By
A collection of curated stories from client industries, CX and global trends that grab our attention.
While I’m excited to talk about the immediate news at the start of the new year from CES, I must give the month of December its due and share with you all the important trends that closed out the year. After all, they’re indicators of what could be major themes for the EV industry in 2022 and beyond.
Vehicles Only Live Twice
One trend I noticed that hasn’t been discussed here yet is that OEMs are placing high value on value chains outside the general procurement/production/marketing and servicing cycle of their automobiles. Things like battery recycling and identifying a “second life” for past materials is equally important as automakers strive to position EVs not only as the future, but themselves as good stewards of our environment. Here’s what a couple of OEMs are doing about it now:
- GM to teach old cars new tricks: This year, General Motors aims to create an aftermarket package to allow older vehicles, such as the 1972 El Camino SS, to replace their internal combustion systems with an electric propulsion system. This move comes at a time where the OEM is considering electrifying industry-grade vehicles in marine, on-road and off-road settings. Here are the details straight from GM Powered Solutions.
- Nissan battery recycling by 2025: The Japanese automaker recently announced plans to open battery recycling factories in America and Europe by the end of 2025. Its goal: Lower production costs in the face of rising material and processing costs. But where exactly will these centers be built?
Smart Software a CX Must
Back in September 2021, GM announced a massive software update initiative, and other automakers like Volkswagen and Stellantis are making upgrades of their own. This means on-air software updates in real time as well as connected car services aimed at improving driver and passenger experience. Augmented reality windshields, autonomous driving and other AI wonders abound in this news roundup!
- VW probing third-party software solutions: Volkswagen has been in early talks with Continental AG, Robert Bosch GmbH and others to determine right-fit solutions to aid its standalone software branch, Cariad. While nothing is set in stone yet, these talks are a welcome boon for the division, as the software market is rapidly becoming the next battleground for OEMs seeking to diversify their supply chain, and the competitive edge such third parties can bring cannot be understated.
- Speed. Savant. Stellantis.: Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares recently stated that their group is seeking new revenue opportunities in order to transition the company into a “sustainable mobility tech company,” with internet-woven AI services front and center of this shift. This news comes at a time when the Europe-based automaker announced its software strategy aimed at putting hands-free Level 3 autonomous driving capability on the road by 2024.
- AR display a go for Karma: WayRay True Augmented Reality (True AR) and Deep Reality Display® technology is coming to Karma Automotive windshields soon. Announced on December 14, this new partnership means drivers don’t have to take their eyes off the road for relevant info, alerts and points of interest as they travel. This article further details the technological hows and whys of this wondrous technology.
- Jeeps & Rams never drive alone: Up to 4 million Jeep, Ram, Dodge, Fiat and Alfa Romeo drivers are about to receive an over-the-air Emergency Vehicle Alert System upgrade in January at no cost to them. While this initial rollout is available only in North America at this time, Stellantis has its eye on introducing this technology to all 14 of its brands across the globe.
For further information on how we got to where we are, I encourage you to check out our previous ICYMI blog posts throughout 2021.
