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Self-<b>driving</b> scaleup Wayve raises fresh funds from AMD, Qualcomm and Arm | Sifted

London-based autonomous vehicle company Wayve has raised $60m from a group of global chipmakers as it continues its rapid global expansion. The money comes from AMD, Arm and Qualcomm Ventures, and extends the $1.2bn Series D Wayve raised in February from the likes of Nvidia, SoftBank and Microsoft. Wayve, which was founded in 2017, develops self-driving software for carmakers and recently signed a deal with ride-hailing giant Uber and Japanese automaker Nissan to develop a fleet of robotaxis. A pilot deployment for that is expected in Tokyo later this year. Alex Kendall, cofounder and CEO of Wayve, said: “For embodied AI to scale, automakers need design choice and supply chain flexibility. “We’re building an AI Driver that works across the full automotive compute ecosystem, from architectures already used in millions of vehicles today to the platforms powering the next generation of automated vehicles.” “Expanding our relationships with leading silicon companies helps bring that into production at a global scale, and we’re delighted to have these partners actively working with us on integration and deployment.” The race to develop and deploy self-driving vehicles around the world has been heating up, with competition from Google's Waymo in the US and Estonian unicorn Bolt, which partnered with Chinese AI startup Pony AI last year to develop its own autonomous fleet. Wayve, which was valued at $8.6bn in its February raise, is also backed by US VC firm Eclipse, Balderton, the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, Baillie Gifford, the British Business Bank and Schroders Capital. The company is well stocked to take on its competitors. It also raised $1bn from Nvidia, Microsoft and SoftBank in 2024.

Why Is Lyft (LYFT) Stock Soaring Today

Why Is Lyft (LYFT) Stock Soaring Today Petr HuÅťák / April 15, 2026 What Happened? Shares of ride sharing service Lyft (NASDAQ: LYFT) jumped 6.9% in the afternoon session after a wave of positive news in the autonomous vehicle sector lifted ride-hailing stocks. The company's subsidiary, Flexdrive, partnered with Waymo in Nashville to manage and service its newly launched robotaxi fleet. This development came as the broader ride-hailing industry saw a surge in optimism. Competitor Uber Technologies announced a significant commitment of over $10 billion to invest in and acquire autonomous vehicles, aiming to integrate robotaxis into its own platform. Uber's stock also climbed on the news, signaling strong investor confidence in the future of autonomous technology for the sector. This created a positive updraft that benefited Lyft as well. Is now the time to buy Lyft? Access our full analysis report here, itâs free. What Is The Market Telling Us Lyftâs shares are very volatile and have had 22 moves greater than 5% over the last year. In that context, todayâs move indicates the market considers this news meaningful but not something that would fundamentally change its perception of the business. The previous big move we wrote about was about 1 month ago when the stock gained 2.9% on the news that the price of oil fell and concerns eased regarding potential supply chain disruptions from the conflict in Iran. A barrel of benchmark U.S. crude dropped 4% to $94.75, alleviating some economic pressure. This, combined with abating fears over a prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz, helped fuel a broad market rally. The S&P 500 jumped 1.2%, putting it on track for its best day in five weeks, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the tech-heavy Nasdaq also saw significant gains. The positive sentiment was widespread,

