Start Date: March 3
Format: 14-Week Virtual Course | Live & Self-Paced Components
Audience: Insurance Professionals, Attorneys, Law Enforcement, Regulators, and Mobility Stakeholders
Enrollment Cap: 75 Participants
Pricing: $697 Early-Bird | $1,997 Standard

Description:
This 14-week immersive certification course is designed to give professionals the tools they need to navigate today’s vehicle data landscape. As cars become rolling computers—capturing millions of data points per drive—claims, litigation, and investigations increasingly hinge on understanding what the car knows, and what data can be retrieved.

Course Features:

• Live monthly classes with national legal and technical experts
• Independent coursework between sessions
• Real-world case studies and vehicle data demonstrations
• Audience-specific breakout content for insurers, attorneys, OEMs, and law enforcement
• Certificate awarded upon completion

What You’ll Learn:

• How to access and interpret vehicle-performance data (VPD), beyond EDRs
• Common legal and technical barriers to using data in claims and litigation
• How automation, telematics, and OTA updates are reshaping liability
• Privacy, arbitration, and discovery issues tied to modern vehicle contracts

Whether you’re investigating crashes, litigating ADAS failures, writing regulations, or setting claims policy, this course gives you a competitive edge in the new world of mobility risk.

Spots are limited—secure your seat today.

DAVID SHEPARDSON | Yahoo! Finance | 2/4/2026

Lawmakers, Waymo, and Tesla will call on Congress to act on stalled legislation for self-driving vehicles, citing competition from China. The Senate Commerce Committee will hold a hearing with testimonies from these companies. They argue that U.S. leadership in autonomous vehicles is at risk and regulations need updating to promote innovation. Without action, they warn that the U.S. may fall behind in this crucial industry.

Tesla UK sales plunge 57% in January as BYD races ahead

FRED LAMBERT | Electrek | 2/4/2026

Tesla’s UK electric vehicle registrations fell about 57% year over year in January 2026, with just 647 vehicles sold, marking the steepest decline among major automakers as competition from rivals like China’s BYD intensifies. BYD nearly doubled Tesla’s volume with roughly 1,326 battery-electric vehicles sold during the same month, while Ford led the UK BEV market with more than 2,200 sales. Broader UK EV registrations declined only 6.4%, highlighting how sharply Tesla underperformed as its aging lineup and growing competition continue to pressure its market share in Europe.

Self-driving vehicle bill comes under fire in committee hearing

WisBusiness | 2/4/2026

Legislation to regulate fully autonomous vehicles in Wisconsin faced criticism during an Assembly committee hearing over safety concerns. Supporters argue Wisconsin lags behind other states in regulations. The bill proposes an autonomous driving safety board and a permitting process for companies. However, motorcycle safety advocates oppose the bill, fearing risks for vulnerable road users. They question the necessity of testing in Wisconsin when similar conditions exist in other states. Proponents believe the technology can improve transportation options for those in need and keep Wisconsin competitive with states using autonomous vehicles.

Tesla Adds A Cheaper Model Y AWD In The U.S., Skipping The ‘Standard’ Badge

IULIAN DNISTRAN | Inside EVs | 2/3/2026

Tesla has quietly made the all-wheel-drive version of the Model Y cheaper and now standard for new orders in the U.S., meaning buyers no longer pay extra for dual-motor capability. The price drop comes as Tesla adjusts its lineup to stay competitive and simplify options, removing the prior cost premium for AWD while retaining the electric SUV’s overall pricing structure. This change may help boost appeal in colder regions and among buyers who prefer AWD performance without a higher sticker price.

A Waymo hit a child near an elementary school. The NHTSA is investigating

LORA KOLODNY | CNBC | 1/29/2026

Waymo has reported a driverless vehicle incident in Santa Monica, California, where it struck a child near an elementary school on January 23. The child suffered minor injuries. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating the incident, focusing on how the vehicle behaved in a school zone during drop-off hours. Waymo said their technology detected the child early, slowing the vehicle significantly before impact. The child was able to walk away shortly after. Waymo is also facing scrutiny for other incidents involving its vehicles and stopped school buses, with investigations initiated by both the NTSB and NHTSA.

