ALISA PRIDDLE 3-28-2025

Nissan and Infiniti will not offer Level 3 hands-free driving technology in North America any time soon, not due to a lack of capability, but because it is not a priority. The company faces challenges with new leadership and financial issues. Although Nissan can provide Level 3 systems and is testing Level 4 robotaxis in Japan, they are focusing on making Level 2 technology more appealing to consumers, who aren’t willing to pay extra for more advanced features. Research indicates that Level 3 driving is not a major consumer demand. Nissan continues to advance its technology and plans to test more robotaxis in Japan, hoping to address transportation challenges.

US Carmakers Crush It On Q1 EV Sales (Except You-Know-Who)

TINA CASEY 4-2-2025

GM and Ford are reporting strong electric vehicle sales for Q1 2025, as analysts suggest buyers may be acting before potential tariffs or changes to the federal EV tax credit. GM’s EV sales surged 94%, positioning the company as a strong contender for the #2 EV seller in the U.S., trailing only Tesla. “We’re the industry leader in trucks and affordable small SUVs, Cadillac is growing significantly in luxury, and we have the broadest portfolio in EVs in the industry,” stated GM executive VP and president of global markets Rory Harvey.

Ford also saw a boost, with hybrid sales up 33% and EV sales rising 12%, making up 15% of its total Q1 sales. While Tesla’s Q1 report has yet to be release, sales have reportedly been declining since Elon Musk took on a greater role in the White House.

Hyundai’s EVs are about to get smarter and more efficient with its new ‘Pleos’ brand

PETER JOHNSON 3-28-2025

Hyundai is evolving beyond traditional automaking with its new software brand, Pleos, aimed at creating advanced, software-defined vehicles. Launched at Hyundai’s developer conference, Pleos signifies Hyundai’s shift towards becoming a software-centric mobility provider. Derived from “Pleo,” meaning more, and OS, for operating system, this initiative promises high-tech connectivity. Hyundai’s platform integrates from the infotainment system (Pleos Connect) to the Vehicle Operating System and cloud infrastructure, enabling smart functions like autonomous driving. These features improve continuously via updates. Pleos Connect, based on Android, offers a smartphone-like interface with AI assistance. The first vehicle with Pleos Connect is expected in Q2 2026, with the goal of 20 million vehicles by 2030. By 2027, Hyundai plans to achieve Level 2+ autonomous driving, turning vehicles into self-learning systems, in collaboration with partners like Samsung and Google.

Rivian rolls out hands-free driving via software update

ERIC WALZ 3-27-2025

Rivian has introduced a hands-free driving feature called Enhanced Highway Assist through a software update for its second generation R1 vehicles. This system operates on 130,000 miles of roads in the U. S. and Canada, with plans for significant future expansion.

Rivian’s technology includes advanced cameras and radar, with AI-powered decision-making based on extensive data collection. The system is classified as Level 2, meaning drivers must stay alert and ready to take control. More capabilities are expected later this year, with a more advanced feature planned for 2026.

Tesla hypes ‘unsupervised full self-driving’ launch in June: here’s what it will actually launch

FRED LAMBERT 3-26-2025

Tesla is creating buzz around its upcoming unsupervised FSD launch in Austin this June, focusing on a paid ride-hailing service using self-driving technology. CEO Elon Musk announced plans for a no-driver-required launch at Tesla’s last earnings call. Current practices at Tesla’s Fremont facility include vehicles autonomously driving on private roads, unlike the planned public deployment. The transition to “unsupervised” is significant as Tesla’s FSD features have historically required supervision. Tesla’s Austin launch, using its existing vehicle lineup and potentially the new Cybercab, will operate within a geo-fenced area, offering services similar to Waymo, which uses lidar and other sensors. Though Tesla’s system relies solely on cameras, they may employ teleoperation for vehicle support. Despite Musk’s longstanding claims of imminent autonomy, the practical execution remains closely watched.

Self-Driving Car Firms Bleed Cash – WeRide CEO Says Only Regulation Can Steer Toward Profit

KURT ROBSON and SAMANTHA DUNN 3-31-2025

The U.S. autonomous vehicle market remains unprofitable, and industry leaders warn that slow federal regulations could put the country behind China. “If the federal government fails to act to advance sensible AV policies, we will cede our leadership in this economically crucial sector to China,” stated the Alliance for Automotive Innovation.

Major autonomous technology companies, such as WeRide, Waymo, and Pony.ai have yet to turn a profit due to high software development, research, and maintenance costs.  WeRide founder Tony Han stresses that federal regulation will be a deciding factor. “What I want in the next five years is that, first of all, this company can become profitable…I think from a technology perspective, it will definitely support this within five years, but there are more commercial and policy considerations,” he told the Financial Times.

