Connected Components News, Analysis and Market Intelligence
SearchTrack connected components news alongside market analysis, provider activity, and connected mobility intelligence from PAVE Insight.

BYD reveals third-generation Tang EV interior and key specifications
BYD has unveiled the third-generation Tang EV’s cabin, with two new colour schemes, a panoramic roof and a Star Ring display. The SUV offers a second-generation Blade Battery, up to 850 km of CLTC-rated range, flash charging and an intelligent driving-assistance system.

Maextro V800 brake pedal failures prompt safety scrutiny in China
Dongchedi reports that brake pedal brackets fractured in emergency braking tests on three low-mileage Huawei-JAC Maextro V800s. With foot braking lost, stopping distance rose from about 38m to 140m; the companies have not issued a formal response.


Chery Omoda 5 loses rear axle in Malaysia incident
A Chery Omoda 5’s rear suspension assembly and both wheels detached in Johor Bahru on 6 October. The cause and whether the vehicle was covered by Malaysia’s 2024 inspection campaign remain unconfirmed; no injuries were reported.


ANCAP urges broader safety focus as commercial-vehicle fatalities rise
Australia’s mid-term road-safety review found fatalities involving light commercial vehicles rose by an average 12.1% and those involving heavy vehicles by 7.2% against the baseline. ANCAP is urging fleets to prioritise safety technology and calling for more consistent national crash data.


BYD Da Han EV set for China launch with up to 1,008 km range
BYD will launch the Da Han EV in China on 13 October. The sedan’s 102.3 kWh LFP battery offers up to 1,008 km of CLTC range, with charging from 10% to 97% in nine minutes at compatible high-output stations. LiDAR-equipped Level 2+ driver assistance is standard.


Opsys highlights operational challenges in scaling roadside lidar
Opsys says reliable, easy-to-maintain sensors with onboard processing can reduce the equipment and specialist support needed to scale lidar deployments for traffic management.


Kyocera validates multi-hop 5G mmWave repeater network in San Diego
Kyocera validated a three-hop mmWave repeater network on Qualcomm’s San Diego campus. The repeaters autonomously selected relay paths and extended 5G coverage into areas obstructed by buildings and vegetation, demonstrating a way to expand coverage without adding base stations.


High-tech vehicle systems add costs for repair shops and consumers
Independent repair shops say recurring software subscriptions, computer upgrades and ADAS calibration equipment are increasing costs as vehicles become more technologically complex. US repair costs rose about 60% from January 2019 to August 2026, while a 2023 AAA study found ADAS calibration can add 37.6% to collision repairs.


Isuzu NQS 4×4 adds nine-speed transmission for emergency fleets
Isuzu’s NQS 4×4 pairs a nine-speed dual-clutch transmission with an 8,000kg gross vehicle mass, targeting emergency services, mining and other fleets with shared drivers. The transmission is intended to make the truck easier to operate while retaining off-road capability.


RAM Tracking launches automatic driver and occupant beacons
RAM Tracking has introduced Bluetooth beacons that compatible vehicle trackers detect automatically, linking journeys to drivers and passengers without taps or log-ins. Fleet operators can view occupant details in live maps, route replay and reports.


Chery launches Jetour G700 plug-in hybrid with Huawei ADS 5.0
Chery has launched the Jetour G700 in China, priced from 329,900 yuan. The plug-in hybrid SUV features Huawei’s Qiankun ADS 5.0 driving system, with battery options offering claimed CLTC electric ranges of 150 km or 260 km.


Trackunit launches battery-powered tracker for unpowered equipment
Trackunit has launched the Spot S300, a wireless LTE tracker for unpowered construction and rental equipment. It provides location and utilisation data through Trackunit Manager and IrisX, with orders opening on 1 October and first shipments due in November 2026.


Chery and Huawei launch Luxeed RX electric SUV in China
The Luxeed RX electric SUV has launched in China, priced from 259,800 yuan. It offers up to 852 km of CLTC range and four LiDAR sensors for address-to-address driving that requires the driver to monitor conditions.


XPENG tests VLA 2.0 driving system on Amsterdam roads
A journalist rode in an XPENG L03 prototype using VLA 2.0 on Amsterdam roads, reporting how its AI-driven assistance handled bicycles, construction and narrow streets. XPENG plans a European public release in 2027.


Nissan details new Patrol’s increased cargo and towing capacity
The next-generation Nissan Patrol will offer up to 2,749 litres of cargo space and 3,700kg braked towing capacity. Trailer assistance features will be available, with the model due in Australia in the first quarter of 2027.


