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
Autonomous Vehicles
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.
First Drive: 2024 Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid: Common Scents
Once one of America’s most exclusive automotive brands, Lincoln has been little more than an also-ran in recent years. But Ford Motor Co.’s upscale marque is on a mission to rebuild itself — and not just by becoming a clone of luxury market leaders like Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, BMW or crosstown rival Cadillac. And the complete makeover of the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus gives a good sense of what’s in store, as Headlight.News discovered during a day behind the wheel of the midsize crossover in Palm Springs. Here’s our review.
Apple Considered Buying GM — Then Dropped $1 Billion Annually Before Killing its Own Car Program
When Apple disbanded Project Titan last month, it marked the end of the tech giant’s long-standing goal of getting into the automotive business. But just how far back did that dream begin — and how much did Apple invest? Apparently, much further back than was previously known. And it spent far more than previously reported on its failed attempt to launch a line of self-driving EVs. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Waymo Gets the Go for a Big Robocab Expansion in California
When robocab start-up Cruise was involved in a near-fatal pedestrian crash in California last October, many observers wondered whether that would deliver an even more deadly hit to the quest for fully self-driving vehicles. But while GM-owned Cruise has been struggling, its chief rival, Alphabet’s Waymo, is moving forward. And it just won approval from California regulators to expand its base of operations in the state.
Farewell Titan: Apple Finally Abandons its Autonomous EV Program
After investing a decade and billions of dollars in a project meant to bring a fully autonomous EV to market Apple reportedly has pulled the plug on the program known internally as Project Titan. More from Headlight.News.
GM and Cruise Preparing to Resume Robotaxi Fleet Operations
General Motors and its robotaxi subsidiary, Cruise, prepare to resume service and testing after prior safety concerns saw the company voluntarily suspend its fleet from service, according to newly released report. Get the details at Headlight.News.
From “Ruin Porn” to High-Tech Hub: Ford Set to Reopen Long-Abandoned Michigan Central Station
When it opened 110 years ago, the Michigan Central depot was the tallest train station in the world and a showpiece for a city at its peak. Since it shut down in 1988, however, it’s been a symbol of urban decay and the decline of Detroit, in particular. Now, after a...
Cruise Rehab Continues with Chief Safety Officer Hiring
General Motors’ autonomous vehicle subsidiary, Cruise, took another step in the rehabilitation of its image, making good on plans to hire a Chief Safety Officer. In the wake of last October’s incident with a pedestrian in San Francisco, the company said it would take steps to improve the safety of its vehicles. AV development veteran Steve Kenner is the new hire. Get details at Headlight.News.