A coalition of self-driving car companies is urging the U.S. government to accelerate efforts to deploy autonomous vehicles, citing regulatory delays and growing international competition.
The Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association (AVIA), which represents major companies like Volkswagen, Ford, Waymo, Amazon's Zoox, and Uber, has called on the federal government to take a more active role in advancing self-driving technology.
The group released a policy framework on Tuesday, emphasizing the need for clear regulations to ensure the safe and rapid deployment of autonomous vehicles (AVs).
Jeff Farrah, AVIA's executive director, stressed the urgency of federal leadership. “The federal government is the one that needs to lead when it comes to vehicle design, construction, and performance, and we just have not seen enough action in recent years,” Farrah said in an interview.
The industry framework highlights concerns over "regulatory uncertainty" and warns that inaction could cede the U.S. lead in autonomous vehicle technology to China. It calls on the Department of Transportation (USDOT) to assert its authority over AV design and performance standards and to increase efforts in areas critical to deployment.
In December 2023, AVIA joined other groups in urging the USDOT to streamline approval processes for autonomous vehicles without human controls, such as steering wheels or brake pedals. Last month, the department proposed measures to simplify these reviews, a step welcomed by the industry but seen as insufficient by many stakeholders.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg acknowledged the importance of rigorous oversight in an interview on Monday, emphasizing the need for public trust. “Being very rigorous in these early stages is helping these technologies start to meet their potential to save lives,” Buttigieg said. He added that stringent oversight would enhance public acceptance of self-driving technology.
The industry has faced scrutiny after incidents like the October 2023 case in which a pedestrian was seriously injured by a General Motors Cruise vehicle. USDOT investigations into AVs operated by Cruise, Waymo, and Zoox are ongoing. Despite these challenges, AVIA remains focused on addressing safety concerns and advancing innovation.
The group also wants Congress to clarify regulations, including removing requirements for human controls in vehicles that meet safety standards. It has proposed creating a national AV safety data repository to support state transportation agencies.
President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly supportive of easing deployment barriers for autonomous vehicles, with Reuters suggesting his administration could provide a boost to stalled efforts in Congress.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk, a close adviser to Trump, has hinted at launching driverless ride-hailing services by 2025, signaling growing momentum in the AV industry.
Denmark’s Arctic chief has dismissed concerns over a U.S. takeover of Greenland but says more must be done to deter any Russian attack on the strategically vital Arctic island.
The U.S. Supreme Court could decide on Friday whether to allow enforcement of Donald Trump’s order limiting birthright citizenship, a move that would end automatic citizenship for many children born on American soil.
Nike plans to reduce its reliance on China for U.S.-bound products to offset the financial blow from President Donald Trump’s new tariffs, as the sportswear giant posted better-than-expected fourth-quarter results and a milder revenue forecast.
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Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for 27th June, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Denmark’s Arctic chief has dismissed concerns over a U.S. takeover of Greenland but says more must be done to deter any Russian attack on the strategically vital Arctic island.
With the tariff deadline fast approaching, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is pushing for a swift and straightforward trade agreement between the EU and the U.S., as both sides continue talks to avoid a potential economic standoff.
The European Commission has warned Meta that it may face daily fines starting 27 June if its modified pay-or-consent advertising model fails to meet EU antitrust requirements under the Digital Markets Act.
The U.S. Supreme Court could decide on Friday whether to allow enforcement of Donald Trump’s order limiting birthright citizenship, a move that would end automatic citizenship for many children born on American soil.
Germany’s data protection commissioner has called on Apple and Google to block the Chinese AI app DeepSeek from their platforms over illegal data transfers and privacy concerns.
Iran launched 18 ballistic missiles late Sunday targeting the U.S. military’s Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest American installation in the Middle East.
China has unveiled a mosquito-sized bionic drone designed for covert military operations and battlefield reconnaissance, marking a major advance in micro-robotics and stealth technology as part of the country’s growing focus on next-generation warfare capabilities.
The U.S. Embassy in Qatar has advised American citizens to shelter in place amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran, as part of a broader global security alert issued by Washington.
In a televised address on Saturday night, U.S. President Donald J. Trump announced that American forces, in coordination with Israel, had conducted precision strikes on Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites, aiming to dismantle Tehran’s enrichment capabilities.
President Donald Trump announced that U.S. forces struck three Iranian nuclear facilities, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan, marking direct American involvement in the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict.
The European Commission has warned Meta that it may face daily fines starting 27 June if its modified pay-or-consent advertising model fails to meet EU antitrust requirements under the Digital Markets Act.
Nike plans to reduce its reliance on China for U.S.-bound products to offset the financial blow from President Donald Trump’s new tariffs, as the sportswear giant posted better-than-expected fourth-quarter results and a milder revenue forecast.
Nike is stepping back from China-based production for its U.S. market to dodge tariff-related costs, aiming to shift its sourcing strategy by 2026.
The U.S. economy faces a 40% risk of recession in the second half of 2025, JP Morgan analysts said on Wednesday, citing rising tariffs and stagflation concerns.
Shell has denied reports that it is in talks to acquire BP in a historic £60 billion deal, despite ongoing market speculation about a potential merger between the two oil giants.
Denmark’s Arctic chief has dismissed concerns over a U.S. takeover of Greenland but says more must be done to deter any Russian attack on the strategically vital Arctic island.
With the tariff deadline fast approaching, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is pushing for a swift and straightforward trade agreement between the EU and the U.S., as both sides continue talks to avoid a potential economic standoff.
The European Commission has warned Meta that it may face daily fines starting 27 June if its modified pay-or-consent advertising model fails to meet EU antitrust requirements under the Digital Markets Act.
The U.S. Supreme Court could decide on Friday whether to allow enforcement of Donald Trump’s order limiting birthright citizenship, a move that would end automatic citizenship for many children born on American soil.
Germany’s data protection commissioner has called on Apple and Google to block the Chinese AI app DeepSeek from their platforms over illegal data transfers and privacy concerns.
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