by Gabrielle DeSantis

General Motors filed a lawsuit against Ford for using the word “cruise” in BlueCruise. GM has both “Super Cruise” and its subsidiary Cruise trademarked. If you’re not familiar with GM’s Cruise you’re not alone. Cruise is GM’s autonomous vehicle subsidiary it acquired in 2016.

What is BlueCruise, Super Cruise, and Cruise?

Super Cruise is GM’s hands-free feature used in the 2021 Cadillac Escalade. It will be available in the GMC Hummer and Sierra, Chevy Silverado pickups, and other models in the near future. Ford introduced its BlueCruise hands-free driving feature in April. 

Apparently, GM, Cruise, and Ford have been “engaged in protracted discussions” over the BlueCruise name. GM says that BlueCruise is too close to both Cruise and Super Cruise trademarks. GM has been using the Super Cruise name since its release in 2017 Cadillacs but has referenced the name since 2012. 

“Ford’s decision to rebrand by using a core mark used by GM and Cruise will inevitably cause confusion between the parties, the affiliation, connection, or association between them, and/or origin, sponsorship, or approval of their goods and services,” states the lawsuit. The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California is where the lawsuit was filed.

“BlueCruise was chosen for the Blue Oval’s next evolution of Ford’s Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control”

“We think GM Cruise’s claim is meritless and frivolous,” Ford says in a statement to The Hill. “Drivers for decades have understood what cruise control is. Every automaker offers it, and ‘cruise’ is common shorthand for the capability. That’s why BlueCruise was chosen as the name for the Blue Oval’s next evolution of Ford’s Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control. It incorporates hands-free Blue Zones and other advanced cruise-control features.”

Ford’s statement went on to say that GM has never found a problem with other companies using cruise in their trademarks and driving systems. The lawsuit says that “Ford insisted on using the ‘BlueCruise’ name despite Cruise’s preexisting rights.”

GM wants Ford to stop using BlueCruise, and mmonetary damages

Besides wanting Ford to stop using the BlueCruise name, it is asking for monetary damages. “While GM had hoped to resolve the trademark infringement matter with Ford amicably, we were left with no choice but to vigorously defend our brands and protect the equity our products and technology have earned over several years in the market,” GM said according to Reuters.

Interestingly, doing a US Patent and Trademark search for “BlueCruise” turns up nothing. It seems odd that Ford wouldn’t have trademarked the word before it was released. Maybe because it is a made-up compound word Ford didn’t feel it needed to trademark it? It will be interesting to see how this plays out.

RELATED: Self-driving 2021 Ford F-150 Spotted In Development

The post GM Files Lawsuit Against Ford Over the Word “Cruise” appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The 2021 Toyota Sienna is already knocking it out of the park, with incredible cargo space, a comfortable cabin, and excellent features. But of all the innovations Toyota threw into their minivan, this one may be the strangest. Rather than a traditional owner’s manual, the large book that comes in every new car, the 2021 Sienna will use the “Toyota Driver’s Companion.”

Meet Joya: your digital owner’s manual

When people say “going paperless,” this isn’t exactly what they had in mind. Her name is Joya, and she’s your Toyota Driver’s Companion. With a personalized database of information, Joya is able to spit out all sorts of factoids about the 2021 Toyota Sienna. She knows how every feature works, such as the 360-degree bird’s eye camera. And she can show you all the nifty features you’d likely miss. In essence, she’s a virtual tour guide, allowing you to explore the cabin and interact with the van like never before.

And yes, we do mean a personalized database of info about your car, no just any 2021 Toyota Sienna. By using your car’s VIN number, Joya can link with your car in order to personally assist you. A key example highlighted by Toyota is the check engine light. A traditional owner’s manual would say “go to your local Toyota dealership.” And while an OBD2 code reader would tell you what the issue is, some of them are pretty expensive. But by simply asking Joya, she can tell you some of the reasons your check engine light might be on.

We’re not sure how limited her knowledge is yet, but as of right now she seems capable of answering all the important questions, including how she works.

Joya works with the 2021 Toyota Sienna?

She explains her basic functions better than I can, but I’ll provide some extra details. First of all, Toyota has gone down the path of voice commands rather than text for a more conversational feel. And, as mentioned, Google’s Dialogflow AI makes Joya sound more human, allowing for smooth communication between the car and the driver.

But that’s not all: I described Joya as a virtual tour guide for your car, but I wasn’t exaggerating. All throughout your 2021 Toyota Sienna there are “hotspots” where Joya will be able to provide info about the features of your car depending on where you are inside it. For example, there are many buttons with confusing functions. By bringing your phone near the dashboard, Joya will automatically assume you’re curious about said buttons. Move to the trunk, and Joya will present you information on the folding third-row seats and rear cargo.

It can provide other info as well, such as recommended tire pressure and the physical specs of your car. In other words, it does all the things an owner’s manual can do and more, with interactive videos and quizzes to help show you around.

This is only the beginning of digital owner’s manuals

While the 2021 Toyota Sienna is the first to get a digitized owner’s manual, it certainly won’t be the last. Toyota describes the system as a “pilot program,” testing the interface before including it with future models. And who’s to say how long it’ll take other automakers to jump on this innovative idea. Sure, it adds one more layer to the list of electrical things that could go wrong, and if your phone dies you’re SOL. But having all the car’s information at your fingertips sure beats flipping through a 300-page book.

All 2021 Sienna owners can download the Toyota app now to access their own Toyota Driver’s Companion. And while this may be the beginning of the AI uprising, for now, it’s nice to have this helpful digital assistant on our side. Just remember to say thank you.

RELATED: The 2009 Toyota Sienna Is the Good Minivan You Remember

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