The company said that designers can leverage publicly available text-to-image generative AI tools as an early step in their creative process…reports Asian Lite News
Japanese automotive giant Toyota has started to research AI-based car design using the generative artificial intelligence technique developed by the Toyota Research Institute (TRI).
The company said that designers can leverage publicly available text-to-image generative AI tools as an early step in their creative process.
Using TRI’s new technique, designers can add initial design sketches and engineering constraints into this process, cutting down the iterations needed to reconcile design and engineering considerations.
“Generative AI tools are often used as inspiration for designers, but cannot handle the complex engineering and safety considerations that go into actual car design,” Avinash Balachandran, director of TRI’s Human Interactive Driving (HID) Division, whose team worked on the technology, said in a statement.
“This technique combines Toyota’s traditional engineering strengths with the state-of-the-art capabilities of modern generative AI,” he added.
In an example given by the company, a designer can request, via text prompt, a suite of designs based on an initial prototype sketch with specific stylistic properties like “sleek,” “SUV-like,” and “modern” while also optimising a quantitative performance metric.
The team concentrated on aerodynamic drag in their research paper. The method can also be used to optimise any other performance metrics or constraints derived from a design image.
Meanwhile, Toyota is planning an EV (electric vehicle) powered by a solid-state battery that would have a range of nearly 1,200 km (750 miles) and a charge time of only 10 minutes.
Elon Musk-run Tesla Superchargers give about 200 miles of charge in 15 minutes.
The two to three-year commitment of leasing puts you in the driver’s seat of the safest, most fuel-efficient, and up-to-date vehicles…reports Aman Naagar
When it comes to acquiring a new vehicle, the decision to buy or lease can be a challenging one. Both buying and leasing a car have their own merits and drawbacks, which is why it is important to thoroughly research and compare different offers from dealerships or financial institutions to ensure you get the best possible deal.
Flexibility, convenience, and style
One of the primary benefits of leasing is the flexibility it provides. When you choose to lease a car, you are making a short-term commitment of two to three years, allowing you to enjoy a new vehicle without the burden of long-term ownership and the paperwork associated with buying, selling, and registering the vehicle.
This flexibility is particularly beneficial for those who prefer to change their cars frequently or need a vehicle for a shorter period, thus allowing them to adapt to their evolving needs and circumstances without the hassle of selling or trading in a vehicle.
Another compelling advantage of leasing is the ability to drive the latest models. Let’s face it, technology and design in the automotive industry are evolving rapidly. Buying a car may leave you committed to a specific model for a longer period, potentially missing out on the latest features and advancements.
The two to three-year commitment of leasing puts you in the driver’s seat of the safest, most fuel-efficient, and up-to-date vehicles.
The Pocket-friendly ride
Leasing offers several financial benefits. The upfront costs are lower compared to the size of a down payment required to buy a vehicle, and the monthly payments are likely to be lower too. These can favor budget-conscious individuals as well as free up capital for other important investments or unexpected expenses.
A further financial benefit is that you aren’t at risk of having to cover the cost of a depreciating vehicle. When buying a car, it begins to depreciate in value the moment you drive it off the lot. However, when you lease, you are not responsible for the future value of the car. You can simply return it at the end of the lease term and choose a new model to lease.
Leasing also provides benefits in terms of maintenance and repairs. When you own a car, you are responsible for all the maintenance and repair costs. This can be a significant financial burden, especially when unexpected issues arise. In contrast, when you lease a car, it is typically covered by the manufacturer’s warranty for the duration of the lease. This means that you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing that major repairs will be taken care of, saving you money and hassle.
The thrill of ownership
The list of benefits of leasing a vehicle may be exhaustive, but there are chances that it may not suit your requirements or preferences. If that is the case, buying a car may be the way to go for you.
One of the most significant advantages of buying a car is knowing that it is truly yours. You have the freedom to personalize and modify the vehicle to your liking, enhancing the driving experience and expressing your individuality. Whether it’s installing a new audio system, upgrading the interior, or adding custom accessories, buying allows you the creative freedom to make the car truly your own, without restrictions or penalties relating to mileage or the condition of the vehicle.
