Tesla's Autopilot safety, Biden's EV tariffs, and BMW's labor problem: Autos news roundup
The United States’ tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles continue to be controversial. The measures, poised to quadruple rates on Chinese EV exports, are expected to come into effect in August. But millennials, hungry for cheaper cars, are still anticipating and ready to buy Chinese brand vehicles. Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares has also expressed dissatisfaction with the tariffs, calling them a “major trap” that could fuel inflation.
Meanwhile, BMW is dealing with supply chain issues after the U.S. Senate found that thousands of Mini cars sent to the country may have components made with forced labor in China. Jaguar Land Rover and Volkswagen had also used parts from the same supplier.
The United Kingdom may have self-driving cars coming to its roads in just a few years after the government passed a new law this week. Back in the U.S., Tesla — fighting off shareholder attacks on Elon Musk’s $46 billion pay package — released new data showing off the safety of its Autopilot technology, although it may not be as clear-cut as Tesla says.
The U.S. National Highway Transportation Safety Administration has also closed a probe into Tesla’s seat belt issues, which led to a recall of more than 15,000 EVs in 2023. And Lamborghini on Wednesday recalled more than 2,100 of its best-selling Urus line over hoods that may fly open.
Millennials are ready to go all in on Chinese cars, despite privacy concerns.
Despite the White House and Congress’ best efforts, younger Americans are ready and willing to buy Chinese cars. Well, as soon as they’re up for sale in the United States.
Tesla’s new data on Autopilot safety doesn’t tell the full story
For the first time in more than a year, Tesla has released new data presenting how its controversial Autopilot driver assistance technology keeps its customers safe.
BMW sold thousands of cars in the U.S. made with Chinese forced labor, Senate report says
German auto giant BMW sold at least 8,000 MINI Cooper vehicles containing parts made by a banned Chinese supplier, according to a new report from the United States Senate.
Self-driving cars may hit roads in the U.K. by 2026
The streets of the United Kingdom could become flooded with self-driving cars as soon as 2026 after new legislation became official this week. Gavin
Lamborghini is recalling thousands of $200,000 SUVs
Luxury supercar maker Lamborghini is recalling thousands of its pricey SUVs in the United States, thanks to hoods that may swing open at high speeds.
The United States’ quadrupled tariffs on Chinese EVs have gotten a summer start date
A portion of the United States’s tariffs on a range of Chinese exports, including electric vehicles, are set to take effect on August 1.
Stellantis CEO says tariffs on Chinese EVs are a ‘major trap’
Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares expects that Western tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles could fuel inflation and hurt sales across Europe, calling them a “major trap.”
An investigation into Tesla’s vehicles over seat belt issues has been closed
Federal auto safety regulators have closed a probe into more than 110,000 Tesla Model X vehicles after Elon Musk’s automaker issued appropriate fixes for faulty seat belts.
Elon Musk’s $46 billion Tesla pay package is being slammed by some shareholders
A group of Tesla shareholders is asking investors to vote down Elon Musk’s $46 billion pay package, which is driving tension between the automaker’s super fans and skeptics.