Last updated on February 9th, 2026 at 05:22 pm
Tesla asks court to throw out damages awarded in deadly crash – claim Musk misled jury – Associated Press (August 29, 2025)
Tesla, the car company run by Elon Musk, is asking a federal court to dismiss a $243 million damages award related to a deadly crash involving its Autopilot feature. A jury found the speeding driver mostly at fault but held Tesla responsible for faulty technology. Tesla claims the plaintiff’s lawyers misled the jury by introducing irrelevant evidence and that the company’s technology did not contribute to the crash. They are also concerned that the verdict may discourage innovation and pose liability risks for manufacturers with self-driving features. The case has implications for Tesla’s self-driving credibility and the use of the term “Autopilot.”
BMW to unveil ‘superbrain’ EVs to challenge Chinese rivals – Sebastien Ash and Kana Inagaki (September 3, 2025)
BMW is focusing on software-controlled electric vehicles with advanced technology called the “Neue Klasse. ” The new iX3 SUV will launch soon, part of a planned 40 models over two years. This shift aims to enhance performance and reduce complexity through powerful computer systems. BMW has invested over €10bn in this initiative, aiming to advance its software capabilities and battery technology. Although the company has seen growth in EV sales, it faces challenges in competing with lower-cost Chinese rivals.
EV Armageddon? Tesla, GM, Ford EV sales will be cut in half when tax credit expires, analyst says. – Pras Subramanian (September 3, 2025)
The expiration of Biden-era federal EV tax credits on September 30 under the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” threatens to devastate the electric vehicle market, with analysts predicting a 50% drop in U.S. EV sales. Karl Brauer from iSeeCars.com expects market share to plummet from today’s 9.1% to “well below 4%” after a third-quarter surge driven by last-minute purchases. Automakers are already witnessing this pre-deadline rush, with GM reporting record August EV sales of 21,000 units.
However, the industry faces a challenging transition as companies prepare for drastically reduced demand. GM’s Duncan Aldred has acknowledged they “will almost certainly see a smaller EV market,”, while analysts expect automakers to slash prices. The situation is compounded by the White House’s elimination of federal manufacturing subsidies and emissions penalties, creating what Brauer calls a “two-pronged assault” that removes both consumer incentives and regulatory pressure to produce electric vehicles.
Tesla FSD turns off more U.S. consumers than it attracts, survey finds – Lora Kolodny (August 28, 2025)
A recent survey reveals that Tesla’s FSD technology is deterring more U.S. consumers than attracting them. Conducted by Slingshot Strategies, the Electric Vehicle Intelligence Report shows only 14% of Americans see FSD as a reason to purchase a Tesla, while 35% consider it a deterrent. This perception challenges Tesla amid an aging product lineup, increased competition, and declining sales, particularly in Europe. Elon Musk’s aggressive promotion of FSD as a key advantage has not alleviated concerns, with half of the surveyed consumers suggesting FSD should be illegal and wanting stricter regulations for autonomous vehicles. The survey also noted Tesla’s declining brand reputation, possibly exacerbated by high-profile legal issues and safety perceptions. Despite these challenges, Tesla continues honing its autonomous offerings, recently expanding FSD availability to new markets like Australia.
‘This is mission critical’: Inside Tesla’s battle to get Full Self-Driving approved in Europe – Grace Kay and Jack Newsham (September 3, 2025)
Since October 2024, Tesla has been conducting weekly meetings with the Netherlands’ RDW regulators to secure approval for its “Full Self‑Driving” (FSD) system across the EU. This regulatory push has shown early progress, with nine Tesla vehicles approved for testing in the Netherlands by December, while similar efforts are underway in Denmark and Norway.
Despite these advances, Tesla’s FSD remains heavily restricted in Europe compared to the U.S. The system still requires a licensed driver at all times, needs explicit approval for highway lane changes, and cannot independently handle complex scenarios like intersection navigation—reflecting Europe’s notably more cautious regulatory approach to autonomous vehicle technology.
How China’s electric vehicle juggernaut is reshaping the global car market – Sam Meredith (August 27, 2025)
China’s EV industry is dramatically transforming the global car market through rapid growth supported by significant subsidies, tax incentives, and research investments. As of 2025, China leads worldwide in both EV production and export, surpassing other countries like Japan. High-profile companies like BYD have ascended to global prominence, overtaking competitors such as Tesla in revenue and fostering dynamic domestic innovation. The surge is not without challenges, as Western markets have taken protective measures like imposing duties on Chinese EV imports, citing anti-competitive practices. However, this hasn’t stopped China’s expansion, with companies investing heavily abroad. Analysts predict continued growth, projecting dominance similar to China’s influence in other industries like shipbuilding and solar panels. Europe, meanwhile, grapples with its response strategy, seeking competitive policies to contend with China’s rising automotive power.
