Uber will launch a premium robotaxi service in San Francisco in 2026, using Lucid Motors’ electric Gravity SUVs with self-driving technology from Nuro. This service will directly compete with Waymo. The announcement took place during TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, where Uber’s chief product officer and Nuro’s president were set to be interviewed.

Uber plans to invest $300 million in Lucid and purchase at least 20,000 Gravity SUVs over six years for this service. This launch may create tension with Waymo, which already operates robotaxis in the Bay Area. Uber, Nuro, and Lucid are currently working on a test fleet of about 100 vehicles.

Aurora Expands Driverless Trucking Service from Fort Worth to El Paso (Business Wire, 10/28)

Aurora Innovation, Inc. is expanding its commercial operations by launching a second driverless route from Fort Worth to El Paso, achieving over 100,000 driverless miles on public roads. They plan to deploy hundreds of driverless trucks with new hardware in 2026. The next-generation hardware offers increased reliability and an extended sensing range. Aurora is integrating this hardware across multiple truck platforms, enhancing customer capacity for driverless freight. Aurora will also share its third quarter 2025 results in a conference call.

China’s Pony.ai, WeRide file for Hong Kong IPOs in milestone for driverless tech sector (Yulu Ao, 10/28)

Two of China’s leading autonomous-driving companies, Pony.ai and WeRide, have submitted IPO prospectuses in Hong Kong—marking a major milestone for the country’s driverless-tech sector. Pony.ai plans to offer approximately 41.96 million Class A shares (including 4.2 million for retail investors) following regulatory approval by China’s securities watchdog. WeRide’s IPO move similarly reflects a push to tap capital markets closer to home amid intensifying global competition in autonomous mobility. The listings reflect rising investor confidence in China’s autonomous vehicle sector, align with national efforts to foster homegrown innovation, and provide Pony.ai and WeRide with critical capital to support their global growth ambitions.

Tesla revives ‘Mad Max’ mode in Full Self-Driving (Kurt Knutsson, 10/27)

Tesla has reintroduced its Mad Max mode in the Full Self-Driving feature, allowing for more aggressive driving habits. This update comes amid regulatory scrutiny. While some enjoy the assertive driving style, critics raise safety concerns. Drivers can access Mad Max mode through car settings, but must remain attentive.

Is Waymo ready for Winter? (Andrew Hawkins, 10/25)

Waymo is actively equipping its robotaxi fleet to navigate heavy snow and icy roads as it plans expansion into colder East Coast cities. While its current system handles light snow, the next-generation “Waymo Driver” is being built specifically for severe winter conditions, where features like snow-obscured lane markings and reduced visibility still challenge autonomous systems. The company is collecting rare snow-driving data, testing in places like Truckee, Michigan, Denver and Upstate New York, and deploying innovations such as sensor heaters and rooftop lidar wipers to boost performance in slushy conditions. Yet even with these upgrades, Waymo stresses that some extreme weather could still force service pauses.

A filing for attorneys’ fees and cost this week by Plaintiffs’ counsel in the Benevides case, which we have been following closely, revealed that Tesla rejected a $60 million settlement demand.  Although this pretrial demand was considerably less than the eventual $243 million verdict, it does not appear that Tesla thought the possibility of a punitive damages award was likely prior to trial.  As we reported, the punitive damages award was $200 million and will certainly be appealed.  Tesla countered the families’ proposed settlement with a much lower offer that demanded confidentiality, which was declined. Attorney Brett Schreiber highlighted that Tesla’s proposal was a fraction of the demand and the jury’s verdict. This case illuminates Tesla’s legal strategies when dealing with lawsuits related to its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving features, an area linked with numerous crashes and fatalities, yet often settled outside the courtroom.

BYD’s Ferrari-slaying electric supercar shatters the EV speed record at nearly 300 mph (Peter Johnson – August 26, 2025)

BYD’s Yangwang U9 Track Edition has officially seized the title of the world’s fastest electric vehicle. During an August 8 test at Germany’s ATP Papenburg track, the Chinese-built hypercar reached a blistering 472.41 km/h (roughly 293 mph), surpassing the previous EV speed record by over 20%. More than a feat of speed, this moment marks a historic milestone: the first time a Chinese automaker has captured a global performance record at this scale, signaling China’s rising influence in a hypercar market long dominated by European giants.