Turing Announces Changes in Management Structure | チューリング株式会社

チューリング、経営体制変更のお知らせ 生成AIを活用した完全自動運転技術の開発に取り組むTuring株式会社(東京都品川区、代表取締役:山本一成、以下「チューリング」)は、経営体制の強化を目的に、8月19日付で新たにCTO、CFO、CBOを選任したことをお知らせします。 経営体制変更について チューリングは、完全自動運転技術の開発に取り組むスタートアップです。カメラから取得したデータのみでステアリング、アクセル、ブレーキなど、運転に必要なすべての判断をAIが行うE2E(End-to-End)の自動運転システムを開発しています。 これまで、言語(テキスト)や視覚(カメラ)など複数種類のデータを用いて高度な判断を行うマルチモーダル生成AI「Heron」、および現実世界の物理法則や物体間の相互作用など複雑な状況を理解し、リアルな運転シーンを動画として生成可能な自動運転向け生成世界モデル「Terra」の開発等を通じて、より高度な自動運転の実現に向けた技術革新を推進してきました。 そしてこのたび、2025年12月までに人間の介入なしで都内を30分間走行可能な自動運転システムを開発するプロジェクト「Tokyo30」の更なる開発加速、およびそれに伴う組織の拡大や資金の調達を背景に、経営体制強化を目的として、新たにCTO、CFO、CBOを選任しました。なお、前CTOの青木俊介は取締役 共同創業者として引き続きチューリングの経営にコミットします。 名前 / 新役職 山口 祐 / CTO (Chief Technology Officer) 盛島 正人 / CFO (Chief Financial Officer) 徳地 佑悟 / CBO (Chief Business Officer) 新任役員プロフィール 山口 祐 / CTO 産業技術総合研究所・米国立標準技術研究所で研究する傍ら、独自に深層学習ゲームAIの開発を始め、日本の囲碁AIプロジェクトで開発代表を務める。最大1,100GPUの分散強化学習を実現し、囲碁AIで世界大会準優勝の他、将棋AIでも世界大会優勝などの実績。HEROZ株式会社 執行役員を経て、2022年チューリングに創業メンバーとして参画。自動運転AIの研究開発の他、LLMを含む生成AI開発全般のマネジメントを担当。東京大学大学院理学系研究科卒。 盛島 正人 / CFO 日本GE、およびGE米国本社を経て、モルガン・スタンレー メンローパークオフィスにてテクノロジー企業のIPO、資金調達、M&Aアドバイザリーに従事。日本に帰国後、One Capital株式会社に参画。投資先であるoVice株式会社のシリーズB 45億円の資金調達を主導し、その後oVice株式会社のCFOに就任。2024年7月、CFOとしてチューリングに参画。ダートマス大学タック経営大学院卒(High Distinction)。 徳地 佑悟 / CBO バンダイナムコエンターテイメントにて海外向けゲーム機器の企画・販売に従事。その後、単身インド・ムンバイに渡り、和食店”Yugo Sushi”を創業。現地人向けのレストランとして盛況を博し新聞社主催の”The guide Restaurant Award”を受賞。帰国後はブロックチェーンサービスの立ち上げ・事業責任者をMetaps社、メディアドゥ社で務め、2023年3月チューリングに参画。車両開発責任者、事業企画、アライアンスなどを担当。東京外国語大学卒。 チューリングについて 会社名 :Turing株式会社(読み:チューリング、英語表記:Turing Inc.) 所在地 :東京都品川区大崎1丁目11−2 ゲートシティ大崎 イーストタワー4階 代表者 :代表取締役 ⼭本⼀成 設⽴ :2021年8⽉ 事業内容:完全自動運転AIの開発 URL :https://tur.ing/ 採⽤情報 チューリングは、日本発の完全自動運転実現により世界を変える仲間を積極的に募集しています。会社紹介イベントや自動運転体験会も頻繁に実施していますので、お気軽にお問い合わせください。 採⽤ページ:https://tur.ing/jobs 報道機関からのお問い合わせ先 広報担当(阿部):pr@turing-motors.com

AutoTrust expands dealer alliance as CEO pushes scale-driven model

AutoTrust Dealer Alliance is rapidly expanding its footprint across franchised dealerships as operators seek new ways to strengthen purchasing power, reduce costs, and maintain independence amid industry consolidation. Founder and CEO David Mondragon joins us on the latest episode of Driving Solutions to discuss the platforms designed to help dealers “level the playing field” by leveraging collective scale across multiple business functions, including finance and insurance, lending, and general purchasing. Since its appearance at NADA, AutoTrust has grown from 10 dealer rooftops to 125 committed rooftops on its platform. The company also reports that approximately 300 additional dealers are currently under consideration, with more than half of those moving into active participation. Mondragon said the pace of growth reflects strong demand among dealers for alternatives to traditional operating models. The platform is structured as a low-barrier membership model, with dealers able to join for a one-time $100 fee. Members receive a stake in the business while maintaining full ownership and control of their dealerships. AutoTrust emphasizes a partnership approach that avoids requiring operational changes at the store level. Upon joining, dealers retain autonomy in how they run their operations. The company focuses on identifying efficiency opportunities rather than mandating changes, allowing dealers to choose where they participate across its three core platforms. These include finance and insurance programs, lending optimization, and consolidated general purchasing. A key component of the lending strategy centers on consolidating non-OEM financing relationships into a smaller group of preferred partners. The goal is to improve terms, increase lender performance, and enhance dealer returns while preserving OEM relationships and incentives. The company continues to emphasize alignment with manufacturers and maintains that OEM programs remain a priority channel for dealer contracts. Beyond financial services, AutoTrust is building a general purchasing network to aggregate dealer demand across categories such

