Five Automotive Startups To Watch In 2018

If there’s one industry that’s stood out in 2017, it’s the automotive industry. For drivers and fans of the automotive, there’s never been a more exciting time to be alive than right now. Today, startups around the world are standing on the edge of an age of mobile connectivity and autonomous vehicles. As more consumers are looking for connectivity and environmentally friendly vehicles, startups have had to cater to these demands.

As it stands, automotive giants like Ford and General Motors have begun to lay inroads into the next generation of vehicles by bankrolling startups with specialist knowledge in fields such as Artificial Intelligence. The race is on not only to create the world’s first autonomous vehicle, but to keep ‘drivers’ connected as well. In this article, we take a look at five automotive startups to watch in 2018.

1. Argo Al

One of the biggest prospects of 2018 has to be Argo AI. Recently, Ford announced that they would be investing $1 billion into Argo AI on account of their artificial intelligence expertise. Argo AI is attempting to create their own self-driving car but what makes this company so promising is its alliance with Ford. The shear commercial reach of Ford’s experience and production lines are a potent force, particularly when combined with Argo’s artificial intelligence expertise. 

2. Cruise Automation

Earlier this year, General Motors purchased Cruise Automation for $600 million. The purchase signified GM’s desire to invest in the future of automotive technology, and build the next generation of driverless cars. At this stage, a series of tests have being conducted on pre-production Chevrolet Bolts, which have been equipped with cameras, radars and LIDaR sensors. These Bolts have been sent out daily to traverse the city streets mostly of their own accord. At this stage, there’s only been bump into a parked car.

3. Arygna

When it comes to mobile connectivity, consumers need look no further than Arygna. This unique startup has developed its own platform to provide on-demand updates to vehicles on the road. The platform has the capacity to remotely manage any software or firmware in use within the vehicle. Drivers are even able to complete their downloads or updates in the event of a power disruption or loss of connection. Such technology will go a long way towards bridging the gap between the IoT within our homes and our cars.

4.Peloton Technology

As one of the more unusual startups on this list, Peloton Technology are set to redefine inter-vehicle connectivity. Peloton has developed a fleet driving system, which uses a radar and DSRC to communicate between vehicles and link between active safety systems. The product is intended to communicate between trucks to reduce collision related expenses and fuel costs. As part of the product, drivers will be able to use Peloton like adaptive cruise control to manage acceleration and braking.

5. Zoox Labs

Last but not least, we have Zoox Labs, a startup working on an autonomous vehicle with a twist. Zoox is planning to create a futuristic taxi, with gullwing doors leading to four passenger seats which fact into the center like the back of a limo. There’s no windshield, steering wheel or brake pedal like today’s modern cars. Instead, Zoox’s car is intended to have lidar modules that drive and steer each wheel independently. Zoox’s taxi provides us with glimpse of how autonomous technology will change drivers into passengers.

2018 is going to be a Big Year for the Automotive Industry

As we stand on the verge of an autonomous revolution, we’re going to rely on innovative startups like Argo AI and Zoox Labs to produce the next generation of automotive vehicles. Yet consumer demands don’t end there. We’re demanding increased connectivity so that we stay connected throughout our journeys.

Despite the high expectations we have, many automotive startups stand ready to redefine modern automotive travel. As more and more established automotive manufacturers look to help out smaller startups, we can only expect the level of competition to increase dramatically as the wealth and experience of larger companies merges with the expertise of smaller startups. At this point, 2018 looks set to deliver the foundations of a connected autonomous automotive revolution.