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Future mobility Tag

Tata Motors Steps onto the Future Mobility Scene with TAMO

Tata Motors has demonstrated its desire to become – as they call it, ‘FutuReady’- with their new TAMO future mobilities project. An abbreviated variation of the Tata Motors name, TAMO will be a sub-brand that sets itself apart from the traditional passenger vehicle strategies of the main brand. For now, TAMO will be more of an incubation center than full-on commercial venture. It has been introduced as a low volume, low investment initiative that will act as an open platform to connect with the activities of global startups and established tech companies. The platform will allow TAMO access to the latest trends and products that are being researched and designed, bringing India into the foray of future mobility innovations and solutions.

Guenter Butschek, MD & CEO of Tata Motors is quoted as saying, “Our game plan addresses six themes – topline improvement, cost management, structural improvements, customer centricity, new mobility solutions and organizational effectiveness. To secure our future in a rapidly changing environment, the advanced mobility solutions space is of utmost importance.”

As part of its efforts to become an important player in the future mobility scene the company is even rumored to be planning on opening offices in Silicon Valley. This strategic move will bring it closer and quicker to being able to tap the fast flow of ideas coming out of the famous tech hub. The value of creating a more digital ecosystem through TAMO, which better reflects the ever increasing digital experience of our everyday lives, is most likely not lost on Tata Motors. The company is definitely on the move to boost the whole brand and has expressed its aim to become one of the Top 3 producers of passenger vehicles by 2019.

What’s in the works?

Although the company has been slowly revealing its plans for TAMO via its Twitter and other social media channels, no one knows exactly what’s in store. Luckily we won’t have to hold on to our curiosity for too long as its debut is just around the corner. All eyes will be focused on Tata Motors on March 7, 2017, at the Geneva International Motor Show where the premiere TAMO product will be premiered. So far all hints indicate that the first project will reveal a two-seater, mid-engine sports car that is, at least internally, being referred to as ‘Futuro’.

You can find out more by clicking here 

Microsoft Connect Vehicle Platform Making Digital Driving Dreams Come True

As the Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show (CES) wrapped up Microsoft took the opportunity to announce their new project the Microsoft Connect Vehicle Platform. Not an operating system, the platform makes use of Microsoft Azure cloud services to help auto manufacturers further innovations in connected driving. The initiative is dedicated to addressing the priorities and possibilities of connected mobility and hopes to facilitate car makers reach towards autonomous driving.

 

Microsoft hopes to empower the automotive industry with the Microsoft Connect Vehicle Platform. It allows brands to create and deliver more differentiated and customized driving experiences to consumers, who then get to benefit from these smart technologies. Using the Microsoft Azure cloud as its foundation the platform endeavors to work on the following key areas:

  • Telematics and predictive services: Use vehicle data insights to prevent downtime, alert driver to warranty and recall issues, and offer new services that will improve experience.
  • Customer insights and engagement: Connect the digital life of driver across channels.
  • Improved in-car productivity and digital life: Optimize customer experience while reducing driver distractions and safety hazards.
  • Advanced navigation: Combine navigation data from multiple sources and user data to provide personalized, dynamic location-based services.
  • Connected Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): Optimize safety and vehicle performance, and deliver real-time information to driver.

Why drive connected?

Cars are already seen by many as a way to make life easier and connected cars offer the chance for even more comforts and convenience. Besides increased safety, a connected car can help increase everyday efficiency. A connect driving experience provides a seamless link between our digital lives and mobility needs.  Connected drivers will have access to programs like Office 365, Dynamics, Power BI, Skype for Business, Microsoft Cortana and more. In addition to assisting with personal tasks like navigating to desired destinations, alerting drivers to maintenance issues or booking appointments and setting reminders, these intelligent services can offer greater business productivity as well.

Who’s already on taking off on the road towards connectivity?

Microsoft is not aiming to build its own connected car but rather partner with automakers and give them the tools to create their own brand-oriented connected mobility solutions. So far Renault-Nissan are already on board and have officially stated that Microsoft Connected Vehicle Platform will be part of its next-generation of connected vehicles. The cars will feature advanced navigation and predictive maintenance capabilities. Volvo will introduce Skype for Business into its latest 90 Series vehicles and BMW is also working with Microsoft. At CES the brand presented its vision of using Microsoft Cortana voice-control systems, available already on PCs and smartphones, into BMW cars as well.

Check out the video to learn more about the Microsoft Connected Vehicle Platform:

Jaguar I-Pace key facts

The hottest news in the auto world today comes from British luxury brand Jaguar. They have unveiled the plans for their new concept car, the I-PACE, which is a fully electric five-seater managing to be both a high performance vehicle and a family SUV at once. The move is widely regarded as a firing shot in the direction of Tesla’s Model X, which to this point has dominated the high-end electric SUV market.

[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=“13″ gal_title=“Jaguar I-Pace“]

The Jaguar I-Pace: the Hard Facts

  • 500km range on the NEDC cycle
  • 80% charge in just 90 minutes using 50kW DC charging
  • 0-60mph in around 4 seconds
  • Two, super-intuitive touchscreens
  • 700Nm of instant torque
  • Zero tailpipe emissions

 

A New Design to Fit New Technology

Ian Callum, Jaguar’s Director of Design, has celebrated the task of creating a purely electric vehicle, citing the new and dramatic design opportunities it offers as inspiring. With an incredibly compact flat Lithium-ion battery that is positioned low and right between the axles, not only does the vehicle’s centre of gravity drop and improve agility but there is simply a huge amount more space to play with.

Despite beginning the project with a blank sheet of paper, Callum has also expressed surprise at ‘how readily this type of vehicle took to being a Jaguar.’ And the I-Pace certainly does look like a Jaguar: clean lines, high attention to aerodynamics, a beautifully finished interior that proudly wears its British craftsmanship and an astonishing level of practicality and space. ‘Proportion, balance and stance’; these three integral factors of any Jaguar design can be found here by the bucket load.

Interior view of the I-Pace

Looking Forward

Jaguar are currently releasing the news of the I-Pace as a concept, but are expecting to roll something near-identical off the production line in 2018. If the rumours are true the price of the vehicle will be at a relative snip to its greatest competitor the Model X and make the vehicle a serious aggressor in the luxury SUV market.

All images courtesy of Jaguar Land Rover