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Welcome to Wednesday as we talk about a big eclectic partnership, a little electric car, and an alliance that attempts to keep AI safe.
Show Notes with links:
Two major OEMs are both partnering to expand their charging networks across the US. GM is partnering with EVgo and Pilot and Ford will partner with Ecel Energy to provide a total of over 30k charging stations for commercial and residential drivers.
- GM plans to support the installation of 25 locations and 100 chargers before the end of the year and an additional 200 locations in 2024.
- The chargers will be co-branded “Pilot Flying J” and “Ultium Charge 360,” reflecting the two companies that will be funding the project.
- Ford is partnering with Xcel Energy to install 30,000 EV charging ports for fleet customers by 2030.
- “While other charging providers battle for market share and go through turmoil. Ford is a trusted resource with more than 120 years of experience,” Dave Prusinski, global chief revenue officer at Ford Pro, said. “Yet today we’re reinventing ourselves daily and running at startup speeds.”
Fans of small Italian vehicles rejoice as a revamped Fiat 500e is set to return to the U.S. in early 2024.
- The tiny vehicle boasts a 149-mile range, a significant increase from its previous 84 miles.
- Powered by a 42-kWh lithium-ion battery, the 500e includes a range of driving modes and safety features, like automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist.
- The little vehicle weighs 3000 pounds and even welcomes drivers with a digital tone that, according to the company, "sets the tone for an immersive Italian experience."
- Customers can buy the car from the Fiat Live Store without going to a dealership where they can interact with a “Fiat Genius”
- "The 2024 500e is a modern, tech-forward take on a beloved classic... Try not to smile when you drive this car," says Fiat CEO Olivier Francois.
In a significant move for the AI industry, Meta and IBM have joined forces to form the AI Alliance, a collective effort to promote open-source AI development. This initiative includes major partners like NASA, Intel, and Yale University.
- The Alliance's agenda includes developing benchmarks for AI creation, building a catalog of vetted tools, and advocating their use among developers.
- Efforts will also be directed towards educating the public and policymakers on AI, along with launching initiatives for safe AI development.
- Nick Clegg, President of Global Affairs, Meta noted when talking about the desire to have AI be open sourced, "We believe it's better when AI is developed openly — more people can access the benefits, build innovative products and work on safety."
Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.
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