The field to perfect robotaxis inched closer to getting crowded as Tesla secured a permit for a ride-hailing service in Arizona while Amazon-sponsored Zoox opened up for free robotaxi rides in San Francisco. Details at Headlight.News.
Ride-sharing
Waymo Launches Next Big Step for Robotaxis with First Intercity Service; Tesla Falls Further Behind
Waymo says it knows the way to San Jose as it puts driverless taxis on the freeway in Silicon Valley. The initiative beat out arch-rival Tesla, which just promised to pay Elon Musk billions to expand its robotaxi business. Headlight.News has more.
Tesla’s Expanded Robotaxi Service Map Might Get NC-13 Rating
Sometimes, the only thing more complicated than the auto industry is the English language. So when Tesla CEO Elon Musk decided to map out the burgeoning growth area for robotaxi coverage in Austin, Texas, the punctuation played a critical role in defining whether it was a normal critique of Musk’s actions or surprise by readers. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Feds Examining Incidents Where Tesla’s Robotaxis Appeared to Break Laws
Tesla’s first day of robotaxi service in Austin, Texas appeared to go off without a disastrous hitch. However, federal safety regulators are looking into situations where the vehicles may have broken local traffic laws. Meanwhile riders offered their largely positive reviews. Get details at Headlight.News.
Tesla Pausing Cybertruck, Model Y Production; May Delay Robotaxi Launch
Production of the Tesla Cybertruck, as well as the newly updated Model Y, will be paused later this month. The temporary move comes at a time when both products are struggling due to slow demand. Separately, Tesla is facing pressure to delay the launch of the long-awaited Robotaxi tentatively scheduled to also roll out of its Austin, Texas plant this coming weekend. More from Headlight.News.
Tesla v Waymo? Get Set for the Dual of the Driverless Robotaxis
Tesla and Waymo are about to square off in a duel, which could decide the fate of automated vehicles in the U.S. Billions of dollars in revenue and profits are at stake as the two companies prepare to compete in cities around the country.
Toyota Teaming Up With Waymo on Autonomous Vehicles
Waymo and Toyota are teaming up. The Japanese giant will help develop a new autonomous vehicle platform for the Google spin-off which has become the U.S. leader in driverless ride-sharing technology. The announcement comes days after VW and Uber revealed their own autonomous alliance. More from Headlight.News.
Uber Set to Launch Fleet of Autonomous VW ID.Buzz Microbuses
Volkswagen is teaming up with Uber to field what eventually could be thousands of fully driverless ID.Buzz microbuses. The first should show up on Los Angeles streets next year. Headlight.News has more.
New York City Gets the Go to Launch $9 Congestion Free for Commuters and Visitors
As if you don’t pay enough in bridge and tunnel tolls to drive into Manhattan, things are about to get even more expensive for commuters and other visitors to New York City as the Big Apple launches a new $9 congestion fee starting January 5, 2025.
Stellantis Invests $55 Million in Air Taxi Start-Up
Stellantis has invested an additional $55 million in Archer Aviation, a pioneer in the fast-emerging field of drone-like flying taxis. That follows a previous $110 million investment the Euro-American automaker made in Archer. And it comes at a time when the start-up completed a milestone flight and is preparing to open up a new assembly plant in Georgia.
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.
Plagued by Thefts, High Costs, Free2move Car-Sharing Service All But Shuts Down
Stellantis has all but completely abandoned its Free2move ride-sharing service due to a variety of problems including thefts, damage and high operating costs. Free2move continues operating only in Washington, D.C. and could close its U.S. operations entirely.