World Smart Industry Expo 2025 showcases transformative AI and connected vehicle innovations

Hunter Engineering has launched a major software update for its ADASLink diagnostic tools, introducing features like ADAS Align and expanded vehicle support to enhance calibration speed, accuracy, and shop efficiency in the growing field of ADAS servicing.Hunter Engineering has recently rolled out a pretty significant software update for its ADASLink diagnostic scan tool — and honestly, it’s a move that really helps strengthen their position in the rapidly growing field of ADAS calibration tech, especially for aftermarket auto service shops. The standout of this update is the introduction of ADAS Align, which is basically a rebranded and streamlined version of what used to be called Bosch ADAS Positioning (BAP). Now, this new app gives technicians easier, more direct access through a shortcut on their devices, making it faster to activate vehicle cameras, connect smoothly to diagnostic tools, and get more precise when squaring, centering, and setting the distance of calibration fixtures. These upgrades really aim to optimize the calibration process — so, in the end, shops can perform more calibrations, faster and with better accuracy. Another nice addition is the ability to schedule software updates at times that suit the shop's operating hours. Before, monthly updates required the tool to be constantly available, which could sometimes interrupt workflow or delay services. Now, shops can set updates to run outside of working hours, which is definitely a plus in keeping downtime to a minimum. Plus, the update brings in the Net Promoter Score (NPS) feature, which lets users give feedback on their ADASLink experience. That way, the developers can gather data on user satisfaction and make smarter improvements down the line. Beyond that, the software now covers vehicles from the 2026 model year — and it also supports a bunch of 2024 and 2025 models with many new calibrations for ADAS systems. That’s pretty handy for workshops that need to stay on top of the latest OEM calibration requirements, especially as vehicles become more advanced and driver assistance tech becomes more widespread. It’s all about making sure calibration stays accurate and compliant as the automotive industry shifts. Alongside this software update, Hunter recently introduced the HawkEye Elite Xpandable system — and this really is a ‘future-proof’ setup that isn’t just about wheel alignments anymore. It includes features for ADAS calibration, too. The system uses Quick Grip adapters and runs on WinAlign software, plus it’s equipped with the ADASLink tool that has secure gateway functionality. This combo supports everything from dynamic calibrations and pre- and post-scan diagnostics to steering system resets. It’s designed to help technicians perform advanced diagnostics, analyze trouble codes, conduct special tests, and even do part coding or pairing. Ultimately, it broadens the scope of services workshops can offer, making them more comprehensive and potentially more profitable when it comes to alignments and ADAS calibration jobs. In addition to hardware, Hunter has made accessible a package of 13 OEM-approved ADAS calibration targets—these can be ordered via the HunterNet 2 customer portal. They cover a wide range of sensor setups, including surround-view, lane-watch, forward-facing cameras, and radar systems. This suite aligns with the Ultimate ADAS system, providing full calibration capabilities. Plus, subscriptions for the ADASLink and DAS 3000 tools are now available online, and there's a detailed ADAS Coverage Guide that maps out calibration and alignment procedures for vehicles from 2006 all the way up to today. These resources really come together to form an integrated platform, supporting both precision calibration and efficient workflows across many vehicle makes and systems. Overall, Hunter’s latest software updates plus their new hardware and service options mark a pretty strategic move for shops looking to meet the rising demand for ADAS calibration expertise. By making tools easier to access, expanding vehicle support, and enabling more flexible system operations, Hunter continues to equip auto service providers with the tech they need to navigate the increasingly complex world of vehicle safety and driver assistance technology. It’s pretty interesting, right? Seems like they’re really investing in the future of automotive repair. Source: Noah Wire Services