How inconsistent leadership is limiting dealership growth

Automotive retail is known for its fast pace and entrepreneurial mindset, but sustaining high performance remains a challenge for many dealerships. Joining us on the latest episode of Training Camp is Danelle Delgado, CEO of The Alpha Group, who shares insights into how leadership habits, cultural challenges, and performance inconsistencies continue to limit dealership growth. According to Delgado, she started in automotive by developing leadership teams, executives, and employees across all departments. Her approach prioritizes human performance as the foundation of business success, emphasizing discipline, accountability, and consistent behavior over reliance on process changes alone. Across the dealerships, she identified recurring challenges that limit growth. She alluded that inconsistent sales and operational behavior continue to impact performance, while emotional decision-making under pressure often leads to avoidable mistakes at the leadership level. Additionally, Delgado addressed the widespread issue of underperformance among otherwise “capable employees,” driven by a lack of structure and accountability. A key area of opportunity, she noted, lies within the middle tier of dealership staff. While top performers often deliver results, many organizations tolerate average performance, rather than raising standards and improving consistency among mid-level employees, she said, which could significantly improve overall dealership outcomes. “There is never a boring day in automotive… for now, I really found my niche in auto by building the humans that run everything…Humans outperform any market.” To address these challenges, Delgado has implemented strategies focused on aligning dealership operations under a unified communication framework. For instance, she notes that departments such as sales, service, parts, and administration often operate independently, with differing processes and expectations. Creating a shared language and consistent standards across the organization helps improve coordination and execution. However, his type of transformation, she notes, requires sustained effort. While early improvements can emerge within the first few months, building a fully

Nashville videos show Waymo <b>vehicle</b> mishaps. What drivers should know

Nashville videos show Waymo vehicle mishaps. What drivers should know Autonomous vehicles from Waymo and Tesla have recently been under scrutiny due to mishaps and safety concerns as users and bystanders record odd driving behaviors from the self-driving vehicles. Waymo, a subsidiary of Google's parent company Alphabet Inc. is a public commercial robotaxi company that offers driver-less rideshare services. The autonomous vehicle rideshare company operates in over 10 American cities including one of its most recent additions: Nashville, as of April 7. Here's what Tennesseans need to know about Waymo autonomous vehicles and why some have concerns regarding the innovative technology. Waymo autonomous vehicles already glitching after Nashville launch Citizens have taken to social media and YouTube to post videos of abnormal driving behavior from Waymo autonomous vehicles. In the video above, a Waymo autonomous vehicle drives into a construction zone and is chased down by a construction worker. The vehicle allegedly damaged fresh asphalt after ignoring signage and driving norms that human drivers can easily abide. Another TikTok video showed a Waymo in Nashville struggling to deal with road construction. There are several videos of Waymo vehicles blocking intersections and holding up traffic posted by drivers. Waymo maps new areas "with incredible detail, from lane markers to stop signs to curbs and crosswalks" according to the company website. Waymos also use artificial intelligence and real-time sensor data to make driving decisions. Since Waymo vehicles have been seen struggling to navigate around construction sites in Nashville, it's clear that the technology is still fallible despite its progress in recent years. Are Waymo autonomous vehicles safe? Waymo has covered millions of cumulative miles between its many rides in big cities. It's generally considered safe to use, but the autonomous vehicles haven't been completely free of occasional mishaps that cause safety concerns.

Army partnerships prepare academia for industry success in ground <b>autonomy</b> | Article

ADELPHI, Md. – Army partnerships with university researchers can unlock academia’s potential for supporting America’s industrial growth and warfighter readiness. The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, known as DEVCOM, Army Research Laboratory is positioned as the scientific nexus between academia, industry and the Army. ARL harnesses the expertise of Army researchers and the creative energy of enterprising external partners to inspire the creation of new technologies. As an example, autonomy researcher Dr. Byron Boots began his partnership with ARL while he was an assistant professor before he transformed his research on self-driving robotic vehicles into a tech startup called Overland AI. Boots collaborated with ARL for years on fundamental research relevant to the Army’s biggest challenges in autonomous navigation in rugged and unpredictable terrains. In 2022, Boots co-founded Overland AI, a university spinoff dedicated to developing ground autonomy solutions and other robotic capabilities for defense. Three years later, his company showcased its latest technology as part of Project Convergence Capstone 5, the Army’s premier technology experimentation event. “We approached Byron in 2018 at an IEEE conference where he was showcasing his machine learning research on small radio-controlled cars,” said Dr. Ethan Stump, ARL autonomy scientist. “We saw how relevant his work could be for Army off-road autonomy, so we invited him to work with us to apply his research on military unmanned ground vehicles, and he agreed.” This example showcases how academia and industry, and especially small businesses, can benefit from conducting fundamental research with ARL to help transition Army-relevant research into commercial ventures. For years, ARL worked closely with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA, to spearhead the advancement of off-road autonomous driving research in industry and academia. Boots was one of the many university researchers to whom ARL introduced a range of terrain scenarios that

