In connected car news are Bird, Segway, Netcracker, Toyota, Vodafone, NTT, Lytx Stellantis and 4screen.
In this Article
Bird & Segway E-Bikes Across North America
Bird and Segway have announced a strategic alliance to launch a new generation of shared electric scooters and e-bikes aimed at transforming urban mobility in North America. The collaboration debuts three co-developed vehicles—the Bird Dash, Bird Explorer, and Bird Journey—designed for varied riding needs from daily commuting to leisure.
These new models feature reinforced structures, IPX7 water resistance, longer battery range (up to 90 km for the Journey e-bike), and cutting-edge safety features including dual braking systems, pedestrian-detection sensors, and turn indicators. The vehicles are built for durability, efficiency, and a lower total cost of ownership, contributing to a 40% increase in ridership during the initial rollout.
Both companies emphasize sustainability through the use of recycled materials, modular components, and long-life batteries. With this partnership, Bird and Segway aim to set new standards for performance, safety, and environmental responsibility in the micromobility space—marking the start of an expanded collaboration to shape the future of shared urban transportation.
Netcracker, Toyota, Vodafone, and NTT Connected Vehicle Monetization
Netcracker Technology and partners Toyota, Vodafone, and NTT Data have been awarded the Telco Monetization Award at TM Forum’s DTW Ignite event in Copenhagen for their joint Moonshot Catalyst project, Monetizing Federated Connectivity for Automotive OEMs. This groundbreaking initiative tackles the complex technical and business challenges faced by car manufacturers in deploying advanced applications for connected and autonomous vehicles.
The project leverages Netcracker’s next-gen cloud platform to integrate Toyota’s applications, Vodafone’s Procure & Connect service, and NTT Data’s 5G network slicing. Through standardized TM Forum and CAMARA Open APIs, and TM Forum’s Open Digital Architecture, the solution enables seamless, on-demand access to network resources. Key capabilities include GenAI-assisted partner onboarding, dynamic billing, and end-to-end monetization of low-latency services.
Business outcomes include a 3–5% ARPU increase for telcos, faster rollout of vehicle services, enhanced safety features, and lower CO₂ emissions via route and efficiency optimization. Recognized as a Moonshot Catalyst—the highest level in TM Forum innovation—the project is also seen as a model for other industries like healthcare and smart manufacturing.
Netcracker CTO Bob Titus highlighted the role of edge computing and real-time connectivity in unlocking new monetization and innovation opportunities for the automotive sector and beyond.
Lytx Unveils Advanced Fatigue Detection Tech
Lytx Inc., a leader in video telematics and safety solutions, has launched a new Fatigue Detection technology designed to enhance driver safety using machine vision (MV), artificial intelligence (AI), and human intelligence (HI). The system continuously monitors behavioral patterns—such as prolonged eye closure, head nodding, leaning on the wheel, and lane drifting—to detect early signs of driver fatigue with high accuracy. Unlike systems that respond to isolated events, Lytx’s solution identifies fatigue as a progressive condition and alerts fleet managers in real time, allowing for proactive interventions.
Key features include earlier detection, improved accuracy through AI-human collaboration, and professional review support. This tool is aimed at reducing crashes, saving lives, and lowering claim costs. Market demand is growing as fatigued driving remains a leading cause of accidents across fleets. Lytx’s technology has already outperformed competitors in trials, offering fleet operators a robust way to mitigate fatigue-related risks and enhance operational safety.
Fridays Lead Nation in Car Crashes
According to new data from CARFAX, Fridays are the most accident-prone day of the week for drivers in at least 43 U.S. states, with the end-of-week rush, fatigue, and distracted driving likely contributing to the spike. By contrast, Sundays are the safest, with the fewest reported crashes across nearly all states.
Mississippi tops the list with over 18% of its crashes occurring on Fridays. Other high-risk states include California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania. While Saturday sees more fatal crashes according to NHTSA, the volume of Friday accidents makes it one of the most hazardous times to be on the road.
Law enforcement officials stress the importance of staying alert, particularly during heavy traffic periods. Many Friday incidents involve minor damage, but still carry significant risk for injury, delays, and financial loss.
Stellantis Partners with 4screen
Stellantis has teamed up with driver interaction platform 4screen to integrate real-time, location-based digital services into select FIAT, Jeep®, and Ram models equipped with Uconnect® 4 or 5. The partnership aims to deliver a more intuitive and seamless in-car experience, allowing drivers to access nearby services, promotions, and points of interest directly from their infotainment systems.
Designed with safety and simplicity in mind, 4screen’s platform provides personalized, non-intrusive content such as restaurant listings, charging stations, car washes, and dealership locations. It filters results based on user preferences and context, offering useful details and instant access to promotions—all without distracting from the driving experience.
The service is already rolling out via over-the-air updates in key Stellantis markets across Europe and North America, with more brands to be included in the near future.