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.

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.

Tesla, Elon Musk sued by shareholders over Robotaxi claims (Jonathan Stempel — August 5, 2025)

Elon Musk and Tesla were sued by shareholders for securities fraud, accusing them of hiding the risks of their self-driving vehicles. The lawsuit followed a test showing dangerous behavior of robotaxis, leading to a drop in Tesla’s stock price. Shareholders seek damages from April 2023 to June 2025. Also, Tesla was recently found partially responsible for a fatal crash involving its self-driving software.

Trump’s deregulation of AI and autonomous vehicles: Revolution or risk? (Lauren Fix — August 6, 2025)

On January 23, 2025, Trump signed Executive Order 14179, “Removing Barriers to American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence,” signaling a dramatic shift away from the Biden administration’s cautious regulatory stance on AI. The directive calls on federal agencies to dismantle regulations viewed as obstacles to innovation, most notably in autonomous vehicle development. It streamlines NHTSA’s exemption process and could open the door for self-driving cars to operate without traditional safety features like steering wheels or pedals.

Proponents say the move will accelerate U.S. dominance in emerging sectors such as transportation, healthcare, and logistics, potentially saving thousands of lives and cutting costs through automation. But critics warn that the sweeping rollback comes with serious risks. Key concerns include the elimination of mandatory crash data reporting for AVs and the removal of protections against algorithmic bias. The order may also clash with existing state-level laws in places like California and Colorado, raising fears of a fragmented regulatory landscape that could erode public trust and compromise safety.

Ford opens massive EV development center in Long Beach, California (Susan Carpenter — August 5, 2025)

After a 65-year absence, Ford Motor is making a major West Coast comeback with the opening of a massive 250,000-square-foot Electric Vehicle Development Center in Long Beach, its first significant Southern California presence since closing an assembly plant in 1959. The repurposed aviation depot near LAX now houses 350 engineers, designers, and technicians, with plans to expand to 450 staff. The high-tech campus features design studios, fabrication workshops, EV labs, and specialized garage space for next-generation projects spanning electric drivetrains, software, and battery development.

Ford’s California team is laser-focused on developing a low-cost, midsize electric pickup truck set to launch in 2027, a crucial vehicle that could determine the automaker’s competitiveness in the mass-market EV space. The move signals Ford’s determination to attract top-tier engineering talent from California’s tech corridor while reinforcing its electrification commitment, even as the industry grapples with rising tariff pressures and supply chain challenges.

Tesla Wants To Bring Its Robotaxis To New York. Good Luck With That (Rob Stumpf — August 3, 2025)

Tesla’s Robotaxi service, after launching in California, is expanding by hiring “vehicle operators” in several U. S. cities, including Brooklyn, New York. Unlike competitors like Waymo, Tesla is rapidly expanding its service, though it still lacks full autonomous permits. The push raises safety concerns, especially in busy areas.

Lyft to partner with Chinese AI firm Baidu to bring robotaxis to Europe in 2026 (Euronews — August 4, 2025)

Robotaxis may be available in Germany and the UK on the Lyft app as soon as next year. Lyft is partnering with Chinese AI firm Baidu to introduce autonomous vehicles, pending regulatory approval. Baidu aims to scale its fleet in Europe, while Lyft expands its operations after acquiring the FREENOW app.

Lucid softens full-year production forecast as EV maker misses second-quarter estimates (Michele Luhn — August 5, 2025)

Lucid Motors posted mixed Q2 results, missing revenue expectations with $259.4 million and reporting a wider-than-expected 24-cent loss per share. The EV maker also lowered its 2025 production forecast to 18,000–20,000 units, citing rising tariffs and trade tensions. To offset supply chain challenges, Lucid is shifting to domestic sourcing—aiming to boost long-term stability despite near-term margin pressure. The company is betting on its upcoming Gravity SUV, a $50,000 midsize EV, and a newly announced six-year robotaxi partnership with Uber and Nuro, backed by a $300 million Uber investment.

