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.
Federal prosecutors are seeking a 15-year prison sentence for former Senator Bob Menendez, convicted of corruption charges, including taking bribes and acting as a foreign agent for Egypt while leading the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
The United States National Weather Service warns that lingering dry weather and strong winds in Southern California will hinder efforts to contain the catastrophic wildfires.
United State's president-elect Donald Trump's criminal sentencing is set to take place on Friday. This comes after the Supreme Court rejected Trump's last-ditch effort to delay his sentencing.
South American migrants are rushing to the U.S.-Mexico border, hoping to secure entry before Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration brings tougher immigration policies.
Amid growing global attention on Greenland’s sovereignty, residents and leaders of the Arctic island have firmly rejected U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's remarks about potentially using military or economic measures to control the territory.
Nine beaches in Sydney, including Manly, were closed on Tuesday after mysterious ball-shaped debris washed ashore, prompting safety measures during the summer holiday season.
Heathrow Airport sets record with 84M passengers in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Investments in modern facilities drive growth as 2025 aims for 84.2M passengers.
SOCAR issues $200M "green bonds" to boost climate finance in Azerbaijan, supporting renewable energy and zero-emission goals by 2050. Invest by Feb 28, 2025.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Briefing: here are the top news stories for January 14th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Highland Park resident Sabrina gives a firsthand account of fleeing the devastating Southern California wildfires, as fierce 80 mph winds drive the Eaton Fire toward residential areas. In an exclusive interview, Sabrina details her experience joining the other 130,000 displaced citizens.
Reports of a two-month halt in Azerbaijani gas supplies to Serbia are false. Despite a technical issue at Shah Deniz Alpha, Shah Deniz Bravo ensures steady exports, with supplies set to resume soon. BP confirms no damage or environmental impact.
A Cessna CJ1+ aircraft (PR-GFS) crashed while landing at Gastão Madeira State Airport (UBT) in Ubatuba, Brazil, on 9 January 2025, amidst adverse weather. The crash, which claimed the pilot’s life and injured seven others, has raised concerns over private aviation safety in Brazil.
Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry is working with Eritrean authorities to secure the release of 18 Azerbaijani citizens detained after their vessels entered Eritrean waters on November 7, 2024, due to severe weather. The crew faces charges of unauthorized entry.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has affirmed that Britain will establish its own approach to artificial intelligence regulation, emphasising the importance of testing and understanding AI before implementing a proportionate and grounded regulatory framework.
Disney, Fox, and Warner Bros Discovery have cancelled Venu Sports, their joint sports streaming venture, following legal challenges and accusations of anti-competitive behaviour.
Samsung Electronics, the global leader in memory chips, smartphones, and televisions, has released its fourth-quarter operating profit estimate, revealing a significant shortfall compared to analyst expectations. The South Korean tech giant reported an estimated operating profit of 6.5 trillion won.
Electric vehicle manufacturer BYD is under investigation in Brazil after hundreds of Chinese workers were brought into the country on irregular visas to work on a factory construction in Bahia, with many found in "slavery-like conditions," according to labor authorities, Reuters reports.
Philips has sold its chipmaking subsidiary, Xiver, to a consortium led by Orange Mills Ventures, marking another step in the company’s shift away from semiconductor operations, Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf reported.
Nine beaches in Sydney, including Manly, were closed on Tuesday after mysterious ball-shaped debris washed ashore, prompting safety measures during the summer holiday season.
Heathrow Airport sets record with 84M passengers in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Investments in modern facilities drive growth as 2025 aims for 84.2M passengers.
SOCAR issues $200M "green bonds" to boost climate finance in Azerbaijan, supporting renewable energy and zero-emission goals by 2050. Invest by Feb 28, 2025.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Briefing: here are the top news stories for January 14th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
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