Mercedes-Benz opens Australian orders for electric GLC SUV
Mercedes-Benz has opened Australian orders for the electric GLC 400 4Matic SUV, priced from A$112,200. It offers a 94.4kWh battery, 630km WLTP range, 800V charging at up to 330kW, MB.OS software and MBUX Superscreen technology.
Freelander 8 reveals six-seat cabin and 46.3-inch panoramic display
Chery JLR has disclosed the Freelander 8’s six-seat 2+2+2 cabin ahead of its planned second-half 2026 China launch. Features include second-row zero-gravity seats, a 46.3-inch 8K panoramic display and an 800V extended-range electric powertrain.
FEV and Microsoft deploy in-vehicle small language models
FEV and Microsoft have integrated Nvidia‑accelerated small language models into vehicles, enabling offline multimodal voice, text and gesture interfaces and providing local backup for cloud systems to reduce connectivity reliance and back-end costs.
Freelander 8 SUV revealed with 46.3-inch cinematic infotainment display
Chery Jaguar Land Rover has revealed the Freelander 8 range-extended SUV’s cinematic infotainment system ahead of its H2 2026 launch. The system features a 46.3-inch 8K display, AI functions, configurable interior modes and controls for vehicle features.
Freelander 8 unveiled with 46.3-inch 8K panoramic cockpit display
Chery Jaguar Land Rover has detailed the Freelander 8’s 46.3-inch 8K panoramic display and intelligent cockpit. The six-seat model, developed with Huawei, CATL and Qualcomm, is due to debut in the second half of 2026 and includes Huawei driver assistance with LiDAR.
TCL opens automated smart-cockpit factory in Shenyang
TCL has opened an automated smart-cockpit factory in Shenyang, commencing production of automotive displays with over 85% automation and 10 SMT lines, aiming to supply local vehicle-makers and shorten localised display supply chains in Northeast China.
LG unveils Android-based automotive display solutions
LG Electronics has announced automotive solutions built on Google’s Android Automotive operating system. A single chip can control multiple in-cabin displays with different aspect ratios, helping automakers reduce deployment costs.
Candera releases CGI Studio 3.16 for HMI development
Candera has released CGI Studio 3.16, which has expanded HMI development capabilities with AI-assisted tools, new automotive templates, glTF 2.0 support, iOS, Vulkan and software rendering, and has improved localisation and engine performance.
xAI's Grok Chatbot Integrated into Tesla Vehicles
xAI's Grok chatbot has been integrated into Tesla vehicles and has been used by drivers for navigation and conversational tasks, prompting safety and content concerns; regulators and experts have raised questions about distraction and incorrect responses.
CameraMatics ZERO integrated with Android Auto and CarPlay
CameraMatics has integrated ZERO with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and has routed its driver-safety insights to vehicle dashboards while retaining smartphone processing. The integration has supported consistent feature parity for fleet deployments, vehicle selection and trip-level summaries.
Xpeng reveals flagship GX SUV interior ahead of 15 April launch
Xpeng has revealed the six-seat interior of its GX flagship SUV, including AR-HUD, zero-gravity rear seats and AI-dimming privacy glass. The model will launch on 15 April with extended-range and electric powertrain options, steer-by-wire and rear-wheel steering.
Zeekr launches Android Automotive infotainment platform in Europe
Zeekr is introducing its Entertainment Hub media platform across multiple European models through a cooperation between 3SS and Geely Technology Europe. Based on Android Automotive OS, it integrates streaming, live TV, news and personalised vehicle information.
Zeekr reveals 8X plug-in hybrid SUV interior and technology
Zeekr has revealed the 8X plug-in hybrid SUV’s interior, including dual passenger screens, Naim audio and advanced cabin features. The model uses SEA-S architecture, CATL-Geely batteries, LiDAR-supported driver assistance and is due to launch commercially in Q1 2026.
Volkswagen ID. Era 9X interior unveiled in China
SAIC‑Volkswagen has unveiled the ID. Era 9X interior, a six‑seat flagship EREV SUV with multiple screens and extensive ambient lighting. It has been shown ahead of an expected March launch and has been positioned for China’s premium NEV market.
Hyundai confirms entry-level Elexio EV variant for Australia
Hyundai will add an entry-level Elexio electric SUV to its Australian range in Q2 2026. The China-built model uses an 88kWh LFP battery, supports connected services and V2L, and includes advanced driver assistance systems, but not vehicle-to-grid charging.
