What We’re Reading
Biden administration seeks to ban Chinese, Russian tech in US autonomous vehicles (The Associated Press, September 23, 2024)
The US Department of Commerce announced on Monday that it is seeking to ban all connected vehicles that have Chinese or Russian technology or software installed beginning in model year 2027 vehicles in an effort to protect national security. The government raised its concerns over microphones, cameras, GPS, and Bluetooth technology that could put American personal information in the hands of a foreign adversary. This concern is more complicated for hardware, which is more laborious to replace, while a vehicle’s software can be changed much quicker.
“This is not about trade or economic advantage. This is strictly national security action. The good news is right now, we don’t have many Chinese or Russian cars on our road,” stated U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo.
Tesla Model Y Inches Closer to Dethroning Ford F-150 As U.S.’ Best-Selling Vehicle (Inside EVs, September 23, 2024)
The Tesla Model Y is on the verge of becoming America’s top-selling vehicle, building on its global success from last year. Recent data shows the Model Y challenging the Toyota Rav4 and the longstanding leader, the Ford F-150, in new U.S. registrations. Last year, the Model Y ranked fifth in sales, behind the Toyota Rav4, Ram 1500, Chevrolet Silverado, and Ford F-series. Mid-year, it climbed to fourth but now holds nearly 2.6% of new registrations, just shy of the Rav4’s 2.8%. The Model Y’s appeal lies in its ability to meet core consumer needs, reflecting a broader acceptance of EVs among Americans. Despite challenges such as CEO controversies and potential depreciation, Tesla’s reputation for desirable vehicles remains strong. If the Model Y surpasses the Ford F-series, it would mark a significant shift in U.S. automotive preferences, emphasizing SUVs, electrification, and high truck prices influencing buyer decisions.
Texas Lawmakers Working on Rules for Autonomous Vehicles (Government Technology, September 19, 2024)
Texas lawmakers are proposing new regulations for companies operating driverless cars and trucks, such as Waymo, Cruise, and Aurora. State Sen. Robert Nichols emphasized the need for rules to ensure safe use of Texas roads while not stifling innovation. The legislation in the upcoming session will require companies to inform the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles when drivers are removed from vehicles for solo trips. These rules will apply to fleets of driverless cars and trucks, not privately owned vehicles. Lawmakers want to integrate driverless vehicles into existing regulations without disrupting the industry's progress. The goal is to strike a balance between innovation and public safety, as seen in previous issues with driverless cars causing gridlock in cities like Houston and Austin.