The hottest Automotive Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

What to make of BYD's huge discounts

TP’s Substack • 5 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
💼 Business Automotive
  1. BYD has drastically lowered prices on its 2024 models, resetting the market expectations for NEVs in China's EV market.
  2. BYD's vertical integration and control over the battery supply chain allow it to keep costs lower than competitors and maintain a strong market position.
  3. Lower costs of batteries and chips have enabled BYD to implement these price cuts and make NEVs more affordable compared to ICE vehicles in China.

An Interview with Aart de Geus, ex-CEO Synopsys

More Than Moore • 1 HN point • 11 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Automotive
  1. EDA software is crucial for designing chips, involving multiple stages like logic design, simulation, and multiphysics tools.
  2. Synopsys, a major player in EDA, has been in the industry since 1986, offering IP for chip design and recently acquired Ansys for simulation software enhancement.
  3. The future of chip design involves complexities like chipletization, 3D stacking, and the intersection of software and silicon, driving the evolution and demand in the industry.

What I see of the Apple Car in the Vision Pro

Collisions • 0 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Automotive
  1. Apple is hinting at advanced audio features for the Apple Car, like spatial audio and noise cancelling.
  2. Apple might introduce innovative eye-tracking technology in the Apple Car for seamless interaction and safety purposes.
  3. Apple's focus for the Apple Car seems to be on enhancing the driving experience rather than full autonomy, prioritizing user experience and luxury.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Could Driver Assistance Features Undermine Independent Repair?

Fight to Repair • 0 implied HN points • 08 May 22
💼 Business Automotive
  1. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) could impact independent auto repair by potentially limiting repair options for car owners.
  2. Introduction of Ford's Certified Glass Network is an example of how automakers are adapting to the rise of ADAS features in vehicles.
  3. The market for auto repair, such as glass replacement, is evolving due to the increasing reliance on software-based safety features in modern vehicles.

Polymath Engineer Weekly #85

Polymath Engineer Weekly • 0 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Automotive
  1. Learn about using LUTs in video games for creating vibrant visuals and effects.
  2. Discover how Porsche achieved a lap record faster than F1 by enhancing their LMP1 car's performance.
  3. Explore the design of a lock-free ring buffer for efficient cross-thread communication in technical systems.

Ford hedges to deal with disruption

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 20 Apr 16
💼 Business Automotive
  1. The auto industry is facing disruption from electric batteries, autonomous vehicles, and mobile phones. Traditional car companies like Ford are trying to catch up with new business models.
  2. The rise of mobile phones and ride-sharing apps present a challenge to carmakers' traditional business model of selling cars to individuals. Companies are exploring new approaches like car-sharing partnerships and separate business units.
  3. Ford's strategy of creating Ford Smart Mobility, LLC to focus on connectivity and mobility services is a unique response to disruptive technologies in the automotive industry. The move reflects Ford's effort to adapt to changing consumer needs and market trends.

For Google, Automotive is the New Black

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 0 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
🕹 Technology Automotive
  1. Google is focusing on the automotive industry to boost its growth. They are looking to partner with car companies to provide advanced technology.
  2. A significant partnership with Mercedes-Benz was formed to enhance their navigation and geospatial data.
  3. Google will support car manufacturers with AI and machine learning to help develop smarter vehicles quickly.

🔮 Tesla AI Day & Why it Sucked 🛃 🖲🔭

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 0 implied HN points • 29 Aug 21
🕹 Technology Automotive
  1. The Tesla AI Day featured a long event with a mix of entertainment and technology demonstrations. It included a humanoid robot dancing, which felt more like a show than serious tech discussion.
  2. Much of the event focused on music and visuals, taking away from the actual advancements in AI that Tesla is working on.
  3. Many viewers found the event disappointing because they expected more detailed insights into Tesla's AI projects rather than just entertainment.

Honda Elevate: Big on the Outside, Small on the Inside

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Automotive
  1. The Honda Elevate feels cramped inside despite its big exterior size. The low seating and limited legroom make it uncomfortable for taller drivers.
  2. It lacks some modern features like a 360-degree camera and USB-C ports, which are common in newer cars. This can be a drawback for tech-savvy users.
  3. While it has some good safety features, it misses out on important ones like a multi-collision brake and pretensioners for seat belts, making it less safe than other options.

The XUV 400 Is a Buggy Car with Short Range

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Automotive
  1. The XUV 400 has a poor range and is mainly suitable for city driving. It struggles to cover long distances without needing frequent charges.
  2. The car is plagued with bugs, including issues with features like Android Auto and unreliable performance that can make driving frustrating.
  3. Buying the XUV 400 can be risky due to its high cost and the troubling history of recalls from Mahindra, which suggests a lack of reliability.

The Citroën Basalt Costs 18 but is worth 9

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Automotive
  1. The Citroën Basalt is overpriced at 18 lakh and feels more like it's worth 9 lakh due to poor quality and features.
  2. It lacks important features like a 360-degree camera, good seat comfort, and proper air conditioning, which makes for a disappointing driving experience.
  3. Safety features are minimal, and the infotainment screen is positioned poorly, making it hard to use while driving.

