Category: Miscellaneous

The Three Companies Enter Memorandum of Understanding Aiming to Establish a JV Company to Provide Driverless Ridehail Service in Japan –

TOKYO, Oct 19, 2023 – (JCN Newswire) – Cruise, General Motors Company (GM) and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (Honda) today announced that they have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding aiming to establish a joint venture which will begin a driverless ridehail service in Japan in early 2026. The three companies aim to establish this new company in the first half of 2024 pending regulatory approvals.

Overview of the service

With this new service, the Cruise Origin, jointly developed by GM, Cruise and Honda and purpose built for a driverless ridehail service, will come pick up the customers at a specified location and drive them to the destination, entirely through self-driving. Customers will use a dedicated app on their smart phones to complete the entire process from hailing to payment.

The Cruise Origin is a self-driving vehicle with no driver’s seat or steering wheel. It features a vast cabin space that can be as private as a personally-owned vehicle and that allows 6 people to ride simultaneously, facing-to-face. This driverless ridehail service will offer an entirely new kind of mobility experience in Japan and target a wide range of customers, including business people, families, visitors and more.

The three companies are planning to launch the driverless ridehail service in central Tokyo in early 2026. The service will start with dozens of Cruise Origins, and then expand to a fleet of 500 Cruise Origins. The three companies plan to subsequently expand and scale the service to areas outside of central Tokyo.

Collaboration with relevant industries

Through this driverless ridehail service, the three companies will strive to offer a new value of mobility, while also helping address societal issues facing Japan, such as the taxi and bus driver shortage. Honda and the new JV company will continue to strengthen coordination and collaboration with various stakeholders, including local municipal governments and transportation service providers.

The Cruise Origin is scheduled to be on display for the first time in Japan at the Honda booth at the JAPAN MOBILITY SHOW 2023 at Tokyo Big Site (Public days: October 28 – November 5, 2023).

Comments by Kyle Vogt, Founder and CEO of Cruise

“Honda has been a key partner with Cruise for several years and we’re excited to offer safer and more accessible transportation to customers in Tokyo. All of our work scaling in dense urban US markets will position us well to address the huge opportunity for autonomous vehicles in Japan.”

Comments by Mary Barra, Chair and CEO of GM

“GM has always been invested in defining the future of transportation and that’s more true today than ever. The benefits of AVs – from safety to accessibility – are too profound to ignore and through this important partnership with Cruise and Honda, we’re bringing forward innovation that leverages our expertise in cutting-edge software and hardware to help more people around the world get where they need to go.”

Comments by Toshihiro Mibe, Global CEO of Honda

“Honda is striving to create the ‘joy and freedom of mobility.’ Through our driverless ridehail service, we will enable customers in Japan to experience a new value of mobility, improve the quality of their mobility experiences and offer the joy of mobility. This will be a major step toward the realization of an advanced mobility society. Providing this service in central Tokyo where the traffic environment is complex will be a great challenge, however, by working jointly with Cruise and GM, Honda will exert further efforts to make it a reality.”

Netflix’s “Stranger Things” series is all about 80s pop culture, horror, and suspense in Stephen King’s style, Cold War conspiracies, and Steven Spielberg-style cinematography. The entire series is glued together through carefully crafted locations and atmospheres, including vehicles that reflect the characters’ personalities. Unfortunately, the series fans cannot purchase specifically these models that participated in the filming. However, if you’re looking for a vehicle, check out this affordable used cars, which is equally cool. Next, I’ve collected vehicles that play an essential role in the series. In my opinion, without them, the immersion in a provincial American town of the 80s would be incomplete.

Ford Pinto

“Stranger Things” is about children, but adult characters also play a significant role. For example, I love Joyce Byers – the financially struggling single mom of Jonathan and Will. She drives an old Ford Pinto. This subcompact car was produced from 1971 to 1980. The Ford Pinto was famous for its ability to catch fire from a hard rear-end collision. Winona Ryder, who portrayed a hard-working mom with tremendous will and strength, drove a 1976 Ford Pinto (she deserved better, though).

Chevrolet Blazer

The Blazer belonged to Jim Hopper. It is a typical practical car that a police chief would drive around a small Midwestern town. The vehicle’s beige color matches the police uniform. Hopper’s character is like the Blazer model – sturdy, reliable, and comfortable, like old worn-out boots. I love that guy. 

BMW 733i

In the first season, Steve Harrington was the stereotypical cocky and annoying athlete, so the perfect car for him was a BMW. The character later became a fan favorite, but the BMW was still heavily used in filming. The 733i was very popular in the 80s and was born in the decade of yuppies and upper-middle-class wealth. The 3 Series suited the yuppies, but BMW launched the 7 Series for those who valued size and comfort over sportiness. 

Mercury Grand Marquis

The image of aspiring journalist Nancy Wheeler shows us a typical 1980s high school girl. By the 4th season’s end, she becomes a cool girl. Like Steve Harrington, she drives the popular family car. It’s a Mercury Grand Marquis, a station wagon with a wooden body and a third row. Nancy owns the first generation model, introduced in 1979 as Mercury’s premium topper. Unlike the BMW 7 Series, it was aimed at older buyers.

