With fatalities rising fast, NHTSA has enacted rules requiring the use of sophisticated detection and auto-braking technologies intended to protect pedestrian – as well as those riding bicycles and motorcycles. But automakers are pushing back, claiming they can’t meet the new mandates set to go into effect in 2029.
Autonomous Vehicles
Rimac Launches Verne Robotaxi Brand, Promises Unique Experience for Riders
Rimac’s Verne robotaxi brand is aiming to take ride-hailing services in a new direction with its fleet of stylish taxis. Brand will begin initial rollout in crowded city centers before expanding operations.
First Look: 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S
Jeep official unveiled its first all-electric model during a media event in New York City on Thursday – but officials made it clear the 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S won’t be the brand’s only battery-electric vehicle for long, with the Wrangler Recon quickly set to follow. Headlight.News was on hand for the new EVs debut.
First Drive: 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV – An Affordable, Long Range Option
Chevrolet’s line-up of battery-electric vehicles is about to get larger with the launch of the new 2024 Equinox EV. The compact crossover has plenty of features that could win over EV skeptics, including a price coming in at under $30,000, reasonable good performance and range of up to 319 miles. Here’s our review.
First Look: 2025 Cadillac Optiq EV
While it recently announced plans to continue building gas-powered models into the next decade, few brands have made a broader commitment to electrify than Cadillac. The General Motors luxury brand already sells the mid-size Lyriq and will add two high-end models later this year. It’s set to follow up with the new entry-luxury Cadillac Optiq making its formal debut today.
Fed Probe of Tesla Autopilot, FSD Raises Securities, Wire Fraud Concerns
Tesla now faces a criminal probe, federal prosecutors raising questions about the way the automaker has promoted its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving technology which – despite what Tesla and CEO Elon Musk have implied to investors and consumers – are not capable of being driven hands-free.
Major New Layoffs Take Steam out of Tesla Stock Rebound
It was looking to be a very good week for Tesla, news of a weekend deal with the Chinese government sending the EV maker’s stock soaring. But that’s so yesterday in the 24-hour news cycle. And word that CEO Elon Musk has dismissed two key executives – with their entire staff set to follow – took the steam out of Tesla’s nascent stock rebound.
NHTSA Opens Probe Into Ford’s BlueCruise Technology After Two Fatal Crashes
The National Highway Transportation Safety Agency announces new investigation into Ford’s BlueCruise technology after reports of collisions surface. Latest investigation follows ongoing probe into Tesla’s Autopilot technology
GM Cruise Planning to Relaunch Robocab Operations
After halting all operations on public roads following a near-fatal crash last autumn, General Motors’ autonomous driving unit Cruise appears ready to put at least some of its robocab fleet back into use.
Musk Promises to Reveal Tesla Robotaxi in August
Tesla CEO Elon Musk said in a tweet that the automaker will reveal its new robotaxi on August 8, 2024. According to recent reports, Tesla has scrubbed plans to build an “affordable” EV to focus resources on developing the driverless ride-sharing vehicle – though Musk said such reports are false.
Tesla Kills Plan for Affordable EV
Tesla pulled the plug on a program aimed at developing a $25,000 EV, even as Chinese automakers led by BYD double down on bringing to market all-electric vehicles affordable often to reach mainstream buyers. According to Reuters, Tesla CEO Elon Musk now wants to focus on self-driving robocabs.
Waymo, Uber Eats Partner on Driverless Food Deliveries
Users of the Uber Eats service in the Phoenix area now can order a meal delivered by a driverless vehicle as part of a partnership with Waymo.