With a starting price around $233,000, the hypercar delivers superior performance while costing nearly half as much as established supercar rivals like the Ferrari SF90 and Lamborghini Aventador SVJ.

Tesla FSD V14 to ‘Feel Alive,’ Second Biggest FSD Update Ever (Staff – August 20, 2025)

Elon Musk has confirmed that the next FSD update will be FSD v14, which is expected to be a significant improvement over previous versions. This update will only be available for HW4 vehicles and aims to reduce driver monitoring while enhancing the FSD experience.

FSD v14 will utilize 10 times more parameters than v13, improving performance and video quality. Musk highlighted that the update would make FSD feel more natural and human-like. He mentioned that driver monitoring would be less intense, allowing for more leniency unless drivers are frequently distracted. FSD v14 is anticipated to be released by the end of September, with the potential for new features like parking in garages and driveways.

Honda Taps Startup’s AI Tech for Self-Driving Cars (Graham Hope – August 21, 2025)

Honda has partnered with U.S. startup Helm.ai to integrate advanced AI technology into its mainstream vehicles’ ADAS. This “multi-year joint development agreement” will enhance Honda’s offerings with Helm.ai‘s real-time AI software, including autonomous driving features suited for highway and urban environments. Helm.ai’s suite includes perception and path prediction AI, leveraging Deep Teaching technology pre-trained on large datasets. This collaboration aims to accelerate Honda’s “Navigate on Autopilot” platform, offering partial automation and enhancing vehicle autonomy within broader model ranges. While Honda initiated automation with the Level 3 Legend sedan in 2021, the partnership seeks to regain competitive edge, targeting mass production after 2027. Honda aims to create a seamless driving experience across diverse terrains, focusing on reducing traffic collisions through advanced AI integration.

Stellantis pauses launch of automated driving tech due to ‘very limited’ market demand (Luke Ramseth – August 26, 2025)

Stellantis has suspended its plans to roll out Level 3 automated driving technology in its vehicles, citing high development costs, limited consumer demand, and ongoing technical challenges. Although the company had previously promoted its AutoDrive system as a major step forward in its software strategy, executives now say the technology won’t be launched any time soon despite having the capability in place if market conditions change.

This move reflects a broader pullback in Stellantis’s in-house software ambitions as the automaker shifts focus to external partners, such as aiMotive, to manage advanced driving development. The pause also comes amid weaker software performance, internal leadership changes, and declining stock value, raising questions about the company’s ability to compete in the increasingly software-driven future of mobility.

Waymo Brings Robotaxis to NYC Streets – But Can They Handle the Chaos? (Max Taylor – August 26, 2025)

Waymo has received the first permit to test self-driving cars in New York City, starting this September with eight Jaguar I-Pace EVs. Testing in the busy environment of Manhattan poses challenges, raising concerns about safety. Waymo claims its cars are safer than human drivers. The move is seen as a chance to establish leadership in autonomous tech, especially amid competition with Tesla. Success in New York could influence public perception and future approvals elsewhere, while failure could reinforce criticisms of autonomous vehicles. Ordinary New Yorkers wonder if robotaxis will improve their commutes or add to the chaos.

A new Electric Vehicle Intelligence Report shows Tesla has plummeted to become America’s least-trusted automotive brand, ranking below all major competitors in consumer confidence, particularly around safety and corporate integrity. The survey placed Tesla dead last in “trust integrity” metrics, signaling widespread skepticism about the company’s reliability and transparency.

This erosion of public faith stems largely from mounting safety concerns surrounding Tesla’s autonomous driving technology, including a series of high-profile accidents involving Autopilot and Full Self-Driving systems. The timing couldn’t be worse for Tesla, which is simultaneously pushing forward with its robotaxi pilot program in Austin while facing intensified regulatory oversight and an increasingly wary consumer base that questions both its safety claims and business practices.