Ford has reclaimed its status as the most loyal automotive brand in Q2 2025, outperforming Tesla amid market challenges, rising cross-shopping, and increasing competition from legacy automakers.Despite dealing with some significant challenges—such as a record number of recalls and repeated repair campaigns—Ford has maintained a strong hold on customer loyalty. According to data from S&P Global Mobility, Ford was named the most loyal automotive brand during the second quarter of 2025, with a buyer retention rate of 59.6%. This marks a return to its previous position after holding the top spot for 12 consecutive years until Tesla briefly took over in 2023. The broader industry saw a slight decline in overall loyalty, dropping to 51.1%, a decrease of about 1.4 percentage points from the same period last year. What makes Ford’s resilience notable is its ability to sustain loyalty amidst a shifting market landscape. Tesla, which once led in customer loyalty, experienced a significant decline—its retention rate falling approximately 9.4 percentage points throughout 2024 into 2025, at times dipping below the industry average. Industry analysts attribute this decline partly to CEO Elon Musk's political involvement, such as endorsing Donald Trump in mid-2024, which alienated many environmentally conscious Tesla customers. Reuters reports indicate Tesla’s loyalty rate dropped from 73% in June 2024 to just under 50% in March 2025, with a partial rebound to 57.4% in May. Nonetheless, Tesla’s position remains behind major automakers like Chevrolet and Ford. Tesla’s struggles extend beyond loyalty figures. Its U.S. electric vehicle (EV) market share has declined to 38% in August 2025—the lowest since 2017—down from its historic dominance of over 80%. The decline is fueled by increased competition from legacy automakers such as Hyundai, Honda, Kia, Toyota, and Volkswagen, which are ramping up incentives and introducing new models. Tesla’s lack of new affordable models and ongoing political controversies have contributed to this downward trend. Additionally, global vehicle sales for Tesla decreased by nearly 9% in the first quarter of 2025, the first year-over-year decline in nearly four years, reflecting increased market competition and slowing demand. Meanwhile, General Motors (GM) continues to demonstrate strong customer loyalty. About 68.1% of customers who switch vehicles within GM’s brand portfolio or to other GM brands remain loyal to the group. Ford, which includes Lincoln, has a slightly lower loyalty rate of 58.9%. Certain models are particularly influential in driving these figures; for example, Ford’s F-Series pickups, Expedition SUVs, and Bronco Sport each boast loyalty levels exceeding 60%. Chevrolet’s Equinox crossover also performs well, with 42.7% of buyers switching from one Equinox to another, indicating that approximately 57.3% of its buyers remain loyal to the model. Customer behaviors are shifting, with data showing increased cross-shopping activities. In the first half of 2025, conquest rates—where buyers opt for a different brand—rose notably, by 7.6% among mainstream brands and 6.2% among luxury brands. Vince Palomarez, associate director of loyalty product management at S&P Global Mobility, explains that this trend is driven by a combination of a steady return-to-market volume and intense inter-brand competition. Consumers now appear more open to exploring alternative brands than during pre-pandemic times when loyalty was typically higher. This shift reflects pent-up demand that has been building since 2020, even as vehicle prices continue to rise. Looking ahead, the expiration of the federal EV tax incentive—currently set at $7,500—could further influence brand loyalty. The incentive is scheduled to end soon, prompting a possible surge in EV purchases before the cutoff, which may temporarily boost loyalty for brands offering qualifying models. Conversely, some buyers might delay or forgo EV purchases due to higher post-incentive costs, potentially benefiting traditional internal combustion and hybrid vehicle markets. Overall, Ford’s position as the leading brand in customer loyalty amid a turbulent market underscores its critical role in the automotive industry. Its ability to retain customers despite recall issues demonstrates resilience, while Tesla’s recent decline highlights the risks associated with political entanglements and rising market competition. As the industry navigates evolving consumer preferences and regulatory landscapes, legacy automakers like GM and Ford are well positioned to capitalize on shifting trends, balancing innovation and loyalty in a challenging environment. Source: Noah Wire Services

