Tesla is back up, Mercedes tests robots, and new Chinese EVs: Auto news roundup
Automakers are taking stock and figuring out new ways for innovation and experimentation in a crowded market for electric vehicles. Plus, autoworkers across the planet are getting major raises. And despite Apple’s failed attempts at launching an EV, other smartphone makers haven’t given up.
Check out the slideshow above for those and more highlights from this week in autos news.
Mercedes wants humanoid robots to take over ‘physically demanding’ work
Mercedes-Benz is testing using humanlike robots to take over the physically demanding and “repetitive” responsibilities in one of its factories, as it faces difficulties finding “reliable workers.”
A Chinese tech giant’s first electric vehicle is coming — and Xiaomi says it’s faster than a Tesla
Xiaomi, the Chinese tech giant best known for its smartphones, sent its shares soaring after it announced a delivery date for its first-ever electric vehicle.
Toyota is giving Japanese factory workers their biggest pay raise in decades
Toyota Motor agreed to give factory workers in Japan their biggest pay raises in 25 years as inflation remains at historically high levels.
Honda and Nissan might team up against Tesla and other EV rivals
Nissan Motor and Honda Motor are exploring a strategic partnership to work on electric vehicles as the Japanese automakers face increasingly tough EV competition in China and the U.S.
Google’s Waymo robotaxi service is expanding as its rival tries to stage a comeback
Waymo, the self-driving car service owned and operated by Google parent Alphabet, is moving up in the world.
The lights are back on at Tesla’s Gigafactory in Germany after an arson shut it down
Just shy of a week after an arson attack on a nearby electricity transmission tower cut off power and forced a factory shutdown, Tesla’s Gigafactory Berlin-Brandenburg has taken its first step to resume production.
Tesla’s Chinese rival backed by Warren Buffett is launching more cheap EVs
Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD announced its latest ultra-cheap car as it continues accelerating a price war in its home country.
Tesla is a ‘growth company with no growth,’ analyst says as Elon Musk visits reopened factory in Germany
Tesla CEO Elon Musk made a pit stop in Gruenheide, Germany, to visit the electric vehicle maker’s factory that had been forced to temporarily shut down after an arson attack.