AutoDeal Weekly News Recap July 25-29: a rundown of the last 120 hours

For the last 120 hours, we published a number of local and foreign automotive news. In case you were too busy last week, here’s a rundown of the latest news in the automotive industry.

Local News Recap

Maserati PH brings bespoke interior trims by Ermenegildo Zegna

Masarati Philippines has introduced the Ermenegildo Zegna interior option packages for the Ghibli and the Quattroporte sedans. It includes made to order designs and features three distinct color combinations. Maserati says both vehicles come with a two-color, two-material concept as well as Poltrona Frau leather and Zegna silk inserts. Moreover, the Ermenegildo Zegna interior option package features fine grain leather seats with light grey stitching.

Rolls-Royce PH launches the Dawn

Rolls-Royce Philippines has officially launched the Dawn, a super luxury convertible from the British marque. It has been regarded in the automotive world as “defining the very essence of luxury motoring.”  The Dawn comes in Midnight Sapphire exterior paint and Mandarin Orange interior. Under the hood, it is powered by V12 gasoline engine that delivers 563 hp and 780 Nm of torque. The brand claims that it can run a top speed of 520 km/h and reach 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds.

Foreign News Recap

BMW makes built-in high-speed internet eSIM cards

BMW has developed a built-in eSIM card that can be reconfigured; enabling the care to become a Wi-Fi hotspot. It also feature a high-speed LTE connection which allows occupants to browse the internet while inside the vehicle. Aside from browsing, the internet connection can be used in other ways such as for navigation, Spotify or Apple Music, among others.

Ford, MIT team up to test on-demand electric shuttle service

Ford Motor Company partners with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to test electric shuttles which uses laser light technology that can detect the movement of nearby pedestrians. With this, the American marque will deploy electric vehicles onto the MIT campus. The electric shuttles are mounted with LiDAR (light detection and ranging) sensors and “inexpensive cameras” which can measure pedestrian flow and help predict demand for shuttles. MIT students and faculty will be able to hail 1 of 3 electric shuttles through a mobile app in order to transport them to and from class; a process which is similar to Uber and Grab.  

For more of the latest news in the automotive industry, visit the AutoDeal Blog Section.