This week's gossip from the automotive industry brings news of India's requirement for in-car connectivity, Mazda's thoughts on touchscreens, McLaren and BMW's new engine and the consequences of using out-dated mpg testing, according to VW.
India's requirement for in-car connectivity
Tata Motors CEO Guenter Butschek predicts that India will take the lead for in-car connectivity because its demographic will demand it. Around 65% of Indians are under 35 – significantly higher than in most parts of the developed and developing world – making the nation’s drivers more reliant on new technology than average.
Read more: The future of the car: an Autocar guide, Volvo partners with Google to develop Android infotainment system
Mazda's thoughts on touchscreens
Mazda says using a rotary controller to operate infotainment systems is safer than using a touchscreen. It found that drivers who used a rotary controller had a lower error rate and had their eyes off the road for less time than those who used a touchscreen.
Read more: Mazda CX-5 review, Mazda 3 MPS | Used Car Buying Guide
McLaren and BMW's new engine
McLaren and BMW's recent deal to develop a next-generation engine allows McLaren to do R&D at a competitive cost, said boss Mike Flewitt. Due to appear in McLaren models by 2020, the collaboration intends to produce an engine with optimised combustion to give lower emissions and more power.
Read more: McLaren and BMW partner to develop new engine technology, All-electric McLaren supercar still under consideration
The consequences of using out-dated mpg testing, according to VW
VW brand boss Herbert Diess admits the industry left itself open to criticism by persisting with outdated mpg testing, but says both VW and the law-makers had little choice. “Even five years ago, on-road testing was impossible because the equipment was unreliable. Only now is it good enough.”
Read more: Autocar test shows worse economy after Volkswagen diesel fix, What does our VW dieselgate fix test prove?
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