KEIGH NAUGHTON and BLOOMBERG 2-5-2025

Ford appears to be lagging in the electric vehicle market, having not introduced a new EV model in over two years. Like many other automakers, Ford has abandoned some of its EV goals, such as producing 2 million EVs by 2026, despite investing billions in developing new models. The EV market continues to face challenges, such as consumer range anxiety, concerns over inconsistent charging infrastructure, and, most significantly for Ford, rising EV prices. Bill Ford, the company’s executive chair, commented, “We are working very hard on EV affordability, because I think that will be the catalyst for much wider adoption.” Meanwhile, General Motors surpassed Ford in EV sales in the second half of 2024, and Tesla’s Cybertruck has now outsold Ford’s F-150 Lightning. Ford is expected to reveal its updated EV strategy for 2025 soon, including plans to generate a return on the billions invested in its electric vehicle initiatives.

Why Mercedes-Benz’s driver assistance system ranks higher than Tesla’s

ROBERT FERRIS 2-4-2025

Tesla’s Autopilot system, once a leader in advanced driver assistance, now ranks eighth per Consumer Reports, trailing behind Ford, GM, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Nissan, Toyota, and Volkswagen. The system uses names like “Autopilot” and “Full Self-Driving,” but the features are not quite as advanced as some may believe, says Kelly Funkhouser of Consumer Reports. Advanced driver assistance systems automate tasks to aid driving but differ from true self-driving cars. Features include “automatic emergency braking” and “lane centering.” Each system has its pros and cons; the best in one aspect may not excel universally. Mercedes-Benz’s EQE 350 SUV system excels in many areas but lacks a driver monitoring camera, unlike Ford’s BlueCruise and GM’s Super Cruise. Adding this feature could boost it to the top rank.

Waabi and Volvo team up to build self-driving trucks at scale

REBECCA BELLAN 2-4-2025

Volvo has partnered with self-driving truck startup Waabi to develop new autonomous commercial trucks. This collaboration will complement Volvo’s existing joint venture with Aurora Innovation, which was announced last spring to launch the Volvo VNL Autonomous truck. Waabi’s technology, including its sensor suite and Waabi Driver software, will be integrated into the same truck model. The first autonomous trucks are set to be produced at Volvo’s Virginia facility later this year, with testing scheduled to begin in Texas. A public road demonstration is planned for the end of the year. “2025 is the year of trucking; it’s a make it or break it situation,” said Raquel Urtasun, founder and CEO of Waabi. “Trucking is only the beginning.”

Honda’s new EV production revolution begins with $1 billion investment in Ohio

MICHAEL WAYLAND 2-3-2025

Honda Motor is investing over $1 billion in Ohio to enhance its manufacturing for electric vehicles (EVs). This includes installing six large “giga presses” and a new manufacturing system for electric vehicle battery cases. Ohio will be the main hub for Honda’s global vehicle production, capable of making traditional cars, hybrids, and EVs in the same plant.

Honda aims to produce 220,000 vehicles annually at its Marysville plant, which will debut an all-electric Acura RSX crossover. The company plans to introduce several EV prototypes and has set environmental goals, including zero emissions by 2050 and exclusively selling zero-emission vehicles by 2040. “The Honda EV hub in Ohio is establishing the global standard for EV production for people, for technology and for processes,” said Mike Fischer, North American lead for Honda’s battery-electric vehicle projects. “As we expand EV production regionally and globally, this is the footprint and the characteristic performance that will be used.”

Tesla’s new cars suffer massive failures in autonomous driving

ALBERTO NORIEGA 1-30-2025

Tesla’s latest vehicles with the HW4/AI4.1 self-driving computers are facing failures in critical functions like cameras, GPS, and active safety, often within the first few hundred miles. Rooted in potential short circuits during the camera calibration process involving the low-voltage battery, these issues compromise vehicle safety and reliability. A software patch is seen as a temporary fix, but experts suggest replacing the faulty computers for a permanent solution, which could lead to long wait times for owners. This has overwhelmed service centers, delayed service appointments, and led to unsatisfactory responses from dealers, raising customer frustration. The failures pose a challenge to Tesla’s reputation, especially as autonomous driving is crucial to its strategy. Without a swift resolution, Tesla may face regulatory pressures and a weakened market standing.

