Uber now has its own mapping cars

Uber’s latest ambitions include entering the autonomous driving space and improving data routing collection. They’re taking steps for both with its new mapping efforts. Uber mapping vehicles have been already been spotted in the US. The company may have missed out on buying Nokia’s HERE mapping service but they acquired Bing’s mapping assets and its team members. And this acquisition is helping them work on improving ETAs and boost routing technology within the driver’s app. Right now they make use of a combination of Google Maps and a proprietary routing algorithm.

Another reason for the ramped up mapping efforts is to support Uber’s bid into the autonomous car space. There are fleets of mapping vehicles near Uber’s Advanced Technology Centers at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh and near the University of Arizona that make use of the company’s proprietary technology to capture images for routing and safety needs of its autonomous cars.

Source: BuzzFeed | Via: Android Central

Toyota to release special edition Prius c, limited to 1,500 units

There will only be 1,500 units of the special edition Prius c hybrid called the Prius c Persona Series. It’ll come in two versions that offer the same specs but come with different trim colours. The main body colour of this electric vehicle will be black and buyers have the option to get it either in Electric Lime or Cherry Pearl. The colours run through the lower front grille, under the headlights, on the trim near the side windows, and the mirrors.

This Prius c Persona line will don Persona series badges and have 15-inch black alloy wheels. Prius c vehicles come in a numbered grade scale and this model is built on grade Two, meaning it gets fabric-trimmed two-tone seats; 6-way adjustable driver’s seat; 60/40 split fold-down rear seats; cruise control; cargo area cover; and engine immobilizer. Fuel economy of this EV is rated for 53mpg in the city. It’s equipped with a 1.5L four-cylinder engine with 73hp and 82 lb-ft of torque. This is paired with an electric motor and battery system, which if combined outputs total of 99hp. Under EV mode it can run solely on electric power for under a mile while remaining below 25mph. Toyota hasn’t said yet how much the special edition will cost but it will come out in the US in December.

Source: Toyota | Via: SlashGear 

Hands on with Apple CarPlay on the 2016 Chevrolet Volt

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Scott, Quebec - Part of Chevy's technology push with their new models, most specially the upcoming 2016 Chevy Volt, is the inclusion of onboard 4G-LTE as well as smart infotainment connectivity with Apple's CarPlay as standard features.

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Volvo renews commitment to hybrid and EV options

Known for safety, comfort and performance, Volvo is going to be synonymous with electric hybrid vehicles. The company is committed to hybrids and will include a plug-in option for each of its models going forward. The end game is a fully-electric car by 2019.

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