Untruths

The robotaxi companies have been more than just a bit misleading to both the public and the regulators. Untruths or downright lies? You decide…

Musk

CNBC – Elon Musk ordered Nvidia to ship thousands of AI chips reserved for Tesla to X and xAI

CNBC reports that once again Elon Musk has lied to Tesla shareholders. He boasted that Tesla would be making a huge investment into AI in order to power their supposed robotaxi system. But it turns out that he has been directing the scarce supply of Nvidia AI chips from Tesla to xAI, a separate company that Musk has a huge financial stake in.
Read MoreCNBC – Elon Musk ordered Nvidia to ship thousands of AI chips reserved for Tesla to X and xAI

Bloomberg Opinion – Musk Loses Autonomy in Race for Tesla Robotaxis

Opinion piece in Bloomberg on how Elon Musk's pursuit of robotaxis could be a huge setback for Tesla. Musk has placed more of Tesla’s fortunes in the hands of public officials and processes beyond the routinely accommodating environs of the boardroom and the stock market. Reality, and a lower stock price, will surely result.
Read MoreBloomberg Opinion – Musk Loses Autonomy in Race for Tesla Robotaxis

Electrek – Only 2% of Tesla Full Self-Driving trial users end up buying it, credit card data show

Electrek reports that very few trial users are purchasing Full Self Driving after their free trial use. Elon Musk has been propping up Tesla share prices by claiming the real money will be made via autonomous vehicle software and a robotaxi fleet. But it turns out customers are not really interested in paying for Tesla's weak technology.
Read MoreElectrek – Only 2% of Tesla Full Self-Driving trial users end up buying it, credit card data show

Reuters – Exclusive: In Tesla Autopilot probe, US prosecutors focus on securities, wire fraud

Reuters reports that Tesla's statements on their autonomous vehicles is now being investigated as possible securities or wire fraud by misleading investors and consumers about its vehicles' self-driving capabilities. This will not end well.
Read MoreReuters – Exclusive: In Tesla Autopilot probe, US prosecutors focus on securities, wire fraud

NY Times – Cruise Says Hostility Toward Regulators Led to Grounding of Its Autonomous Cars

An investigation by Quinn Emanuel law firm into an October crash involving a Cruise driverless car revealed a lack of clear communication with regulators and prioritization of reputation over safety. Following the incident, the Justice Department and other agencies are investigating, Cruise has halted operations, laid off staff, and replaced its CEO. The self-driving subsidiary of General Motors is now seeking to rebuild trust and resume business..
Read MoreNY Times – Cruise Says Hostility Toward Regulators Led to Grounding of Its Autonomous Cars

Cruise Releases Third-Party Findings Regarding October 2

In a blog post, Cruise published the detailed Quinn Emanuel report on the October 2nd crash where a pedestrian was struck by a Cruise AV after a hit-and-run incident. Despite Cruise's claim of no intentional deceit, the report uncovers procedural and leadership shortcomings, leading to misinformation and incomplete disclosures to regulators and the media. This resulted in the suspension of Cruise's driverless permits. Changes including high-level employee departures and operational overhauls are being implemented.
Read MoreCruise Releases Third-Party Findings Regarding October 2

Cruise hits, runs over, and drags pedestrian, severely injuring them

Detailed crash analysis (completed 1/23/2024, before Quinn report was made available): On 10/2/23 a pedestrian in San Francisco crossed 5th Street at Market Street in the crosswalk as the light turned red. The pedestrian was first hit by a human-driven vehicle, remained on the hood for a distance, and then fell into the adjacent lane. A Cruise robotaxi in the adjacent lane hit the pedestrian and stopped. The Cruise vehicle then proceeded another 20 feet, dragging the pedestrian underneath the vehicle. The pedestrian was severely injured by the Cruise robotaxi. Regulators shut down Cruise service for providing misinformation.
Read MoreCruise hits, runs over, and drags pedestrian, severely injuring them