BMW Security Flaw Allowed Remote Unlocking

BMW ConnectedDrive Unsecure

A German motoring organisation ADAC has found certain security flaws in BMW's ConnectedDrive technology that can allow unauthorised users to remotely unlock the vehicles. This is a scary situation as the intruder does not need to break window panes to get access to the car and can simply walk in and drive away. The issue affected about 2.2 million Rolls Royce, Mini and BMW models that come equipped with ConnectedDrive – a technology that allows car owners to access internet, navigation and other services via a SIM card installed directly into vehicles.

BMW acted swiftly when informed by ADAC about this vulnerability and has been able to successfully plug the weakness in their system. The patch was applied automatically starting 31st January, encrypting the car’s data with HTTPS – a common internet security measure used in everything from banks to e-commerce platforms. Vehicle software can be updated in two ways. First is the automatic method in which when the vehicle connects to the BMW Group server the ConnectedDrive software will be updated. For some reason if the car had been offline or out of battery then the user need to call up the service configuration manually. If you are worried that your vehicle may not have received the update then you should choose “Update Services” from your car’s menu.

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Ford India Opens Vehicle Modification Center

Vehicle Modification Center

Ford has launched India's first manufacturer operated vehicle customization center near it Chennai factory. Spread over an area of 35,000 square feet, this facility is equipped with 19 specially designed modification bays which will be operated by Ford's trained technicians. So now instead of waiting to get delivery of your new car and then getting accessories installed, customers only have to place an order with the dealer at the time of booking and all the desired accessories will be installed at the factory and then the car will be shipped.

To begin with Ford will accept customization requests for the new EcoSport SUV only and later this year all Ford buyers will be able to make use of it. Vehicle modification centre is offering three customisation options right now: 1) Spare Wheel (Cover) Pack for all EcoSport variants. 2) Alloys Pack - will include alloys and rear-spoiler for EcoSport's Ambiente and Trend trims. 3) Sports Pack - will include rear-spoiler, LED scuff plate, roof cross-bar for EcoSport's Titanium and Titanium (O) trims.

This initiative taken by Ford will further enhance the quality assurance and the customer experience when buying a new car with even the accessories being factory fitted now. Also the vehicle modification center is the first such Ford-operated unit in the whole Asia Pacific region, which goes on to show the amount of importance the growing India automobile market now commands.

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Tata Plans Expansion, 100 New Trucks-Cars By 2018

Tata Motors Raising Funds

Tata Motors is planning to raise Rs 7,500 crores by 2018 through a rights issue to invest in new commercial and passenger vehicles planned for launch over the next three years. Money need to be raised since Tata Motor's other source of income - the dividend payouts from Jaguar Land Rover profits are no longer accessible as the UK subsidiary is planning its own expansion.

In the commercial segment Tata hopes to bring 100 new products and variants including the launch of Ultra range of mid-weight trucks and further widening of Prima range of heavy duty trucks. In the mainstream passenger car space company plans to launch 2 new products every year using a new modular platform, enhance its dealership base and invest on improving after sales service facilities.

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