More than 500 automakers, auto suppliers and other “mobility” manufacturers will be on hand for this year’s Consumer Electronics Show, including Mercedes-Benz. The German luxury brand plans to introduce a “hyper-personalized” version of its MBUX infotainment system, using AI to deliver a more “natural, human-like interaction.” Headlight.News looks at what Mercedes, BMW, Honda and other automakers have in store for CES 2024.
Autonomous Vehicles
Cruise Cuts Quarter of Workforce – Including Nine Senior Execs Linked to Near-Fatal Pedestrian Crash
Cruise LLC, GM’s autonomous vehicle arm, continues to feel the impact of an October 2 crash that nearly killed a pedestrian in San Francisco. The robotaxi company will eliminate a quarter of its workforce in a bid to move onto “a more deliberate path with safety as the north star.” That includes nine senior executives cited in an ongoing safety investigation.”
Tesla Autopilot Takes New Heat – And California Says the Name is Part of the Problem
Tesla is coming under more intense fire as a result of a series of crashes involving its Autopilot system. The NTSB wants the automaker to block its use on roads where it’s not safe to operate. And California regulators say the name, Autopilot, is itself false and misleading and should be changed.
GM Chief Barra Says EVs Here to Stay — So is She
GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra told reporters Monday evening the company remains focused on its coming array of EVs, and that hybrids are not on the agenda — for the U.S. anyway. She also dispelled any notion of a looming retirement. Find out what else she said at Headlight.News.
GM Cutting Spending on Cruise Robocab Unit
General Motors continues looking at its business with a critical eye, planning to cut back its spending on its robocab subsidiary Cruise. The company recently revealed plans to slow its cadence on electric vehicle introductions. The new cuts come after a Cruise robocab was involved in a collision with a pedestrian. Get details at Headlight.News.
Tesla, CEO Musk Knew About Autopilot Defects, Judge Determines
A judge in Florida cited “reasonable evidence” that Tesla and its CEO Elon Musk knew the automaker’s Autopilot system had a potentially fatal defect, a finding that could create serious problems for Tesla as it faces the third trial this year over the semi-autonomous driving system.
Cruise CEO Vogt Issues Apology, Resigns in Wake of Near-Fatal Crash
Kyle Vogt is out as CEO of Cruise, GM’s robocab subsidiary. The move comes barely two months after a near fatal crash that many blame on a culture that downplays risk. Vogt took responsibility for the company’s current mess before tendering his resignation. Headlight.News looks at Cruise’s troubles and where it goes next.
First Drive: 2024 BMW i5 M60 – Is This The Ultimate Electric Driving Machine?
After a long delay, BMW is flooding the market with EVs, and the i5 is one generating plenty of buzz, especially the top-trim M60 edition. Like all M models, it promises a blend of power and luxury. But does it all come together? That’s what Headlight.News set out to discover during a day’s drive of the 2024 BMW i5 M60 near the automaker’s manufacturing complex in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
California Suspends Cruise Robotaxi Permit Following Pedestrian Crash
California regulators suspended the permit allowing General Motors’ subsidiary Cruise to operate a fleet of driverless robocabs on the streets of San Francisco. The move happens as additional video evidence comes to light in the wake of a crash earlier this month in which a pedestrian was run over by one of the company’s vehicles. Get details at Headlight.News.