Volkswagen Golf Named ‘Best Car of the Half Century’

The Volkswagen Golf has been named the ‘Best Car of the Half Century’ at the Best Cars of the Year – The New Car World Championships. This award coincides with the Golf’s 50th anniversary, celebrating its long-standing success as Volkswagen’s best-selling car.

The award was given at the British Motor Show, where the latest version of the Golf was displayed, which seemed to get lots of attention! The Golf’s popularity and reputation as a reliable, versatile vehicle were key reasons for its win.

The judging panel included a range of experts from the automotive world, such as car designers, engineers, journalists, and motorsport personalities. Among them were John Oates, the famous musician from Hall and Oates, and Mike Rutherford, a well-known automotive journalist who founded the awards.

“Some manufacturers are barely able to keep their ‘most important’ models in production for five years. The fact that Volkswagen has been successfully building and selling petrol, diesel, pure-electric and hybrid versions of the Golf around the world for 50 years really does say it all.

“Since the very early 1980s, when I bought my first brand new Mk I version, I’ve purchased countless Golfs or run them as company cars. With some justification, it was often described as all the car you’ll ever need. And that’s as true today as it ever was. The Golf has, since it was born in 1974, been the car for the people.”

Mike Rutherford – Automotive Journalist

Since its launch, the Golf has sold over 37 million units worldwide, even surpassing the iconic Volkswagen Beetle. The Golf has become a standard in its class, known for quality and performance, with popular versions like the Cabriolet, Golf R, and the GTI further boosting its appeal.

As the Golf celebrates 50 years, it looks like it has moved from a great car to an automotive legend!

BMW Group and Figure AI Successfully Test Humanoid Robots in Production

The BMW Group is taking a big step into the future of automotive production by successfully testing humanoid robots at their Spartanburg plant in South Carolina. In partnership with the California-based robotics company Figure, BMW evaluated the potential of these advanced robots in performing complex tasks that are typically labour-intensive for human workers.

A New Era of Robotics in Production

The robots, known as Figure 02, are the latest creation from Figure AI. Over several weeks, the Figure 02 robots were put to the test in a real production environment, where they demonstrated their ability to handle intricate tasks. Specifically, the robots successfully inserted sheet metal parts into fixtures as part of the vehicle chassis assembly process—a task requiring a high degree of precision and dexterity.

“The developments in the field of robotics are very promising. With an early test operation, we are now determining possible applications for humanoid robots in production. We want to accompany this technology from development to industrialization,”

Milan Nedeljković, Member of the Board of Management for Production at BMW AG.

Advanced Capabilities of Figure 02

Figure 02 stands out as the world’s most advanced humanoid robot, according to Figure AI. The robot’s design allows it to perform human-like tasks with high autonomy, leveraging two-legged mobility and advanced dexterity. This makes it particularly well-suited for tasks that are physically demanding, repetitive, or potentially unsafe for human workers.

Key features of Figure 02 include:

• Three times the processing power compared to its predecessor.
• Enhanced sensory and communication systems with improved cameras, microphones, and voice capabilities.
• A high-performance battery and fourth-generation human-scale hands with 16 degrees of freedom per hand, offering human-equivalent strength.
• Precision and coordination abilities that allow the robot to manipulate complex parts with millimetre accuracy.

Implications for the Future

The trial at Spartanburg provided valuable insights into the requirements for integrating humanoid robots into existing production systems. While there are currently no plans to deploy these robots full-time at the plant, the successful trial marks an important step toward the future. BMW and Figure will continue collaborating to refine the robots based on the findings from this trial, focusing on safe and efficient integration into production environments.

Mercedes-Benz Breaks New Ground with Level 4 Automated Driving in Beijing

Mercedes-Benz has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first international car manufacturer to receive approval for Level 4 automated driving tests on urban roads and highways in Beijing. This marks a crucial step in the company’s ongoing efforts to advance autonomous driving technology for privately owned vehicles worldwide.

The approval allows Mercedes-Benz to test advanced software and hardware for automated driving, pushing the boundaries of what vehicles can achieve independently. This Level 4 testing builds on previous achievements, including the company’s successful approval for Level 3 testing in Beijing at the end of 2023.

Advancing the Future of Driving

Since its beginning, Mercedes-Benz has always maintained its position at the forefront of automotive innovation. The company continues to set new benchmarks in the industry, particularly when it comes to autonomous driving.

“Since we invented the automobile 138 years ago, Mercedes-Benz has continuously set new global standards
with innovative technologies. The current development and introduction of automated driving systems is
redefining the role of the automobile. We offer more than 40 driver assistance systems, including enhanced
Level 2 features, and are the first car maker with a Level 3 system in the market. With the new approval for
testing Level 4 technology in the Beijing area, for later use in privately owned vehicles worldwide,
Mercedes-Benz leaps forward on the way to autonomous driving. Once again, we are setting the new industry
benchmark – at ‘China speed.”
Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer,
Development & Procurement

The tests involve two specially equipped Mercedes-Benz S-Class vehicles, fitted with a sophisticated range of sensors, including LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), radar, and cameras. These vehicles are designed to handle complex urban traffic scenarios, such as navigating roundabouts, making unprotected left turns, and even passing through motorway toll stations. The Level 4 designation indicates that these vehicles can operate without human intervention in certain environments, enhancing both safety and efficiency.

China: A Key Player in Mercedes-Benz’s Innovation Strategy

China plays an important role in Mercedes-Benz’s global research and development strategy. With a growing local R&D network and substantial investments, including RMB 10.5 billion over the past five years, Mercedes-Benz China has become a central hub for innovation. The country’s rapid development and high demand for intelligent technology make it an ideal environment for testing and refining cutting-edge automotive technologies.

“Mercedes-Benz China is at the forefront of global innovation, with outstanding talent and partners providing
excellent opportunities for the company’s advanced technology research. Obtaining approval for Level 4
automated driving road testing in Beijing will help Mercedes-Benz to further accelerate automated driving
technology. In recent years, Mercedes-Benz has continuously increased its local R&D investment. Through a
series of advanced research projects, the local R&D team is committed to bringing intelligent luxury products
and services to the needs of Chinese customers at ‘China Speed’.”
Oliver Löcher, Senior Executive Vice President of Mercedes-Benz Group China Ltd., Head of Mercedes-Benz China
Research, Development and Procurement

An Automated Future

As Mercedes-Benz continues to push the envelope in automated driving, the successful testing of Level 4 technology in Beijing represents a significant leap towards a future where cars can drive themselves.