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.
Government
Highway Fatalities Fell in 2023 – But Are Still Up Over Pre-COVID Totals
Federal regulators said the number of Americans who died in highway crashes last year fell by 3.6%. But the total is still significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels, with safety experts pointing to a variety of causes, including distracted and drunk driving, as well as failure by passengers to wear seatbelts.
EPA Updates Emissions Rules, Delays EV Phase-In
Updated fuel economy rules from the Environmental Protection Agency delays phaseout of EV mileage rules that provide extra credits to automakers for EVs they sell as electric vehicle market faces cooling sales and demand.
Automakers Selling Data About Drivers Used by Insurance Companies to Set Rates
If your auto insurance has spiked recently, you might blame the company that made your vehicle. Cars, trucks and utility vehicles now collect all types of data about your vehicle. That information is often collected by automakers, then sold to insurance companies that use it to set the rates for your premium. Find out more at Headlight.News.
GM Recalls 820,000 Full-Size Pickups to Fix Tailgate Issue
General Motors issued an expanded recall Monday involving 820,000 2020-2024 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra HD models due to tailgate issue. Recall affects trucks that were sold in the United States and Canada during 2020-2024. Get details at Headlight.News.
California Wants to Require Automakers to Install Speed Limiters
California lawmakers are considering a bill that could require new vehicles to come with an “intelligent speed limiter” that, in most instances, would prevent motorists from driving more than 10 mph above the speed limit. Such devices have also been recommended by the National Transportation Safety Board, though that has gained little traction on a federal level.
President Biden Orders Probe of Foreign Connected Vehicles
Citing Chinese automobiles and trucks with internet connectivity as a possible national security threat, President Biden directed the Commerce Department to launch an inquiry into foreign software in automobiles. Get details at Headlight.News.
IIHS Tightens Requirements for Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick + Awards
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tightened Its qualification criteria for Top Safety Pick Awards. The organization cited demand for better side crash protection and improved pedestrian detection systems as key reasons for making these changes. Get details at Headlight.News.
Motor Vehicle Deaths Predicted to Decline 4% in 2023
The estimated number of deaths on U.S. roadways last year fell to 44,450 from 46,270, which is a decline of 4%. The first decline since 2019 came despite Americans driving 2.1% more miles in 2023. Get details at Headlight.News.
Auto Companies Fight Battle Against Global Counterfeit Parts Makers
The recent investigation by U.S. Department of Homeland Security in metro Detroit turned up scores of counterfeit auto parts. The probe, aided by Detroit Three automakers, netted scores of inexpensive, but fake parts for Ford, Chevrolet and Dodge car parts. The bust is a microcosm of a much larger problem across the U.S. costing automakers billions of dollars. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Biden’s 1 of 1 Cadillac ATS-V Crossing Auction Block, Rare Collector Opportunity
The personal vehicles of the president’s past have been more curious than collectible. Barack Obama’s Chrysler 300C didn’t fetch the $1 million the initially asked for on eBay Motors. Now Joe Biden, the sitting president, sees his last car up for bid. He knows cars,...
Sales Growth Slowing, Biden Administration May Delay EV Mandates
Facing slowing sales growth — and pressure from automakers and their dealers — the Environmental Protection Agency may delay proposed emissions rules that would require EVs to account for as much as two-thirds of the new vehicles sold in the U.S. by 2032. The move would provide more time to address issues blamed for slowing adoption, including the high cost of EVs, as well as the lack of a robust public charging network.