Ford LTD

Jonathan Byers drove it. Big old American sedans were classic cars for teenagers in the 1980s. In the show, this 1970 Ford LTD has already seen its best days: paint is faded, and the bodywork shows obvious signs of accidents and collisions. This car was about 10-12 years old at the time of the series of events. 

Chevrolet Camaro

Billy Hargrove drove a 1979 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 – a loud, arrogant, and brutal model that perfectly fits the angry bully archetype. Look at Billy’s Camaro; you’ll notice it’s clearly not a Z/28. The fenders are from the Z/28, but there’s no nameplate on them, and the hood and chrome trim came from a Camaro sports coupe. Attentive car fans have noticed that there were two Camaros in the show. For example, in one scene, the windows are lowered manually, and in another – electronically.

I am so excited about the “Stranger Things” continue. Judging by the season 4 finale, it seems unlikely that we should expect new car models on the show. But it doesn’t matter. I hope that the heroes, who are so loved by millions of viewers worldwide, will be able to overcome all the difficulties. I’m waiting for a happy ending.

Online games have taken the world by storm, captivating millions of players from various corners of the globe. The allure of online gaming is undeniable as it continues to thrive and evolve year after year. But what exactly are the reasons behind the widespread fascination with online games, and why have they become such a dominant force in the entertainment industry? Let’s delve into some of the key factors that contribute to the popularity of online gaming.

1. Accessibility and Convenience: One of the primary reasons for the immense popularity of online games is their accessibility and convenience. Unlike traditional video games, which often require dedicated gaming consoles or PCs, online games can be played on a wide range of devices, from smartphones and tablets to laptops and desktop computers. The ability to play anytime, anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection, is a game-changer.

2. Variety of Genres: Online games offer an incredible variety of genres to suit every taste. From action-packed first-person shooters to immersive role-playing games, and even casino games like House of Pokies, there’s something for everyone. The diversity in game genres ensures that players can always find something that piques their interest.

3. Social Interaction: Online games provide a platform for social interaction that transcends physical boundaries. Players can connect with friends, family, or even complete strangers from different parts of the world. This social aspect of gaming fosters friendships and community building, making it a popular pastime for those seeking social connections.

4. Competitive Spirit: The competitive nature of online games is a significant driving force behind their popularity. Players can test their skills and strategies against others in real-time, and the prospect of victory and recognition fuels their desire to keep playing and improving.

5. Continuous Updates and Improvements: Online game developers often release updates and expansions to keep the experience fresh and engaging. This constant evolution ensures that players always have something new to look forward to, preventing the games from becoming stale.

6. In-Game Rewards and Achievements: Many online games offer in-game rewards, achievements, and a progression system that motivates players to keep playing. These incentives provide a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, making players want to reach the next level or achieve the next milestone.

7. Escapism and Entertainment: Online games offer a form of escapism and entertainment that allows players to temporarily escape from the stresses of everyday life. They provide an immersive experience that can be a welcome distraction from the challenges and worries of the real world. For example, role-playing games like Final Fantasy XIV offer players a rich, immersive world to explore, filled with epic quests and dynamic storylines. FFXIV Lodestone enhances this experience by providing detailed insights into in-game character profiles, progress tracking, and community updates, allowing players to stay connected and fully immersed in the game’s evolving world.

8. Streaming and eSports: The rise of streaming platforms like Twitch and the emergence of eSports have made online gaming a spectator sport. Many people enjoy watching skilled players compete or provide entertaining commentary on their favorite games, further fueling the gaming community’s growth.

9. Technological Advancements: Technological advancements have significantly improved the quality of online games. High-definition graphics, realistic physics, and immersive virtual reality experiences have made the gaming world more enticing and engaging.

In the midst of the myriad of online games, “House of Pokies” stands as a prime example of the appeal of online casino games. With its wide selection of slot machines and card games, it offers players the thrill of gambling from the comfort of their own homes. The convenience and excitement of playing popular casino games online have undoubtedly contributed to their widespread popularity.

In conclusion, the popularity of online games can be attributed to a combination of factors, including accessibility, variety, social interaction, competitiveness, regular updates, rewards, escapism, entertainment, streaming, and technological advancements. The gaming industry continues to evolve, and as long as developers keep innovating and providing captivating experiences, the allure of online games is likely to persist and grow. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a dedicated enthusiast, the world of online gaming has something for everyone, making it a global phenomenon that shows no signs of slowing down.

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Zero-emission, heavy-duty truck realizes range of more than 800 km/500 miles

TOKYO, Oct 17, 2023 – (JCN Newswire) – Isuzu Motors Limited and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced that they will exhibit the GIGA FUEL CELL, a fuel cell (FC)-powered heavy-duty truck currently being co-developed by the two companies, at the Isuzu Group booth at the JAPAN MOBILITY SHOW 2023. This will be the first time the GIGA FUEL CELL will be shown to the general public. The Japan Mobility Show will be held from Saturday, October 28 to Sunday, November 5, 2023 at Tokyo Big Sight, Tokyo Japan.

