Latest news with #PeterSimshauser
Yahoo
a day ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
NHTSA grants exemption to Zoox's self-driving vehicles
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has granted an exemption to Amazon's autonomous vehicle unit, Zoox, allowing its self-driving cars to operate on public roads in the US. This marks the first exemption for American-built vehicles under the NHTSA's Automated Vehicle Exemption Program (AVEP), which was recently broadened to include domestic vehicles. Switch Auto Insurance and Save Today! Affordable Auto Insurance, Customized for You The Insurance Savings You Expect Great Rates and Award-Winning Service The exemption comes as part of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy's 'Innovation Agenda', which aims to safely expand the nation's capabilities in the autonomous vehicle sector. The AVEP was revised in April to promote US technology and safety, streamlining exemption procedures and enabling companies to operate vehicles that do not fully comply with existing regulations on roads in the US. The move by the auto regulator addresses a previous limitation that only allowed foreign-built autonomous vehicles (AVs) to be eligible for exemptions, putting American manufacturers at a disadvantage. NHTSA Chief Counsel Peter Simshauser stated: 'Thanks to the expanded AVEP, transportation innovators can be confident in getting speedy review of their vehicles and, as appropriate, exemption from Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. 'We look forward to continuing our work to ensure these exciting technologies are tested safely on our roads.' In 2022, NHTSA initiated an investigation to determine if Zoox's self-driving vehicles, which lack traditional driving controls, met federal safety standards after the company self-certified the vehicles. Following Zoox's application for an exemption from certain requirements this June, NHTSA granted the exemption, effectively closing its investigation into the company's self-certification practices. As part of the exemption terms, Zoox is required to remove or conceal any claims that its purpose-built vehicles meet all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards. In June 2025, Zoox inaugurated its first serial production facility for purpose-built robotaxis in the US. This facility, located in California, covers an area of 220,000ft2 and is designed to bolster Zoox's expansion and support the deployment of its robotaxi services in various markets. "NHTSA grants exemption to Zoox's self-driving vehicles" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
CNBC
2 days ago
- Automotive
- CNBC
Amazon's Zoox robotaxi unit clears regulatory hurdle, safety probe
Amazon's Zoox has cleared a key regulatory hurdle, paving the way for demonstrations of its self-driving robotaxis. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Wednesday that it granted Zoox an exemption from some requirements, a first for U.S.-built vehicles under a recently expanded program. "Transportation innovators can be confident in getting speedy review of their vehicles and, as appropriate, exemption from Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards," NHTSA Chief Counsel Peter Simshauser said in a release. The company must remove all existing statements that its purpose-built vehicles meet all federal motor vehicle safety standards. As part of the announcement, NHTSA said it's closing a probe opened in March 2023 into Zoox's self-certification that its robotaxi met federal safety standards. "Through this new exemption process, we are excited to embark on this new path, put these discussions behind us, and move forward," Zoox said in a statement. The Department of Transportation in April announced it would expand a program that aims to speed up the autonomous vehicle exemption process to include domestically produced vehicles. Previously, it was limited to imported AVs. The easing of regulations will benefit Zoox and its competitors. Tesla has announced that it plans to produce a two-seater CyberCab with no steering wheel or pedals down the line. The expansion of the Automated Vehicle Exemption Program could make it easier for the company to conduct testing and operate on public, U.S. roadways if Elon Musk's automaker can meet the agency's requirements. Zoox, founded 11 years ago and purchased by Amazon for $1.3 billion in 2020, has been gearing up for further expansion this year. The company in June opened a robotaxi manufacturing facility in the San Francisco Bay Area, where it aims to eventually produce 10,000 vehicles a year once it's at full scale. Zoox needs more of its toaster-shaped robotaxis to roll off the assembly line to fulfill its mission of deploying a commercial ride-hailing service in the U.S. The company has eyed Las Vegas as its first commercial market, and said it plans to begin service there later this year.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Traffic deaths down, but are US roads safer than before?
