Connected and Autonomous Vehicles:
🙂 VW Will Deploy ‘Thousands’ of Robotaxis on Uber’s Platform in the US. “Volkswagen isn’t typically mentioned in conversations about robotaxis, but the German auto giant has been quietly working on its own self-driving technology for over a decade. And now the company is ready to deploy its first autonomous vehicles on Uber’s UBER 6.09%↑ ridehailing platform, starting with a commercial robotaxi service in Los Angeles in 2026.”
“The vehicles will be VW’s ID Buzz electric minivans equipped with self-driving sensors and software developed by subsidiary Moia.”
😮 NHTSA Takes Initial Steps to Boost Self-Driving Vehicles. “The Trump administration announced its first policy moves to remove what it sees as regulatory barriers facing autonomous vehicles, following through on a goal set by advisers to President Donald Trump. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is updating rules to allow domestically produced autonomous vehicles to qualify for exemptions to U.S. auto safety standards previously offered only to imports, the agency said April 24.”
😉 Tesla Doubles Down on Robotaxi Launch Date, Putting a Big Bet on Its Timeline. “Tesla TSLA 3.24%↑ has doubled down on its potential June launch date for the robotaxi ride-hailing platform, which will use the Cybercab and other vehicles in its lineup to offer driverless rides in Austin.”
😐 China Cracks Down on Automated Driving Features After Tesla’s FSD Launch. “Shortly after Tesla launched FSD in China, the American automaker had to pause its rollout due to updated requirements from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).”
🚛 Daimler Delivers Self-Driving-Capable Truck for Testing. “Daimler Truck has started to deliver the latest version of its autonomous-ready truck platform to subsidiary Torc Robotics for integration of the latter’s self-driving tech.”
🌍 50 Self-Driving Taxis to Hit Dubai Roads: Here’s What to Expect. “Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has signed a MoU to begin the experimental operation of 50 autonomous vehicles in the coming months, paving the way for the official public launch of the service in 2026. According to a WAM report, the RTA has partnered with Baidu’s autonomous ride-hailing service, Apollo Go to roll out driverless taxis on a large scale across the emirate.”
🤨 China Bans Autonomous Car Ads And Beta Testing. “China bans automakers from using non-specific ADAS terms like ‘smart driving’ in their adverts. Brands must use the appropriate L1-5 code set out by the SAE to describe driver-assistance levels.
⚡ Autonomous Vehicles Move Closer as Control Center Opens. “The Jacksonville Transportation Authority officially opened a control center for the city’s first autonomous people mover — another step toward the day when self-driving vehicles could shuttle people around downtown.”
🙂 Ford Built The World’s First Connected Car 35 Years Ago. “Ford F 3.29%↑ would later extensively collaborate with Microsoft MSFT 3.55%↑ for its 2000s Ford Sync and MyFord Touch infotainment systems, but it was the Desk Drive concept that laid the groundwork for the future of Ford infotainment systems.”