Volkswagen Taigun / Skoda Kushaq: Performance over Comfort

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Automotive
  1. The Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq are great for those who prioritize speed and performance, but they sacrifice comfort and digital features. They're not ideal for everyone.
  2. While the Taigun/Kushaq can reach high speeds, many buyers will be better off with cars like the Creta or Seltos, which offer more comfort and balance.
  3. Overall, if you want a car with fun driving experiences and can overlook some comfort issues, the Taigun/Kushaq might be for you, especially if you choose the 1.5-liter engine version.

The Seltos is a Marginally Worse Creta

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Automotive
  1. The Seltos and Creta are very similar cars, with 95% of their features being the same. If you like one, you'll likely enjoy the other.
  2. The Creta offers a smoother ride and feels lighter when driving, making it easier to accelerate with less effort compared to the Seltos.
  3. While both cars have great features, the Seltos has some quirks, like a less comfortable headrest and a tendency to overreact with safety features, which may frustrate some drivers.

The 2024 Creta is Perfection

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Automotive
  1. The 2024 Creta is very comfortable and spacious. It offers a high seating position, plenty of legroom, and smooth suspension, making drives feel enjoyable without bumps.
  2. Driving the Creta is effortless and fun. Its powerful turbo engine and light steering make it easy to handle, even in heavy traffic, and it feels stable at high speeds.
  3. The car has great digital features like wired CarPlay and a premium sound system. However, some tech issues exist, like non-multitouch screens and limited app functionalities.

My Requirements for a Car

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Automotive
  1. It's important to write down your car requirements clearly. This helps to avoid forgetting anything important during the decision process.
  2. Understand the difference between 'must-have' features and 'nice-to-have' features when making your list. This can help you focus on what really matters.
  3. Keep evaluating your requirements as you test drive cars. Sometimes what you thought was essential turns out to be less important when you consider the whole picture.

Ampere Electric Scooter: Don't Buy

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Automotive
  1. The Ampere electric scooter has a vibrating motor that feels unbalanced during rides.
  2. It accelerates slowly, even in its sport mode, which is disappointing for a scooter.
  3. There are several quality issues, like misaligned indicators and a cracked mirror, making it feel poorly made.

The M.G.Windsor Obsoletes Fossil Fuel-powered Clunkers

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Automotive
  1. The M.G. Windsor is a new electric vehicle that stands out for its great design and features. It's been said to offer a smoother driving experience than many other cars.
  2. While early technology can be rough and expensive, this car represents a significant improvement in electric vehicle technology, making it much more appealing than older options.
  3. Although the Windsor has limitations, like range and seat comfort, it is seen as a sign of how electric cars will get better and become more common in the future.

Scorpio N: Only for SUV Usage

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Automotive
  1. SUVs are built for specific purposes like going off-road or towing. If you don’t need to do those things, you might want a different type of vehicle.
  2. The Scorpio N has many features, but it can be uncomfortable, especially with poor legroom and noise while driving. It's not the best choice if you want a smooth ride.
  3. When comparing the Scorpio N to the Roxx, the Roxx offers better comfort and less body roll. If you want a better driving experience, the Roxx might be the better option.

Don't Hesitate to Buy a 4.4-meter Car

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
💼 Business Automotive
  1. 4-meter cars are more spacious than smaller cars, offering better legroom for passengers and more boot space for luggage.
  2. Many people believe that 4.4-meter cars are bad for city driving, but they actually perform just as well as smaller cars in traffic.
  3. When buying a car, focus on the comfort and space it provides rather than just the length, as 4.4 meters is considered the sweet spot for most needs.

Mahindra XUV 700 Review: Cramped and Cheap

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Automotive
  1. The Mahindra XUV 700 feels cramped and cheap, making it uncomfortable to drive. It's missing many features that are expected in this type of car.
  2. The interior has a lot of plastic and it lacks good quality finishes compared to other cars. It also doesn't offer some convenient features like auto wipers or a 360-degree camera.
  3. For better options, consider the Creta for a 2-row version or the Carens for a 3-row setup. They might be more comfortable and have better features.

The Kia Carens Is the Best 3-row Vehicle

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Automotive
  1. The Kia Carens is considered the best 3-row vehicle, especially for those needing extra space.
  2. It offers useful features like ventilated seats and a cooled cup-holder, but has some comfort issues like limited legroom in certain seats.
  3. If you don't require a 3-row vehicle, options like the Creta may provide more comfort and features, making them a better choice.

Maruti Wagon R: The Best Car for 9 Lakh

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Automotive
  1. The Maruti Wagon R is a great car for those on a budget of 9 lakhs. It balances space, comfort, and decent features, making it a solid choice.
  2. While the Wagon R has strengths like good visibility and spaciousness, it lacks some advanced features like climate control and has issues with engine noise and performance.
  3. The car offers a unique blend of practicality and affordability, although it may not be ideal for spirited driving. It's well-suited for everyday commuting.

