This week’s most impactful OEM headlines, including:
- Toyota spends $50 million to accelerate self-driving car program
Toyota wants to accelerate the process of a self-driving car program and is spending $50 million dollars over the next five years to make sure it happens. The company will have joint research facilities at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) and Stanford University, working with a team of professors with robotics, engineering, and artificial intelligence degrees. The head of Toyota’s research and development group says the focus of the new research will center on “helping eliminate traffic casualties.” - Fiat Chrysler CEO says merger with GM ‘a high priority’
FCA boss Sergio Marchionne’s new top priority? Seeking out a merger with GM. According to Fortune, Marchionne, who is working to reduce the number of players in the industry, says this is the best strategic option for its U.S. rival. While he’s at it, Marchionne is also hoping to build cars that are more green and more intelligent. - Jaguar extends free maintenance to entire price-reduced lineup
Luxury car maker Jaguar made an announcement that got a lot of people’s attention. Jaguar is extending its free maintenance program across its entire 2016-2017 lineup, and also lowering prices across the board. The automaker says its EliteCar program will now come standard with every 2016 model moving forward. The coverage includes a five-year/60,000-mile limited warranty, complimentary scheduled maintenance, and a suite of connected services, including Jaguar InControl Remote & Protect and 24/7 roadside assistance. - BMW aims to redefine “the ultimate driving machine”
The new question that is facing BMW: how can we make hybrids, battery cars, and autonomous vehicles fit the brand? The Detroit Bureau says the brand’s sixth-generation 7-Series sedan comes as close to hands-free driving as anything on the road, and company officials say they are ready to push things further as soon as they get the ok from regulators.
