What We’re Reading
After Tesla layoffs, price cuts and Cybertruck recall, earnings call finds Musk focused on AI USA Today, April 23, 2024
During a Tesla earnings call on Tuesday, Elon Musk stated that he wants Tesla to become known as an artificial intelligence technology company, rather than being a car manufacturer after reporting a 9% decline in revenue. “Global EV sales continue to be under pressure as many carmakers prioritize hybrids over EVs,” the Tesla investor deck stated. Musk seems focused on developing the Full Self-Driving program, stating “If someone does not believe that Tesla can solve autonomy, I don’t think they should be an investor in the company.”
However, despite the shift in focus to AI and AVs, the deck also included a “ramp up” of the Cybertruck, and continued research for the development of a Model 3 update and new Tesla models. “We have updated our future vehicle line-up to accelerate the launch of new models ahead of our previously communicated start of production in the second half of 2025,” the investor deck reads.
Senators urge NHTSA to regulate autonomous vehicles Land Line, April 22, 2024
On April 18, Senators Edward Markey (D-Mass.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) issued a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, urging the agency to regulate autonomous vehicles and “to take more proactive and aggressive action to address the safety concerns of” autonomous vehicles. The letter also references several crashes involving partially automated driving systems, including Tesla vehicles and Cruise’s driverless cars, arguing that these vehicles have unique challenges that cannot be governed by the same regulations as other vehicles. “We cannot allow partially automated driving systems and automated driving systems to accelerate the road safety crisis…NHTSA must take firm control of the wheel and steer manufactures toward prioritizing safety,” the letter states.
The letter also urges NHTSA to address the misleading marketing of these driving systems and to create a new set of rules and standards for AVs. “While (automated driving systems) and partially automated driving systems present unique safety issues, we urge NHTSA to use its expertise and problem-solving capabilities to find proactive, effective solutions that prevent tragedies before investigations and recalls are necessary,” the letter states.
Kentucky Lawmakers Override Veto, OK Fully Autonomous Vehicles Transport Topics, April 16, 2024
Earlier this month we reported that Kentucky governor Andy Beshar vetoed House Bill 7, an autonomous vehicle bill that would allow fully autonomous vehicles, including commercial vehicles, on the roads and highways. After revisions, the house and senate voted in favor to override the governor’s veto.
The new law takes effect on June 15th of this year. Some highlights of the bill include a human driver behind the wheel of vehicles having a declared gross vehicle weight and any towed unit weighing more than 62,000 pounds to monitor performance and intervene, if necessary, (this restriction is lifted after August 1, 2026), and proof of insurance of at least $1 million of total liability for death of/injury of persons resulting from an accident and $1 million worth of property damage. As part of the legislation, public agencies are prohibited from banning the operation of fully autonomous vehicles or automated driving systems or imposing any restrictions on how these vehicles/systems are treated in comparison to traditional automobiles. The law also prevents state agencies from imposing taxes, fees, or other requirements, including performance standards, on fully autonomous vehicles and automated driving systems.