CA DMV claims Tesla misled drivers on Autopilot capabilities; seeks to suspend business for 30 days (Suzanne Phan – July 21, 2025)

The California Department of Motor Vehicles has launched a lawsuit demanding Tesla halt all vehicle sales and manufacturing in the state for 30 days, accusing the company of deceptively marketing “Full Self-Driving” technology that remains merely Level 2 driver assistance requiring constant human oversight. DMV officials contend the autonomous system “is not ready for being simply a driver-assist system,” arguing Tesla’s branding has created dangerous misconceptions about the technology’s actual capabilities.

The legal action cites fatal consequences, including the 2018 death of Apple engineer Walter Huang during Autopilot operation and a devastating eight-car pileup on the Bay Bridge in 2022 allegedly caused by Teslas in “full self-driving” mode. UC Berkeley expert Scott Moura reinforces that Tesla’s FSD falls far short of true Level 5 autonomy, supporting critics who contend the misleading terminology has fostered deadly overconfidence among drivers who believed they could rely on technology that isn’t nearly as advanced as advertised.

Understanding Level 4 Autonomous Driving Systems, from Currently Available to Upcoming (Mircea Panait – July 20, 2025)

Before aiming for Level 5 autonomous driving, mastering Level 4 is a crucial step. Honda was among the first automakers to lease cars with Level 3 capabilities, like the Legend Hybrid EX, but that model has been discontinued, and Honda appears to have paused progress on their SENSING Elite Traffic Jam Pilot system. Meanwhile, BMW and Mercedes-Benz are moving forward with Level 3 luxury sedans, with Mercedes upgrading its DRIVE PILOT system to Level 4 in China for deployment by the end of the decade.

Although no Level 4 vehicles are available for retail yet, they do exist, mostly in China, where regulations are more permissive. Companies like GM’s Cruise, Waymo, Tesla, and Baidu are leading the way in developing and testing Level 4 and near-Level 4 systems. Cruise had early ambitions for Level 4 robotaxis but faced setbacks, while Waymo continues expanding its autonomous fleet with advanced hardware. Tesla is operating Level 4-like robotaxis in Austin but hasn’t officially received permits yet. Other players like Navya, Baidu Apollo, WeRide, Nuro, and VW’s MOIA are also making strides in autonomous transport, with several promising systems and upcoming deployments around the world. The race toward full autonomy is accelerating, with China leading some regions due to favorable regulations, and major automakers focusing on the critical transition from Level 3 to Level 4.

A Huge New Lab in Sweden Is Testing the 6G-Powered Future of Connected Cars and Drones (Oscar Collins – July 18, 2025)

AstaZero has launched an advanced proving ground for connected vehicles. This facility will test automated transport systems to ensure safety and confidence as the industry moves towards a 6G-powered future. It features multiple 5G networks for real-time communication between vehicles and emergency services.

The facility allows testing of various real-world scenarios, using AI and drones for simulations. AstaZero aims to enhance vehicle communication and decision-making, achieving a high reliability rate crucial for critical situations. It caters to all brands, supporting fair testing as new vehicle standards emerge.

Uber inks six-year robotaxi deal with Lucid, invests $300 million in EV company (Samantha Subin – July 17, 2025)

Uber announced a partnership to deploy over 20,000 robotaxis in the next six years, responding to rising demand for driverless cars. The collaboration is with Lucid, the electric vehicle maker, and Nuro, an autonomous vehicle startup. Uber will invest $300 million in Lucid, while Nuro will create the self-driving technology. They plan to launch the robotaxis in a major U. S. urban area next year. Testing of the first prototype is underway in Las Vegas, and the program aims for commercial viability and global scalability.

Trump’s Auto Safety Pick Promises Rapid Self-Driving Deployment (Keith Laing – July 16, 2025)

President Donald Trump’s nominee for NHTSA administrator, Jonathan Morrison, has pledged to prioritize safety while making it easier for automakers to deploy self-driving cars. During a Senate hearing, Morrison said the agency should create proactive, science-based regulations that go beyond voluntary guidelines, which currently limit test vehicles to 2,500 and restrict safety features.

Morrison emphasized the need for federal leadership to build consumer trust in autonomous vehicles and avoid undue costs that could hinder innovation. If confirmed, he may lead investigations into Tesla’s driver assistance technologies and address nearly 73 open safety probes, including eight involving Tesla. Critics fear Morrison’s past at NHTSA might lead to fewer safety standards, but automakers and industry groups welcome his experience. The outcome depends on Trump’s influence, with no official comment from Tesla or the White House.

