What We’re Reading
Waymo issues software and mapping recall after robotaxi crashes into a telephone pole (The Verge, June 12, 2024)
Waymo issued its second ever recall after one of its robotaxis collided with a telephone pole in Phoenix, Arizona last month. Waymo issued the voluntary recall with NHTSA after the carmaker released a software update to all vehicles in its driverless fleet. The software update changed the error that “assigned a low damage score” to the telephone pole and updated its map for the area. “We have already deployed mapping and software updates across our entire fleet, and this does not impact our current operations,” stated Waymo spokesperson Katherine Barna. “As we serve more riders in more cities, we will continue our safety first approach, working to each trust with our riders, community members, regulators, and policymakers.”
The vehicle suffered some damage after hitting the telephone poll at 8 mph, but no passengers or pedestrians were injured in the incident.
Tesla’s DMV self-driving false advertising case must go to trial, CA judge rules (Fox Business, June 11, 2024)
Tesla has made headlines this week as Judge Juliet Cox has denied the company's attempt to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the California DMV. The lawsuit accuses Tesla of falsely advertising its vehicles' self-driving capabilities. Tesla has promoted its cars by claiming that Autopilot is an “advanced driver assistance system” and that Full Self-Driving (FSD) can “drive itself almost anywhere with minimal driver attention.” If Tesla is found liable, it could face a suspension of its license to sell vehicles in California and may have to provide restitution to Tesla owners residing in the state.
EV slump, Hertz fire sale take used Teslas to ‘no haggle’ $25,000 price (CNBC, June 10, 2024)
Hertz is offloading 20,000 electric vehicles (EVs) after it acquired approximately 100,000 Teslas to expand its electric fleet in 2021. To facilitate the sale of these EVs, which make up one-third of its EV inventory, Hertz has announced a no-haggle pricing strategy with average prices around $25,000. Although EV sales have more than quadrupled from 2020 to 2023, the growth rate has decelerated as automakers are currently shifting their focus to hybrid vehicles.
Used Hertz Certified EVs undergo a comprehensive 115-point inspection and come with a 12-month/12,000-mile limited powertrain warranty. Additionally, Hertz offers extended warranty options, trade-ins, financing, and the ability to rent the car for a few hours or up to three days, with the rental fee waived if the car is purchased. For those preferring online transactions, Hertz provides the option to buy cars online and even delivers the vehicle for an additional fee.