ZACHARY VISCONTI 3-10-2025

Tesla’s rollout of its FSD in the UK faces significant delays due to new regulatory challenges. The UK’s Department for Transport (DfT) has proposed stricter rules that limit FSD capabilities to highway maneuvers, requiring drivers to keep their hands on the steering wheel, contrary to earlier drafts that allowed hands-free driving in more complex situations. These changes arise from safety concerns regarding the impact of autonomous systems on driver behavior and situational awareness. Tesla has successfully launched FSD features in China and Mexico but is hindered by regulatory barriers in Europe, potentially delaying full deployment until 2028. Experts, including former Tesla officials, urge for reforms in type-approval frameworks to better accommodate emerging technologies. Meanwhile, CEO Elon Musk continues to advocate for FSD approval in upcoming EU sessions.

Japan’s Nissan tests driverless vehicles in city streets filled with cars and people

YURI KAGEYAMA 3-10-2025

Nissan’s driverless technology, utilizing 14 cameras, nine radars, and six LiDar sensors, showcases Japan’s effort to catch up in the autonomous driving race, led by companies like Waymo in the U.S. Despite being home to top automakers, Japan has lagged behind China and the U.S. in autonomous vehicle development. In a recent demonstration in Yokohama, Nissan’s vehicle operated at a maximum speed of 25 mph, with remote monitoring to ensure safety. The technology, currently rated Level 2, aims for Level 4 autonomy by 2029 or 2030, requiring no human oversight. With a shrinking population creating driver shortages, Japanese companies are exploring autonomous solutions, though challenges remain, including public expectations for high safety standards and the complexities of urban deployment.

Tesla to expand cabin radar support to more models

KARAN SINGH 3-8-2025

Tesla has begun rolling out an update for recent Model Ys, activating cabin radar and introducing first-row occupant sensing, replacing traditional seat sensors. This technology improves passenger size detection, crucial during accidents, and will extend to other recent models. A key feature, Child Presence Detection, aims to reduce fatalities caused by leaving children in parked vehicles. The radar can differentiate between adults and kids, adjusting airbag deployment, detecting heart rates, and notifying owners via the Tesla app if a child is left inside. Emergency services can also be alerted automatically. While current updates focus on Model Ys, plans to extend cabin radar features to Model 3s and Cybertrucks are underway. Rear-seat sensing is expected to launch in late 2025, with potential updates for Model S and X also on the horizon.

Second-hand Tesla’s flood the market as Elon Musk faces British backlash

JAMES TITCOMB 3-7-2025

British drivers are selling Tesla’s at record rates, with 4,822 second-hand models listed in February, up 36% from December. This increase follows growing competition among electric car makers and political controversies involving Elon Musk. Second-hand Tesla prices have fallen, and new sales in the UK rose by 21%. Interest in Tesla’s has declined, partially due to Musk’s politics and competition from other brands. Some customers have canceled orders because of his views, while others cite a lack of new models.

Hyundai pairs up with Yandex spinoff Avride to develop robotaxis

KIRSTEN KOROSEC 3-5-2025

Hyundai Motor Company and autonomous vehicle startup Avride have formed a partnership to develop autonomous vehicle technology specifically for robotaxis. Avride will enhance its fleet with Hyundai IONIQ 5 vehicles, assembled at Hyundai’s new Metaplant America in Georgia and integrated with Avride’s technology. These vehicles will launch later this year in Dallas as part of an Uber-accessible robotaxi service. This collaboration adds to Avride’s recent partnerships and signifies Hyundai’s strategy to expand beyond in-house efforts, complementing its existing relationship with Motional, an autonomous vehicle startup backed by Hyundai. Despite challenges faced by Motional, Hyundai remains committed to advancing Level 4 autonomy and aims to scale up to 100 autonomous IONIQ 5 vehicles by 2025, promoting innovations in mobility technology.

Volkswagen’s cheapest EV ever is the first to use Rivian software

KIRSTEN KOROSEC 3-5-2025

Volkswagen has introduced the ID EVERY1, a small four-door hatchback EV set to launch in 2027 with a starting price of 20,000 euros ($21,500). It will feature software and architecture from Rivian as part of a $5. 8 billion joint venture. Another model, the ID. 2all, will be priced at 25,000 euros and available in 2026. Both cars will target the European market. The ID EVERY1 will use a new software architecture for ongoing updates. The partnership aims to reduce development costs and improve technology scaling. The ID EVERY1 is a concept with a top speed of 130 km/h and a range of at least 250 kilometers.