This emotional attachment and pride of ownership cannot be replicated through leasing, where you are essentially borrowing someone else’s asset for a pre-determined period.
While both leasing and buying come with their own sets of benefits, the choice between the two should solely depend upon which option matches your requirements and financial conditions the best.
Whichever way you choose to go, there is one thing that you will be sure of – there is nothing better than the thrill of being in the driver’s seat of a smooth and reliable ride.
Car crashes into Downing Street gates, driver held
The suspect, who is yet to be identified, was driving a silver hatchback. The police said that there are no reports of any injuries, and inquiries are ongoing…reports Asian Lite News
A car crashed into the gates outside Downing Street, which houses the London residences and offices of the Prime Minister (No. 10) and the Chancellor of the Exchequer (No. 11), on Thursday, and its driver has been arrested, the police said.
“At around 16:20 hrs (local time), a car collided with the gates of Downing Street on Whitehall. Armed officers arrested a man at the scene on suspicion of criminal damage and dangerous driving,” the City of Westminster Police said in a tweet.
The suspect, who is yet to be identified, was driving a silver hatchback. The police said that there are no reports of any injuries, and inquiries are ongoing.
As per reports, Whitehall – the main road running past Downing Street – has been closed by the police as a precautionary measure.
Aggarwal added that Ola Electric is also planning to launch a lower-priced Ola S1 scooter later this year…reports Asian Lite News
Betting big on autonomous mobility, Ola Founder and CEO Bhavish Aggarwal said on Saturday that Ola Electric has started testing an autonomous vehicle which it will launch in the global market in about two years’ time.
Speaking to reporters at Ola FutureFactory in Krishnagiri district in Tamil Nadu, Aggarwal said that Ola will look forward to launching a car with indigenously-developed autonomous technology that will be a mass-level vehicle.
“Ola Electric began testing an autonomous vehicle nearly six months ago and will launch it in global markets by late 2023 or early 2024,” he said.
According to him, Ola Electric will aim to launch a car for around Rs 10 lakh so that more people can afford it.
At its 500-acre electric two-wheeler manufacturing facility at Pochampalli town in Tamil Nadu, the company also showcased a self-driving cart that uses LiDAR, short for light detection and ranging technology, which will be exported to other countries. The cart can be used in hospitals, malls, offices and public places.
Aggarwal added that Ola Electric is also planning to launch a lower-priced Ola S1 scooter later this year.
He had earlier said that the company may recall a few batches of electric scooters if they are found faulty.
EV6 has a winning combination of a long-distance real-world driving range with ultra-fast charging technology…reports Asian Lite News
The all-new Kia EV6 has been named the 2022 Car of the Year in the prestigious European Car of the Year (COTY) awards. The innovative all-electric crossover was voted the overall winner by a 61-strong jury consisting of highly respected motoring journalists from 23 European countries.
The Kia EV6 was initially listed for consideration for the top award alongside over sixty models that launched during 2021. In November, the COTY jury whittled this longlist down to a seven-strong shortlist, six of which were electric vehicles (EVs), further demonstrating the growing importance of electric vehicles to consumers as society transitions towards a new mobility future.
From making the shortlist, the EV6 successfully fought off competition from the Hyundai IONIQ 5, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Škoda Enyaq iV, Cupra Born, Renault Mégane E-Tech and Peugeot 308 to be crowned 2022 European Car of the Year.
Jason Jeong, President at Kia Europe, commented: “It’s a great honour to have won the 2022 European Car of the Year with the EV6, the first ever Kia to win this prestigious award. The EV6 is truly a landmark development that’s been designed from the outset to make electric mobility fun, convenient and accessible by combining a highly impressive real-world driving range, ultra-fast charging capabilities, a spacious high-tech interior and a truly rewarding driving experience. The EV6 is an exciting sign of what’s still to come in our evolving electrified line-up.”
