Tesla’s chief designer hinted at new robotaxi models beyond the Cybercab, suggesting a broader strategy to address various passenger needs. 2025 is set to be a crucial year for Tesla product launches, including the “Model Q” and a long-wheelbase Model Y for China. The company is also exploring autonomous vehicle testing in Austin, Texas. Analysts predict a potential $2 trillion market cap for Tesla by 2025.
Waymo, Alphabet’s self-driving unit, announced exceeding five million autonomous rides in 2024. Popular destinations include airports and shopping centers. The company plans to expand to Austin, Atlanta, and Miami, while also starting tests in Tokyo in 2025. This shows rapid progress and public acceptance of autonomous vehicle technology.
Dodge’s new all-electric muscle car, the Charger Daytona, is marketed as a powerful alternative to autonomous vehicles, which Dodge calls “self-driving sleep pods.” The vehicle, available in two variants with prices ranging from $59,595 to $73,190, retains the brand’s muscle car aesthetic while boasting impressive horsepower. Its launch comes amidst a challenging period for Stellantis, with declining sales in North America. The car’s success hinges on whether it can capture market share in a growing and competitive EV market.
Waymo is expanding internationally for the first time, bringing its robotaxis to Tokyo, Japan early next year. Partnering with Nihon Kotsu and GO, the company will initially map key areas of Tokyo before launching a paid robotaxi pilot program. This expansion addresses Japan’s taxi driver shortage and allows Waymo to adapt its technology to left-hand traffic and a dense urban environment.
Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives raised his Tesla price target to $515, anticipating a ‘game-changer’ effect from a Trump presidency on Tesla’s AI and autonomous driving initiatives. Ives projects a potential $2 trillion market cap for Tesla by 2025, driven by autonomous vehicle advancements. However, this prediction is partially contingent on potential policy changes, including abolishing the EV tax credit.
The Trump transition team reportedly seeks to eliminate a car-crash reporting requirement that impacts Tesla significantly. This move could reduce scrutiny on Tesla’s Autopilot system, but critics argue the data is crucial for safety investigations. The debate highlights the tension between fostering innovation and ensuring accountability in the autonomous driving space.
President-elect Trump’s team plans to end car crash reporting requirements, citing excessive data. Tesla, which reported many crashes, and its CEO Elon Musk, are central to the debate. This move raises concerns about potential safety risks and conflicts of interest, as NHTSA data has been vital in identifying and addressing safety hazards. Critics argue it could hinder timely safety interventions.
Chinese company U Power has launched a revolutionary AI-powered autonomous unmanned battery swapping logistics vehicle, marking a significant leap in sustainable logistics and promising a massive global market opportunity. This technology eliminates the need for manual intervention in battery charging, enabling truly unmanned operations and drastically reducing costs.
Zheng Gao, a former Tesla Autopilot hardware lead with over 100 US patents, has joined Amazon’s Zoox robotaxi unit. This move intensifies the rivalry between Tesla and Zoox, with their CEOs clashing over the viability of fully autonomous vehicles.
General Motors’ decision to halt its robotaxi program, Cruise, after a publicized accident and mounting competition, signals a major shift in the autonomous vehicle landscape. This move, impacting Honda’s plans and leaving Waymo as a dominant player, highlights the challenges of scaling robotaxi operations and the financial implications for automakers.