Tesla has unveiled two new variants in China as it battles declining sales and an intensifying price war with domestic rivals like BYD. The Model 3 Plus features a rear-wheel-drive setup with a high-capacity LG NMC battery for extended range, while the Model Y L offers a larger, six-seat, three-row configuration that’s seven inches longer. The Model Y L includes dual motors (340 kW combined), all-wheel drive, and will launch this fall likely priced above $50,000—positioning it against competitors like NIO’s Onvo L90.

The launch follows Tesla’s 14% global delivery drop and comes after its refreshed “Juniper” Model Y failed to reverse the sales slide. With Chinese regulators already concerned about the ongoing EV price war, Tesla is betting these new models can help it regain ground in the world’s largest EV market.

China’s Baidu to bring its driverless cars to Uber globally (Arjun Kharpal – July 15, 2025)

Baidu has partnered with Uber to deploy autonomous cars on Uber’s platform outside the U.S. and mainland China, targeting Asia and the Middle East later this year. The partnership will introduce “thousands” of Baidu’s Apollo Go vehicles globally, boosting Baidu’s international expansion and providing Uber with a reliable partner in autonomous driving. Riders on Uber may soon have the option to choose a driverless Apollo Go car. In China, Baidu has operated its robotaxi service since 2021 in cities like Beijing and aims to expand to international markets like Dubai and Europe. This collaboration marks a strategic move for Uber, which seeks partnerships with driverless technology firms, following the sale of its own autonomous vehicle unit in 2020. The partnership reflects Uber’s strategy to lead in autonomous tech globally.

China’s BYD unveils Level-4 autonomous parking, promises full cover for losses (Bojan Stojkovski – July 12, 2025)

BYD has launched a new L4-level autonomous driving feature for its God’s Eye advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS). The update enhances parking scenarios and introduces three-speed parking. BYD promises to cover any damages incurred during parking and will take full liability for safety issues. They plan a major update to improve parking, driving, and safety. Over one million vehicles now have the God’s Eye ADAS, and BYD is the first to guarantee autonomous parking.

Tesla’s Grok AI Has Landed. Here’s What We Know (Patrick George – July 13, 2025)

Tesla is integrating Grok, Elon Musk’s xAI chatbot, into its vehicles through the Summer Update 2025.26. Available on new Teslas delivered after July 12 and older models with AMD chips, Grok offers conversational interactions with various personalities rather than controlling car functions.

The rollout follows recent controversy when Grok made anti-Semitic comments on X, prompting xAI to apologize and remove problematic code. As Tesla drivers experience Grok’s “maximally based and truth-seeking” approach firsthand, its real-world behavior will be closely watched.

Tesla is already trying to expand its robotaxi service to Arizona (Kirsten Korosec and Sean O’Kane – July 10, 2025)

Tesla has applied to test and operate autonomous vehicles in Arizona, aiming to bring its robotaxi service to the Phoenix Metro area. On June 26, Tesla began the certification process with Arizona’s Department of Transportation. The application includes testing with a driver and without a driver. Discussions are in preliminary stages, with Tesla’s senior regulatory counsel, Casey Blaine, having meetings with state officials. Tesla’s limited robotaxi service launched in South Austin and plans to expand further. In California, Tesla holds a testing permit with a safety driver since 2014 but hasn’t applied for driverless testing. Arizona’s process involves self-certification, but a Transportation Network Company permit is needed for ride-hailing services. Waymo, which operates a driverless robotaxi in Phoenix, holds necessary permits in Arizona and California, including Los Angeles and the Bay Area.

2,000 km of range and two fuels merged – BYD unveils revolutionary new engine (Sarah I. – July 11, 2025)

Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD has surpassed Tesla in global sales since 2022. BYD offers affordable electric vehicles, with prices starting below $8,000, while Tesla’s least expensive model is around $42,000. BYD recently introduced a new hybrid engine that can travel over 2,000 kilometers without recharging. Additionally, BYD is advancing its autonomous driving technology, providing it in all vehicles at no extra cost, while Tesla continues developing its own autonomous options.

