Ford Motor Company and Toyota Motor Company are forming SmartDeviceLink Consortium, a nonprofit organization working to manage an open source software platform with the goal of giving consumers more choice in how they connect and control their smartphone apps on the road.

Mazda Motor Corporation, PSA Group, Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI) and Suzuki Motor Corporation are the first automaker members of the consortium. Elektrobit, Luxoft, and Xevo join as the first supplier members. Harman, Panasonic, Pioneer and QNX have signed Letters of Intent to join.
 
SmartDeviceLink provides consumers easy access to smartphone apps using voice commands and in-vehicle displays. Adopting the open source platform gives automakers and suppliers a uniform standard with which to integrate apps. Developers benefit because they can focus on creating the best experience for customers by integrating one linking solution for use by all participating automakers.

Adient , a global automotive seating supplier, has unveiled its AI17 automated driving seating system to show how automated driving will impact the driver and passenger experience in a contemporary premium vehicle at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.

The interior of automated driving vehicles will play an important role as drivers and passengers spend more time on non-driving activities. Once vehicles have the capability to be computer-driven, occupants will demand far more flexibility from a vehicle’s seating and interior space than ever before.

"Our AI17 demonstrator shows how we are embracing the opportunities for innovation afforded by automated-driving vehicle technology,” said Bruce McDonald, chairman and chief executive officer of Adient. “The concept features innovations that increase interior flexibility, while also providing occupants with higher levels of safety, comfort and convenience.”

Adient, created when Johnson Controls’ automotive seating business was spun off as an independent company in 2016 and is sharing several concepts and production ready products at this year’s NAIAS.

Advanced automatic safety technology that was once available on only the most expensive new vehicles is about to be included as standard equipment on almost every Lexus and Toyota model and trim level in the United States. Announced today at the New York Auto Show, Toyota will begin to include the and Lexus Safety System+™ and Toyota Safety Sense™ packages, anchored by automatic emergency braking (AEB), on almost every new vehicle by the end of 2017.

The announcement marks a major commitment by Toyota to help save lives and reduce highway injuries. Making Lexus Safety System+ and Toyota Safety Sense standard equipment on almost every model by the end of 2017 will make AEB technology widely available four years ahead of the 2022 industry target announced last week by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

A joint meeting of the Michigan House Committee on Commerce and Trade and House Committee on Transportation to learn more about self-driving vehicles.

State Rep. Joseph Graves, R-Argentine Township, who serves as chair of the Commerce and Trade panel, said the focus of the hearing was to begin a dialogue that will allow Michigan to maintain its status as the leader in automotive development and production.

“Michigan has, from the very beginning of the automotive age, been at the forefront of the automobile industry, and with automated vehicles close to being deployed commercially, we want to make sure we remain the nation’s leader in the technology,” Rep. Graves said. “We opened a dialogue so we can have ideas about specific requirements in place when the technology enters the public marketplace.”

AT&T is expanding its selection of Samsung devices with the addition of the Samsung Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 edge, and Gear S2 classic, and adding a bonus for DIRECTV subscribers.

The latest devices from Samsung deliver a high quality camera, refined design, water resistance, enhanced performance, and connectivity to a wide range of experiences. All 3 devices are now available for pre-order at www.att.com and in AT&T retail stores. The Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 edge, and Gear S2 classic will be available in stores starting on Mar. 11.