Take a fresh look at the 2004 DARPA challenge that launched self-driving cars in the United States.
A new website has an updated narrative on the U.S. Department of Defense project that eventually lead to the birth of the self-driving car industry. It lays out a 150-mile race through the Mojave Desert, but with a twist – no human drivers allowed. The prize? A cool $1 million for the first autonomous vehicle to cross the finish line.
Spoiler alert: none of the 15 brave robots made it to the end. The best performer didn’t even hit the 8-mile mark. But hey, it wasn’t all doom and gloom. This so-called “failure” was actually a massive success. The DARPA Grand Challenge showed the world that autonomous vehicles were more than just a fantasy. It sparked a wave of innovation and investment in self-driving technology. Many participants went on to lead successful companies, raise millions of dollars, and deploy thousands of autonomous vehicles on public roads.
Many of the folks who took part in this challenge went on to become big names in the autonomous vehicle industry. So, while the race itself was a bit of a bust, it set the stage for the amazing advancements we’re seeing today in self-driving tech.
The Feds have begun their investigation into Tesla FSD crashes
A recent investigation was launched by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) into Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software. The probe was initiated after reports of four crashes, one of which was fatal, involving Tesla vehicles using the FSD software in conditions of reduced roadway visibility, such as sun glare, fog, or airborne dust. The investigation will cover approximately 2.4 million Tesla vehicles equipped with the FSD software, including models from 2016 to 2024. NHTSA aims to assess the ability of the FSD software to detect and respond to low-visibility conditions and determine if there have been any other similar crashes.
In April, NHTSA closed a 3 year probe into AutoPilot, Tesla’s less advanced ADAS system, after investigating close to 500 crashes where the system was active. The agency found that 13 of the crashes were fatal.
San Francisco is learning to love AVs
WeRide reveals new self-driving van, tons of interior space
Nearly 40% of UK car buyers surveyed moderately or highly value Hands-free driving systems
Waymo co-founder would rather be in Tesla’s shoes
New technique could help Autonomous Vehicles see their surroundings better
How AVs could shape urban mobility
Houston Food Bank to make deliveries with self-driving cars to pregnant women facing food insecurity
P3 ADAS benchmark – Huawei is a leader
2025 Mach-E debuts BlueCruise 1.5 with auto lane-change, MSRP starts at $3500 lower than before
Lucid expects to raise nearly $2B from stock sale
Scholz: German carmakers should not be afraid of Chinese competition
BMW’s Neue Klasse design and technology will feature on both gas cars and EVs
GM, Ford brace for investor scrutiny over EV losses – though GM CEO says EVs will be profitable this year
Rivian failed to pay $204M after bringing motors in-house, says supplier – though their new R1T/R1S Halloween costumes are pretty cool
CR tries out Tesla Superchargers on other OEMs
Turns out Apple was working with BYD on their now-shattered EV dream
China accuses foreign firm of Illegal geographic data collection
UK enacts AV law, self-driving vehicles to hit the roads by 2026
The United Kingdom’s new law will allow self-driving vehicles on the roads, provided the technology meets the same safety level as a careful and competent human driver.
Bay Area county eager to get autonomous vehicles on the road
Unlike many other Bay Area counties, Contra Costa county is diving head-first into self-driving cars to address the “first- and last-mile problem,” improving local transportation for short trips and connections to public transit. This summer, wheelchair-accessible autonomous shuttles for medical center patients will be launched. Some residents see autonomous vehicles as a necessary innovation for those with limited mobility or vision impairment, enabling independent living and easier transportation.
New Chevy Equinox EV reviews are out – it’s a hit
The all-new 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV is hitting the streets, and people are loving it. Business Insider called it a “much-needed addition to the electric crossover market,” adding that “Super Cruise elevates the experience behind the wheel.” Jalopnik goes as far as to say the new EV is “The Perfect Electric Car for America,” with “the best hands-free Level 2 system currently on sale.” The new Equinox EV is built on GM’s Ultium platform, and gets an EPA-estimated 319 miles of range.