Here’s what effective federal rules around autonomous driving vehicles could look like, according to a former DOT inspector general

LLOYD LEE 2-3-2025

The US has many state laws that autonomous vehicle (AV) companies must follow, and the federal government is not keeping up with regulations. Former DOT inspector general Eric Soskin suggested the government could develop federal guidelines to help. Companies like Waymo and Tesla face different state rules, complicating efforts to adopt AV technology. Soskin emphasized the need for performance-based standards, data sharing for cybersecurity, safety features for failures, and a fair liability system to support the growth of autonomous vehicles. The Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association has proposed a federal policy framework to accelerate AV development.

• 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.

• Tesla launches ‘actually smart summon’ or ‘ass’ (Electrek, September 3, 2024)

  Tesla has introduced the long-awaited Actually Smart Summon (ASS) feature, alongside a simpler Dumb Summon option, in its latest software update. Actually Smart Summon enables Tesla owners to call their vehicle from a parking spot to a chosen nearby location via the Tesla App. The release notes humorously describe ASS as a magical tech experience, allowing your car to autonomously navigate to your position or destination.

  Dumb Summon offers basic functionality, allowing the car to move forward or backward with app-based controls. To use these features, owners simply access the Summon tab in the Tesla app, gaining live camera feeds to oversee the vehicle’s movements. While employing these features, vigilant supervision is advised, particularly in parking scenarios. Currently, ASS is available for cars equipped with Hardware 4, with future availability for Hardware 3 suggested imminently.

• Woman using hands-free driving feature hits car, killing 2 in Pennsylvania, cops say (Miami Herald, September 3, 2024)

  A Pennsylvania woman, Dimple Patel, turned herself in on Tuesday this week after hitting and killing two men while driving her Ford Mustang Mach-E in the vehicle’s hands-free driving mode back in March of this year. At around 3 AM on March 3 in Philadelphia, two drivers were pulled over on Interstate 95 when Patel’s yellow Mach-E slammed into a vehicle from behind, killing both men. The Mach-E is reported to have been traveling at around 70 miles per hour with  BlueCruise hands-free driving feature enabled, as well as Adaptive Cruise Control when the crash occurred. Ford has commented on the incident, stating, “There is no priority higher than safety at Ford, and we have been collaborating fully with all relevant organizations on the investigations into these incidents.”

  The marketing materials for Ford’s BlueCruise state that drivers should continue to keep their eyes on the road when BlueCruise is enabled. Pennsylvania State Police urge drivers to “be aware and ready to regain control if the situation warrants your immediate reaction.”

• Researchers probe safety of AI in driverless cars, find vulnerabilities (Tech Xplore, September 2, 2024)

  Artificial intelligence (AI) is a critical component in self-driving vehicles, facilitating decision-making, sensing, and predictive modeling. However, its vulnerability to attacks is a concern being explored by researchers at the University at Buffalo. Their studies indicate that malicious actors could potentially manipulate these AI systems, causing them to fail. For instance, 3D-printed objects might camouflage a vehicle from AI radar systems, rendering it undetectable.

  Although current autonomous vehicles remain safe, this research could impact the automotive and tech industries, and influence regulatory policies. Tests conducted at UB have shown that the most commonly used radar systems for object detection, though reliable, can be compromised using strategically placed “tile masks.” These discoveries underline potential attack motives such as insurance fraud or competition, and highlight the gap in security measures, which researchers aim to address by developing robust defenses.

• Ford EV and hybrid sales surge 65% in May (CNBC, June 4, 2024)

  Ford recently announced an increase of about 65% in sales of both hybrids and EVs.  While that number sounds astounding, let’s put it in perspective.  While there has been an increase, the total number of vehicles sold in that segment was about 26,000.  Ford sold just over 190,000 cars last month, so approximately 14% of those sales were accounted for by hybrids and EVs. 

  As recently reported, the Model E electric vehicle unit has taken enormous losses this year, but sales of its all-electric F-150 Lightening pickups and Mustang Mach-E EV have been growing.  The automaker is focusing on offering hybrid options across its entire North American lineup by 2030.

• Tesla plans to use cabin radar, ditching seat sensors for safety (Teslarati, June 3, 2024)

  In a new software update, Software Version 2024.14.3, Tesla reportedly plans to incorporate cabin radar instead of seat sensors to show which seats are occupied, as well as detecting that a person is sitting in the driver’s seat when Full Self-Driving or Autopilot are engaged. According to a Tesla hacker, “greentheonly,” the use of cabin radar will be used to detect a human driver before the vehicle can move. This change is likely due to driver complaints regarding malfunctions of the seat sensors, as well as “cheat devices” that can trick the vehicle into detecting a human driver who is not there.

