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Daimler divests remaining interest in Tesla

Back in 2009, Daimler acquired over 9 percent of Tesla. A couple of months later, it sold 40 percent of that stake to Abu Dhabi-based Aabar Investments. The following year, Tesla listed on the stock exchange and Daimler's interest was reduced to 4 percent. But now the German industrial giant has announced it is selling that 4 percent and divesting from Tesla altogether in a liquidation that is expected to raise approximately $780 million for Daimler. The divestment has also triggered speculation that the move could make room for rival German automaker BMW to take an interest in Tesla.
Despite the divestment, Daimler insists that its technological partnership with Tesla will remain unaffected. Mercedes sources the batteries for its B-Class Electric Drive (pictured above) from the Californian outfit in a deal that is not set to change as a result of the financial realignment. A similar collaboration was in place for the Smart Fortwo Electric Drive, however, now that the new generation of Smarts developed with Renault is on its way, it's possible that a next-generation Fortwo ED will use French tech instead as an extension of the partnership between Daimler and Renault-Nissan.
Daimler has also taken the occasion to point out that, between the Mercedes, Smart and various truck brands, it offers "the industry's biggest portfolio of electric vehicles," including pure EVs, fuel cells and hybrids. The automaker says it will introduce ten new plug-in hybrid Mercedes models by 2017.

Cadillac Super Cruise, a hands-off review

Cadillac Super Cruise won't let you eat breakfast behind the wheel, climb in the back seat or any of the other stupid human tricks displayed on YouTube by Tesla owners. It even won't allow the car to change lanes on its own, like Tesla Autopilot. But it's a big step on the road to full autonomy, a huge convenience on long-distance road trips and a substantial technological triumph for Cadillac. In the simplest terms, Super Cruise is a lane-centering enhancement to adaptive cruise control (ACC). But Super Cruise is anything but simple. Its technical complexity — hence its long delay after first being unveiled five years ago — belies its straightforward operation and intuitive user interface, which I discovered on an almost 750-mile, 11-hour drive in a 2018 Cadillac CT6 between Dallas and Santa Fe to test the system. LOADS OF LIMITATIONS First, let's dispense with the details and disclaimers. Super Cruise is standard on the 2018 CT6 Platinum and a $5,000 option on other trim levels. Because Super Cruise is supported by OnStar — an OnStar operator will call to find out if first responders need to be sent in a worst-case scenario — a three-year OnStar Super Cruise Package is included with the system. Super Cruise has loads of limitations that are probably more concerning to GM's legal counsel than they were to me during my long drive. Some are no-brainers, such as not for use in construction zones or for driving on the shoulder. But the system can also be stymied by adverse weather, poor visibility and faded lane markings. Super Cruise only works on freeways with on and off ramps and a center divider. ACC and forward collision warning also need to be engaged, and the system's cameras and radar sensors can't be obstructed. To keep drivers from looking away from the road for too long — and to keep the system active — an infrared camera on top of the steering column keeps an electronic eye on the driver's seat. GM has over 100 patents alone on this Driver Attention System, including an algorithm that triangulates the nose, eyes and ears in case the camera can't see through sunglasses to make sure you're not nodding off. In addition to the car's visible sensors, another major component of the system is something you don't see: mapping software. But not the kludgy kind that powers in-dash navigation systems.

Tesla stock drops on fear that comes with low gas prices [w/video]

Tesla's stock price was down to around $206 earlier today, but it's back up to over $216 now. Friday, it closed at over $223. Some stock blogs are saying the price could go as low as $165 in the not-too-distant future. What's behind these wild swings that CNBC's Phil LeBeau calls, "the worst seven-day trading period ever for shares of Tesla"? One potential culprit is today's low gas prices. Those prices – currently hovering at around $2.65 a gallon in the US, the lowest in about four years – are affecting the cars people buy (sorry, hybrids), so it's not a huge leap to think they'll affect high-end electric cars, as well. A $50 drop in share price is pretty dramatic, and Bloomberg and others point the finger at gas prices. Ben Kallo, an analyst with Robert W. Baird & Co., wrote that, "We believe the recent decline in TSLA shares is largely driven by the concern low gasoline prices could impact demand if sustained for the long term." But there are other ideas, too. Since we don't always comprehend analyst-ese, we're not sure if Zev Spiro at Orips Research thinks gas prices are to blame, but it doesn't sound like it: A negative signal developed yesterday as a high volume break occurred below the slightly upward slanted neckline of the topping pattern, in the $219.20 area. The break below the neckline signaled a trigger of the bearish pattern and indicated a downtrend with a minimum expected price objective in the $165 area. In addition, yesterday's bearish trigger may result in downward momentum in the near term. Indicators are generally negative, adding to the overall bearish tone. Kallo remains positive, though, saying that, "We believe demand for TSLA's vehicles will remain strong." This makes sense to us, since TSLA has weathered drops before, only to climb to record highs afterwards. Watch a CNBC video report on all of this below. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.