Mazda adds LiDAR-assisted driving to CX-6e in China
Mazda has added roof-mounted LiDAR and expanded Level 2 driver assistance to the CX-6e (EZ-60) in China. New EV and range-extender trims start at 145,900 yuan.


Second-generation BYD Seagull revealed with rear-wheel drive and front trunk
BYD has shown its redesigned Seagull electric hatchback in China. The second-generation model moves to a 95 kW rear motor, adds independent rear suspension and gains a front trunk; pricing and launch timing have not been announced.


FleetGO introduces a range of asset trackers
FleetGO has introduced GPS and Bluetooth asset trackers for equipment including tools, machinery, trailers and containers. The trackers feed location data into its platform, where fleet operators can monitor assets and view location history.


Gannet Guard Systems marks 30 years of vehicle tracking in Poland
Gannet Guard Systems has expanded from radio-based stolen-vehicle recovery to combined radio, GPS and GSM tracking and fleet telematics. The Polish company is developing its smaller GGS2000 tracker, with Bluetooth support for additional sensors.


BYD reveals cabin of larger second-generation Seagull electric hatchback
BYD has shown cabin sketches of its 4.2-metre, five-seat second-generation Seagull, due in China this year. It will offer 30kWh or 39.2kWh batteries for up to 420km of CLTC range, with optional LiDAR linked to the DiPilot 300 driver-assistance system.


Medequip deploys CameraMatics safety technology across 350 vans
Medequip is fitting 350 vans with CameraMatics AI-powered in-cab cameras and telematics. The system will monitor driving risks and provide fleet managers with data on vehicle use, routes and performance.


Volkswagen Anhui opens pre-sales for electric ID. Unyx 09 in China
Volkswagen Anhui has opened pre-sales in China for the all-electric ID. Unyx 09, priced from 199,900 yuan. The model offers single- or dual-motor versions, 5C fast charging and AI-assisted driving features; its market launch is scheduled for late October.


Nissan reveals 2027 Rogue Hybrid with e-POWER and standard AWD
Nissan has revealed the 2027 Rogue Hybrid for the US, bringing its e-POWER system to the SUV. The petrol engine generates electricity while electric motors propel the vehicle. AWD will be standard, with the first trim due in autumn 2026 and the full range following in early 2027.


Changan Nevo Q06 EV crossover goes on sale in China
Changan has launched sales of its Nevo Q06 crossover in China ahead of a global rollout. The BEV and EREV model features LiDAR-enabled driver assistance, multiple electric powertrains and LFP batteries, with prices starting at 139,900 yuan.


BYD launches Denza Z9S electric sedan with 1,100km CLTC range in China
BYD has launched the Denza Z9S in China, with prices from 255,800 yuan. The electric sedan offers single- and tri-motor variants, up to 1,100km CLTC range, a roof-mounted lidar sensor and the company’s God’s Eye advanced driver-assistance system.


GAC Yue 7 plug-in hybrid SUV launches in China ahead of global rollout
GAC has launched the Yue 7 plug-in hybrid SUV in China, with four trims, up to 261km of electric range and an L2 ADAS system. The top version features a roof-mounted 192-line LiDAR sensor and the model is planned for overseas markets as the GAC XT80.


Tesla FSD Supervised users in Australia and New Zealand reach 160m km
Tesla says drivers in Australia and New Zealand have travelled more than 160 million km using its FSD Supervised driver-assistance software since its launch last September. The subscription-only system runs on newer AI4-equipped Tesla vehicles.


Next-generation BYD Han spotted in China with roof-mounted LiDAR
Spy images indicate BYD’s next-generation Han sedan will feature a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor and advanced assisted-driving capabilities. The expected EV and PHEV model may use Blade Battery technology and Flash Charging, with a projected price of about 200,000 yuan.


Samsung Texas fab prototypes Tesla’s 2nm AI5 chip
Samsung’s Taylor, Texas fab has reportedly begun prototyping Tesla’s 2nm AI5 chip for Full Self-Driving vehicles, the Optimus robot and Cybercab robotaxi. Final production verification is targeted by year-end, with supplies expected from 2027.


AddSecure launches plug-and-play connectivity router for security installers
AddSecure has launched a pre-configured router solution combining managed mobile connectivity, centralised monitoring and remote management. It is designed to simplify secure deployments for security installers and support multi-site applications including CCTV, access control and EV charging infrastructure.


BYD reveals second-generation Seagull design and LiDAR-assisted driving
BYD has revealed official design sketches and specifications for the China-bound second-generation Seagull. The electric hatchback will offer 30kWh or 39.2kWh LFP batteries, up to 420km of CLTC range and roof-mounted LiDAR for its DiPilot 300 assisted-driving system.