Isuzu and Honda believe that FC technology, utilizing hydrogen as fuel resulting in no CO2 emissions, will be effective to achieve carbon neutrality of heavy-duty trucks which are required to achieve high-efficiency transportation (with the capability for long-distance driving, large load capacity, quick refueling).

Since the signing of an agreement in January 2020 to conduct joint research on FC-powered heavy-duty trucks, the two companies have been working on the verification of the compatibility of the FC system and heavy-duty trucks and the establishment of a foundation for basic technologies such as vehicle control technologies.

The two companies are currently planning to start demonstration testing of a prototype model on public roads before the end of the current fiscal year (ending March 31, 2024) and introduce the production model to the market in 2027 by fully leveraging the technology, experience and knowledge gained through the joint research.

The GIGA FUEL CELL model on display at the Japan Mobility Show adopts the Lowdeck 8×4 rigid truck configuration, which is a typical configuration for trucks used for intercity transportation. Its range of more than 800 km/500 miles (Isuzu validation mode) makes the GIGA FUEL CELL a zero-emission heavy-duty truck with true practicality. Moreover, the GIGA FUEL CELL is equipped with an external power output function, so that it can leverage its large energy capacity unique only to FC vehicles, that use hydrogen as a fuel, and serve as “mobile power station” as needed, such as in times of a disaster.

Working toward the planned market launch of a FC-powered heavy-duty truck in 2027, the two companies will continue making progress in the development of product that fulfills the performance and conditions required for a heavy-duty truck and satisfies customers.

For more information, visit https://global.honda/en/newsroom/news/2023/c231017beng.html.

Is your driveway home to an aging, non-operational vehicle? This comprehensive guide highlights the avenues available for your old car in California! Discover straightforward steps to convert that stationary steel into cash, consider revamping it, or perhaps let it serve a noble cause through donation. Here’s a simplistic, clear roadmap to extracting the maximum potential from your old ride, California-style!

Prepping Your Car for its Next Phase

If restoring your car to its glory days is off the table due to high costs or extensive damage, then transforming it into cash might just be your golden ticket. In the land of sun and surf, initiatives like “cash for cars” are not just popular; they’re part of the Californian lifestyle. Programs like cash for cars in California invite residents to exchange their rusty rides for greenbacks, offering a convenient, no-fuss method to bid farewell to your old car while padding your wallet. While selling parts individually is an option, local junkyards have the expertise and equipment to dismantle and repurpose every bit of your vehicle efficiently.

Assessing Your Vehicle’s Value in The Golden State

Before sailing down the selling stream or opting for repairs, it’s crucial to understand your car’s current market value. A repair job might sometimes make sense if it doesn’t significantly overshadow the car’s worth. Recognizing its value also positions you to negotiate a fair deal, whether dealing with a local Californian junkyard or considering a charitable donation.

Assembling Your Golden State Paper Trail

Embarking on the selling journey requires some paperwork. This is an important step if you want to make some cash for your old car because it ensures that you have the legal right to sell it and protects you from any future liability.

Essential documents include details like the vehicle identification number (VIN), mileage, and overall condition. In the heart of California, you will need the car’s title to initiate a legitimate sale. If it’s gone AWOL, understanding how to procure a duplicate is key.

Navigating Car Insurance in California

Even a stationary vehicle in California might need its insurance maintained until it changes hands. This could be a state-mandated requirement or something stipulated by your auto loan provider. Ensuring you’re compliant with Californian law and your financial agreements is paramount.

Scrapping Your Car

Decided to part ways with your vehicle for scrap? Time to engage with a licensed Californian junkyard. Do your due diligence with customer reviews and obtain multiple quotes to ensure a fair transaction. Once settled, it’s time to empty your car of personal belongings, remove its license plates, and secure your payment before relinquishing the title!

Donating Your Ride

Donating your vehicle is a Californian act of kindness! Numerous charities within the state will repurpose your contribution to benefit those in need, plus there’s the perk of a tax deduction for you. It’s a heartfelt way to extend the legacy of your vehicle while supporting a worthy cause.

Reviving Your Californian Cruiser

In instances where your vehicle is declared “junk” or “salvage,” remember, it’s not the end of its road! Californians love a good comeback story, and reviving your car might be a viable option, especially if repair costs don’t drastically outweigh its value. However, remember that a revived car may not fetch the price of its never-junked counterparts, and restoration requires investment. A consultation with a skilled mechanic could clarify whether this route is worth the time and resources.

Final Thoughts: Understanding Your Car’s Value is Golden

In the end, comprehending the true value and potential of your old car is the key to unlocking its future, whether that’s a revival, metamorphosis into scrap, or a benevolent donation. Even in its silent, stationary state, your car holds value, possibly as a treasure trove of parts for others or as a vehicle of hope via charity. In the diverse landscape of California, your trusty four-wheeled companion might not be ready to ride the waves or cruise the scenic routes anymore. Still, it’s primed for a new journey, continuing its narrative in ways you might not have imagined. So, explore each avenue with the spirit of California in your heart, ensuring every potential path is thoughtfully considered, and every opportunity respectfully embraced.