A new report from Upstream, titled Under Pressure: Why After-Sales Quality Strategies Must Evolve in the Age of Connected Vehicle Data and AI, demonstrates that connected vehicle data could have identified 70% of U.S. automotive recalls ahead of time, with that figure jumping to nearly 90% for electric vehicles. Drawing from analysis of more than 5,000 recall campaigns and 30,000 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, the findings highlight an urgent requirement for manufacturers to abandon reactive quality management in favor of proactive, AI-driven approaches.

As software-defined vehicle (SDV) architectures grow more complex and innovation cycles accelerate, particularly in EVs, OEMs face rising recall volumes and warranty costs. Upstream warns that traditional quality analytics are no longer sufficient and calls on automakers to modernize their processes by leveraging diagnostic data, machine learning, and cross-functional monitoring. The payoff? Faster root cause analysis, reduced recall scope, and stronger consumer trust in a software-driven automotive future.

Waymo robotaxis are heading to Philadelphia and NYC (Rebecca Bellan – July 7, 2025)

Waymo started two “road trips” to Philadelphia and New York City to explore expansion in the Northeast. These trips involve mapping new cities with a small fleet of human-driven vehicles that have Waymo’s autonomous driving system. Although past road trips have led to commercial services, such as in Los Angeles, a commercial launch in these new cities may not be immediate.

Waymo applied for a permit to test autonomous vehicles in NYC, but regulations currently require a human driver present. The company aims to advocate for changes in these laws.

Tesla robotaxi incidents spark confusion and concerns in Austin (David Ingram and Bruna Horvath – July 5, 2025)

Two weeks after Tesla’s robotaxi service started in Austin, Texas, there are concerns about safety due to several viral videos showing the vehicles breaking traffic laws and behaving erratically. The service, launched on June 22, allows invited users to hail rides at a cost of $4.20. Each vehicle is controlled by experimental software, but an employee is present to intervene if needed. Experts caution that it’s too early to assess the service, though some city officials worry about the risks involved. Local lawmakers are calling for Tesla to prioritize safety and have even asked the company to delay its launch until new regulations take effect. Tesla has not provided significant details about its operation or the incidents.

Trump’s Megabill Is Ceding the Future to China (William Pesek – July 8, 2025)

A recent financial analysis argues that Trump’s newly signed “Big Beautiful” tax and spending bill significantly undermines U.S. clean-energy efforts, effectively empowering China’s progress in electric vehicles and renewables. By dismantling key subsidies, such as the $7,500 EV tax credit and rooftop solar incentives, the legislation shifts economic advantages toward traditional energy and away from green tech, potentially slowing U.S. momentum in emerging industries. The analysis warns that these shifts create a strategic opening for China at a critical moment when global clean-energy leadership is at stake.

GM’s Cruise Cars Are Back on the Road in 3 US States – but Not for Ride-Hailing (Paresh Dave – July 4, 2025)

Cruise robotaxis are back on the road in a limited capacity after GM shifted focus from its self-driving taxi business. Although human drivers operate modified GM Bolt vehicles equipped with testing technology in areas like Michigan, Texas, and the Bay Area, these are for internal tests and do not carry passengers. GM repurposed the cars to enhance advanced driver-assistance systems after a past incident caused operational disruptions.

AI sensors are quietly taking the wheel (Nik Miles – July 6, 2025)

Modern vehicles are discreetly receiving sophisticated AI-powered sensor technology that extends well beyond simple backup cameras. These smart systems are progressively assuming responsibility for steering assistance, braking decisions, and hazard recognition, creating a subtle shift toward semi-autonomous driving that works seamlessly behind the scenes.

Through the strategic placement of advanced machine learning cameras and lidar technology across vehicle platforms, car manufacturers are working to significantly boost both safety and user experience. These understated technological enhancements deliver better reaction times to potential dangers and more intelligent support during everyday travel, creating a gradual and natural progression toward complete vehicle autonomy.

