Technology

Toyota will roll out its all-electric e-Palette autonomous vehicles for commercial applications during the first half of this decade, according to the Japanese manufacturer. The box-like delivery and mobility apparatus are set to undergo rigorous testing this year at Toyota's prototype Woven City – in the foothills of Mount Fuji – to refine the advanced onboard operations management system, which governs logistics, safety, maintenance, and efficiency.

Microsoft has invested heavily in autonomous driving firm Cruise, initiating a alliance that will "bring together [shared] software and hardware engineering excellence, cloud computing capabilities, and manufacturing know-how." The software giant made its initial contribution as part of a recent US$2 billion (AU$2.6 billion) funding round, which reportedly lifted the start-up’s market value above US$30 billion (AU$39 billion).

A global semiconductor shortage – caused by the coronavirus crisis – is threatening to slam the brakes on vehicle assembly lines around the world. For now, the impact on new-car deliveries in Australia is unclear, but the shortage has already paused vehicle production in Japan and the UK. The silicon electrical circuits are used in a wide range of vehicle systems, including cell phone integration, heads-up displays, autonomous driving aids, and infotainment.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has once again stipulated an ambitious timeline for the launch of the electric car maker's full autonomous driving functionality, telling customers they should expect to see it in 2021. While Tesla vehicles currently feature the hardware necessary for future 'Full Self-Driving' capabilities, they are only capable of 'Autopilot', Tesla's advanced driver assistance system which can steer, accelerate and brake automatically with driver supervision.

The Lexus LF-30 electrified concept may be far from a production car, but you can consider it a blueprint for the multitude of electrified models the Japanese marque plans to roll out before 2030. First shown at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, the LF-30 made its way to Melbourne, Australia, for the first time in November 2020 to serve as a guest of honour at the 2020 Melbourne Cup Carnival.