Hyundai Mobis forms alliance for holographic windscreens
Hyundai Mobis has formed a four-member alliance with ZEISS, tesa and Saint-Gobain Sekurit to develop and industrialise holographic windscreen displays and has targeted mass production by around 2029; partners have assumed roles in optics, film replication and glass lamination.
Cadence launches Tensilica HiFi iQ DSP for voice AI
Cadence announced the Tensilica HiFi iQ DSP, a sixth‑generation processor providing greater compute, AI performance and energy efficiency for on‑device voice AI and immersive audio applications.
HARMAN launches intelligent visual technology for automotive cockpits
HARMAN has introduced Ready Display and Ready Vision technologies, including HDR10+ Automotive displays, windshield projections and augmented-reality head-up displays. The systems are designed to reduce cockpit distraction and are already entering production vehicles, including Tata Motors’ Harrier.ev.
AISpeech unveils Orphi conversational AI for vehicles
AISpeech presented Orphi, an on-device conversational AI platform for global vehicle manufacturers, integrating speech recognition, understanding, synthesis and noise reduction to improve in-vehicle interaction, privacy and latency.
BOE unveils AI-powered HERO 2.0 smart cockpit at CES 2026
BOE has unveiled its HERO 2.0 smart cockpit at CES 2026, combining a Micro LED panoramic head-up display with multimodal voice, gesture, vision and touch controls. The system is designed to manage vehicle functions, infotainment and connected services.
Visteon launches Snapdragon-based HPC for vehicle cockpits
Visteon introduced a production-ready high-performance compute cockpit based on Qualcomm Snapdragon Cockpit Elite, delivering threefold overall and twelvefold AI performance, on-device generative AI and ECU consolidation.
ThunderSoft presents AI-native OS platforms at CES 2026
ThunderSoft unveiled an AI-native operating system portfolio at CES 2026, covering automotive cockpits, edge AIoT devices and robotics to support on-device models and scaled AI deployment.
Zeekr and Intellias unveil AI visual testing for EV infotainment
Zeekr Technology Europe and Intellias have unveiled an AI-powered platform that automates visual testing of electric-vehicle infotainment systems, validating navigation, media, comfort and connectivity features without manual scripting.
Garmin and Meta demonstrate wearable control for in-car infotainment
Garmin and Meta demonstrated a prototype linking Meta’s Neural Band wearable with Garmin’s Unified Cabin to control in-car infotainment through subtle finger movements. The CES 2026 proof of concept explores hands-free, gesture-based vehicle interfaces.
Volkswagen reveals cockpit for ID. Polo, ID. models
Volkswagen revealed a redesigned cockpit for the ID. Polo, combining physical controls with digital displays, new software features and driver-assistance upgrades to improve usability and reduce driver distraction.
GM files trademark for Horizon Display vehicle screens
GM filed a US trademark for 'Horizon Display' for embedded vehicle screens, aligning with its planned centralised vehicle computing platform and potential enhanced display and OTA capabilities from 2028.
BMW M launches in-car apps and My BMW app updates
BMW M adds three in-car apps and My BMW community integration, initially on iX3 with M Sport and Premium; features will roll out to other M models on OS X.
Bosch to present AI-enabled cockpit innovations at CES 2026
Bosch will showcase cockpit, software-defined vehicle and smart-mobility technologies at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, with executives and experts taking part in panels on AI, connected communities, vehicle automation and software-led mobility.
GM integrates Apple Music natively in select vehicles
GM will roll out Apple Music natively on select 2025+ Cadillac and Chevrolet models, offering built-in streaming and eight years of complimentary OnStar Basics connectivity in the US and Canada.
Pioneer, Microsoft develop AI for in-vehicle infotainment
Pioneer and Microsoft launched a generative AI agent for in-vehicle infotainment, providing cloud-integrated natural language controls, contextual responses and multi-segment compatibility for hands-free operation.
DXC, Ferrari broaden digital and in-car systems
DXC is expanding its engagement with Ferrari to include network modernisation, software-asset management, compliance and next-generation HMI development, providing a flexible digital foundation for future vehicle systems.
In-vehicle voice AI integrates OpenTable reservations
SoundHound AI and OpenTable have integrated voice-activated restaurant bookings into vehicle infotainment, enabling hands-free reservations, real-time availability checks and confirmations for drivers via natural language.
Huawei adapts Aito M9 infotainment system for international markets
Images reveal an international version of Huawei’s Aito M9 infotainment system with overseas map providers, localised English-language interfaces, global apps and adaptations to the Huawei ADS driver-assistance suite.