'I would probably give it a high B': San Antonio <b>driving</b> expert weighs in on Waymo's <b>driving</b> skills

SAN ANTONIO – They naturally capture attention as they cruise along San Antonio streets, cars with no one behind the wheel. Several Waymo fully autonomous vehicles, lately, however, have been the focus of videos posted online for losing their way. In one instance in March, a parent captured images of one of the vehicles heading the wrong way in an Alamo Heights school zone. In another case, a stalled Waymo vehicle had been heading in the wrong direction at a fast-food restaurant’s drive-through just north of downtown. The autonomous cars’ parent company emailed KSAT 12 News following those incidents, saying its vehicles were essentially safer than human drivers. The statement said Waymo cars travel more than four million miles each week and have “13 times fewer serious injury crashes, six times fewer crashes with airbag deployment, and 13 times fewer crashes with injuries to pedestrians.” In an effort to put the theory to the test, KSAT 12 News took a ride to and from San Antonio International Airport with a local driving expert to grade the driverless cars’ driving skills. “As the car is moving, what I want to see is how it’s changing lanes and if it’s doing the proper signaling,” said Marc Alonso, owner of Ayala & Associates Driving School and a certified administrator of state driving tests. After entering the car, Alonso was immediately impressed by the technology, including screens that show the car’s movement and the traffic around it in real time. He also pointed out safety features, such as a voice reminding passengers to buckle up. Once the car hit the road, his reaction became more mixed. Alonso noticed that the vehicle took a lengthy route to the airport from downtown that seemed to intentionally avoid highways and railroad tracks. “It’s moving into a turning

Illinois unions rally against driverless <b>vehicle</b> bill and warn of job losses and public safety risks

SPRINGFIELD — A coalition of unions representing workers from bus drivers to construction workers converged on the statehouse Tuesday to lobby against legislation that would create pilot programs for driverless vehicles in Chicago and other parts of Illinois, calling the legislative effort the start of “a major domino effect against the middle class.” The coalition, which includes the Teamsters, Illinois AFL-CIO and the Chicago Federation of Labor, raised concerns about the bill, saying they fear it could jeopardize public safety and the jobs of some or all of its hundreds of thousands of workers with problematic technology. Sponsored by Democratic state Rep. Kam Buckner of Chicago and Republican state Rep. Jeff Keicher of Sycamore, the legislation would authorize autonomous vehicle pilot programs in a handful of Illinois counties, including Cook, before opening the door to statewide legalization of self-driving cars three years later. It is among several high-profile measures taken up by lawmakers this spring that respond to technological innovation during the advent of artificial intelligence. The bill hasn’t gained any traction, however, remaining stuck in the House Rules Committee, which means it’s unclear whether it’s going to advance through the legislative process anytime soon. Other bills that would regulate these pilot programs also remain in limbo. The debate comes as Waymo, the self-driving car company already operating fully autonomous robo-taxi services in cities in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix and other U.S. cities, has been pushing to expand into Illinois. Company representatives have said Waymo “strongly supports” the Buckner-Keicher legislation. Dozens of union members or advocates held signs, some of which read “AI DOESN’T VOTE. WE DO,” before a news conference urging lawmakers to take a pause on the legislation. “Putting an autonomous vehicle in any form takes away a job. You keep eliminating jobs, who’s going to buy