Dedicated platform
The EV6 is Kia’s first dedicated EV to be based on the company’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). This high-tech architecture ensures the EV6 eliminates the many compromises faced by EVs that are created on platforms initially designed to accommodate internal combustion engine vehicles. As a result of its E-GMP underpinnings, the EV6 has a class-leading interior space, a highly impressive 528km driving range and 800V ultra-fast charging capabilities that enables customers to carry out a 10 to 80 percent charge in just 18 minutes.
Signifying its high-tech positioning, the EV6 was the first global model to incorporate Kia’s new design philosophy ‘Opposites United’ which takes inspiration from the contrasts found in nature and humanity. At the center of the design philosophy is a new visual identity evoking positive forces and natural energy, with contrasting combinations of sharp stylistic elements and sculptural shapes.
The 2022 European Car of the Year award is the latest in a growing number of globally renowned awards bestowed on the EV6 since its introduction last year. Other titles recently claimed include: 2022 Irish Car of the Year; 2022 What Car? ‘Car of the Year’; ‘Crossover of the Year’ at the TopGear.com 2021 awards; ‘Premium’ winner in the German Car of the Year 2022 awards; and joint winner of the inaugural ‘Best Cars of the Year’ 2021/2022 awards.
The EV6 is the first of seven dedicated EV models Kia plans to launch by 2026. The all-electric crossover will play a key role in the company’s plans to become a leading global sustainable mobility solutions provider.
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awards Kia with eight TSP+ and TSP awards when equipped with optional front crash prevention and specific headlights…reports Asian Lite News
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has recognized eight Kia vehicles on its 2022 TOP SAFETY PICK and TOP SAFETY PICK+ awards list. The Kia Telluride, Sorento, Seltos, Carnival built after March 2021 (with specific headlights), Sportage and Soul (with optional front crash prevention and specific headlights) all received TSP awards. Kia K5 and Stinger qualified as TSP+ winners.
Yaser Shabsogh, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East and Africa, Kia Corporation commented: “As Kia makes tremendous strides towards innovation with our line-up of vehicles, passenger safety remains our upmost priority. These eight TOP SAFETY PICK and TOP SAFETY PICK+ awards from IIHS are a testament to our commitment on delivering the highest standard of safety and quality for our customers.”
The IIHS judging process recognizes TSP winners that earn ‘Good’ ratings in six crashworthiness tests: driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, original side, roof strength, and head restraint. In addition, TSP winners earn ‘Advanced’ or ‘Superior’ ratings for vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention tests. The vehicle must also have at least one available headlight system that earns a ‘Good’ or ‘Acceptable’ rating. For the TSP+ designation, the ‘Good’ or ‘Acceptable’ headlight system must be standard equipment.
Besides exports, the other driver for demand, according to Srivastava, will come from the high Capex announced in the Union Budget FY23…reports Asian Lite News
Automobile major Maruti Suzuki is on course to become the largest car exporter from India in FY22.
The feat has been achieved after a gap of 11 years with new Baleno leading the pack.
The automaker exported 205,450 units in the calendar year 2021.
In a conversation with IANS, Maruti Suzuki India’s Senior Executive Director, Sales and Marketing, Shashank Srivastava said the company already shipped out almost 206,000 units to foreign markets in calendar year 2021.
“This financial year also we should be doing something like 220,000 units. Maruti is now the largest exporter of cars in India,” he said.
Besides exports, the other driver for demand, according to Srivastava, will come from the high Capex announced in the Union Budget FY23.
“There is no doubt that increased Capex capital will ultimately benefit the industry.”
Furthermore, the re-opening of contact intensive sectors such as education is also expected to give demand a push, he said.
“A lot of the demand should come back from the reopening of institutions across the country.”
“Once the normalcy starts returning… it is expected to help us get back to the normal economy.”
On the pandemic induced rise in automobile sales trend, he said that the shift to personal mobility will continue for some more time.
