Tesla to Launch Robotaxi Service; Toyota's $33B Supplier Buyout Bid
Key Takeaways
- Tesla will launch its robotaxi service in Austin in June 2025 using Model Y vehicles.
- Toyota bids $33B to take a key group supplier private on June 3, 2025.
- Ford recalls over 40,000 Lightning pickups in the U.S. and Canada.
- LeddarTech is laying off 95% of its staff due to a cash crunch.
- Toyota, Ford, Hyundai saw U.S. sales gains in May, driven by SUV and truck demand.
Top Stories
Tesla to launch robotaxi service in Austin this June
Tesla is preparing to launch its high-risk robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, in June 2025, using Model Y vehicles. This initiative aims to compete with Waymo and is closely watched by both supporters and critics.
Toyota bids $33B to take supplier private
Toyota and Akio Toyoda have made a $33 billion bid to take a key group supplier private, as reported on June 3, 2025.
Ford recalls 40,000 Lightning pickups
Ford is recalling more than 40,000 Lightning electric pickups in the U.S. and Canada due to the risk of a detached control arm.
LeddarTech lays off 95% of staff
LeddarTech is laying off 95% of its staff amid a cash crunch, according to a report published on 2025-06-03.
Toyota, Ford, Hyundai see U.S. sales gains
Recent reports indicate that Toyota, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, and Kia have experienced increased U.S. sales gains in May, driven by strong SUV and truck demand, while Subaru's sales streak has ended.
Autonomous Drive Updates
Aurora brings back human backups to self-driving trucks
Aurora is bringing back human backups to self-driving trucks after a spat with Paccar, as reported on 2025-06-03.
Waymo leads autonomy race, Tesla could close gap
Waymo leads the autonomy race, but Tesla could quickly close the gap in the competition of ‘heavyweights’, according to a report published on 2025-06-03.
Tesla Cybercab production expected in 2026
Tesla anticipates its dedicated robotaxi, named Cybercab, will begin production in 2026, as reported on 2025-06-03.
Car News Today
Kia India workers investigated for engine theft
Published on 2025-06-03, police investigation documents revealed that two former Kia India workers are under investigation for allegedly colluding with scrap dealers to steal 1,008 engines from the carmaker's factory over three years.
Grand Prix to remain in Detroit through 2028
The Grand Prix will remain in downtown Detroit through at least 2028, starting January 1, 2028.
Volvo CEO nearing confirmation of U.S. production for XC60
Cadillac Celestiq pioneered advanced manufacturing techniques
Cadillac’s advanced manufacturing techniques were pioneered on the $360,000 Celestiq, according to a report published on 2025-06-03.
Honda sponsors Team USA, 2028 Los Angeles Games
Charging Infrastructure
Ionity starts Europe-wide rollout of 600 kW EV chargers
EV Revolution
AAA: EV interest lowest since 2019
According to an AAA survey, interest in EVs is at its lowest level since 2019.
Tesla Model 3/Y in China's rural EV sales boost
Tesla's Model 3 and Model Y are on the list of China's campaign to boost rural EV sales, according to a report published on 2025-06-03.
DHL, Daimler Truck, hylane agree to electric truck rental
DHL, Daimler Truck, and hylane agreed to an electric truck rental deal, according to a report published on 2025-06-03.
EV battery energy storage system launched at Rome airport
An energy storage system based on EV batteries was launched at Rome's airport, according to a report published on 2025-06-03.
LG Energy's Bob Lee navigates battery industry's future
LG Energy’s Bob Lee navigates toward a sustainable future for the battery industry, according to a report published on 2025-06-03.
Market Watch
China car dealers urge automakers to stop dumping inventory
According to a report published on 2025-06-03, China car dealers are urging automakers to stop dumping inventory on them.
Driver-assist tech linked to higher insurance costs
A report notes that driver-assist technology has a surprise side effect: higher insurance and repair costs.
Goldman Sachs: Specialized vehicles could cost $50,000 by 2030
Pony AI vehicles could cost $28,000 by 2028
Reported on 2025-06-04, analysts at Huatai foresee Guangzhou-headquartered Pony AI’s vehicles costing around $28,000 by 2028.
Analysts forecast Pony AI net profit by 2029
Published on 2025-06-04, analysts polled by LSEG forecast a net profit for Pony AI by 2029.
WeRide may reach net profit by 2027
Reported on 2025-06-04, Compatriot WeRide, which also operates other, simpler kinds of autonomous services like street-sweeping, may get to net profit by 2027, per the estimates.
Production & Labor
VW Wolfsburg plant may move to four-day week
VW's Wolfsburg plant may move to a four-day week from 2027, the works council said on 2025-06-03.
Tech in Motion
Stellantis' in-car software deal with Amazon terminated
Toyota joins humanoid robot worker development race
Toyota is joining the race to develop humanoid robot workers, with a stated intention to augment, not replace, human employees, as reported on June 3, 2025.