Autonomous Vehicles

US Auto Industry Growth Summary: In the fourth quarter of 2021, the US auto industry saw an 8% increase in sales compared to the same period in the previous year. The electric vehicle (EV) industry experienced even stronger growth, with a 29% increase in sales during the same period. This growth is a continued recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and economic shutdown of 2020–2021. The strong performance of the auto industry is attributed to factors such as pent-up demand, low interest rates, and a strong economy. As EVs become increasingly popular, their market share is steadily growing, indicating a shift towards sustainable transportation. Author's Take: The US auto industry's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic has been impressive, with an 8% increase in sales in the fourth quarter o...

Summary: California bill proposes speed limiters on new cars A bill in the California legislature aims to require new cars to come with speed limiters starting from model year 2027 vehicles. Author's take: California bill raises questions about the trade-off between speed and safety A proposed bill in California addressing speed limiters on new cars has sparked a debate on the balance between speed and safety. While speed limiters could potentially reduce accidents and save lives, some argue that it may limit individual freedom and hinder emergency driving situations. The bill's impact on roadway safety and personal liberties needs to be carefully considered and weighed against potential benefits. Click here for the original article.

Tesla Cybertruck Could Be a Hit in China Main Ideas: China is expected to be a major market for the Tesla Cybertruck. Tesla's electric vehicles have gained popularity in China, with the Model 3 being the best-selling electric car in the country. The Cybertruck's unique design and advanced features could appeal to Chinese consumers. Chinese consumers have shown interest in electric pickup trucks, and the Cybertruck could fill that demand. Local production of the Cybertruck in China could further boost its popularity and sales in the country. The Tesla Cybertruck could be a big hit in China, where the electric vehicle market is rapidly growing. Tesla's previous models, such as the Model 3, have already gained popularity in the country. The Cybertruck's bold design and advanced features may...

Apple Car Project Faces Significant Delays Key Points: The Apple car project has experienced further setbacks and is not expected to launch before 2028. The company is struggling to define its mission and has shifted its focus from autonomous driving to electric vehicle technology. Apple's lack of experience in the automotive industry is cited as one of the reasons for the prolonged delays. Apple's Struggles with the Car Project According to recent reports, the Apple car project is facing significant delays and is not expected to launch before 2028. The company has been grappling with defining its mission for the project, leading to shifts in focus from autonomous driving to electric vehicle technology. Apple's lack of experience in the automotive industry is considered one of the main ...

The U.S. Needs To Solve The Fundamental Driver Of Climbing Road Deaths Main Ideas: Road deaths in the U.S. have been increasing since the start of the pandemic. Experts point to several factors, including an increase in speeding and dangerous driving behavior. The rise in traffic fatalities is believed to be related to reduced law enforcement presence on the roads during lockdowns. Improving infrastructure and increasing investment in public transit could help reduce road deaths. Author's Take: The surge in traffic fatalities during the pandemic highlights the need for the U.S. to address the underlying issues contributing to dangerous driving behavior. While reduced law enforcement presence is a factor, it is important to focus on improving infrastructure and promoting a...

Main Ideas: Tesla Model 3 owner had non-Tesla tires installed at a third-party tire shop. After the tire swap, the Tesla's tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) started malfunctioning. There were errors and phantom alerts related to tire pressure despite the tires being properly inflated. Some Model 3 owners have experienced similar issues with third-party tires. One possible reason for this issue is that third-party tires may not have compatible TPMS modules. Author's Take: Installing non-Tesla tires on a Tesla Model 3 can lead to issues with the tire pressure monitoring system. This can cause errors and false alerts despite the tires being properly inflated. Model 3 owners should be cautious when getting non-Tesla tires installed and ensure that they are compatibl...

GM's Cruise self-driving car unit under investigation by DOJ and SEC Main points: GM's Cruise self-driving car unit revealed that it is under investigation by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The investigations are related to an October collision in which one of Cruise's autonomous vehicles dragged a pedestrian who had previously been hit by another vehicle. Cruise disclosed the investigations in a blog post in which the company also pledged to reform its culture due to a "failure of leadership" surrounding the incident. The blog post did not provide information about the status of the victim or the scope of the DOJ and SEC probes. Author's take: The GM Cruise self-driving car unit finds itself under scrutiny as it faces investigations...

Article Summary EAV 2Cubed 4-Wheeled E-Cargo Bikes Could Replace Urban Delivery Vans Main Ideas: EAV 2Cubed has developed electric cargo bikes as an alternative to urban delivery vans. These 4-wheeled e-cargo bikes have a large cargo space, ideal for delivering goods and services. They are powered by electric motors and can travel up to 60 miles on a single charge. The bikes are designed to navigate through traffic and can help reduce congestion and air pollution in urban areas. EAV 2Cubed is working with delivery and logistics companies to trial the bikes and assess their feasibility for widespread use. Author's Take: EAV 2Cubed's electric cargo bikes offer a promising solution to the traffic congestion and air pollution caused by urban delivery vans. With their large cargo space and e...

Ford offers buyouts to Lincoln retailers Ford is offering buyouts to Lincoln retailers, providing them with incentives such as more Ford inventory and special incentive plans for loyal customers. Author's take As Ford seeks to streamline its operations, the company is offering buyouts to Lincoln retailers. This move not only helps Ford reduce costs but also rewards loyal customers and provides an opportunity for Lincoln retailers to enhance their business with more Ford inventory. It's a win-win situation for all parties involved. Click here for the original article.

Cruise Report Clears Company of Intentionally Misleading Regulators Main Ideas: Cruise, a self-driving car company, commissioned a report from law firm Quinn Emanuel. The report found no evidence that Cruise leadership or employees intentionally misled or hid details from regulators. According to a report commissioned by Cruise, the self-driving car company, there is no evidence to suggest that the company's leadership or employees sought to intentionally mislead or hide details from regulators. The report, conducted by law firm Quinn Emanuel, clears Cruise of any wrongdoing in terms of regulatory transparency. This finding could potentially help Cruise regain trust and confidence from regulators as it continues its development of autonomous vehicles. Click here for the original article.