I Wish We Had US-style Minivans in India

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Automotive
  1. Indian MPVs are not the same as US minivans; they're just slightly bigger crossovers. US minivans are designed for comfort and space, while Indian options lack that refinement.
  2. US minivans offer lots of legroom and sliding doors for easy access, which makes them comfortable for tall people and easier for the elderly to use. Indian MPVs often don't have that same comfort level.
  3. Minivans in the US have more storage options and can carry large luggage, making them practical for families. Indian versions don’t provide the same versatility.

M.G. Hector: A Worse Creta at a Higher Price

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Automotive
  1. The M.G. Hector is expensive at 29 lakh but doesn't offer better value than the cheaper Creta and Seltos, which are priced at 26 lakh.
  2. It has some modern features like a 14-inch touchscreen and ventilated seats, but lacks certain practical aspects like good legroom and a USB-C port.
  3. Safety features are present, but the warning systems are confusing and could distract the driver, making it less user-friendly.

Mahindra 3XO: Cramped and Buggy

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Automotive
  1. The Mahindra 3XO feels cramped and uncomfortable for passengers, with low seating and insufficient legroom. Options to adjust the seats don’t solve the problem, making it hard to find a comfortable position.
  2. The car has a lot of digital issues, like problems with Bluetooth and CarPlay that make it unreliable. It also lacks modern features such as USB-C ports in the front, which is disappointing.
  3. Although the car has some safety features and performs well in acceleration, the confusing naming for driving modes and overall buggy experience makes it hard to recommend.

The Toyota Hyryder / Grand Vitara is actually a Mediocre Vitara

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Automotive
  1. The Toyota Hyryder and Grand Vitara have poor comfort and driving features compared to competitors like the Creta and Seltos. Many aspects like seat comfort and engine sound were disappointing.
  2. The car has some good features like various cameras and a remote AC start, but it lacks important safety features like side airbags and lane departure warning. This makes it feel incomplete for the price.
  3. Overall, both the Hyryder and Grand Vitara feel similar but offer limited benefits. Buyers may find better options in other cars for the same price.

Jeep Compass: Overpriced and Worse than the Creta

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Automotive
  1. The Jeep Compass is deemed overpriced compared to the Creta, with major discomfort and driving flaws that make it less appealing.
  2. Although the interior quality is acknowledged as high, issues like cramped space and a firm suspension diminish overall comfort.
  3. While it has unique features like cooled seats and good digital connectivity, its complex climate controls and some digital limitations reduce usability.

What to Look for in a Non-Electric Car

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Automotive
  1. If you choose a non-electric car, go for a petrol engine. They are quieter, less vibrating, and provide a fun driving experience.
  2. Dual-Clutch Transmissions (DCT) are great for both quick acceleration and smooth driving. They work well for people who enjoy spirited driving and those who prefer a comfortable ride.
  3. CNG cars are better than diesel ones because they are less noisy and respond better, but keep in mind that CNG filling stations are not as common. Avoid manual and AMT transmissions as they tend to perform poorly.

Tata Curvv EV: Too Many Flaws Ruin a Great Foundation

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Automotive
  1. The Tata Curvv EV has good core features but is ruined by many design flaws. From cramped spaces to annoying design choices, these issues add up and make the car less enjoyable.
  2. Comfort is an issue with the Curvv, as it has poor legroom and headroom, making it hard for taller people to feel relaxed while driving or riding it.
  3. The driving experience is mostly positive with smooth acceleration and a good handling feel. However, buyers should test the car's range under worst-case conditions to ensure it meets their needs.

Chetak Electric Scooter: Don't Buy

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Automotive
  1. The Chetak electric scooter has a retro design that isn't very appealing.
  2. It has serious reliability issues, like failing to start and unexpected shutdowns while riding.
  3. The scooter's ride isn't smooth, especially during acceleration, making it less enjoyable to drive.

Stuff for the Stash, Week 6-8

INT3 / Low-level Cybersecurity • 0 implied HN points • 24 Feb 23
🕹 Technology Automotive
  1. Mercedes-Benz plans to develop its in-house vehicle operating system named MB.OS with Google and NVIDIA partnerships.
  2. NIST announced Ascon as the lightweight cryptography standard for small devices like sensors.
  3. A collection of resources on 'Prompt Engineering' raises questions on prompt security vulnerabilities and benefits.

TESLA

MacroCrunch • 0 implied HN points • 20 Sep 23
💼 Business Automotive
  1. The dysfunctional leadership between political parties is a big challenge for the United States.
  2. Tesla's electric cars perform well in long-distance trips, showing advancements in technology and infrastructure.
  3. Legacy auto manufacturers are facing significant challenges from Tesla in the transition to electric vehicles.

Stuff for the Stash, May-June

INT3 / Low-level Cybersecurity • 0 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Automotive
  1. The post highlights articles and tools covering a wide range of topics related to cybersecurity.
  2. There are informative papers and vulnerabilities discussed, including topics on firmware, AI, and vehicle security.
  3. Various tools and resources are shared, such as scripts for reversing firmware and a fast packet network scanner.