Daimler Invests in New Zealand HMI Firm

Daimler AG is making an unspecified investment in Soul Machines Ltd., a New Zealand-based company that specializes in digital personal assistant systems.

VW Offers €8,000 Incentives to Diesel Owners in Germany

Volkswagen AG’s VW brand is offering diesel owners throughout Germany “environmental” incentives worth as much as €8,000 ($9,200) to trade in their old cars for cleaner models.

Google Maps Plugs Into EV Charging Locations

Alphabet Inc.’s Google Map unit is adding information about electric vehicle charging stations, including location and directions.

Chinese Autonomous Driving Tech Startup Raises $1 Billion

Momenta, a Beijing-based startup specializing in autonomous vehicle software, says it has secured more than $1 billion in its latest funding round.

Central London Aims to Cut Traffic Volume in Half

The 1.1 square mile that defines the City of London aims to lower its speed limit to 15 mph and reduce motor traffic 25% by 2030 and 50% by 2044, Autocar reports.

Ford, Mahindra to Share Powertrain, Connectivity Tech

Ford Motor Co. and Mahindra Group will share powertrain and vehicle connectivity products under separate agreements.

VW Readies “Dealer of Tomorrow” Plan for Europe

Volkswagen AG’s namesake brand plans to launch a new sales and distribution scheme in Europe that includes direct-to-customer sales and flexible dealership and service center models.

Uber May Spin Off Autonomous Car Unit

Ride-hailing service Uber Technologies Inc. is pondering a move to spin off its self-driving-car development unit, sources tell the Financial Times.

Tesla Gets OK to Build Factory in China

Tesla Inc. has agreed to spend 973 million yuan ($140 million) for land in Shanghai on which to build a factory with eventual annual capacity to make 500,000 electric cars—and the batteries to propel them.

Pandora Hires Ex-Ford Connected-Car Exec VanDagens

Music streaming service Pandora Media Inc. has hired Doug VanDagens, former global director of connected services at Ford Motor Co., to be its head of partnerships and strategy.