“When the pandemic began, it was expected that car demand will come down but it has been the opposite of that. It has done better than the expectation even with the loss of income levels and the disruption that we saw in the last two years.”
“Going forward, the expectation is that the shift to personal mobility will continue for some more time. The pandemic may go away but the fear might still linger on.”
In addition, the company plans to launch a slew of new as well upgraded products in the market.
It recently opened the bookings for its new generation Baleno.
The RS3 was showcased at the Flat 12 Café in Dubai along with other Audi Sport models…reports Asian Lite News
Audi Middle East, along with its partner in Dubai and the Norther Emirates, Al Nabooda Automobiles, showcased their latest premium sports car, the all-new Audi RS3 exclusively in Dubai, two months ahead of its official market introduction. The legendary five-cylinder was on display at popular cars and coffee stop, Flat 12 Café, in an experience open to the all-automotive enthusiasts.
Audi RS3 at Flat 12
From 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, up to 290 km/h top speed, with RS torque splitter, semi slicks and specific RS driving modes, the new Audi RS3 offers driving dynamics of the highest calibre and the best numbers in its segment. Equipped with a 294 kW (400 HP) five-cylinder, the high-performance engine delivers rapid acceleration with an intoxicating sound. The power unit now delivers 500 Nm of torque and responds even faster than previous models. Visually, the RS3 demonstrates its sporty DNA with a widened body, RS sports exhaust system, and cockpit displays comparable to those found in race cars.
The RS3’s appearance in Dubai strategically coincided with the dominating Audi Sport win at the Hankook 24h Dubai race, which took place at the Dubai Autodrome track over the weekend. Fans and enthusiasts alike were treated to a week-long Audi Sport showcase with the RS3 as the centre-piece for all to enjoy.
Audi Sport Line Up
“Progress has taken on a new shape with the Audi RS3 here in Dubai. The RS3 delivers exceptional performance in its segment, equipped with a five-cylinder engine and RS-specific interior and exterior design details, offering customers an exciting entry point into the Audi Sport lineup.
This is a car for the enthusiasts and we are lucky to have showcased it in a region where car culture is at an all-time high, “said Elmir Arnautovic, Marketing Director at Audi Middle East.
The all-new RS 3 is available in sedan and sportback variants and in different trim levels, allowing customers to choose a version that reflects individual styling, driving experience and equipment level. Customers can now pre-order the vehicle in Dubai.
Kia to continue long standing partnership with Australian Open as the Major Partner since 2002…reports Asian Lite News
Kia Corporation will support the Australian Open 2022 (AO22) – the prestigious tennis Grand Slam event of the Asia-Pacific region – with a series of marketing activities that highlight the company’s vision for and commitment to sustainable mobility.
As the Major Partner of AO22, Kia on January 13 held an official vehicle handover ceremony at the newly christened Kia Arena in Melbourne Park, attended by Kia and Tennis Australia executives, former Australian Open champion Rafael Nadal and wheelchair tennis champion Dylan Alcott.
Kia presented a fleet of 130 vehicles to tournament officials comprised of the popular Sportage SUV, Carnival MPV and EV6 fully electric crossover. The vehicles will transport players, match officials and VIPs in comfort and safety around Melbourne Park during the Open from January 17-30.
“As the major partner of the Australian Open for over two decades, we look forward to deepening our engagement with millions of fans around the world, while cementing the status of the Australian Open as one of the world’s most exciting sporting events,” said Artur Martins, Head of Kia’s Global Brand and Customer Experience.
Kia Arena
“In line with our commitment to spurring innovation that is inspired by nature, we are pleased to work with Tennis Australia and fans to help preserve oceanic environments around the globe through our ‘Aces for Oceans’ campaign. With each ace served during the AO and fans’ online participation, Kia will assist those aspiring to reach their tennis dreams by donating tennis equipment made with recycled waste materials to the Australian Tennis Foundation,” he added.