  The report of the cabin radar comes shortly after a NHTSA recall for Tesla’s malfunctioning seat belt warning system. According to Reuters, the remedy to this issue will “remove dependency on the driver seat occupancy sensor from the software and only rely on driver seat belt buckle and ignition status to activate the seat belt reminder signals.”

• Tesla Settles Fatal Crash Suit Ahead of California Trial (Transport Topics, May 28, 2024)

  Only a few months after Tesla settled a high-profile case involving the fatality of a former Apple engineer, Tesla has settled another fatal crash lawsuit only days before the trial was scheduled to begin. The crash, which took place in downtown Indianapolis nearly 8 years ago, involved the driver Casey Speckman, who lost control of a 2015 Tesla Model S, which plaintiffs claimed accelerated on its own, causing the vehicle to hit a tree and burst into flames. The passenger, Kevin McCarthy, allegedly survived the impact, but died in the fire, unable to open the vehicle doors due to “the defective design of the door latch system entrapping him in the vehicle,” according to the lawsuit.

  Tesla has claimed that the vehicle was free from defects, with EDR data showing that Ms. Speckman had her foot on the accelerator pedal at the time of the collision. Additionally, police reports indicated a blood alcohol level that was more than double the legal limit. The “conditional” settlement between parties occurred on May 24, but no details were provided in court filings.

• Tesla execs Drew Baglino and Rohan Patel leave as company lays off 10% Tech Crunch, April 15, 2024

  Two high-profile executives, Drew Baglino and Rohan Patel, have left Tesla on the same day the electric automaker announced layoffs impacting more than 10% of its global workforce or approximately 14,000 workers. This move follows Tesla’s first year-over-year sales decline in three years, prompting cost-cutting measures to enhance productivity. Despite record EV shipments in 2023, Tesla continued slashing prices and backed away from plans to build a lower-cost EV, opting instead to use the underlying platform to power an alleged robotaxi that purportedly will debut on August 8. Tesla still faces significant headwinds like cooling demand for EVs and increased competition as it readies for its next growth phase.

• Driver in fatal Texas crash was using Ford’s auto driving system, officials say The Guardian, April 11, 2024

  The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced that a fatal crash in Texas earlier this year involved Ford’s partially automated driving system. The crash involved a 2022 Mustang Mach E SUV that was engaged in Ford’s “Blue Cruise” driver-assist system prior to the collision. The Blue Cruise system allows drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel, and autonomously brakes and accelerates on 97% of controlled access highways in the US and Canada.

  This marks the second fatal collision involving Ford Mustang Mach Es under investigation by the NTSB, as well as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Ford has not yet commented on the NTSB report, but the carmaker continues to cooperate with the investigations.

• BMW is succeeding with electric cars while rivals like Tesla struggle Quartz, April 10, 2024

  EV sales are declining for many car manufacturers, but not for BMW. From January to March, BMW has seen growth of almost 28% compared to the same time a year ago. “The BMW Group is continuing on its [battery electric vehicle] growth path,” Jochen Goller, who oversees brands and sales for BMW’s board of management, said in a statement. “With the delivery of its one-millionth fully-electric vehicle since the market launch of the BMW i3, we have reached an important milestone that confirms the attractiveness of our product portfolio,” Goller added. Other automakers like Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, and even Tesla have reported a decline in sales this year, while Lucid and Rivian are reporting growth.  

• Elon Musk requires ‘FSD’ demo for every prospective Tesla buyer in North America (CNBC, March 25, 2024)

  Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, recently sent an email to employees mandating that customers be shown how to use the Full Self-Driving (FSD) system before completing vehicle deliveries in North America. “Going forward, it is mandatory in North America to install and activate FSD V12.3.1 and take customers on a short test ride before handing over the car,” Musk wrote in an email to staffers on Monday. “Almost no one actually realizes how well (supervised) FSD actually works. I know this will slow down the delivery process, but it is nonetheless a hard requirement.” Musk also announced a one-month trial of FSD for US Tesla cars. These decisions appear squarely aimed at countering criticism from regulators and consumers that Tesla has engaged in false advertising regarding the capabilities and limitations of FSD. 