LURAH LOWERY | Repairer Driven News | 1/15/2026

Last week, the U.S. House Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade held a hearing to consider the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act, a bill aimed at ensuring vehicle owners and independent repair shops have access to the diagnostic, maintenance, and repair data needed to service modern cars. Supporters, including aftermarket groups and insurers, argued that as vehicles become increasingly software-driven, restricted access to that data threatens competition, raises repair costs, and limits consumer choice, while opponents from major automakers warn it could disrupt the industry and raise safety or intellectual property concerns. The testimony highlighted deep divisions over how to balance consumer repair rights with industry safeguards as Congress weighs how to modernize motor vehicle policy.

China’s industry ministry revises EV safety rules for automakers

Investing .com | 1/21/2026

China’s industry ministry announced new rules for approving automakers and vehicles, effective in 2027, emphasizing electric vehicle safety monitoring. Manufacturers must create platforms to track the safety status of their electric vehicles, with the data used to enhance vehicle design and performance.

Canada’s Industry Minister Meets Auto Giants BYD, Chery in Beijing

 CLÁUDIO AFONSO | EV | 1/18/2026

Canada’s Industry Minister Mélanie Joly met with Chinese automakers BYD and Chery during Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to Beijing to finalize a trade deal. The agreement allows up to 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles per year at a reduced tariff of 6.1%. A new Auto Plan, expected next month, may let Chinese firms assemble vehicles in Canada under certain conditions. The deal has faced criticism from US officials but aims to boost Canada’s manufacturing and export potential.

Hyundai hires Tesla Autopilot pioneer for top driverless role

PAUL MYLES | Wards Auto | 1/16/2026

Hyundai Motor Group has hired a former Tesla Autopilot pioneer to lead its autonomous driving and software efforts, signaling a renewed push into driverless technology. The executive, who helped build Tesla’s early Autopilot vision system and later worked on autonomous platforms at Nvidia, will oversee Hyundai’s advanced vehicle and software strategy, including its global software unit, 42dot, as the automaker looks to accelerate development of next-generation driver-assist and autonomy features.

Tesla granted more time in US investigation into its self-driving tech

MATT OTT | AP News | 1/16/2026

U.S. auto safety regulators have granted Tesla a five-week extension to respond to an investigation into allegations that its “Full Self-Driving” system has violated traffic laws, including running red lights and driving into oncoming lanes, with at least 62 reported incidents across 2.9 million vehicles. Regulators say some drivers received no warning before erratic behavior, while Tesla argues it has consistently told users that FSD is only a Level 2 driver-assistance system requiring full driver attention. The probe comes as Tesla faces declining vehicle sales and increased competition, heightening pressure on the company to demonstrate progress with FSD and its long-promised autonomous ambitions.

ANDREW J. HAWKINS | The Verge | 1/13/2026

Mercedes-Benz is pausing its Drive Pilot feature, a Level 3 automated driving system, due to low demand and high production costs. The new S-Class will not include this system when it arrives. Drive Pilot allowed hands-free driving at up to 40mph but faced limitations, such as specific operational conditions and legal restrictions.

The company plans to introduce a new Level 2++ feature called Drive Pilot Assist this year. Mercedes may combine Drive Pilot with this system in the future as technology and regulations evolve.

New York governor clears path for robotaxis everywhere, with one notable exception

KIRSTEN KOROSEC | Tech Crunch | 1/13/2026

New York Governor Kathy Hochul plans to introduce legislation to legalize robotaxis in the state, excluding New York City. The proposal aims to expand the state’s autonomous vehicle pilot program, allowing limited deployment of commercial self-driving cars outside the city. Companies must prove local support and adhere to safety standards. More details will be in the governor’s executive budget, to be released on January 20.

Ford’s $30K EV Truck Will Have the World’s Cheapest Electric Motor

MARNUS MOOLMAN | Auto Blog | 1/11/2026

Ford is aiming to shake up the EV pickup market with a new electric truck priced around $30,000, made possible in part by what it calls the world’s cheapest electric motor. This move follows the recent discontinuation of the Ford F-150 Lightning. By aggressively cutting component costs and simplifying design, Ford hopes to deliver an affordable, mass-market EV truck by around 2027, narrowing the price gap with gas-powered pickups and better positioning itself against low-cost Chinese competitors.