Melexis launches ASIL B current sensors for high-voltage automotive systems
Melexis has expanded its isolated current-sensor portfolio with MLX91224 and MLX91225 devices for high-voltage automotive applications, including EV powertrains, electric drives, converters and chargers. The sensors support up to 100 ARMS, rapid response and ASIL B safety integration.


Hongqi opens pre-sales for Tiangong 07 electric sedan in China
FAW’s Hongqi has opened Chinese pre-sales for the Tiangong 07 electric sedan, featuring an 800V architecture, LFP batteries, LiDAR-equipped driver assistance and up to 730km of CLTC range.


Subaru prices 2027 Forester, adding first Wilderness hybrid
Subaru has announced pricing for the 2027 Forester range, including the first Wilderness hybrid. The hybrid uses a 2.5-litre engine, electric motors and a lithium-ion battery for 194bhp, while all trims receive EyeSight driver-assistance technology.


Zeekr tests 009 MPV seat foam’s durability under 20-ton truck
Zeekr says its layered 009 MPV seat foam retained its structure and vibration-damping performance after being driven over by nine passenger cars and a 20-ton Farizon heavy-duty truck.


Geely reveals electric EX5 ahead of 23 September China launch
Geely has revealed its new EX5 electric SUV in China ahead of its 23 September launch as the Galaxy E5. It uses an 800V platform, rear-wheel drive and batteries offering up to 635 km of CLTC range, with G-Pilot assisted driving and urban and highway navigation.


BYD Great Seagull electric hatchback gains LiDAR-assisted driving
BYD’s upcoming Great Seagull electric hatchback has appeared in real-life images with roof-mounted LiDAR for its God’s Eye B driver-assistance system. The China-focused model uses LFP batteries, offers up to 420km CLTC range and has a 2650mm wheelbase.

Fuel monitoring shifts work between telematics hardware and software
A Gurtam and Escort Monitoring Systems retrospective describes advances in fuel-level sensors, BLE installation, smartphone diagnostics, real-time alerts and adaptive data processing, while explaining how hardware and fleet software now divide measurement, quality control and contextual analysis.

Tariffs and higher costs squeeze US automotive suppliers
Tariffs, fuel prices and higher interest rates are squeezing automotive suppliers. Lucerne International halted US manufacturing and cancelled a planned Michigan plant, while Grupo Antolin cited tariffs, energy costs and supply-chain disruption in its US bankruptcy filing.


Euclidic completes 650-vehicle telematics upgrade for SRG Global
Euclidic migrated about 650 SRG Global vehicles from 3G plug-in telematics devices to 4G hardwired equipment across Australia. The provider coordinated installations around remote locations, customer-site access and vehicle availability to minimise operational disruption.


GM launches new V8 engines for 2027 full-size pickups
General Motors has detailed two new V8 engines, a carryover diesel and an upgraded turbocharged option for its 2027 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups, as US automakers renew competition in the profitable full-size truck market.


ZF LIFETEC integrates occupant sensing with adaptive restraint systems
ZF LIFETEC has developed an integrated passenger-car safety system combining cameras, seat and seat-belt sensors with adaptive airbags and restraint algorithms. The production-ready technology adjusts protection to occupant size, position and posture, and will be demonstrated at InCabin Europe 2026.


ADAS cuts crash losses despite higher repair costs, study finds
IIHS and HLDI research finds ADAS-equipped vehicles have higher claim severity but fewer crashes, reducing overall collision losses by about 5% and property-damage liability losses by nearly 30%. For fleets, parts shortages and calibration requirements can increase repair downtime.


BYD launches Formula S and S GT electric performance models
BYD’s Fang Cheng Bao has launched the Formula S and S GT electric models, featuring rapid charging, up to 900km of CLTC range, DiSus-M adaptive suspension and LiDAR-enabled highway and urban navigation assistance.


Li Auto launches i9 electric SUV in China with 0.215 drag coefficient
Li Auto has launched the i9 flagship electric SUV in China, priced at 369,800 yuan. It offers a 705km CLTC range, 5C rapid charging and an optional LiDAR-equipped driver-assistance package, with initial vehicles using CATL batteries before a planned switch to Li Auto-developed packs.


BMW integrates 3D maps with driver assistance in Operating System X
BMW will introduce a 3D view combining navigation, surroundings and driver-assistance information in vehicles using Operating System X from October 2026. Urban navigation-guided semi-automated driving will begin rolling out in Germany from 2027.



