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The week has been eventful, starting with federal regulations. The U.S. Department of Transportation introduced a new Automated Vehicle Framework, which features a standing general order (SGO) on crash reporting for vehicles equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems and automated driving systems. Adjustments were also made to the Automated Vehicle Exemption Program (AVEP).
The AVEP manages the language and processes for domestic and imported vehicles receiving exemptions. The SGO, which includes more significant changes, ends a 24-hour reporting requirement, allowing companies five days to report if a Level 2 system vehicle is involved in a crash. According to Consumer Reports, the new order modifies reporting requirements for such vehicles when they need towing after a crash.
Previously, any vehicle involved in a crash without a fatality or hitting a vulnerable road user had to report within five days. Now, this rule only applies to vehicles with automated driving systems, excluding many current vehicles. This means vehicles like Tesla with Autopilot, GM with Super Cruise, or Ford with BlueCruise don’t need to report if the incident didn’t involve a fatality, hospital transport, a vulnerable road user, or airbag deployment.
Reporting remains mandatory for any vehicle with Level 2 ADAS or ADS involved in serious incidents.
During a Semafor event, DOT Secretary Sean Duffy referenced these rules, expressing the need for achieving accurate data without excessively burdensome reporting requirements.
Meanwhile, at an event in Long Beach, California, Slate, an EV startup backed by Bezos, unveiled details to the public, affirming earlier reports of its vehicle being likened to a “transformer.” The company pitches this transformative concept to customers.
Ather Energy, an Indian electric two-wheeler startup, reduced its IPO size by 18% to $308.3 million. DoorDash intends to acquire Deliveroo for $3.6 billion. Electra, specializing in hybrid electric aircraft, raised $115 million in a Series B round. Fora, a New York-based travel agent startup, raised $60 million across Series B and C rounds. United Airlines’ venture arm invested in JetZero, a startup developing a blended wing body design.
In the autonomous vehicle sphere, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai mentioned potential personal ownership options for Waymo’s self-driving technology during an earnings call. Tesla has begun testing its ride-hail service with employees in Austin and the Bay Area in preparation for a planned robotaxi launch. Volkswagen and Uber plan to launch a commercial robotaxi service in the U.S., starting with Los Angeles by late 2026.
In electric vehicles, charging, and batteries news, Aidan Gomez, CEO of AI startup Cohere, joined Rivian’s board, indicating Rivian’s interest in AI’s role in the automotive industry. Faraday Future appointed founder Jia Yueting as co-CEO, even as SEC investigations continue.
Tesla’s earnings reveal a mixed picture: profits have dropped 71% year-over-year, but the company is simultaneously positioning itself as an AI innovator. Despite challenges, investors remain optimistic.
The Federal Trade Commission filed a lawsuit against Uber for allegedly charging customers for subscriptions without consent. Meanwhile, Uber formed an exclusive partnership with Delta, allowing SkyMiles members to earn points through Uber services.
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