The U.S. Department of Justice has launched a criminal proble to determine if Tesla has legally misrepresented its cars’ self-driving capabilities. Get all the latest industry news in the Executive Briefing.
Today’s headlines:
+ Paris-headquartered minerals giant Imerys plans to develop a lithium extraction project in the center of France to produce 44,000 metric tons of lithium hydroxide per year. More at CNBC.
+ Volkswagen confirmed that its R performance sub-brand will be all-electric by 2030 as its internal-combustion models are “gradually” phased out and EVs are introduced. More at UK Autocar.
+ A federal jury in Detroit ordered Ford to pay Versata Software Inc $104.6 million in damages for breaching a 2004 licensing contract and misappropriating trade secrets. More at Reuters.
+ Audi has confirmed it will enter Formula 1 by taking a stake in the Sauber team, which will end its arrangement with Alfa Romeo and become the Audi works entry in 2026. More at the UK Guardian.
+ The state of Maine has begun the process of recalling vanity license plates regarded as vulgar or obscene, sending letters to registered vehicle owners over the next few months. More at Autoblog.
+ Argo AI, the autonomous vehicle startup launched in 2017 with a $1 billion investment, will be shut down and its assets transfered to its two key backers, Ford and Volkswagen. More at TechCrunch.
+ The U.S. Department of Justice has launched a criminal proble to determine if Tesla has made false and misleading claims about the self-driving capabilities of its electric vehicles. More at Forbes.
+ General Motors will increase production of the Chevy Bolt EV by 60 percent to 70,000 vehicles in 2023, asserting that the company has secured domestic materials to meet federal tax credits. More at Autoweek.
+ Indycar driver Colton Herta and sponsor Gainbridge have extended their current contract with Andretti Autosport, which runs through 2023, through the 2027 season. More at Motorsport.com.
+ Jeep brand CEO Christian Meunier suggested the automaker could launch a global sweepstakes on social media to select a name for the all-electric version of the Wagoneer. More at Motor Trend.
Photo courtesy of Tesla.
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Being inside a moving vehicle one should be paying attention and using common sense as one’s life depends upon it. Autonomous vehicles may lull one into complacency. If an accident occurs is it the fault of the driver, or the vehicle? Can an after the fact investigation conclusively determine that? I wouldn’t trust my life to a self driving vehicle no matter how “smart” it may be. It could malfunction, but even if it does not, there are too many other possible contributors to an accident which would make a driver want to be alert and in control. It will be interesting to see the results of the investigation, and how it may affect the potential future of autonomous driving.
Jim, thanks for your thoughts. Couldn’t agree more. I drive a Tesla and I am a beta tester for the Full Self Driving program. As the system and literature constantly warn me, the driver must keep full attention at all times. Personally, I regard it as a highly advanced form of cruise control. It takes care of some of the burdern of driving, but the responsibility for the car’s behavior is all mine. I don’t know how some people turn on their ADAS and then read a book. They are not wired like me.
If I may add my personal observations, I have the Full Self Driving program mainly because of the need to stay at the front of the latest automotive developments. It is the most advanced system in the industry and it is impressive, but it doesn’t really drive the car for you. You still have to stay engaged. If you are interested in technology you will find value in the system, which makes it sort of a gadget, I suppose. At the current price of $15,000, in my opinion the value isn’t there for the average civilian car buyer. If you are buying a Tesla and need to save some money, there’s an option box you don’t have to check. My $0000.02.