cambridge, which has carried more than 800 passengers and covered over 2,000 miles since its launch in June.

The new vehicles are Enviro100AEV electric buses manufactured by Alexander Dennis and fitted with an SAE Level 4 automated driving system developed by Fusion Processing. The model recently received industry recognition, winning Vehicle of the Year at the Self-Driving Industry Awards 2025.

While the buses are capable of autonomous operation, trained safety drivers remain on board at all times during the trial. The project is supported by UK Government funding through the CAM Pathfinder Programme, which is focused on advancing connected and autonomous mobility solutions.

The Connector trial will provide valuable real-world data on passenger acceptance, safety and operational performance, helping shape decisions on the future role of self-driving electric buses in Cambridge’s transport ecosystem.