Lucid’s CEO Gets Candid About The EV Mistake Automakers Won’t Talk About

PATRICK GEORGE | Inside EVs | 1/11/2026

Lucid Motors’ interim CEO Marc Winterhoff used a CES appearance to argue that the EV industry has historically focused too much on sustainability and environmental messaging and not enough on the performance, space, and real-world advantages electric vehicles can offer. Winterhoff said this marketing misstep has made it harder to connect with mainstream buyers and that companies need to better explain the inherent strengths of EV technology. To illustrate his point, he pointed to Lucid’s Gravity SUV as an example of an EV that competes on specs and driving experience with high-end internal-combustion rivals, not just emissions reductions.

Maine Gov. Mills vetoes bill to weaken car repair data access law

HENRY WELCH | PIRG | 1/9/2026

Maine Gov. Janet Mills vetoed a bill that would have diluted the state’s 2023 automotive right-to-repair/data access law, preserving stronger data access rights for vehicle owners and independent repair shops. The veto came after opposition from independent mechanics and repair advocates. This is a state-level fight over who controls access to telematics and operational vehicle data, a proxy for broader national debates on data ownership, competition, and privacy. 

Reuters | 1/5/2026

Mobileye has secured a major U.S. automaker as a customer for its new chip, increasing its production outlook with its self-driving technology to be used in many vehicles. The automaker, part of the top 10 in the U. S., will integrate Mobileye’s system into both mass-market and premium models. The technology, called Surround ADAS, supports hands-free driving and combines various safety features, reducing costs for automakers.

Committee postpones hearing,calling Detroit Three CEOs to D.C.

BREANA NOBLE and GRANT SCHWAB | Detroit News | 1/6/2026

A planned U.S. Senate Commerce Committee hearing that would have brought together the CEOs of the Detroit Three for rare joint testimony was postponed after objections from Ford Motor Co., highlighting growing tension between automakers and lawmakers over regulatory priorities. The hearing, led by Ted Cruz, was expected to focus on fuel-economy rules, vehicle affordability, and the uneven transition to EVs, but drew controversy over timing, scope, and the inclusion of a senior Tesla Inc. executive without CEO-level parity.

The delay highlights how mobility policy debates are increasingly influenced by regulatory modernization, data and safety standards, and political positioning, issues with tangible downstream implications for OEMs, insurers, regulators, and the broader mobility ecosystem.

We Sample Mercedes-Benz’s MB. Drive Assist Pro

K.C. COLWELL | Car and Driver | 1/5/2026

Self-driving cars are a common topic among car executives, with many companies pursuing this goal. Mercedes-Benz, however, stands out by already selling Level 3 autonomous vehicles called MB Drive Pilot. The new feature, MB. Drive Assist Pro, is described as Level 2-plus-plus, allowing self-driving capability in urban settings while still needing driver attention. It utilizes multiple sensors and AI to make safe driving decisions. Available on the 2026 CLA, the feature will likely be offered through subscription, pending regulatory approvals.

Chevy Bolt Battery Lawsuit Ends as Federal Judge Approves Final Settlement

EV. com | 12/31/2025

A federal judge has approved the settlement regarding the Chevy Bolt EV battery fire risks, ending a lengthy class action lawsuit. This ruling clears General Motors (GM) of civil claims related to battery defects in Bolt models from 2017 to 2022. GM had already taken steps to address the issues, including replacing battery modules and offering vehicle buybacks. Most of the settlement funds will go to legal fees rather than direct payments to owners. The approval allows GM to move forward as it learns from this experience in the electric vehicle market.

Data Privacy Would Be In Car Owners’ Hands With The DRIVER Act

JUSTIN HUGHES | Jalopnik | 12/20/2025

The DRIVER Act, proposed by Congress, aims to give car owners control over their data, requiring manufacturers to allow access and choices regarding data sharing. While some loopholes may still permit annoying notifications, the bill is a step forward in protecting vehicle data from misuse by manufacturers. Anonymous data may still be shared for certain purposes.

