What We’re Reading
Tesla in Seattle-area crash that killed motorcyclist was using self-driving system, authorities say (AP, July 30, 2024)
Investigators in Washington state have determined that an April crash in which a Tesla Model S hit and killed a motorcyclist about 15 miles north of Seattle was engaged in Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system at the time of the incident, according to EDR data from the vehicle. The Tesla driver told a state trooper that he was looking at his phone while Autopilot was engaged, and “the next thing he knew there was a bang and the vehicle lurched forward as it accelerated and collided with the motorcycle in front of him.”
The death of the motorcyclist, Jeffrey Nilsen, is the second fatality in the United States involving Full Self-Driving according to investigation documents from NHTSA. The investigation is ongoing, and it currently is unclear if FSD is at fault in the fatality.
Tesla has not commented on this recent development in the investigation, but this news comes only a week after Elon Musk stated that he expects FSD to run without human supervision by the end of 2024.
Volkswagen And Rivian Are Teaming Up On Software In $5 Billion Deal (Inside EVs, July 29, 2024)
On Tuesday, automakers Rivian and Volkswagen announced they are partnering to create software for their future electric vehicles. Volkswagen has a long history of producing cars and making a profit, however they have struggled with their software. Rivian is widely regarded for its software and user experience but lacks funding. The money VW plans to invest does come with some strings attached. Rivian will need to meet certain financial and technological milestones. Volkswagen will invest an initial $1 billion with plans to invest another $4 billion in the future.
Rivian CEO R.J. Scaringe said during a conference call on Tuesday. "Each company will continue to separately operate their respective vehicle businesses."
Automakers Sold Driver Data To Insurance Companies For Next To Nothing (Jalopnik, July 26, 2024)
Two U.S. Senators, Ron Wyden and Edward J. Markey, are urging the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate how automakers are collecting and selling driver data to insurance companies at low prices. This follows a report by The New York Times indicating General Motors, Hyundai, and Honda are involved in selling data such as acceleration patterns, braking habits, and speeding frequencies to insurance companies to assess driver risk. Highlights from the investigation revealed automakers made minimal profits from these sales, with Honda receiving 26 cents per car from Verisk, and Hyundai earning 61 cents per car. GM declined to specify exact figures, but sources confirm low millions of dollars for data on eight million cars. The senators criticize the vague and often deceptive ways drivers are informed about data collection, with some automakers still sharing location data without clear consent. This marks the third congressional appeal to the FTC to scrutinize such data practices.