Autonomous Vehicle News
Despite economic and technical headwinds, robotaxis are making progress — one neighborhood at a time. Waymo and Cruise, the two companies offering commercial driverless service in the U.S., have expanded their service territories in their respective launch cities in recent months and promise broader service ahead. Waymo has extensively tested on the city's streets and could receive its commercial driverless permit from the California Public Utilities Commission as early as Thursday. City officials have bristled at the propensity of Cruise autonomous vehicles blocking intersections due to technical glitches and how AVs have hindered first responders in emergency situations. Riders, enthusiasts and industry observers should all prepare for "a slow-drip adoption," suggests McKinsey and Co. senior partner Philipp Kampshoff.