• Lyft partners with May Mobility, Mobileye to bring autonomous vehicles to the app (Tech Crunch, November 6, 2024)

  Lyft is making a big push into the autonomous vehicle market, partnering with several companies to build a network of self-driving cars. They’ve signed a deal with May Mobility to launch autonomous vehicles on the Lyft app in Atlanta starting in 2025. Lyft is also partnering with Mobileye, allowing vehicles equipped with Mobileye’s self-driving technology to be integrated into the Lyft platform. Additionally, Lyft has partnered with Nexar to use dashcam data to improve autonomous vehicle technology development. These partnerships build on Lyft’s previous experiences with autonomous vehicles, including its collaboration with Motional and Argo AI. This strategy aims to help Lyft catch up with Uber, which has already partnered with several companies in the autonomous vehicle industry.

• Elon Musk says its ‘pointless’ to build a human-driven $25,000 Tesla (Fast Company, November 5, 2024)

  During an earnings call last month, Elon Musk indicated that Tesla has backed out of its plans for the long-promised $25,000 electric vehicle, stating that building an affording electric vehicle is “pointless” without fully autonomous technology. As recently as January of 2024, Musk confirmed rumors of Tesla’s new affordable EV arriving in 2025, and called it the beginning of a “growth wave” for the company.

  However, Tesla appears to be shifting focus to autonomous technology and producing its robotaxi, the “Cybercab.” “It is my understanding that the original plan was to make the more-affordable vehicle on a new platform. I think Tesla realized they were late to making an affordable vehicle versus their Chinese-EV peers. . . So, they changed their strategy rather than make a large investment to produce a new vehicle,” stated Seth Goldstein, a Morningstar Research Services analyst.

• Waymo is now valued at a staggering $45 billion (Electrek, November 1, 2024)

  Alphabet’s Waymo received $5. 6 billion in funding, now valued at $45 billion. With investors like Google, it plans to expand robotaxi service in major cities. Despite setbacks, financial support from Alphabet fuels Waymo’s success. The company is growing rapidly, with plans to enter new markets and expand autonomous operations. Existing investors include Andreessen Horowitz and T. Rowe Price. Tesla poses potential competition in the self-driving sector.  Currently, Tesla offers ride-hailing services with safety drivers for its Bay Area employees.

• Toyota pushes back electric vehicle production plans in America (Detroit Free Press, October 7, 2024)

  Toyota has long been cautious about the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, and the current EV market slowdown seems to validate its skepticism. However, despite the slump, the global auto industry continues to shift toward electrification, and all manufacturers, including Toyota, will ultimately need to adjust – albeit at a slower pace than originally anticipated.

  Though there were reports of Toyota’s three-row EV SUV launching by the end of 2025, production has been delayed until at least 2026. Meanwhile, Lexus has canceled its plans for a new electric vehicle as EV sales continue to decline in the U.S. Despite the downturn, Toyota remains committed to producing 1.5 million EVs annually by the end of 2026, with plans to introduce seven new EV models to the U.S. market.

• Google’s Waymo Chooses Hyundai Ioniq 5 for Autonomous Driving Fleet (MSN, October 6, 2024)

  Hyundai and Waymo partner to integrate autonomous driving technology into Hyundai vehicles, starting with the sixth generation Waymo Driver in the Hyundai Ioniq 5. Vehicles will be produced at Hyundai’s Georgia factory with autonomous pre-installation, ensuring they are ready for self-driving technology. Waymo plans to add the Ioniq 5 to its Waymo One fleet by 2025, expanding its operations in select U. S. regions. This collaboration allows Hyundai to enter the autonomous vehicle sector while growing Waymo’s fleet, previously supplied by Chrysler and Jaguar. The latest Waymo Driver features advanced hardware and software for enhanced detection capabilities in various conditions.

•  Autonomous vehicles could render personal auto insurance obsolete by 2044, new report finds (CBT News, October 4, 2024)

  A new Morningstar report suggests that self-driving cars might significantly diminish the need for personal auto insurance within 20 years. By 2044, if AVs are widely adopted, liability could shift from drivers to manufacturers, transitioning insurance to product liability. Full adoption of Level 4 or 5 autonomy, where cars drive without human intervention, could make personal insurance obsolete by 2060. Currently, most vehicles have Level 2 automation requiring driver assistance. Companies like Waymo and Cruise are pioneering Level 4 capabilities with region-specific robotaxis. Morningstar projects that AVs could reach 80% market penetration within 7 to 18 years, depending on adoption speed. Insurance may remain unaffected until Level 4 autonomy prevails, but a 10% AV penetration rate by 2035 could begin reshaping the industry, potentially eliminating some insurers by 2043 as AV penetration grows.