Tesla rolls out Spring 2026 update with AI, self-<b>driving</b> push

On the Dash: - Tesla continues to use software updates to drive recurring revenue, particularly through simplified FSD subscription access and usage tracking. - Hardware dependency is increasing, creating a clearer distinction between legacy and new-vehicle capabilities. - Incremental software updates remain central to Tesla’s ownership experience, reinforcing long-term customer engagement. Tesla has begun rolling out its Spring 2026 software update, introducing a range of new features aimed at expanding in-car AI functionality, improving safety systems and increasing adoption of its Full Self-Driving (FSD) subscription. The update includes a redesigned self-driving app, hands-free voice activation through “Hey Grok,” and automatic overnight software installation, reflecting Tesla’s continued push to differentiate through software capabilities. A central feature is the new self-driving app, which allows eligible owners with newer AI4 hardware to subscribe to FSD with a single tap and monitor usage through built-in performance tracking and daily engagement metrics. Tesla also expanded its in-car AI assistant, enabling drivers to activate Grok with a wake phrase and set location-based reminders. However, the assistant still lacks deeper vehicle control integration, limiting its functionality compared to some competitors. Notably, safety and convenience updates include enhanced blind-spot alerts using interior lighting, extended dashcam storage up to 24 hours, and improved weather mapping. Vehicles can now automatically install updates overnight, eliminating the need for manual approval. Additional features include: - Upgraded vehicle visualization - Multi-trip energy tracking - Customizable Pet Mode displays - Expanded in-car entertainment and personalization options. While the update introduces incremental improvements, many features are limited to newer hardware, reinforcing a growing divide between Tesla’s latest vehicles and older models.

Lucid Motors names new CEO, lands more money from Uber and Saudis | TechCrunch

Lucid Motors has finally found a new CEO in long-time industrial executive Silvio Napoli, marking the end of a more than year-long search following the sudden resignation of its former chief, Peter Rawlinson. The company on Tuesday said that Napoli, who has spent the last few decades in various leadership positions at elevator and escalator company Schindler Group, will also join its board of directors. Alongside the CEO appointment, Lucid said it has received another $200 million commitment from Uber, which has agreed to buy an additional 25,000 robotaxi-ready versions of Lucid’s upcoming mid-size vehicle. That brings Uber’s total committed investments in Lucid Motors to $500 million, and its minimum vehicle order to 35,000. Finally, Lucid’s majority owner, the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, is purchasing another $550 million of its shares. The announcements come during an all-important year for Lucid Motors. The company is currently trying to ramp up production and sales of its second model, the Gravity SUV, after struggling to find a large market for its Air sedan. Lucid is also planning on releasing the first of three vehicles built on its mid-sized platform, which will allow it to target buyers looking to spend around $50,000 on a new car. The company has taken tough measures to ensure it gets that vehicle into production. In February, it decided to lay off 12% of its workforce, TechCrunch reported. On Tuesday, Lucid Motors said in a regulatory filing that it has recently “reduced contractor headcount” at its Arizona factory “to improve cost efficiency.” Lucid Motors has been without a permanent CEO since February 2025, when long-time leader Rawlinson suddenly left the company. Its chief operating officer, Marc Winterhoff, has served as interim CEO since, and had designs on taking over the CEO role, as TechCrunch previously reported, while the

Army partnerships prepare academia for industry success in ground <b>autonomy</b>

ADELPHI, Md. – Army partnerships with university researchers can unlock academia’s potential for supporting America’s industrial growth and warfighter readiness. The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, known as DEVCOM, Army Research Laboratory is positioned as the scientific nexus between academia, industry and the Army. ARL harnesses the expertise of Army researchers and the creative energy of enterprising external partners to inspire the creation of new technologies. As an example, autonomy researcher Dr. Byron Boots began his partnership with ARL while he was an assistant professor before he transformed his research on self-driving robotic vehicles into a tech startup called Overland AI. Boots collaborated with ARL for years on fundamental research relevant to the Army’s biggest challenges in autonomous navigation in rugged and unpredictable terrains. In 2022, Boots co-founded Overland AI, a university spinoff dedicated to developing ground autonomy solutions and other robotic capabilities for defense. Three years later, his company showcased its latest technology as part of Project Convergence Capstone 5, the Army’s premier technology experimentation event. “We approached Byron in 2018 at an IEEE conference where he was showcasing his machine learning research on small radio-controlled cars,” said Dr. Ethan Stump, ARL autonomy scientist. “We saw how relevant his work could be for Army off-road autonomy, so we invited him to work with us to apply his research on military unmanned ground vehicles, and he agreed.” This example showcases how academia and industry, and especially small businesses, can benefit from conducting fundamental research with ARL to help transition Army-relevant research into commercial ventures. For years, ARL worked closely with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA, to spearhead the advancement of off-road autonomous driving research in industry and academia. Boots was one of the many university researchers to whom ARL introduced a range of terrain scenarios that