SAE’s Government/Industry Meeting (GIM) is the only place where policymakers, regulatory bodies, academia, and industry leaders can meet in a neutral setting, providing all sides the opportunity to voice their perspectives on key mobility issues and the evolving industry landscape.

This conference is packed with opportunities for formal and informal networking. Don’t miss this unique chance to connect with the individuals who can support your work and help influence the industry’s direction. Join us in Washington!

Registration is FREE for all federal and state government employees. Proof of employment status/ID required for entry.

Event Date:

January 20th to January 22nd

Event Venue:

Walter E. Washington Convention Center
801 Allen Y. Lew PI NW
Washington, DC 20001

DAVID ZIPPER | Fast Company | 12/19/2025

Tesla’s controversial “Mad Max mode,” a setting in its Full Self-Driving (FSD) driver-assist system that encourages aggressive, high-speed driving, highlights a growing problem for autonomous and advanced driver-assist technologies. The mode, whose name nods to the film franchise, can push cars to exceed posted speed limits, dart through traffic, and make bold lane changes, raising safety concerns as regulators and researchers watch closely. While FSD still legally requires an attentive human driver, the behavior encouraged by Mad Max mode blurs the line between supervised assistance and risky automated driving, prompting scrutiny from safety authorities.

Tesla isn’t alone. Other autonomous systems Waymo’s robotaxis, are also being tuned to emulate human driving behaviors, sometimes bending or ignoring traffic laws to match real-world expectations. As companies compete, the questions remain of how much traffic law flexibility is acceptable, and who bears responsibility when machines break the rules

Tesla faces 30-day car sale ban for misleading use of ‘Autopilot’ branding, CA DMV warns

TIM JOHNS | ABC 7 News | 12/17/2025

California’s DMV has warned Tesla it could face a 30-day ban on selling vehicles in the state if it doesn’t change how it markets Autopilot and FSD. Regulators say the terminology misleads consumers into believing the systems are fully autonomous, despite requiring constant driver supervision, and follows a court ruling finding Tesla’s advertising violates state law. Tesla disputes the warning, calling it regulatory overreach, but the move signals escalating scrutiny over how automakers describe advanced driver-assist technologies an how those descriptions shape driver expectations and safety.

Ford’s $19.5 billion EV writedown: five things to know

MIKE COLIAS | Reuters | 12/16/2025

Ford Motor announced a $19.5 billion charge on electric vehicle investments, reflecting a shift from focusing on EVs to conventional gas models and hybrids. The charge includes costs for canceled EV models, a failed battery joint venture, and other expenses. Ford is scrapping future electric vehicles to focus on affordable models and hybrid growth, aiming for 50% of sales by 2030. The company will also invest $2 billion to create battery storage for energy services.

16 US states sue federal government after Trump suspends EV charging programs

DAVID SHEPARDSON | Reuters | 12/16/2025

A group of 16 states and the District of Columbia have sued the U. S. government after President Trump’s administration suspended two electric vehicle charging programs. California Attorney General Rob Bonta stated that new funding was refused under these programs from a $1 trillion infrastructure law. The lawsuit claims Trump’s actions jeopardize $1.8 billion in federal awards for state and local governments and hinder efforts against air pollution and climate change.

BYD increases EV battery warranty to 8 years/250,000 km, surpassing Tesla’s

FRED LAMBERT | Electrek | 12/15/2025

BYD is enhancing confidence in its electric vehicles in Europe by extending its battery warranty to 8 years or 250,000 km, significantly more than the industry standard. This new policy pressures competitors like Tesla and Volkswagen to increase their warranty offers. Previously, BYD’s warranty was around 8 years or 160,000 km. The new coverage targets high-mileage users and is backed by BYD’s Blade Battery technology, known for its long cycle life. BYD is also expanding its presence in Europe with new vehicle launches.

DANA NUCCITELLI | Yale Climate Connections | 12/9/2025

The global EV market is accelerating while U.S. sales have stalled at around 10% since 2023, even as China and Europe continue to surge ahead. China now sells more hybrid and electric cars than gas-powered ones, and global EV sales are expected to reach 50% by the early 2030s. Despite earlier federal incentives, recent policy changes have slowed U.S. momentum, though upcoming lower-cost EV models may help.

