In the News: Regulators Investigating Every Top AV Company
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.
Car talk
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
ADAS/AV, LiDAR
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
Other News
The environmental benefits of AVs
Developing Florida’s digital twin
Full Self Driving is still not Full Self Driving
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