Automakers warn automatic emergency braking requirements could cause crashes

Hyundai, Mitsubishi and Porsche said the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s proposed rule could lead to false alarms and avoidable collisions.

By Michael Brady • Aug. 21, 2023

Automotive data privacy under scrutiny in California

The California Privacy Protection Agency is examining how automakers handle data collected from internet-connected vehicles.

By Michael Brady • Aug. 14, 2023

Robotaxi ride-hailing expansion approved by California regulators despite local objections

Cruise and Waymo will be allowed to charge fares for riders in driverless robotaxis 24 hours a day throughout San Francisco.

By Dan Zukowski • Aug. 11, 2023

Tesla owners allege false advertising over EV ranges in class-action lawsuit

If the court approves the suit, people in California could join it, potentially exposing the automaker to significant legal risk.

By Michael Brady • Aug. 3, 2023

Former Carvana exec joins Rivian as chief policy officer

Alan Hoffman is filling a similar role vacated by Jim Chen, who left in February along with other high-profile exits.

By Michael Brady • Aug. 1, 2023

EV startup VinFast plans US public listing in August

The Vietnam-based automaker aims to expand its U.S. business and invest up to $4 billion to assemble electric vehicles and battery packs at its North Carolina factory.

By Eric Walz • July 31, 2023

Biden administration proposes 58 mpg fuel economy standard

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommended that fuel efficiency increase 2% annually for passenger cars and 4% for light-duty trucks starting in model year 2027. But it’s considering more aggressive targets.

By Michael Brady • July 31, 2023

Tesla inflated driving range estimates with rigged algorithm: Reuters

The automaker’s range deception tactics are part of a long-term pattern of overstating the capabilities of its technology.

By Eric Walz • July 27, 2023

Toyota launches 3 research projects to improve road safety as regulations loom

The automaker’s Collaborative Research Safety Center will study driver support features for lane centering, develop an in-vehicle intervention and evaluate how data can improve technology that promotes safer driving.

By Michael Brady • July 27, 2023

Autonomous vehicle regulation focus of House subcommittee hearing

Industry groups favor the proposed bipartisan legislation, but safety advocates fiercely oppose provisions they say “turn our Nation’s public roadways into private testing grounds.”

By Dan Zukowski • July 26, 2023

Volkswagen overhauls human rights due diligence in materials supply chain

The automaker has deepened its analysis and taken part in several responsible sourcing initiatives to comply with a new German law targeting abuses in supply chains.

By Ben Unglesbee • July 20, 2023

Automakers blast EU proposal to make cars more recyclable

The European Union may require automakers to use recycled plastic and help finance the cost of recycling old cars.

By Michael Brady • July 17, 2023

Will NHTSA allow GM to deploy self-driving cars on public roads?

If the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration grants the waiver, General Motors could manufacture 2,500 vehicles without driver controls annually for two years.

By Michael Brady • July 13, 2023

California senators advance bill restricting driverless trucks

Assembly Bill 316 would force limits on when trucking operations without a driver could begin, though some legislators said a ban would not be forever.

By David Taube • July 13, 2023

China supports commercialization of Level-3 autonomous driving technology

The nation's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology could help accelerate the deployment of commercial Level-3 autonomous vehicles.

By Eric Walz • June 26, 2023

Regulators propose automatic emergency braking system requirement for heavy trucks

The proposed rule would require new vehicles over 10,000 pounds to have the tech in an effort to reduce crashes and injuries.

By David Taube • June 26, 2023

EPA withdraws controversial EV credits from biofuels rule, potentially costing automakers billions

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency pulled the electric vehicle proposal because it was concerned the rule would face legal challenges.

By Michael Brady • June 23, 2023

Why automakers are fretting over four words in the Inflation Reduction Act

A ban on sourcing material from “foreign entities of concern” is causing apprehension among companies reliant on China, a critical mineral powerhouse.

By Kate Magill • June 22, 2023

Dozens of advocacy groups urge Buttigieg to issue ‘lifesaving’ rear-seat alert regulations

“The tragedy of a child or companion animal dying in a hot car is entirely preventable. Yet, auto manufacturers, with limited exceptions, are not putting technological solutions into cars as standard equipment,” the letter says.

By Michael Brady • June 21, 2023

Industry standards are essential to EV adoption in the US: ANSI report

A new roadmap from the American National Standards Institute lays out dozens of recommendations to support the widespread deployment of electric vehicles.

By Eric Walz • June 16, 2023

Ford and GM execs have lingering questions about the Inflation Reduction Act

Automakers are anxiously awaiting further federal guidance on how to ensure their vehicles qualify for EV consumer tax credits.

By Kate Magill • June 16, 2023

Texas ready to invest $1.4B in state chip industry

The new funds would complement federal efforts to promote domestic semiconductor manufacturing.

By Sara Samora • June 14, 2023

With summer looming, safety advocates turn up the heat on NHTSA to mandate rear-seat alert systems

While a proposed rule to install child-presence alerts in cars has stalled, supplier Continental has rolled out a safety feature that notifies drivers immediately if a child is left alone in the cabin.

By Michael Brady • June 13, 2023

California approves Mercedes-Benz Level 3 autonomous driving system for public roads

Drive Pilot, which will be available on the 2024 S-Class and EQS sedans, allows drivers to read a book or check email at speeds under 40 mph.

By Eric Walz • June 12, 2023

7 trends transforming the automotive industry

Technology is reshaping how car makers design, build, sell and service vehicles as they shift to electrification, boost domestic manufacturing and develop new hardware and software partnerships.

By Eric Walz • June 12, 2023