A key development for AO22 is the inauguration of Kia Arena, a 5,000-seat capacity stadium that will host tournament matches. Kia Arena is the fourth-largest Australian Open stadium at Melbourne Park and was constructed ahead of the 2022 event. It will also be utilized as a venue for diverse cultural, sports and entertainment programs outside of the tournament schedule.
Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley praised the two-decade-long partnership between Kia and the AO.
CRAIG TILEY, AUSTRALIA OPEN TOURNAMENT, DIRECTOR: “The partnership between Kia and the Australian Open is one of the longest in Australian sport and we value and respect this unique relationship that has helped us grow the AO into the premium global sports and entertainment event that it is today. The Kia fleet, which includes the new all-electric vehicles for 2022, has become an iconic symbol of the AO, with the smartly branded AO Kia cars zipping around the city and keeping the AO on the move. It’s also a testament to our strong relationship that we are standing here beside Kia Arena, a year-round symbol of the friendship between Kia and the AO at Melbourne Park.”
Aside from these events and developments, Kia will operate an EV6 exhibition booth and diverse marketing activities featuring engaging digital contents. As the exclusive major partner of the Australian Open since 2002, Kia will continue to offer innovative brand-related experiences to customers around the world, leveraging the various synergies created from the Australian Open.
Kia EV6 and Carnival MPV win prestigious 2021 Good Design awards
Awards recognize Kia’s commitment to ‘superior design, innovation and unparalleled function’…reports Asian Lite News
Kia has been awarded two prestigious design awards for two of its latest models, with the Kia EV6 electric crossover and fourth-generation Kia Carnival MPV taking top honors in the ‘Transportation’ category in the annual GOOD DESIGN Awards.
The all-new EV6 is Kia’s first dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV), and is the first Kia to be based on the brand’s new Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), delivering a highly impressive 528km real-world driving range and ultra-fast recharging capabilities.
EV6_Exterior
The EV6’s bold conceptual styling incorporates Kia’s highly acclaimed new design philosophy ‘Opposites United’, which takes inspiration from the contrasts found in nature and humanity. Key exterior highlights include sleek daytime running lights that form part of the car’s ‘Digital Tiger Face’, a contemporary and aerodynamic side profile, and a bold crossover-inspired silhouette. The interior benefits from the E-GMP platform, which facilitates a high-tech, spacious and welcoming environment.
The all-new Kia Carnival MPV, penned at Kia’s California design studio, wears a bold and boxy appearance that conveys the visual language found on the brand’s highly successful line-up of rugged SUVs, including the Telluride, Sorento, and Seltos. Dramatic lines adorn the hood that help to enhance the vehicle’s aggressive character, while the well-defined wheelarches provide a sense of volume to the Carnival’s side profile. The three-row interior, available in seven- or eight-seat configurations, offers a premium and flexible layout resulting in best-in-class passenger and cargo room.
KARIM HABIB, HEAD OF KIA DESIGN CENTER: “Securing these GOOD DESIGN awards is an endorsement of the approach we took with the styling of the Kia EV6 and Kia Carnival, and is a tribute to the collaborative efforts of our talented international design team. It truly has been a pivotal year for us; we launched our brand new design philosophy ‘Opposites United’, the ethos of which is already transforming our cars, and we are determined to ensure Kia keeps challenging the boundaries of automotive design.”
The two accolades are the latest in a string of design awards handed to Kia by the GOOD DESIGN jury in recent years, acknowledging the integrity of the brand’s evolving design ethos. Just last year, the panel awarded the third-generation Kia K5 sedan and the fourth-generation Kia Sorento SUV with the same honor. Prior to this, previous iterations of the K5 and Sorento have been awarded GOOD DESIGN awards, alongside models including the Telluride SUV and the Soul crossover.
First held in 1950, GOOD DESIGN is one of the oldest design competitions in the world, organized by Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies. Each year the judging panel select products and industry leaders from over 50 countries that have chartered new directions for ‘innovation, sustainability, superior design, and unparalleled function’.
Kia EV6 and Carnival MPV win prestigious 2021 Good Design awards