Tesla full-self driving system to get new driving modes
How Waymo outlasted the competition and turned robo-taxis into a real business
Why fully autonomous driving is still decades away
2025 Mercedes CLA to offer Autonomous Urban Driving
Commercial release of world’s first 3D LiDAR sensor with solid-state Beam Steering
Ford, GM pursuing different hybrid vehicle strategies
VW launches entry-level EV project; “From Europe, for Europe”
EV slowdown could be more of a ‘blip’
Wagoneer S kicks off Jeep’s Electric Era – will include hands-free driving
VinFast considers delay of $4 billion US plant
Saudi Arabia launches 25 regulations for road safety, maintenance
EU approves Italian aid for $5.4 billion STMicro chip plant
Dan Gilbert optimistic about Detroit’s Renaissance Center’s future
2025 Cadillac Optiq EV approaches luxury EV CUV perfection
Cadillac recently introduced its newest entry into the EV crossover foray; the Optiq, and several automotive critics raved about the new crossover vehicle. Car and Driver used the word “perfection,” MotorTrend said it offers “great optics” and Motor1.com called it the “mini-SUV of the future.” The new Optiq has a streamlined trim lineup, consisting of all-wheel drive, 300 horsepower, and an 85 kwh battery across the board. This enables up to 300 miles of range in ideal conditions, along with fast-charging. All variants include a 33-inch curved display, glass roof, 19-speaker AKG audio, and 3 years of Super Cruise. Pricing starts at $54,000.
‘Affordable’ Kia EV3 will have over 300 miles of range
The Kia EV3 has launched globally and has been confirmed to reach the US eventually. The EV3 will come with an advanced new Chat-GPT powered AI assistant, capable of trip planning, entertainment, and low-level vehicle control (climate, volume, etc). On Europe’s generous WLTP cycle, this new Kia is estimated to have up to 373 miles of range, with an up to 81.4kwh battery. The head-unit will be powered by LG’s webOS auto platform, rather than the outgoing android-based system. It is expected that the model will start around $30,000.
Tesla makes push to roll out advanced FSD self-driving in China
Yet another positive Super Cruise review
Nvidia CEO thinks Tesla is way ahead of others in AVs
US finds more incidents in Waymo probe
Tesla updates its ‘autopilot jail’ rules
UK believes Self-driving cars are a way to make the roads safer
FSD fails to detect moving train
Ford Maverick Hybrid AWD finally happening
Dealers think VW ID.7 would be a tough sell
2025 expedition styling revealed
Mazda, Subaru, Toyota doubling down on ICE
EV switch to hit auto suppliers hard
Nissan follows Tesla in adopting gigacasting tech
Is the decline of midsized sedans – consumer preference or victim to poor legislation?
Mary Barra doesn’t rule out Renaissance Center demolition
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This weekly roundup provides the latest news, trends, and updates from the automotive industry, with particular focus on self-driving technology and HD maps.
Regulators have opened investigations to every top operator of AVs
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened investigations into all the major companies testing and developing autonomous vehicles. That’s a stark reversal from the hands-off approach the safety administration has taken in regards to self-driving technology until recently.
Ford asks suppliers to cut costs in quest to make EVs profitable
Ford has asked suppliers to propose ideas on how to cut costs, as competition from companies like Tesla and Chinese automakers intensifies. The U.S. automaker is facing pressure to offer affordable EVs to consumers amid high interest rates and competitor discounts; Ford’s chief supply-chain officer Liz Door emphasized a “call-to-action” for suppliers to propose cost-reduction ideas. Ford reported a $1.3 billion operating loss for its EV/software division in the first quarter, and anticipates a pretax loss of up to $5 billion for this year.
Small, well-built Chinese EVs pose threat to US auto industry
Priced around $12,000 in China, the BYD Seagull is a tiny affordable EV that could pose a significant threat to U.S. automakers, who would not be able to hit that kind of price point. The Biden administration is considering imposing a 100 percent tariff on imported Chinese automobiles to protect U.S. jobs. The Seagull has a single windshield wiper and a lightweight construction, allowing for up to 252 miles of range. The Seagull is already sold in Latin America and Europe under different names and price points.
