5 Essential Tech Features for New Cars in 2023

Technology is an increasingly important part of the automotive experience, making it more fun, comfortable, and safe for drivers and passengers. Here are five essential tech features to look for in your next car:

1. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay allow you to integrate your smartphone with your car’s infotainment system. This gives you access to your phone’s apps and features, such as making calls, sending messages, playing music, navigating, and using voice assistants.

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are supported by most new cars, including even some affordable models. However, not all cars support wireless versions of these features, so be sure to check the specifications before you buy.

2. Reverse and surround cameras

Reverse and surround cameras can help you see objects, animals, and people outside the view of your rear and side-view mirrors, making parking and maneuvering easier and safer.

Reverse cameras are becoming increasingly common in even budget cars, while surround cameras are more common in higher-end models. However, there are also after-market reverse and surround camera systems available.

3. Keyless entry and electronic boot release

Keyless entry allows you to open and close your car doors and boot without taking out your key. Electronic boot release allows you to open the boot by pressing a button on your remote or swiping your foot under the rear of the car.

Keyless entry and electronic boot release are convenient features that can make your life easier. However, be aware that keyless entry thefts have become a security problem in recent years. Car manufacturers are working to counter this, but it’s still something to be aware of.

4. Adaptive or semi-autonomous cruise control

Adaptive cruise control maintains a safe following distance to the car in front of you by slowing down and braking automatically as needed. Semi-autonomous cruise control adds lane-keeping assistance to the package, which helps to keep your car in the center of the lane.

Adaptive and semi-autonomous cruise control systems can make long road trips more comfortable and reduce fatigue. However, it’s important to note that these systems are not fully autonomous, and you should always be prepared to take control of the car.

5. Adaptive driving beams or matrix headlights

Adaptive driving beams and matrix headlights are intelligent headlights that can change the direction of their beams to avoid blinding other drivers. This allows you to keep your high beams on more often, giving you better visibility in the dark.

Adaptive driving beams and matrix headlights are more expensive features, but they can make night driving much safer.

These are just a few of the many tech features available in new cars today. When choosing a new car, be sure to consider the features that are most important to you and your budget.

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Cars

Who Owns Koenigsegg and where it was manufactured?

by George Mensah 2025-01-23

Over the past 30 years, Koenigsegg has emerged as a leader in the world of high-performance sports cars, earning a reputation for cutting-edge engineering and innovative design. The Swedish company is renowned for its groundbreaking approach to automotive manufacturing, which includes the extensive use of lightweight carbon fiber materials. This focus on advanced materials ensures that Koenigsegg’s vehicles achieve a perfect balance of strength and agility. However, the brand’s remarkable journey is closely tied to the vision of its founder and its deep roots in Sweden.

Christian von Koenigsegg: The Driving Force Behind the Brand

Koenigsegg’s majority ownership remains with its founder, Christian von Koenigsegg, who has been the guiding force behind the company’s success. Despite lacking formal experience in car manufacturing and starting with limited financial resources, von Koenigsegg’s ambition was clear from the outset: to create the ultimate sports cars. His leadership has resulted in vehicles that are not only incredibly fast but also technologically groundbreaking, solidifying the brand’s place at the forefront of the automotive industry.

In 2019, Christian von Koenigsegg sold 20% of the company to National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS) for $171 million. This strategic move was intended to boost production capabilities and expand global distribution. However, the partnership ended in 2023 when NEVS’ parent company, Evergrande Group, faced financial difficulties. Since then, von Koenigsegg has retained majority ownership. In October 2024, Chieftain Capital Management, a New York-based investment firm, acquired a minority stake of less than 10%, injecting $51.4 million to support the company’s continued growth and innovation.

Staying True to Swedish Heritage

Unlike many automakers that outsource production to various countries, Koenigsegg has remained committed to manufacturing its vehicles exclusively in Sweden. This dedication to local production sets it apart from other Swedish car brands like Volvo and Polestar, which operate manufacturing facilities across multiple countries, including China, India, Belgium, and the United States. Additionally, Volvo and Polestar are no longer Swedish-owned, making Koenigsegg a unique representative of Swedish automotive excellence.

The Evolution of Koenigsegg’s Headquarters

Over the years, Koenigsegg’s headquarters and production facilities have moved within Sweden, each relocation marking a significant milestone in the company’s history. Initially based in Olofström, the company later moved to Margretetorp. After a fire damaged one of its production facilities in Margretetorp in 2003, Koenigsegg relocated to its current home in Ängelholm. Situated on a former Swedish Air Force base, the Ängelholm location provides ample space for manufacturing, test driving, and even accommodating customers who arrive by private jet, thanks to a 165-foot-wide runway.

This historic site has also left a lasting imprint on the brand’s identity. The “Ghost Squadron,” a nickname for the Swedish Air Force’s Fighter Jet Squadron No. 1, which operated from this base during World War II, inspired the ghost emblem featured on every Koenigsegg car. This unique symbol pays homage to the site’s legacy and adds an air of mystique to the brand’s vehicles.

Christian von Koenigsegg’s determination and visionary leadership have propelled Koenigsegg to the pinnacle of the supercar industry. With the founder maintaining majority ownership and the company firmly rooted in Sweden, Koenigsegg exemplifies the power of innovation and national pride. As the company continues to produce groundbreaking vehicles, it stands as a shining example of how passion and cutting-edge technology can redefine the limits of automotive performance.