Ford Mondeo to launch in China on 4 Dec with 27in 4K screen
Changan Ford will launch an updated Mondeo in China on 4 December, featuring a 27in 4K dashboard display, Qualcomm 8155-powered SYNC+ and a 2.0-litre EcoBoost 261 hp powertrain.
AUO launches mobility subsidiary focused on connected vehicle interiors
Taiwanese display specialist AUO has established AUO Mobility Solutions Corporation, combining display, computing and connectivity capabilities for vehicle interiors. The subsidiary will showcase V2X, 5G, over-the-air updates and software-defined vehicle technologies at CES 2026.
HARMAN Ready Display earns first HDR10+ Automotive certification
HARMAN’s Ready Display range has become the first automotive display certified for HDR10+ Automotive. The Samsung Neo QLED-based system uses algorithms to adapt visuals to changing cabin lighting and viewing angles, targeting premium in-car entertainment, navigation and infotainment.
ECARX to supply Volkswagen digital cockpits in Latin America
ECARX will deliver full-stack digital cockpit platforms and software, including Antora 1000/500 and Cloudpeak with Android Automotive OS, to Volkswagen across Latin America, accelerating GAS deployment timelines.
Parade launches eDP TTED chipset for automotive cockpits
Parade's TC1316V integrates timing controller, source driver and embedded touch driver for automotive LCDs up to 18in and 2880×1800, reducing component count and easing integration.
Dongfeng Nissan reveals Teana with Huawei HarmonyOS cockpit
Dongfeng Nissan has revealed the Teana’s Huawei HarmonyOS cockpit, featuring HarmonySpace 5, AI voice assistance, smartphone connectivity, a 15.6-inch display and Huawei Sound audio system.
Cinemo’s connected infotainment product wins automotive technology award
Cinemo’s CARS Connect Direct won an AutoTech Breakthrough award for automotive infotainment. Its QR-code onboarding connects passengers’ devices to vehicle systems, enabling features including gaming, co-navigation, media, calls and climate control without a separate app.
Applied Intuition and Stellantis Collaborate on IVI Systems
Applied Intuition partners with Stellantis to enhance in-vehicle infotainment across 14 brands, delivering customisable, cost-efficient, and user-focused cabin experiences globally.
Nissan Teana becomes first petrol car with Huawei HarmonyOS cockpit
Dongfeng Nissan has unveiled a refreshed Teana in China featuring Huawei’s HarmonyOS-powered HarmonySpace 5 cockpit, claimed to be the first gasoline vehicle with the system. The model is expected to launch in the fourth quarter of 2025.
KPIT acquires controlling stake in in-car gaming platform N-Dream
KPIT Technologies has increased its stake in Swiss startup N-Dream to nearly 90%, bringing the AirConsole in-car gaming platform further into its software-defined vehicle strategy. N-Dream will remain operationally independent as the companies expand connected cabin services.
PATEO and SenseTime Collaborate on AI-Powered Smart Cockpits
PATEO and SenseTime form a strategic partnership to develop AI-based smart cockpit systems, integrating entertainment, safety, and connectivity to advance intelligent connected vehicles in China.
Perseus and SODA.Auto Develop Europe’s First AI-Powered HMI
Perseus Motor Corporation and SODA.Auto collaborate to develop an AI-integrated Human-Machine Interface, enhancing personalised driver interaction and vehicle safety through advanced AI and software-defined vehicle technology.
J.D. Power study finds car infotainment remains a major frustration
J.D. Power’s 2025 US Multimedia Quality and Satisfaction Study finds complaints fell slightly to 42.3 per 100 vehicles, but five of the 10 leading issues remain infotainment-related. Touchscreen and display problems increased, highlighting demand for simpler, less distracting interfaces.
Qualcomm and HARMAN Collaborate on AI-Enhanced Vehicle Cockpit
Qualcomm and HARMAN announce joint development of AI-powered cockpit technologies, enhancing in-car user experience and safety with personalised, real-time adaptive systems targeting key global markets.
AAC Technologies Advances Automotive Acoustic Solutions
AAC Technologies is expanding its presence in automotive acoustics through R&D and acquisitions, supplying integrated audio and sensory solutions to major global car manufacturers.
Dirac and PIEGA Launch Advanced In-Car Audio System
Dirac and PIEGA co-developed a sophisticated in-car sound system with up to 45 channels and Dolby Atmos, featured in a BMW iX at IAA Mobility 2025, enhancing audio fidelity through advanced hardware and software integration.