• Questions about the safety of Tesla’s ‘Full Self-Driving’ system are growing (The Associated Press, August 28, 2024)

  William Stein, a technology analyst at Truist Securities, has tried the latest version of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system several times over the last few months at the invitation of Elon Musk. He reported that his most recent test drive left him feeling unsafe after the vehicle made several illegal maneuvers, and it left his 16-year-old son, who joined him during the drive, “terrified.”

  Tesla’s FSD software, now called “Full Self-Driving (Supervised),” uses artificial intelligence to control steering and pedals. Stein reported that the ride felt more human than previous rides, but that the vehicle “made a left turn from a through lane while running a red light,” during a drive that lasted less than 10 miles. Stein told Tesla investors that the system does not “appear to approach robotaxi capabilities,” as the carmaker is expected to unveil a new robotaxi in the next few months. Tesla has not responded to messages seeking a comment after Stein’s report.

• Tesla can challenge Louisiana direct sales ban, US appeal court rules (Reuters, August 26, 2024)

  In a 2-1 decision, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals revived Tesla’s lawsuit challenging Louisiana’s prohibition on direct vehicle sales to consumers. The court reversed an earlier dismissal of Tesla’s constitutional due process claim and vacated the dismissal of its antitrust claim, though it upheld the dismissal of Tesla’s equal protection claim. Tesla filed the lawsuit in August 2022 against members of the Louisiana Motor Vehicle Commission and the Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association, alleging these groups exploited their control to eliminate Tesla from the market due to its direct sales model. Tesla claimed that since 2017, Louisiana unlawfully banned direct sales and limited leasing and servicing of its cars. Judge Jerry Smith noted Tesla sufficiently alleged “plausible actual bias” from the commission via internal communications. The case now returns to U.S. District Judge Sarah Vance, who initially dismissed it.

• US closes one of 2 probes into behavior of GM Cruise autonomous vehicles after recall (ABC News, August 22, 2024)

  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced that it is closing one of two investigations into the performance of GM’s Cruise robotaxis after the carmaker agreed to a recall. The investigation began in December of 2022 with over 7,000 reports of hard braking and complete stops by the autonomous vehicles. Cruise finally agreed to recall all of its robotaxis for the braking concerns and has fixed the problem through a software update. “In view of the recall action taken by Cruise and ODI’s (NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation) analysis of available data, including data presented by Cruise demonstrating a reduced occurrence of hard braking incidents after the software updates, ODI is closing this preliminary evaluation,” NHTSA stated.

  However, NHTSA continues to investigate the Cruise vehicles after reports of the robotaxis encroaching on pedestrians in roadways and crosswalks, including the October 2023 incident involving a Cruise robotaxi dragging a pedestrian in San Francisco.

• Texas is suing GM for tracking drivers’ data – but these other car companies do the same thing (Fast Company, August 20, 2024)

  The battle for data privacy is extending into vehicles, as highlighted by a lawsuit from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton against General Motors for allegedly selling driver data without consent. GM reportedly gathered data from 1.8 million Texan drivers since 2015 via services like OnStar Smart Driver, which it recently discontinued. However, this data was allegedly sold to third parties, influencing insurance rates negatively. GM states it is reviewing the complaint and aims to protect consumer privacy. Mozilla and a New York Times investigation have criticized the auto industry’s widespread data-sharing practices, with 84% of surveyed brands engaging in such activities. Similar concerns prompted senators Ron Wyden and Ed Markey to investigate auto data practices, finding companies like Honda and Hyundai shared driver data for minimal compensation. This growing scrutiny suggests a shift in consumer treatment, as carmakers increasingly monetize collected data, raising ethical concerns over privacy violations.