Overall, EV adoption is projected to quadruple worldwide by 2030, with China firmly positioned to lead the transition and its associated economic and environmental benefits. 

Tesla Launches New Dashcam Tool for Viewing Vehicle Telemetry Data

KARAN SINGH | Not a Tesla App | 12/9/2025

Tesla has released an official “Dashcam Tool” in its 2025 Holiday Update that gives owners the ability to view full telemetry data embedded in dashcam videos. Instead of just seeing what the cameras captured, owners can now load clips into a simple web-based viewer that shows frame-by-frame data such as vehicle speed, steering angle, brake use, accelerator position, GPS coordinates, and autopilot (or FSD) status.

This effectively turns Tesla dashcam clips into a black-box recorder, making it far easier for owners to analyze what happened in a crash or near-miss with hard data rather than relying on visual estimation alone. And because the tool runs locally in a browser (no cloud upload required), all sensitive data remains on the owner’s computer, preserving privacy.

Amazon robotaxi service Zoox to start charging for rides in 2026, with ‘laser focus’ on transporting people, not deliveries, says cofounder

AMANDA GERUT | Fortune | 12/8/2025

Amazon’s robotaxi company, Zoox, plans to begin charging for rides in Las Vegas in early 2026 and in the San Francisco Bay Area next year, pending regulatory approvals. CEO Jesse Levinson highlighted the focus on transporting people rather than packages, citing the significant challenges involved. Zoox vehicles are designed specifically for autonomy and prioritize passenger comfort. Though revenues won’t be substantial for a few years, Levinson believes the opportunity for growth is considerable.

A new way to charge

Land Line Media | 12/8/2025

A stretch of highway in Indiana has become the first in the U.S. to wirelessly charge heavy-duty electric trucks while they drive, a major breakthrough for commercial EV transport. The roadway, part of U.S. Highway 52/231, uses a patent-pending system developed by Purdue University and implemented by Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), and was successfully tested with a truck from Cummins. Proponents say this wireless-charging highway could ease the cost and logistical burdens of charging commercial electric fleets, potentially removing the need for long stops or heavy onboard batteries.

Tesla Introduces Early Eyes-Off Feature;

Allows to Text and Drive

KARAN SINGH | Not a Tesla App | 12/5/2025

Tesla’s newest FSD update now allows limited texting while driving, easing its driver-monitoring requirements and permitting short phone interactions based on traffic conditions. But Tesla accepts no liability for crashes or misuse, placing full legal responsibility on the driver—unlike certified Level 3 systems such as Mercedes-Benz Drive Pilot, which have defined safety and liability frameworks. Although Tesla may add indicators to signal when driver attention is required, no such protections currently exist. Drivers are urged to stay fully alert, as FSD still does not outperform human drivers and distracted use could lead to significant safety and legal consequences.

SEAN O’KANE | Tech Crunch | 12/3/2025

Autolane is building what it calls “air traffic control for autonomous vehicles,” a new infrastructure layer to coordinate the arrivals, departures, and curbside handoffs of robotaxis and delivery vehicles. The Palo Alto-based startup recently secured $7.4 million in funding and inked a deal with Simon Property Group, which will deploy Autolane’s system at shopping centers in Austin, Texas and San Francisco, California. Rather than building cars, Autolane focuses on the end of autonomous journeys, where vehicles need to pick up passengers or drop off goods. Its platform aims to manage curb usage with a combination of signage, sensor-equipped poles, and cloud software that schedules and authenticates vehicle access, preventing double-parking and reducing pickup times.

Tesla is gearing to sell its electric semi truck, poaches key sales executives from rivals

FRED LAMBERT | Electrek | 12/2/2025

Tesla is expanding its sales team for the Tesla Semi by hiring two experienced professionals from the electric trucking industry, Mac Burns and Jason Gies. This move comes as Tesla prepares for increased production at Gigafactory Nevada, despite delays pushing production to 2026. The hires indicate a shift toward building a stronger sales team, moving from pilot programs to a more traditional sales approach.

