BERLIN – Vehicle connectivity, automated driving and advances in artificial intelligence are hotly debated topics for AutoTech Europe 2023 delegates.
During a panel discussion, Lobna Karoui, ADAS, director of security and emerging services at Stellantis, highlights the importance of these three areas for the multi-brand automaker, saying: “In such a large group, we have a huge space to explore and exploit. AI. We acquired aiMotive for our automated driving capability – we are currently at level 2 plus but intend to move to level 3 as soon as possible.
“This is where people will start to think about how they can entertain themselves in an automated mode. ADAS also uses AI to enhance our functionality and put it to work for our customers in lane assist and adaptive cruise control features and you will see the proliferation of technology in our vehicles.
In the auto insurance space, AI is already making great strides, says Tariq Hafeez, co-founder and president of LegalEase Solutions LLC.
“In insurance, we’re now looking at machine learning using AI to ask, ‘How much is a claim worth?’ “, explains Hafeez. “As we see the proliferation of software-built vehicles, such as SDV, AI has the potential to nip claims in the bud before a company starts wasting money on they. For example, for an automaker client, by predicting the outcome from the start, we saved approximately 80% of potential legal fees.
However, the panel acknowledges that the rampant use of AI poses challenges. Peter J. Laszkowicz, emerging technology advisor at Futurice, gives this stark warning to the auto industry: “There are two rules I follow when developing new technology applications: first, build them offline and, second, don’t not build them offline. rely on a single source, such as an open source like OpenAI. These are exactly the rules that the automobile industry is currently breaking!
“You need a code of conduct before you even start working with AI, and we also need to trust in unbiased models to apply to the development of the technology,” he says. “It’s just like the original cars. They were dangerous to drive. This is why regulations have been adopted to improve the product.
Updates in the ongoing journey of consumer-focused subscription services enter the debate during a panel discussion titled “The Market Value of Subscription Services One Year Later.”.» Scott Lyons, founder of the MakeItDriveable program for Ford of Europe, provides insight into how the automaker’s models work for its customers.
“Many popular trends have been rejected and some haven’t worked, like smart mobility or even autonomous driving,” Lyons says. “Still, the BlueCruise semi-autonomous cruise control sells to a lot of people because the consumer value is there. This is proving very popular. However, there is still a lot of work to be done to improve the service through regular OTAs.
“Today, the industry is evolving with the realization that we no longer make cars. What should we charge and what should we offer, like heated seats? » he asks, referring to BMW’s failed attempt to charge for this basic equipment. “The industry has always oscillated between boom and bust because the cost of a vehicle represents a very large commitment. Thus, in lean periods, it is income from services that will stabilize the industry. As vehicle users ourselves, we have to ask ourselves if we would pay for a service and sometimes it will be “Hell no!” »
Consumer experience is highlighted in the presentation “User data – the gold rush”. Chris Fogelklou, head of connected experience remote capabilities at Polestar, is inventing a new approach called Lean UX.
“It looks at what’s being used and ignores every other possible feature to focus on those to make them work perfectly,” says Fogelklou. “You need to have a platform for testing Lean UX so that it can be used after the product launch, because you need something to play with.”
He laments the fact that so many automakers collect user data differently, saying collaboration in this area would improve efficiency for everyone. Fogelklou adds: “I hope it happens, but we need to convince the ‘higher-ups’ that it would be a good idea without compromising people’s privacy.” Standards for digital keys and plugins have been put in place, so it is possible that data collection will also become a standard.
Finally, mobility and its relationship to connected and potentially automated vehicles was discussed in a fireside chat titled “The Realism Phase of Mobility” with David Wong, Head of Technology and Innovation at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders of the United Kingdom.
Clearly, the title gives an indication that automated driving is still mired in uncertainty with the latest woes faced by General Motors’ Cruise service now suspended at all levels, including those operated manually by human drivers. Wong nevertheless highlights areas where technology is advancing, such as in closed industrial environments.
“This area also covers goods transported by driverless delivery vehicles, some of which can be used in agriculture, mining and even in factories already operating in Australia,” he explains.
He points to some success with the adoption of battery electric vehicles. but is sparking heated debate with the public over fines the UK government will impose on car manufacturers next year if they do not sell more than 22% of their production as zero-emission products. The fines faced by mass producers will amount to £15,000 ($18,636) per vehicle sold on the market that year, which could amount to a multi-million dollar penalty.
Acknowledging the threat, Wong says: “We have asked the UK government how to support the new car market for private owners, as it is now capped at 16% of vehicle sales. Sales to commercial users account for 25% of all BEVs sold, as they benefit from special incentives not enjoyed by private buyers. So we want the government to reintroduce incentives for purchasing these cars, because the adoption of BEVs must be fair for everyone.