• Former Tesla Supercharging head to help Uber with EV transition (Teslarati, August 20, 2024)

  Former Tesla Senior Director of the Supercharger program, Rebecca Tinucci, has joined the Uber team as Uber’s Global Head of Sustainability in an effort to help the company in its shift to electric vehicles. “After many conversations with great people about my next steps, I was still struggling on where to land and how to be truly impactful,” stated Tinucci on LinkedIn.

  Tinucci was let go from Tesla, along with a large part of the Supercharger team, as a part of the Tesla layoffs this spring. Last year Tinucci pushed for the auto industry’s mass adoption of Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS), and she oversaw the development of the V4 Supercharging software. Despite the inclusion on the Time Magazine 100 Climate List last year, Tinucci was not re-hired by Tesla. Instead, she is now focusing on helping Uber “advance clean energy efforts” with the development of its EVs and robotaxis.

• Sen. Dave Cortese looks to reintroduce legislation allowing cities to regulate robotaxis (Mountain View Voice, August 16, 2024)

  Waymo recently expanded its service ride area in the bay area to include Daly City, Broadmoor, and Colma.  As local governments do not have any say in how or where robotaxis operate, this expansion is causing concern among some city officials.

  California Senator Dave Cortese from San Jose is trying to pass legislation to allow larger cities and counties to limit the number of robotaxis on the road, set maximum fare amounts, and introduce fines for moving violations and traffic obstructions.  The bill, SB 915 received strong opposition from the autonomous vehicle industry as well as local chamber of commerce organizations.  Cortese pulled the bill from consideration after it has passed in the Senate due to proposed amendments that would take away the original intent of the bill, stripping all parts about local regulations.  He plans to reintroduce similar legislation in 2025.

• Tesla reports profit drop on price cuts, lower vehicle sales (France 24, July 24, 2024)

  Tesla reported a significant second-quarter drop in profits after aggressive price cuts on vehicles and steep expenses for reorganization of the company after laying off 10% of its staff earlier this year. The carmaker reported profits of $1.5 billion in the second quarter of 2024, a 45% drop from last year. Despite the dramatic drop in sales, Tesla feels optimistic about its plans to begin production of its more affordable Tesla models in early 2025. The company also expects its Cybertruck vehicle to stay on track for profitability by the end of 2024.

  As we recently reported, Tesla has also postponed its robotaxi event that was scheduled for August, which “allowed [Tesla] to improve the robotaxi as well as add in a couple of other things for the product unveil,” stated Elon Musk after moving the event to October.

  It seems that despite a poor Q2, the automaker remains “overly optimistic” about its future and the likelihood of fully autonomous robotaxis, Musk adding that he “would be shocked if we cannot do it next year.”

• GM indefinitely delays Cruise Origin autonomous vehicle (CNBC, July 23, 2024)

  General Motors has indefinitely delayed production of its Origin autonomous vehicle as it navigates difficulties with its self-driving unit, Cruise. Instead, the focus will shift to using the next-generation Chevrolet Bolt for developing autonomous technology. This decision, outlined by GM CEO Mary Barra, is aimed at reducing costs and mitigating regulatory issues linked to the vehicle’s lack of manual controls. The production halt follows a November incident where a Cruise robotaxi in San Francisco dragged a pedestrian, prompting a suspension of driverless operations and a $600 million setback in GM’s second-quarter earnings. Former Cruise CEO Kyle Vogt expressed disappointment, noting GM’s history of losing technological leads. A third-party review found that regulatory oversights contributed to the San Francisco accident. Cruise, with major investors such as Honda, Microsoft, and Walmart, is now resuming supervised driving in other cities but has not yet relaunched in San Francisco.

• British motorists overwhelmingly reject self-driving and AI vehicles despite road safety benefits (GB News, July 19, 2024)

  A recent survey conducted in Brittan shows that the public is not ready for self-driving vehicles on the road.  Only 37% of those polled support autonomous vehicle technology.  Not surprising, adults between the ages of 18-44 were more in favor of the technology vs those over 45.  When asked what bad habits could be cut out by self-driving vehicles, being impatient, distracted and exceeding the speed limit topped the list of answers. 

  Simon Staton, client management director for Venson Automotive Solutions said, “While many company car drivers may shy away from switching to autonomous as soon as they become legal, acceptance will grow rapidly, and many will be keen to explore the options.”