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.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Indo-Pacific allies Saturday they won’t be left alone against growing military and economic pressure from China—but they must also boost their own defense efforts.
Iran said on Saturday that it has officially received a new nuclear deal proposal from U.S. President Donald Trump, delivered by Oman during a diplomatic visit to Tehran.
The US Supreme Court has ruled that the Trump administration can temporarily end legal protections for more than 500000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, exposing them to possible deportation.
The European Commission voiced strong regret over the United States’ decision to raise tariffs on imported steel to 50%, warning the move adds uncertainty to the global economy.
The U.S. FDA has approved Moderna’s next-generation COVID-19 vaccine, mNEXSPIKE, for adults aged 65 and older and those aged 12–64 with risk factors, marking a major step under tighter regulations.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Indo-Pacific allies Saturday they won’t be left alone against growing military and economic pressure from China—but they must also boost their own defense efforts.
Iran said on Saturday that it has officially received a new nuclear deal proposal from U.S. President Donald Trump, delivered by Oman during a diplomatic visit to Tehran.
A confidential IAEA report reveals Iran conducted secret nuclear activities using undeclared material at several sites, raising serious non-compliance concerns.
Hamas said on Saturday it had officially responded to a ceasefire plan put forward by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, who represents President Donald Trump in Middle East diplomacy. The group said its reply includes a key demand: a complete end to the war.
The US Supreme Court has ruled that the Trump administration can temporarily end legal protections for more than 500000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, exposing them to possible deportation.
On May 28, the inauguration ceremony of Lachin International Airport was held.
A car drove into crowds of Liverpool fans celebrating the club’s Premier League title in the city centre on Monday evening, injuring dozens including 4 children. A 53-year-old man believed to be the driver was arrested at the scene.
EU ministers have greenlit a massive €150 billion defense investment fund—dubbed the Security Action for Europe (SAFE)—as the bloc ramps up its military readiness in response to Russia’s aggression and growing uncertainty over U.S. security guarantees.
Brazil’s economy is expected to have regained momentum in the first quarter of 2025, driven by a surge in household spending and private investment, according to a Reuters poll of economists conducted from May 21–26.
An international academic conference titled "Islamophobia: Exposing Prejudice and Destroying Stigma" has officially opened in the capital of Azerbaijan, bringing together global scholars, experts, and policymakers to address the rise and consequences of anti-Muslim discrimination.
President Donald Trump announced that he will increase steel tariffs from 25% to 50%, a move that could push up costs for industries relying on steel, including housing and auto manufacturing.
U.S. stocks wrapped up the week with a mixed finish after President Donald Trump accused China of breaking a recent trade agreement, reigniting global market jitters just weeks after a deal was struck in Geneva.
Volkswagen is negotiating directly with the U.S. government to ease tariffs in exchange for deeper investment commitments.
Wall Street futures slipped as a surprise court ruling brought back most of Trump-era tariffs, shaking investor confidence heading into month-end.
Model Hailey Bieber is selling her skincare brand Rhode to e.l.f. Beauty in a deal worth up to $1 billion (£790 million), with plans for international expansion and continued viral success.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Indo-Pacific allies Saturday they won’t be left alone against growing military and economic pressure from China—but they must also boost their own defense efforts.
Iran said on Saturday that it has officially received a new nuclear deal proposal from U.S. President Donald Trump, delivered by Oman during a diplomatic visit to Tehran.
A confidential IAEA report reveals Iran conducted secret nuclear activities using undeclared material at several sites, raising serious non-compliance concerns.
Hamas said on Saturday it had officially responded to a ceasefire plan put forward by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, who represents President Donald Trump in Middle East diplomacy. The group said its reply includes a key demand: a complete end to the war.
The US Supreme Court has ruled that the Trump administration can temporarily end legal protections for more than 500000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, exposing them to possible deportation.
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