Supercruise-equipped Acura ZDX to be Pikes Peak Hill Climb’s first EV pace car
Xpeng says US tariffs on Chinese EVs are detrimental to carbon neutrality
Chevy Equinox EV now available, but not the $35,000 base model
GM’s PHEV’s coming back to the US in 2027
GM opens Silicon Valley office
XPeng rolls out AI-powered OS, advanced 2K ADAS, CEO claims L4 autonomy by 2025
LiDAR maker Hesai sues US government, denying link to Chinese military
Woman dragged by Cruise robotaxi is paid millions
Einride starts building world’s largest Autonomous Trucking network in Dubai
The environmental benefits of AVs
Developing Florida’s digital twin
Full Self Driving is still not Full Self Driving
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This weekly roundup provides the latest news, trends, and updates from the automotive industry, with particular focus on self-driving technology and HD maps.
Tesla bought $2 million in LiDAR sensors from Luminar
Elon Musk’s skepticism of LiDAR as a self-driving technology solution is well documented. Previously, he called it a “crutch,” and that companies that rely on LiDAR for vehicle autonomy were “doomed.” Interestingly, Luminar said in its quarterly earnings report that Tesla was its largest LiDAR customer for the first quarter, comprising of more than 10 percent of the company’s revenue. The exact reason that Tesla purchased $2.1 million worth of LiDAR is currently unclear, but it may relate to Tesla’s future autonomous robotaxi service.
GM finally retiring the Malibu, new Chevy Bolt likely to take its place
GM announced the discontinuation of the Malibu sedan, one of few affordable sedans left in the U.S. market. This marks the end of a successful 10-million-unit run since it first debuted in 1964. It is widely accepted that the North American market has switched preferences to crossovers and SUVs over sedans, so the discontinuation of the once-popular nameplate comes as no surprise. The Malibu is currently produced in Kansas City, but GM plans to retool the factory to manufacture both the upcoming 2026 Chevy Bolt and the Cadillac XT4. The new Bolt will likely be underpinned by GM’s Ultium platform.
Chinese EV maker Zeekr up 35% after US debut
Post-supercharger layoffs, Tesla to spend $500 million on charging network
Ford considers offering gas-powered vehicles/hybrids in EU beyond 2030
Ultium-based ZDX gets EPA ratings
Cadillac Lyriq costs nearly $30,000 more in Germany than in the US
Investigators wondering why Tesla Autopilot-related crashes occur after 2023 recall
Daimler’s driverless semi to hit the road in 2027
Wayve secures $1 billion to develop AI for self-driving vehicles
GhostStripe attack haunts self-driving cars by making them ignore road signs
What not to do with your Ford Super Duty
U.S. plans to impose major new tariffs on EVs, Chinese green energy imports
Can Tesla really be a successful autonomy company?
US Congress wants answers from F1 after Andretti Cadillac rejection
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This weekly roundup provides the latest news, trends, and updates from the automotive industry, with particular focus on self-driving technology and HD maps.
Inside look at GM’s decision to ditch Carplay
General Motors recently decided to stop supporting Apple’s CarPlay in future EVs, aiming instead to generate revenue from its own built-in infotainment services. The move is viewed by many as risky, especially considering many US buyers have iPhones and expect newer vehicles to be CarPlay-enabled. GM was nervous about Apple’s next-generation CarPlay taking over the instrument cluster, and that development is cited as the driving force behind the move. Additionally, GM is focusing on subscription services like Super Cruise and internet connectivity to generate constant revenue streams.
Rivian receives $827 million in incentives to expand Illinois facility
Rivian Automotive said Thursday it received $827 million in incentives from the State of Illinois to expand operations at its Normal, Ill., production facility. Right now, Rivian claims the facility is producing 150,000 units per year; with the addition of the R2 SUV, Rivian expects a total annual capacity of 215,000 vehicles. Rivian states the state funding will be used for manufacturing expansion, improving public infrastructure, and job training programs.
2024 Chevy Traverse offers Super Cruise
Tesla lays off more staff in software, service teams
Nio on track to unveil mass-market production car
Volvo experiencing significant demand
US regulators struggling to grasp Autopilot
Tesla seals deal for China maps that Musk says cars don’t need
Luminar lays off 20% of its workforce
Self-driving 18-wheelers coming to Texas highways soon
AVs may not be ready for prime time
Cepton unveils proprietary LiDAR simulator
Gasoline demand growth to slow
Self-driving trucks claim climate benefits
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