US Postal Service using 2,600 EVs for mail deliveries

DAVID SHEPARDSON | Reuters | 12/2/2025

The U.S. Postal Service says it is now using more than 2,600 electric vehicles (EVs) for mail deliveries, marking a major step in its fleet modernization efforts. Under a 2023 congressional allocation that provided $1.2 billion for EVs, USPS has purchased 8,700 Ford E‑Transit vans, of which 2,010 are already in service at 65 locations, plus 612 specially built electric delivery trucks from Oshkosh Defense, currently deployed across 15 sites. The agency says it’s deploying EVs on routes where battery-powered vans can deliver cost savings compared with older internal-combustion vehicles, part of a broader effort to modernize a delivery fleet that had long relied on aging trucks.

Driving American battery innovation forward

CHARLOTTE WHITTLE | MIT News | 12/1/2025

Kurt Kelty from General Motors discussed advancements in battery technology at the MIT Energy Initiative’s Fall Colloquium. His team focuses on making electric vehicles more affordable by reducing battery costs, improving performance, and localizing the supply chain. They are developing lithium manganese-rich (LMR) batteries to lower costs while maintaining range. GM aims to introduce these batteries in EVs by 2028. Kelty expressed optimism about future innovations, including vehicle-to-grid technologies and grid-scale energy storage.

Tensor Wants to Sell You a Private, Waymo-Style Self-Driving Car

SCOTT EVANS | Motortrend | 11/28/2025

The promise of self-driving cars is advancing, particularly with autonomous taxis like Waymo and Tesla in the U. S. A company named Tensor, previously AutoX, has created the Robocar, a private autonomous vehicle. It features a 112-kWh battery, fast charging, and automated doors. Tensor claims it is SAE Level 4 autonomous, requiring no human driver. It includes over 100 sensors for navigation, along with features to keep them clean.

CBS News | 11/25/2025

A lawsuit claims design flaws in a Tesla Model 3 caused it to accelerate unexpectedly, crashing into a utility pole, resulting in the death of Wendy Dennis and severe injuries to her husband, Jeff. The lawsuit highlights issues with door handles that hindered rescue efforts. It seeks punitive damages and a jury trial. The automatic braking failed to engage, and a hazardous battery design increased fire risk after the crash.

Volkswagen can now build EVs in China, claiming it can cut costs by up to 50%

PETER JOHNSON | Electrek | 11/25/2025

Volkswagen can now fully develop new vehicles in China, cutting development costs by up to 50%. The new facility in Hefei allows VW to create electric vehicles efficiently by collaborating with local suppliers. It aims to meet market trends like autonomous driving and digital technology. The hub will test batteries and powertrains, supporting exports to markets such as the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk admits tough realization about FSD

TONY OWUSU | The Street | 11/25/2025

Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently acknowledged a tough truth about the company’s long-awaited Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology: most major automakers simply aren’t biting. Despite Tesla’s efforts to position FSD as the industry’s gold standard for autonomy, Musk revealed that other manufacturers have shown little interest in licensing the system, even when it’s been offered to them. He characterized this reluctance as both surprising and frustrating, suggesting that legacy automakers either remain skeptical of Tesla’s approach or prefer to keep their autonomy development in-house.

The revelation highlights a significant hurdle for Tesla as it repositions itself around robotics and autonomous driving. While the company remains committed to advancing FSD, the industry’s cold shoulder suggests that widespread adoption may still be a distant prospect.

China’s solid-state EV batteries hit factory floor, promise 2x range

CHRISTOPHER McFADDEN | Interesting Engineering | 11/23/2025

China’s GAC Group has created the first production line for large (60 Ah+) solid-state electric vehicle (EV) battery cells, currently in pilot stage. It aims to test small batches before starting vehicle testing in 2026. Solid-state batteries offer higher energy density and safety than traditional lithium-ion batteries, potentially allowing for longer driving ranges. GAC claims to have a high areal capacity of 7.7 mAh/cm², suggesting progress in solid-state technology. The company hopes to scale production between 2027 and 2030, competing with global leaders in the field.