Car News

Lexus has rolled out Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across its line-up, but existing owners haven't been left in the cold. The ES mid-sized sedan and RX SUV were the first two models to get the technology in October, while the mid-sized NX SUV, range-topping LS sedan, and the RC and LC coupe line-ups have been outfitted with the system since November 1. Finally, all UX SUVs sold from December 1 onwards will have the technology. The BMW 3 Series-rivalling IS sedan misses out though, for now.

Overnight Ford took the wraps off its new Sync 4 infotainment system, as well as a new underlying control system which supports wireless software updates to almost all of a car's computing units. The new infotainment system has been designed to work with a new array of larger touchscreens, running from 8.0- to 15.5 inches diagonally. On cars fitted with Ford's new 12.0- and 15.5-inch touchscreens, Sync 4 will support multiple apps on screen at the same time.

Toyota will debut solid-state batteries, one of the most significant technologies coming to electric vehicles, at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. Speaking with Auto Express, Toyota chief technology officer, Shigeki Terashi, said at "the Tokyo Olympics, we would like to produce a car with Toyota’s own solid-state battery and unveil it for you".

Pedestrian detection in autonomous emergency braking systems are inconsistent or "completely ineffective" at night, a new study from the US Automobile Automobile Association (AAA) has found. The latest Tesla Model 3, Toyota Camry, Chevrolet Malibu, and Honda Accord were put through their paces in a range of scenarios:

Czech brand Skoda has become the latest manufacturer to offer a Siri-like intelligent in-car assistant, launching a new "Hey, Laura" function for the Kamiq crossover and Scala small car. The online-based voice control system understands natural speech in six languages, according to the Volkswagen Group subsidiary, and forms part of the 'Amundsen' infotainment system that's available for the Kamiq and Scala.