London gets closer to its first robotaxi service as Waymo begins testing | TechCrunch

Waymo has started testing its autonomous vehicles on public roads in London as it prepares to launch a commercial robotaxi service in the city this year. The Alphabet-owned company has been working toward this moment for months. Waymo announced in October it planned to begin driving on London’s public roads. Waymo employees initially drove the vehicles manually to map the city before starting autonomous testing. For now, a fleet of about 100 all-electric Jaguar I-Pace equipped with Waymo’s self-driving system have a human safety operator behind the wheel. Waymo is testing its vehicles across a 100-square-mile area of the city, according to the company. The government must first finalize its trial program regulations before we can operate fully autonomously. We will work closely with regulators to ensure that our service reaches as many Londoners as possible. “Core driving AI generalizing very well,” Waymo co-CEO Dmitri Dolgov wrote in a LinkedIn post announcing the testing. “Autonomous testing now underway with specialists behind the wheel as we master local nuances and validate performance on UK roads — a key step toward rider-only deployment.” Waymo said in another post on LinkedIn that it is investing in the country by hiring locally and establishing multiple AV service centers across London. The company also said it was working with emergency services “as we build the foundation to expand our business in Europe.” If Waymo follows its typical strategy, the company will eventually conduct driverless testing and allow its own employees to try out the service before inviting the public to hail its robotaxis. Waymo’s plans to launch that service in 2026 hinges on the U.K. government finalizing its approval process for those operations. Waymo already has ties to the U.K.: In 2019, the company acquired Latent Logic, a U.K. startup spun out of Oxford University’s

Glydways Raises Oversubscribed $170M Series C as First <b>Autonomous Vehicle</b> Networks ...

SAN FRANCISCO, April 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Glydways, the company delivering a new category of urban mobility, today announced its $170 million Series C fundraise. The round was co-led by Suzuki Motor Corporation, ACS Group, and Khosla Ventures with additional participation from existing investors Mitsui Chemicals and Gates Frontier, and new investor, Obayashi Corporation, a leading general contractor and developer. The commercialization round, which was oversubscribed, comes alongside Glydways’ recent global momentum including securing Memorandums of Understanding with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office and the Dubai Roads & Transport Authority, and the groundbreaking of Glydways’ first publicly accessible system in South Metro Atlanta. Glydways has now raised well over $250 million to enable cities to build and scale networks of autonomous vehicle expressways that move people at 10x the throughput and cost efficiency of today's technology. The result is a fundamentally different mobility system, one that delivers order of magnitude improvements in efficiency, cost, and rider experience, with attractive operating margins. For Glydways, this marks the transition from development to real-world deployment of a new category of urban mobility. “Glydways is not an evolution of transportation, it’s a fundamentally new model for how cities move. Glydways is now entering real-world operations, showing that high-capacity, on-demand personal mobility can be better for riders, financially sustainable, and solve congestion,” said Mark Seeger, Founder and Co-CEO, Glydways. “Glydways will be in public operations this year, showing the public a new way of moving around cities that is efficient and affordable. Having dedicated investors alongside us supporting every facet of our go-to-market motion is essential as Glydways becomes a reality for riders globally.” Glydways represents a new category of mobility. While autonomous vehicles have advanced rapidly, their impact is fundamentally constrained when deployed on existing roads. Glydways unlocks autonomous vehicles’ full potential by

UK government accelerates <b>autonomous vehicle</b> development funding | Computer Weekly

Patryk Kosmider - stock.adobe.co UK government accelerates autonomous vehicle development funding Projects exploring how autonomous vehicles could benefit businesses and communities across the UK receive government backing as part of £150m CAM Pathfinder programme A total of eight studies exploring how autonomous vehicles could benefit businesses and communities across the UK have received funding from a government-backed initiative aimed at accelerating the roll-out of commercially viable connected and automated mobility (CAM) services in the UK. Part of the UK government’s industrial strategy is to address the complexities in commercialising CAM vehicles, and in addition to increased funding, the programme is complemented by the Automated Vehicles Act 2024, which is designed to pave the way for self-driving vehicles to be used safely and securely on British roads, removing the need for safety drivers. Alongside full implementation of the act by 2027, the government is also enabling commercial pilots of bus and taxi-like services from spring 2026. Running until 2030, the £150m CAM Pathfinder programme is seen as key to realising the industry’s potential. It is aimed at addressing the challenges of bringing CAM vehicles to market, providing funding for projects that are intended to develop “world-first” technologies, products and services, ranging from “cutting-edge” software to smart transport services. It was announced in the government’s advanced manufacturing sector plan, which aims to grow the UK’s CAM industry – calculated to be worth £3.7bn. Projects funded by CAM Pathfinder must demonstrate that the cutting-edge technology or mobility services being developed can help industries become safer, sustainable, inclusive and more productive. By accelerating the development, deployment and adoption of such technologies and services, the objective is to support growth and investment, and unlock innovation across transport. The CAM Pathfinder programme is delivered by the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV), supported by Zenzic

