For most, this stuff feels like some far-off future envisioned by tech bros and Wall Street guys, not something they'll ever really have to deal with day-to-day. But amid the last few months of news, including the headlines at CES 2026 and even some key features of the Volvo EX60's recent debut, it's clear that artificial intelligence is pretty much the name of the game right now.
Ahead of its fourth-quarter and 2025 annual earnings call today, GM announced that its software and subscription business is quickly gaining steam. The automaker said that last year, it recorded $5.4 billion in deferred revenue (meaning unearned revenue over time, through a recurring service) from its various OnStar-related connected services. These include various safety systems, in-car WiFi, access to audio streaming apps and more. GM is projecting deferred revenue from software to rise to $7.5 billion in 2026.
General Motors' Super Cruise is among the most popular and sophisticated advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) in the U.S., alongside Ford's BlueCruise and Tesla's Autopilot. The hands-free system, which is capable of accelerating, braking and steering on its own in certain conditions while you actively monitor the road, now has more than 625,000 active users across the U.S. and Canada. Those drivers have access to over 750,000 miles of mapped roads, making Super Cruise one of the most widely deployed hands-free systems on the market today.
MotorTrend awarded Tesla FSD (Supervised) its 2026 Best Tech Driver Assistance title after extensive testing of the latest v14 software. The publication acknowledged that it had previously criticized earlier versions of FSD for erratic behavior and near-miss incidents, ultimately favoring rivals such as GM's Super Cruise in earlier evaluations. According to MotorTrend, the newest iteration of FSD resolved many of those shortcomings. Testers said v14 showed far smoother behavior in complex urban scenarios, including unprotected left turns, traffic circles, emergency vehicles, and dense city streets.
With the aim of unlocking the full potential of AI-powered vehicles, NXP Semiconductors has unveiled the S32N7 super-integration processor series for the intelligent vehicle core, designed to enable vehicle original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to differentiate their fleets, as well as control and evolve the vehicle platform throughout its lifecycle. Engineering and technology company Bosch is the first to deploy the system in its vehicle integration platform.
BYD has unveiled today at Busworld Europe 2025 the BYD eBus B12.b HF and the BYD eBus B18.b, alongside displaying also the eBus B12.b LE. The new models are built on BYD's proprietary eBus Platform 3.0 and incorporate Blade Battery in Chassis technology, Wheel Hub Hairpin Motors, and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. BYD also announced the expansion of its European manufacturing and service footprint, including the opening of an OEM-run battery service center in the UK.
At the show, ZF will highlight its integrated driveline systems, including the CeTrax 2 dual central electric drive and "newly developed axle systems designed for the next generation of buses and coaches", as the company states. ZF will also present advanced auxiliary systems such as the e-comp Scroll - a quieter, more efficient air compressor for electric vehicles, along with a new intelligent Air Supply Unit - and the latest evolution of its Continuous Damping Control system, CDC Skyhook.
The ADAS system in the BMW iX3 is built on Snapdragon Ride, which integrates automotive-grade systems-on-chip (SoCs) for centralised sensor data processing, advanced computer vision modules for perception, and Snapdragon Ride AD software stack co-developed with BMW - including drive policy and safety guardrails. The AD system is built on Qualcomm's Snapdragon Ride system-on-chips (SoCs) using the Snapdragon Ride AD software stack co-developed by both companies.
Qualcomm is joining forces with BMW on a new driver-assist system that will allow drivers to take their hands off the wheel on approved roads. Qualcomm, which supplies infotainment, driver-assist, and telematics systems to a variety of automakers, is looking to raise its portfolio in the auto industry, as more car companies turn to advanced processors and chips to power high-tech features. The San Diego-based chipmaker says it currently has $45 billion in future revenue in its automotive pipeline right now.