• GM, Ford will reroute Baltimore shipments after bridge collapse (Reuters, March 26, 2024)

  After the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore on Tuesday morning, the Port of Baltimore has been closed, forcing companies like GM and Ford to reroute their vehicle shipments. The Port of Baltimore is the “busiest” automobile port in the United States, handling over 750,000 vehicles last year, according to the Maryland Port Administration.

  While General Motors stated, “We expect the situation to have minimal impact on our operations. We are working to re-route any vehicle shipments to other ports,” Ford’s Chief Financial Officer John Lawler believes the bridge collapse will have a much bigger influence, stating, “It’s going to have an impact…We’ll have to divert paths to other ports…It will probably length the supply chain a bit.”

  “[T]here will certainly be a disruption,” stated CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation John Bozzella. “Baltimore is the No. 1 automobile port in the U.S., and we’re in touch with federal officials to help them understand the scale of automotive operations there.”

• New cars are now ‘the worst’ products when it comes to protecting consumer data (CNBC, March 23, 2024)

  Cars today are constantly capturing data and many consumers don’t know how their data is being used, or that it’s being used at all.  According to Counterpoint Technology Market Research, by 2030, 95% of cars sold are likely to have embedded technology which opens the door for companies to collect, share or sell data related to driver habits, and other personal information that people may not want shared.  While most car manufacturers allow customers to opt out of data sharing, it can be difficult to find out how to do so as these settings are buried within menus, and doing so often requires disabling useful or desirable features such as navigation, remote unlock and the ability to receive service-related updates.  So how do you protect your data?  Check with the manufacturer to see what your options are for opting out and be sure to periodically review your privacy settings. 

• The EV revolution hinges on upcoming emissions rule (The Verge, March 19, 2024)

  The new timeline in which automakers will need to phase out all gas-powered vehicles for all-electric is expected to be announced this week by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), along with its new vehicle emissions rules. The EPA’s original proposal, announced in April 2023, called for electric vehicles accounting for 67% of all new vehicles by 2032. However, automakers have called this benchmark “unworkable” as EV sales have continued to slow, and OEMs have struggled to produce vehicles at a reasonable price for consumers. The White House is open to a new proposal to delay the electric vehicle timeline.

  “I strongly believe that EPA final actions on both cars and trucks will be the single most important climate regulation in the history of the country,” stated former senior executive director of the EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality, Margo Oge. “There may be disagreement, how fast, how much, but in my experience…the country needs to move forward by moving away from fossil fuels.”

• US to Investigate Texas Fatal Crash That May Have Involved Ford Partially Automated Driving System (US News & World Report,  March 16, 2024)

  On February 24th, there was fatal crash on Interstate 10 in San Antonio involving a Ford Mustang Mach-E SUV that collied with a Honda CR-V.  The Mach-E crashed into the rear end of the CR-V that was stopped on a lane in the highway with no lights on at approximately 9:50 p.m.  The driver of the CR-V was killed.  The National Transportation Safety Board is sending a team of investigators to work with local police to examine wreckage, collect information about the crash scene and events leading up the accident. “NTSB is investigating this fatal crash due to its continued interest in advanced driver assistance systems and how vehicle operators interact with these technologies,” the agency statement said. Ford’s active driving assistance system, Blue Cruise, allows drivers to take their hands off the wheel while handling steering, braking and acceleration on highways.  Blue Cruise operates on 97% of controlled access highways in the U.S. and Canada. 

•  Tesla Full Self-Driving Beta v12 finally rolls out – get your minds blown (Electrek, March 16, 2024)

  Tesla has reportedly started releasing the highly anticipated update to FSD Beta v12 to a wider fleet of FSD customers, which the automaker hopes will be a precursor to level 4 and 5 automated systems. The new update utilizes “end-to-end neural nets” to power its stack, representing a significant departure from traditional coding methods. According to the article, preliminary reviews have been mixed with some customers noting a lack of significant progress in lane selection and map data accuracy. While the introduction of neural nets shows potential, skepticism remains regarding Tesla’s ability to deliver a fully self-driving system anytime soon.