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Geely plans to launch hundreds of satellites to guide autonomous cars

BEIJING — China's Zhejiang Geely Holding Group said on Tuesday it was investing 2.27 billion yuan ($326 million) in a new satellite manufacturing plant, where it plans to build low-orbit satellites to provide more accurate data for self-driving cars. Geely, one of China's most internationally-known companies due to its investments in Daimler, Volvo and Proton, is building the facilities in Taizhou, where it has car plants. It aims to produce 500 satellites a year by around 2025, with around 300 highly-skilled staff, it said in a statement. Geely's technology development arm, Geely Technology Group, launched Geespace to research, launch, and operate low-orbit satellites in 2018. Geespace will begin the launch of its commercial low-orbit satellite network by the end of this year, Geely said. Geely said low-orbit satellites would offer high speed internet connectivity, precise navigation, and cloud computing capabilities to cars with autonomous driving technology. Geely, which sold 2.18 million cars last year, is among global automakers from Tesla to Toyota to pursue autonomous driving technologies. It is building low-orbit satellites to meet demand for high-speed connectivity capabilities that can deliver fast software updates. From around 2025, Geely's cars will have more functions to connect to the satellites. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.     Green Plants/Manufacturing Mercedes-Benz Volvo Emerging Technologies Autonomous Vehicles

Maybach officially discontinues all models for 2013

The word "Maybach" has joined the long list of synonyms for the word "kaput." Mercedes-Benz released the price list for the 2013 models of its super-luxury sedans, with the price column simply stating "Discontinued" for each one of them.
The 2012 models, should there be any left for 11th-hour buyers, maintain the increased MSRPs that Daimler slapped on them late last year after it was known the brand would be terminated next year. But you might still be able to wrangle that $100,000 rebate if you ask nicely, or in Russian, or have Rick Ross ask for you.
It shouldn't be too long before we see the ultimate version of the next generation S-Class, the S600 Pullman, that will replace Maybach. Intriguingly, it's said the Pullman will be offered with every S-Class engine, even the four-cylinder diesel.

Mercedes-Maybach Pullman stretches its way to Geneva

Mercedes-Benz is known the world over for producing luxury automobiles, but even among Benzes there's a hierarchy. The S-Class sits at the top of the Mercedes range, the Maybach at the top of the S-Class, and what you see here sits at the top of the Maybach line. It's the new Pullman limousine, and it arrives on the 50th anniversary of the original. Stretching a massive 21.3 feet, the new Mercedes-Maybach Pullman is even longer than the previous Maybach 62 by a full foot, and a good 3.5 feet longer than the standard-wheelbase Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, or two feet longer than the G63 AMG 6x6. In other terms, it's over a foot longer than the Rolls-Royce Phantom EWB, and the better part of a yard longer than even the Cadillac Escalade ESV. Heck, you could just about fit Benz's other flagship, the Mercedes-AMG GT, inside the new Pullman's 14.5-foot wheelbase. As if that's not enough, it also stands 3.9 inches higher than a standard S-Class to the benefit of its imposing presence and interior space. Should you be so fortunate as to be graced with an invitation to step inside, you'd find an interior entirely clad in leather with four seats: two recliners and two fold-down seats facing backwards. Those principal rear seats can recline between 19 and 43.5 degrees and offer an extensive array of individual adjustments to cater just-so to the occupants' individual preferences. Ingress and egress are enabled by larger rear doors that open in front of – instead of next to – those rear seats to enhance the privacy of the traveling dignitaries, who will be able to monitor the state of affairs through the analog thermometer, speedometer and clock mounted in the roof liner. They'll also enjoy privacy thanks to the electrically operated glass partition wall with an 18.5-inch monitor mounted in front of it and a choice of Burmester sound systems. Long the favorite of heads of state and captains of industry, the new Pullman will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show now just weeks away. We don't doubt that Mercedes will offer its customers a choice of engine options (as long as they're capable of motivating the new Pullman's assuredly substantial heft), but most suitable to the task will of course be the 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 with its 523 horsepower and 612 pound-feet of torque.