California company wants a shot at running self-<b>driving</b> rideshare <b>vehicles</b> in Toronto

In a city filled with traditional taxi and ridesharing, self-driving vehicles could soon be a new mode of transportation seen on Toronto’s streets. Waymo is a fully autonomous ridesharing service, with no human in the front seat. The California-based tech company already operates in 11 U.S. cities and is looking to expand into other major cities, including London, Tokyo, and possibly Toronto. “The big advantage that self driving cars have over human drivers is that they can see in all directions at all the time and never get tired of bored,” said Steven Waslander, a professor at University of Toronto’s Institute for Aerospace Studies, told CTV News Toronto. Chow’s ‘priority is protecting jobs’ Mayor Olivia Chow’s office says Waymo, which is owned by Google’s parent company Alphabet, told them it plans to apply for a provincial pilot program to conduct tests. “The Mayor’s priority is protecting jobs in Toronto. Any move toward autonomous vehicles must not put people out of work or undermine workers’ livelihoods,” a spokesperson for the mayor said in a written statement. “(She) will not support Waymo if it costs jobs, drives down wages for other workers, or contributed to precarious work in our city. Waymo must demonstrate this will not happen.” Alex Ferworn, a computer science professor at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), said there are concerns about what happens when these self-driving rideshares don’t have passengers in them. “Do they just circle? Doesn’t that just add to the traffic problems we already experience?,” he wondered. Toronto had previous self-driving pilots This wouldn’t be the first time a self-driving vehicle pilot project would meet Toronto traffic. Last summer, Magna International was accepted into Ontario’s automatic vehicle pilot program. The city was against it, however, and the test drive ended just a few months later. In 2021, self-driving

Oil surge above $100 signals shifting demand, new risks for U.S. <b>auto</b> dealers

On the Dash: - Rising fuel prices are likely to accelerate demand for fuel-efficient, hybrid, and electric vehicles while softening interest in larger trucks and SUVs. - Inventory mix and days’ supply should be closely monitored to avoid overexposure to slower-moving segments. - Used-vehicle pricing can shift quickly, creating opportunities to capture margin on fuel-efficient models. - Fixed operations could see increased demand as consumers delay purchases and extend ownership cycles. A sharp rise in global oil prices, driven by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and supply disruptions tied to the Strait of Hormuz, is beginning to ripple through the U.S. economy, creating immediate implications for auto retailers. Crude oil prices have climbed back above $100 per barrel following stalled diplomatic efforts between the U.S. and Iran, raising concerns about prolonged supply constraints, according to a Reuters report. Since the Strait of Hormuz handles a considerable share of global oil shipments, any disruption has an outsized impact on fuel costs worldwide. For dealerships, the effects are already materializing at the pump, as U.S. gas prices have moved above $4 per gallon in many regions, with diesel climbing even higher and expected to remain elevated for months, according to recent government and industry forecasts. That shift is quickly altering how consumers approach vehicle purchases. Higher fuel costs are increasing the total cost of ownership, putting pressure on household budgets and reducing affordability. As a result, dealers can expect a near-term shift in demand away from full-size trucks and large SUVs toward smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles, including hybrids and electric models. Early indicators from global markets show a measurable increase in EV interest following recent fuel price spikes, a trend that could carry into the U.S. if elevated prices persist. At the same time, volatility in fuel prices is creating

Continental Battery Systems selected by Mazda as nationwide battery partner across U.S. ...

DALLAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Continental Battery Systems (CBS), a leading North American battery distributor, has been selected by Mazda North American Operations as its nationwide battery supply partner, supporting Mazda’s U.S. dealer network with reliable, high-performance battery solutions. On April 6, 2026, CBS began providing batteries across Mazda’s U.S. dealerships, leveraging its extensive distribution network to ensure consistent availability, rapid delivery, and dependable service at scale. The partnership also creates an opportunity to accelerate growth within the battery category through enhanced marketing support and dealer-focused programs. “This partnership reflects the strength of our national footprint and our ability to deliver consistent, reliable support at the dealer level,” said John Rauco, Chief Commercial Officer at CBS. “Mazda needed a partner who could execute across the entire U.S. network, and our platform is built to deliver that level of performance while helping drive growth in the battery category.” “CBS stood out for its ability to deliver consistent coverage across our dealer network and support our long-term operational goals,” said Rob Miline, Vice President of Accessory and Aftersales at Mazda North American Operations. “Beyond supply, their capabilities in category management, marketing support, and dealer engagement position us to grow the battery business across our network.” Through this partnership, CBS will deliver consistent service, product availability, and support across Mazda’s U.S. dealer network—helping ensure dealers have the tools and resources needed to meet customer demand and drive service performance. For more information about Continental Battery Systems, visit continentalbattery.com About Continental Battery Systems Founded in 1932, Continental Battery Systems (CBS) is a leading North American distributor of battery products, energy storage systems, and recycling solutions, serving OEMs, aftermarket providers, and major retailers. CBS supports a full spectrum of applications, from passenger and heavy-duty vehicles to powersports, golf, lawn & garden, marine, RV, and industrial equipment. With more than

Netherlands Clears Tesla's FSD in European First

Tesla just got the green light for its FSD in Europe. Dutch regulators have approved the automaker’s “Full Self-Driving Supervised” system for use on public roads, marking the first time the technology has been cleared in Europe. The clearance is the first step toward wider adoption across the European Union. The approval by the Netherlands Vehicle Authority (RDW) came after more than 18 months of testing. Dutch regulators determined that if the system is used properly, it could lead to improved road safety. However, they emphasized that the European version of Tesla’s software differs from what is currently available in the United States, where Tesla operates it under a laxer regulatory landscape and has faced several inquiries following crashes. The Netherlands plans to submit the system for EU-wide approval. Achieving that requires a majority vote among member states. If approved, Tesla’s advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) technology could be rolled out across the EU. Even without authorization of the entire European Union, individual countries could choose to allow the system within their own borders. The news is a significant milestone for Tesla as it seeks to expand its self-driving capabilities beyond the United States. The automaker has banked on the expansion of ADAS and, subsequently, fully autonomous vehicles as a key to its growth, especially important now as sales of its EVs have slowed in Europe largely due to increasing competition. Analysts say regulatory approval could also help boost demand. The Netherlands is one of Tesla’s bigger European markets, with roughly 100,000 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles eligible to receive the software through a subscription. Tesla said it expects to begin rolling out FSD in the Netherlands soon, while continuing to pursue approvals in other European markets.

EcoCAR Challenge Targets Next Generation of <b>Auto</b> Engineers

The US Department of Energy and Argonne National Laboratory have launched the latest round of their college-centered engineering program, the EcoCAR Innovation Challenge, with major support from General Motors, Stellantis, and MathWorks. The 15th edition of the four-year competition will involve 20 universities from across North America to develop “next-generation mobility solutions” using technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. Organizers say the program is designed to really push innovation in vehicle technology, but also to help build the future automotive workforce at a time when the industry is undergoing a rapid transformation. “The Innovation Challenge is an investment in the next era of the American workforce,” said Audrey Robertson, assistant secretary of energy for energy efficiency and renewable energy. She also noted that the participation of GM and Stellantis marks the first time in more than 25 years that two major automakers have collaborated in the same competition. Each automaker will sponsor a separate competition track, providing students with different engineering challenges and vehicle platforms that are designed to reflect real-world market choices. GM will supply the 2026 Chevrolet Blazer EV, while Stellantis will provide a 2026 Jeep Cherokee hybrid. Student teams will be tasked with modifying and optimizing vehicle propulsion systems, including the design and integration of electric motors and high-voltage battery systems. The competition will also focus on software integration, controls, and overall system performance, which organizers says are skills that have become increasingly important in modern vehicle design and development. “EcoCAR develops engineers who understand how to integrate software, controls, advanced powertrains, and the customer experience into a single system,” said Ken Morris, GM’s senior vice president of product programs, safety, and motorsports. Stellantis echoed that sentiment, highlighting the program’s focus on real-world problem solving and cross-disciplinary collaboration. MathWorks will support students with industry-standard model-based