China emerges as a dominant force in electric vehicle adoption and innovation, prompting regional shifts and strategic adaptations worldwide amid regulatory crackdowns and rising competition in Europe.The automotive world is currently going through quite a significant shift. According to the latest edition of Roland Berger’s Automotive Disruption Radar (ADR 14), China is clearly stepping into the spotlight as the undisputed leader when it comes to both tech advancements and market growth. The report points out how the global automotive scene is changing rapidly, specifically emphasizing China’s dominance in electric vehicles (EVs), the quick pace of vehicle development, and the expansion of charging networks. This leadership position is mostly due to China’s high level of consumer readiness—about 95% of car owners there say they’re willing to buy an EV—and a substantial share of EVs making up roughly 25% of new car sales, which is more than double Europe’s sluggish 12%. Chinese automakers have gained these milestones partly because their vehicle development cycles are notably shorter, clocking in at between 24 and 40 months—compared to Europe’s typical 48 to 60 months. That’s allowed them to innovate faster and launch new models more quickly. On the flip side, Germany—arguably Europe’s top auto nation, ranking seventh in the survey—still exhibits strengths in autonomous driving tech, patent activity, and a robust export-focused OEM sector. Still, it faces some hurdles, like waning consumer interest in shared mobility options and a bit of hesitance toward digital sales channels. Looking at the bigger picture, the survey shows a clear divergence developing across regional automotive ecosystems. There’s a notable gap in technology standards, regulations, and what consumers want, especially between China and Western markets. This trend suggests that the industry is slowly “decoupling,” meaning different regions are evolving in their own directions. For automakers, this probably means they need to craft strategies that are tailored to each market. Stefan Riederle, a partner at Roland Berger, mentions that while fully splitting vehicle architectures might not be feasible because of business realities, automakers will need to operate with dual systems—one designed specifically for China and another for other parts of the world. Over in the US, the picture is somewhat different—showing a slowdown in innovation momentum and less enthusiasm among consumers for emerging mobility ideas like shared ownership. Interestingly enough, the US has slipped to 14th place in the global rankings. Plus, the trend toward increased private vehicle ownership in mature markets like the US, Japan, Germany, and China stands in contrast to shifting preferences in other regions. That definitely muddies the waters when it comes to predicting the overall industry trajectory. Despite China’s rapid rise, it isn’t all smooth sailing domestically. Reuters reports that China’s industry ministry has started a three-month campaign aimed at tackling false advertising practices and irregular online behavior in the auto sector. This crackdown is a reaction to the harmful effects of fierce price competition and misleading ads impacting manufacturers, suppliers, and dealerships alike. The campaign is pushing for immediate corrections from automakers and digital platforms, to curb the spread of negative content that’s driven by profit motives and unfair market tactics. Interestingly, this regulatory effort comes at a time when sales growth for EVs and hybrids in China has slowed to its slowest pace in about 18 months—proof that even the world’s leading markets aren’t immune to volatility. In Europe, the rise of Chinese EV brands has definitely prompted established players to step up their game. Volkswagen, to give an example, is refreshing its lineup, ramping up software features, and forming strategic partnerships—like collaborations with Rivian and Xpeng—in an effort to stay competitive. As the Financial Times reports, Chinese brands now hold around 10.7% of the European EV market. This has pushed traditional German automakers, including BMW and Mercedes-Benz, to come out with next-generation models that boast better batteries and smarter software, all aimed at keeping their market share from slipping away. For those of us working within the auto industry, what’s clear is that understanding this landscape isn't just about keeping up—it’s about really tailoring strategies to navigate the deepening split across regional markets. OEMs, suppliers, and distributors need to accept that they must adapt to a wider array of rules, standards, and customer expectations if they want to stay competitive worldwide. 📌 Reference Map: - Paragraph 1: [1], [2] - Paragraph 2: [1], [2] - Paragraph 3: [1] - Paragraph 4: [1] - Paragraph 5: [4], [5], [6] - Paragraph 6: [3] Source: Noah Wire Services