Traffic fatalities in the U.S. decreased in 2024, with 39,345 deaths reported by the United States Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The death toll represents a 3.8% decrease compared to the 40,901 deaths reported in 2023. This marked the first time since 2020 that the number of deaths fell below 40,000. 'It's encouraging to see that traffic fatalities are continuing to fall from their COVID pandemic highs,' NHTSA Chief Counsel Peter Simshauser said in the release. 'Total road fatalities, however, remain significantly higher than a decade ago, and America's traffic fatality rate remains high relative to many peer nations.' The 2024 early estimates aligned with 2023, showing Americans driving more miles while fatality rates continued to decrease, the NHTSA said. The agency found that vehicle miles traveled increased by 1% while the fatality rate for 2024 decreased to 1.20 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. The 1.20 per 100 million 2024 fatality rate is the lowest it's been since 2019. However, these numbers are still above the average rate of 1.13 in the seven years before the pandemic. The NHTSA also noted that 14 states and the District of Columbia saw an increased death toll, while 35 states and Puerto Rico had decreased fatalities. Simshauser stated that in order 'to reduce fatalities further, [the United States Department of Transportation] is working closely to partner with the law enforcement community to enhance traffic enforcement on our roads, including speeding, impairment, distraction and lack of seatbelt use.' Search for missing Connecticut man aims to bring 'closure,' WMass sheriff says Casino workers rescue dog tied to train tracks in Everett Beloved New England chain restaurant unveils first-ever fast-casual concept 250 years in the making: USPS stamps honor America's military branches Inside the Springfield Creative City Collective's joy mission 12aa
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Ford Announces Major Vehicle Recall of 148,000 Trucks & SUVs
Ford Motor Company has announced a massive recall of more than 148,000 trucks and SUVs. According to Automotive News, the two recalls encompass 148,266 vehicles and were announced by NHTSA on April 11, 2025. The largest recall affects 123,611 vehicles, according to the recall report. "In some of the affected vehicles, the brake master cylinder may allow brakefluid to leak from the brake master cylinder front wheel circuit into the brakebooster," the recall report says. "A substantial loss of brake fluid can reduce brake function to the front wheels. Reduced brake function in the front wheels can extend stopping distance, increasing the risk of a crash." Affected vehicles include 2017-2018 Ford F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator models with 3.5L EcoBoost engines, the recall report says. The remedy is listed as, "Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the brake master cylinder replaced. Inaddition, the brake booster will be replaced if the brake master cylinder is leaking. There will be no charge for this service." According to MLive, the second recall "involves 24,655 Ford Explorer SUVs from the 2025 model year. A problem with the powertrain control module (PCM) can cause it to reset while driving. If that happens, it can damage the vehicle's park system or cause an engine stall." According to NHTSA, in 2024, 1,073 safety recalls "affected more than 35 million vehicles and pieces of equipment, including tires and car seats. More than 29 million vehicles were recalled in 2024, highlighting the importance of checking for recalls and completing needed recall repairs." 'Checking for recalls on your vehicle could save your loved ones' lives or your own,' NHTSA Chief Counsel Peter Simshauser said in that news release. 'Spring is a great time to check for recalls. When you're doing your spring cleaning, don't forget to get all your open recalls fixed as quickly as possible.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
US traffic deaths fell 3.8% in 2024, lowest number since 2020
By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. traffic deaths fell 3.8% in 2024 to 39,345, the lowest number since 2020, but fatalities on American roads remained above pre-COVID levels, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Tuesday. Last year marks the first time since 2020 that annual deaths involving vehicles dropped below 40,000 but they are still drastically higher than the 36,355 killed in 2019, the agency said as it released preliminary data. Final 2023 figures showed the number of bicyclists killed increased 4.4% to 1,166, the most since at least 1980, the NHTSA said. The number injured rose 8.2% to nearly 50,000. "It's encouraging to see that traffic fatalities are continuing to fall from their COVID pandemic highs," NHTSA Chief Counsel Peter Simshauser said. "Total road fatalities, however, remain significantly higher than a decade ago, and America's traffic fatality rate remains high relative to many peer nations." In 2022, the number of pedestrians killed in the U.S. rose 0.7% to 7,522, the most since 1981. That number declined 3.7% in 2023 to 7,314, NHTSA said. The number of people injured in motor vehicle crashes rose 2.5% to nearly 2.2 million in 2023. U.S. traffic deaths jumped 10.8% in 2021 to 43,230, the most in a single year since 2005. The number of pedestrians and cyclists killed on American roads rose to the highest number in more than four decades. As U.S. roads became less crowded during the pandemic, some motorists perceived police as less likely to issue tickets, experts said, resulting in riskier driving. The 2024 fatality rate dropped to 1.20 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled — the lowest since 2019, but still above the 1.13 average rate in the seven years before COVID.
