connected vehicles

The Trump administration is moving to roll back US fuel economy standards, easing emissions and efficiency requirements for automakers. The policy shift is being reported alongside growing concern over cybersecurity in connected vehicles, as cars become increasingly software-dependent and vulnerable to hacking. The rollback is likely to reignite debate between industry groups welcoming looser rules and environmental advocates warning of higher emissions and fuel consumption.

Chinese automaker BYD is investigating a reported cybersecurity vulnerability in its Shark 6 plug-in hybrid ute while defending its data-handling practices in Australia. The probe touches on sensitive questions around connected vehicles and foreign-made technology, as BYD works to reassure Australian customers and regulators that data collected by its vehicles is adequately safeguarded.

Northeastern University researchers have published 'Automatic Transmission', a data-privacy study of connected vehicles. The project examines what modern connected cars collect, share and expose about their drivers, and how manufacturers handle that information. Readers are weighing in on the findings, adding to ongoing concern over how much personal data vehicles gather and who ultimately has access to it.

A Florida appeals court has reversed a felony murder charge connected to the death of an infant left in a hot car. The ruling, reported by The Guardian, throws out the prosecution's murder theory in the case. The decision has drawn attention to how Florida courts handle criminal liability when children die after being left in overheated vehicles.

Researchers at Northeastern University, working with the nonprofit Consumer Reports, tested 21 vehicles from 19 car brands to examine how much data modern cars collect about their drivers. The privacy and cybersecurity professors found vehicles gather far more personal information than owners likely realize, renewing concerns about automotive data privacy.

A Boise woman accused of driving an ambulance into a building is facing continued legal proceedings, with business records gathered during the investigation now set to be made public. The disclosure could reveal new details about the case and the woman's connection to the vehicle and business involved.

Consumer advocates are arguing that Australian consumer group CHOICE should test cars not just for performance but for connectivity — what data vehicles capture, where it is sent, and to whom. The discussion cites findings that all connected cars tested contacted their manufacturer's servers, raising questions about how much driving and personal data automakers collect and share.

A Northeastern University project examines how modern connected cars, functioning like smartphones on wheels, collect data on drivers and passengers. The work looks at which companies and systems have access to in-car microphones, sensors and telemetry, raising questions about consent and surveillance. Commenters online are debating how much privacy drivers actually give up in newer vehicles.

BlackBerry Limited (BB) is back on stock watchers' radar, with its share price, latest quotes and trading history being tracked by investors checking the company's recent performance. The Canadian software company, once known for smartphones, has been repositioning around cybersecurity and connected-vehicle technology, keeping its ticker a talking point among retail investors and market commentators.

IEEE Spectrum reports on an all-electric car that, according to the outlet, never needs to be plugged in. The claim points to charging without a physical cable connection, a topic drawing attention in the auto industry as electric vehicle adoption grows and charging convenience remains a key concern for buyers.

The website EVWorld.com is being mentioned in connection with electric vehicle news coverage. No specific event, announcement or development is attached to the current attention, and it is not clear what prompted the site to trend in global autos discussions.

A new study has identified security weaknesses in next-generation vehicle technology, raising concerns about how well connected and automated car systems can withstand attacks. The findings highlight potential vulnerabilities that could affect future vehicles as the industry moves toward smarter, more networked designs. The report has drawn attention in technology coverage, prompting discussion about the need for stronger safeguards before these systems are widely deployed.

The Guardian reports a warning that modern cars' connected smart features, including GPS and telematics systems, could potentially be used to spy on drivers, with particular concern raised about Chinese-built vehicle imports. The alert highlights growing unease across Europe, including the UK and Netherlands, over data collection in connected vehicles.

Discussion is highlighting a gap in US privacy law: the Driver's Privacy Protection Act covers personal data held by motor vehicle departments, such as names, addresses, phone numbers and photographs on license applications, but not the telemetry and location data modern connected cars generate. Commenters in privacy, law and software circles are debating how that loophole leaves driving data exposed and whether existing statutes are fit for purpose.

Apple accessory maker Twelve South has introduced the AirFly Drive, its first adapter that adds wireless CarPlay to vehicles. The device lets iPhone users connect to their car's infotainment system without a cable, and it also supports Android Audio, making it usable with Android phones as well. The release adds another option to a growing market of wireless CarPlay adapters from third-party manufacturers.

The University of Pennsylvania's StartUP Fund has announced its first investments, marking the initial deployment of capital from the university-backed vehicle. The fund supports ventures connected to the Penn community, and the inaugural portfolio marks the start of its investment activity. Details on the companies or amounts invested have not been widely reported.

Dutch intelligence services warn that technology in modern cars can be used to snoop on occupants. According to the warning, it is technically possible to remotely activate microphones and cameras in some vehicles, allowing malicious actors to eavesdrop on conversations and make recordings in and around the car. The alert adds to growing scrutiny of connected vehicle data and security risks.

Researchers at Northeastern University's Khoury College have published a study under the address automatictransmission.khoury.northeastern.edu, examining how cars automatically transmit data, a privacy concern for drivers. Commenters are noting the pun in the title — a play on the car gearbox term — while flagging the study's privacy findings about connected vehicles.

Security researchers have disclosed multiple vulnerabilities in the Linux kernel, prompting renewed attention to patching across systems that rely on it. The news circulated alongside other privacy items, including a study on data collection in connected vehicles from Northeastern University researchers. Administrators are being urged to apply kernel updates promptly.

Brian Lilley writes in the Toronto Sun that new evidence supports Ontario Premier Doug Ford's warnings about Chinese-made connected cars being used for espionage. The column argues Ford was right to raise concerns that vehicles with advanced sensors and software could gather data or be remotely manipulated, framing the premier as ahead of other Canadian officials on the national security risk.

British police searched vans connected to five men detained near a U.S.-operated military base in the United Kingdom and found no explosives. The five men had been stopped close to the installation, prompting a security investigation. Authorities say the search of the vehicles came back clear, though questions remain about why the men were near the base and what happens to them next.

A man from Fargo, North Dakota has been charged with murder in the death of his mother following a vehicle chase in eastern Nebraska. Authorities pursued the suspect before taking him into custody, and prosecutors have now filed murder charges in connection with the case. The reported details remain limited to the charge and the chase that led to the arrest.

Authorities in Buena Vista County have uncovered an alleged vehicle theft ring and charged four individuals in connection with the operation. The case is drawing attention in northwest Iowa, where residents are following details of the arrests and whether more suspects or stolen vehicles may be linked to the ring as the investigation continues.

PwC has published 'eReadiness 2026: Driving into the future', a report examining how the automotive industry is preparing for an electrified and digitally driven future. The study is likely to assess manufacturer readiness for electric vehicles, connectivity and software-defined mobility as the sector heads toward 2026.