Cars

Who Owns Bugatti? A Deep Dive Into Its Storied Legacy

by George Mensah 2025-01-18

Bugatti stands as a global icon of luxury, performance, and engineering innovation in the automotive world. Renowned for creating high-performance hypercars, the brand has continually redefined speed and sophistication. A prime example of its achievements is the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+, which, in 2019, broke records by reaching an unprecedented top speed of 304.773 mph. This milestone made it the first road-legal car to surpass the 300 mph barrier. The Chiron Super Sport 300+ remains a benchmark in the world of hypercars, symbolizing Bugatti’s dedication to excellence and innovation.

Such feats don’t occur by mere chance. They require visionary leadership, rigorous planning, and a steadfast commitment to pushing boundaries. So, what is Bugatti’s journey to this pinnacle of success? More importantly, who owns Bugatti today?

Bugatti Ownership: The Bugatti Rimac Partnership

Since 2021, Bugatti has been owned by Bugatti Rimac, a joint venture formed between Rimac Group and Porsche AG, the latter a subsidiary of Volkswagen Group. Under this partnership, Rimac Group holds a 55% majority stake, while Porsche AG controls the remaining 45%.

Interestingly, Porsche also has a 24% stake in Rimac Group, sharing ownership with Mate Rimac (37%), Hyundai Motor Group (12%), and other investors (27%). Despite Porsche’s partial ownership of Rimac, the majority control of Bugatti remains with Mate Rimac’s Rimac Group. This collaboration combines Bugatti’s legacy of luxury and craftsmanship with Rimac’s expertise in advanced electric vehicle technology, setting the stage for a dynamic future in the hypercar market.

Where Are Bugatti Cars Manufactured?

Bugatti’s cars are meticulously handcrafted at the Bugatti Atelier, a state-of-the-art production facility in Molsheim, France. Built in 2005 during Volkswagen’s ownership of the brand, the Atelier stands adjacent to the restored Château Bugatti, which was historically used by founder Ettore Bugatti to host clients.

The facility’s first model was the legendary Bugatti Veyron, with 450 units produced between 2005 and 2015. Since then, the Atelier has continued to assemble Bugatti’s flagship models, including the Chiron series, the Divo, the Centodieci, and the one-of-a-kind La Voiture Noire, which holds the title of one of the world’s most expensive cars.

Looking ahead, the Atelier will maintain its role in Bugatti’s production, with the highly anticipated 2026 Bugatti Tourbillon, a hybrid hypercar, set to continue the brand’s legacy of innovation.

Bugatti’s Origins: The Early Years

Bugatti was founded in 1909 by Ettore Bugatti in Molsheim, a region that was part of Germany at the time but is now located in France. The company quickly gained fame for its pioneering engineering and elegant designs. Early models like the Type 13 and Type 35—the latter holding the title of the most successful race car in history with over 2,000 victories—solidified Bugatti’s reputation for excellence.

Ettore Bugatti’s vision extended beyond automobiles. During World War I, the company developed aircraft engines and even designed an aircraft, the Bugatti 100P, which never took flight due to the onset of World War II.

Tragedy struck in 1939 when Ettore’s son, Jean Bugatti, a talented automotive designer, died in an accident while testing a prototype. This loss, coupled with financial difficulties after World War II, led to the company ceasing car production in 1952. Bugatti’s focus shifted to manufacturing aircraft components, and the brand’s automotive operations lay dormant for decades.

A History of Changing Ownership

After Ettore Bugatti’s passing in 1947, the company faced financial struggles and eventually ceased producing cars. In 1963, Bugatti was sold to Hispano-Suiza, which repurposed the factory for aerospace manufacturing. By the late 1980s, Italian entrepreneur Romano Artioli acquired the brand, reviving it under the name Bugatti Automobili S.p.A.

In 1991, Bugatti released the EB110, a groundbreaking supercar powered by a quad-turbocharged V12 engine. Despite its innovative design and performance, economic downturns in the early 1990s made it difficult for the company to sustain production. By 1995, Bugatti once again faced bankruptcy.

The turning point came in 1998 when Volkswagen Group acquired the Bugatti brand, investing heavily in its revival. Under Volkswagen’s stewardship, Bugatti introduced the Veyron, a hypercar that redefined automotive performance and luxury, setting the stage for the company’s modern renaissance.

The Future of Bugatti

Under Bugatti Rimac’s leadership, the brand is entering a new era of innovation. The upcoming Bugatti Tourbillon hybrid hypercar represents a blend of cutting-edge technology and timeless craftsmanship, promising to uphold the brand’s tradition of excellence.

Bugatti’s legacy, shaped by a mix of challenges and triumphs, continues to inspire the automotive world. From its early successes under Ettore Bugatti to its modern resurgence under Bugatti Rimac, the brand remains a symbol of innovation, luxury, and performance.

Conclusion

So, who owns Bugatti? Today, it is Bugatti Rimac, a partnership that seamlessly combines Rimac’s expertise in electric mobility with Bugatti’s legacy of unparalleled luxury and engineering. As Bugatti forges ahead into a future of hybrid and electric hypercars, its story remains one of resilience, reinvention, and an unrelenting drive for perfection.

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