Self-Driving Vehicles News Updates

Government, Business, Technology, Safety, Autonomous

Does Tesla Probe Signal a Get-Tough Era at NHTSA?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s investigation into a possible defect involving Tesla Inc.’s Autopilot may signal a more activist approach by the Biden administration to regulating technology that is crucial to the auto industry’s future.

August 17, 2021
Business, Technology, Autonomous

Pony.ai Reportedly Seeks Funds at $8 Billion Value Amid Listing Halt

Pony .ai is considering a new funding round that could give the self-driving startup a valuation of at least $8 billion after the company put its U.S. listing plans on hold, according to people familiar with the matter.

August 12, 2021
Government, Business, Technology, Safety, Autonomous

NHTSA Orders Automated Vehicle Makers to Report Crashes

The U.S. government’s highway safety agency has ordered automakers to report any crashes involving fully autonomous vehicles or partially automated driver-assist systems.

June 29, 2021
Business, Technology, Autonomous

Embark to Go Public, Merge With SPAC in $4.5 Billion Deal

Self-driving truck technology company Embark Trucks Inc. has entered into a definitive business combination agreement with Northern Genesis Acquisition Corp. II, a special purpose acquisition company.

June 24, 2021
Business, Technology, Fuel, Autonomous

VW CEO Sees Autonomy Transforming Cars More Than Electrification

Volkswagen AG is undergoing the world’s largest industrial overhaul for the electric-vehicle age, plotting half a dozen battery plants just in Europe and retooling assembly lines around the globe. And yet, its CEO sees autonomous-driving technology bringing about an even bigger shift.

June 22, 2021
Business, Technology, Autonomous

Self-Driving Truck Startup Plus Reported to Plan Hennessy SPAC Deal

Self-driving truck startup Plus is in talks to merge with special purpose acquisition company Hennessy Capital Investment Corp. V, according to people familiar with the matter, making it the latest autonomous vehicle maker seeking to go public via a blank-check firm.

April 30, 2021
Government, Business, Technology, Safety, Autonomous

Policymakers Keep Autonomous Vehicles Bill on Senate’s Radar

Two of the key drivers of autonomous vehicle policy in Congress again touted its potential safety and economic benefits during a hearing with stakeholders.

April 28, 2021
Government, Business, Technology, Autonomous, TCA

Why Remote Control Isn’t Required for Self-Driving Vehicles

WASHINGTON — As autonomous vehicle testing advances without cohesive federal guidelines, companies are operating under inconsistent or nonexistent rules for how and whether a vehicle is monitored and controlled on the road.

April 7, 2021
Business, Technology, Autonomous

Waymo CEO John Krafcik to Step Down, Become Adviser

John Krafcik stepped down as chief executive officer of Alphabet Inc.’s Waymo self-driving vehicle division, and will stay on as an adviser to the business, the company said in a memo.

April 2, 2021
Government, Business, Technology, Autonomous, TCA

New Mexico Takes Steps Toward Embracing Autonomous Vehicles

New Mexico legislators have introduced a bill that one says would set up in statute the authority to regulate and give guidance to the emerging autonomous vehicles industry.

March 4, 2021