How 4 technology trends are shaping automotive design

Some design trends are partly a reaction to design aesthetics that preceded them; others are responses to changes in technology, consumer preferences and government regulation, experts said.

By Michael Brady • May 15, 2024

Ford, Tesla face NHTSA investigations over self-driving tech

For Tesla, the agency will assess whether the automaker's response involving a December recall of 2 million vehicles was sufficient.

By Eric Walz • April 30, 2024

GM CEO’s compensation falls 4%

Mary Barra is no longer the highest-paid executive among the Detroit Three automakers.

By Haley Cawthon • April 29, 2024

For Cruise robotaxi business, GM considers ‘outside investments’

Despite billions in losses attributed to its Cruise subsidiary, General Motors CEO Mary Barra said the company believes in the technology.

By Dan Zukowski • April 25, 2024

Tesla accelerates launch of new models

The EV maker said production for a new vehicle lineup will start months earlier than originally announced and include a more affordable model.

By Haley Cawthon • April 23, 2024

BMW, Tata Technologies to collaborate on software-defined vehicles

The deal adds to a trend of automakers seeking out external tech expertise to help develop next-generation vehicles.

By Eric Walz • April 12, 2024

Cruise to resume mapping for robotaxis in Phoenix

It’s the first deployment of the company’s vehicles on public roads since California regulators suspended its permits last fall.

By Eric Walz • April 11, 2024

US private equity firm buys majority stake in Panasonic Automotive

The companies expect the transaction to close by the end of the first quarter of 2025.

By Michael Brady • April 10, 2024

Elon Musk teases Tesla robotaxi

The CEO’s announcement comes five years after he first told investors Tesla expected to put one million robotaxis on the road in 2020.

By Haley Cawthon • April 9, 2024

Stellantis invests in lidar startup SteerLight

The company’s solid-state lidar sensor uses low-cost silicon photonics technology and has no moving parts.

By Eric Walz • April 2, 2024

Auto industry disruptions now ‘controllable’ but still a challenge: AlixPartners

“Although disruptions like the chip shortage may be behind the auto industry, that certainly doesn’t mean life is getting any easier,” said AlixPartners' Mark Wakefield.

By Kalena Thomhave • April 1, 2024

Hyundai to invest billions in South Korea to boost EV production

The automaker will also advance the development of software-defined vehicles and other technologies.

By Michael Brady • March 28, 2024

Tesla to offer US customers a free 1-month trial of Full Self Driving

Boosting FSD subscriptions could help the automaker generate revenue and overcome dwindling operating margins.

By Eric Walz • March 27, 2024

Nissan’s new EV plan aims for significant cost reduction

‘The Arc’ plan includes launching new EVs, manufacturing improvements and the adoption of new technologies to boost global sales.

By Eric Walz , Michael Brady • March 26, 2024

Volkswagen, Mobileye expand autonomous driving collaboration

The companies plan to add more advanced autonomous driving features to the automaker’s production vehicles, including its Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini and Porsche brands.  

By Eric Walz • March 21, 2024

Alliance for Automotive Innovation names new safety, technology lobbyist

Sarah Puro previously held senior roles at the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board and the House Committee on Appropriations.

By Eric Walz • March 11, 2024

GM, Magna and Wipro to create automotive software marketplace

The platform, dubbed SDVerse, aims to match buyers and sellers of embedded automotive software for software-defined vehicles.

By Michael Brady • March 8, 2024

AV startup Motional to cut non-technical staff by 5%

It’s the latest autonomous vehicle company, including Cruise, to face financial challenges as the technology comes under increasing scrutiny.

By Eric Walz • March 1, 2024

GM nearly doubles Super Cruise road network miles

The automaker increased the number of usable miles from 400,000 to 750,000.

By Eric Walz • Feb. 23, 2024

Waymo updated its vehicle software after ‘rare scenario’ in Phoenix

The action comes as federal regulators increase scrutiny of AV ride-hailing companies’ safety measures following a Cruise incident last fall.

By Eric Walz • Feb. 16, 2024

GM’s Cruise unit names safety leader amid federal investigations

Steve Kenner will help the company improve safety and reestablish trust with regulators, government officials and the public.

By Michael Brady • Feb. 14, 2024

San Francisco crowd attacks Waymo driverless car

The incident could signal a self-driving vehicle backlash as Super Bowl ads criticized Tesla’s Autopilot software and city leaders call for local oversight of AVs in their cities.

By Dan Zukowski • Feb. 12, 2024

GM CEO: ‘We are committed to Cruise’

Despite investigations, ongoing safety concerns and a $2.7 billion loss last year for the robotaxi unit, General Motors CEO Mary Barra insists the “technology is sound.”

By Dan Zukowski • Jan. 31, 2024

Automotive industry outlook for 2024

Executives are adjusting plans as they deal with economic headwinds, a web of federal mandates and the fallout of the United Auto Workers deal.

By Michael Brady • Jan. 30, 2024

Justice Department, SEC to investigate Cruise robotaxi pedestrian crash

Cruise exhibited poor leadership, poor judgment and an adversarial attitude toward regulators, according to a report it and General Motors commissioned on the crash.

By Dan Zukowski • Jan. 29, 2024