The move comes after the House of Representatives passed a bill on May 1 to revoke a key Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) waiver granted to California by the Biden administration in December. This waiver gave California the authority to require that at least 80 percent of new cars sold by 2035 be electric vehicles. Automakers have pressed lawmakers to act, arguing that the rules are unrealistic given the current market and infrastructure. California officials, however, argue that these regulations are critical to reducing pollution, and contend that the Congressional action is unlawful.

According to Thune, California’s size and influence – and the decision of other states to follow its lead – effectively turns the policy into a de facto national mandate. “Automakers around the country would be forced to close down a significant part of their traditional vehicle production with serious consequences,” Thune warned.

The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, representing major carmakers, has said that companies could be forced to reduce the number of vehicles they sell in order to meet the required proportion of electric vehicle sales. California’s regulations have been adopted by major states such as New York, Massachusetts, and Oregon, now covering nearly 40 percent of the U.S. car market. Some states, including Vermont and Maryland, have delayed their compliance due to feasibility concerns.

The House has also moved to reverse the EPA’s approval of California’s plans for zero-emission heavy-duty trucks, adding another layer to the legal and political battle.

Democrats have criticized the Senate’s actions, arguing that the waivers cannot legally be overturned by a simple majority under the Congressional Review Act. Both the Government Accountability Office and the Senate parliamentarian have stated that such a repeal is not allowed, making this vote historically rare and potentially controversial.

California’s clean car rules require that 35 percent of new light-duty vehicles sold in the 2026 model year be zero-emission, a target automakers say is impossible to reach under current market conditions, with EV sales still hovering at or below 10 percent in some states. By 2030, the target jumps to 68 percent.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Transportation is working to scale back aggressive fuel economy rules adopted during the Biden administration, arguing that the government overstepped its authority by considering electric vehicles in those regulations.

The coming Senate vote is poised to reignite the national debate about states’ rights, the feasibility of rapid EV adoption, and the best path forward for America’s auto industry.

The post Senate Set to Vote on Blocking California’s Ambitious 2035 EV Sales Ban first appeared on Car Zura – Latest Automotive News.

The recall targets 1,212 vehicles operating with Waymo’s older fifth-generation automated driving system (ADS) software. Waymo’s robotaxi fleet numbers over 1,500 vehicles across major U.S. cities, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Austin.

According to the company, there were 16 reported incidents involving collisions with chains, gates, or similar barriers between 2022 and late 2024. Fortunately, none of these incidents resulted in injuries. Waymo detailed the events in a report to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Last year, the NHTSA began investigating Waymo after receiving complaints that some of its self-driving vehicles had exhibited driving behavior that may have violated traffic safety laws. Investigators noted that some incidents involved collisions with clearly visible objects that a competent human driver would be expected to avoid. The probe is still ongoing.

Waymo says the issue has been resolved in its latest sixth-generation self-driving software, which was fully deployed across its fleet by the end of December. “Waymo provides more than 250,000 paid trips every week in some of the most challenging driving environments in the U.S.,” the company noted in a statement. “Our record of reducing injuries over tens of millions of fully autonomous miles driven shows our technology is making roads safer.”

This is not the first recall for Waymo. In February 2024, the company recalled 444 vehicles after two minor crashes in Arizona, caused by a software glitch that misjudged the movement of a towed vehicle. Waymo also recalled over 670 cars in June after a robotaxi hit a wooden utility pole in Phoenix.

The spotlight on self-driving safety extends beyond Waymo. Last week, Amazon’s Zoox unit agreed to recall 270 driverless vehicles following a crash involving an unoccupied robotaxi in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, rival GM’s Cruise division has faced major regulatory setbacks after a 2023 incident in which a pedestrian was seriously injured, prompting GM to cut funding and fold Cruise into broader operations.

Waymo’s latest recall underscores the intense scrutiny facing the self-driving vehicle industry, as companies work to balance innovation with the highest standards of safety and reliability.

The post Waymo Recalls Over 1,200 Self-Driving Cars to Address Safety Risks Linked to Software Glitch first appeared on Car Zura – Latest Automotive News.

This new recall follows another issued less than a month ago, which covered more than 123,000 2017–2018 Lincoln Navigators, Ford Expeditions, and F-150 trucks for a related problem.

According to NHTSA, affected vehicles may have a front brake line that comes into contact with the engine air cleaner outlet pipe. This contact could lead to a brake line leak, making it harder for the vehicle to stop and increasing the risk of an accident. The issue is believed to stem from a bend in the brake line that may have occurred during engine installation.

Ford began investigating after noticing a rise in brake system warranty claims for Lincoln Navigators in February. So far, the automaker is not aware of any crashes or injuries linked to the defect.

Owners of impacted vehicles are encouraged to bring their cars to a Ford or Lincoln dealer for inspection. Dealers will replace the brake line or the air cleaner outlet pipe as needed, and Ford has stated it will reimburse customers who have already paid for repairs related to this issue.

Dealers received official notification about the defect on May 14, while owners are set to be notified between May 26 and May 30. This latest recall comes shortly after NHTSA launched an investigation into nearly 1.3 million F-150 trucks following reports of unexpected gear downshifts.

The post Ford Recalls Over 273,000 SUVs Over Potential Brake Failure Risk first appeared on Car Zura – Latest Automotive News.

Today saw two notable recalls from the automotive industry in the United States: Google’s self-driving technology company Waymo issued a recall for 1,200 vehicles, while Ford Motor Company announced a recall of 273,000 SUVs. Both recalls reported no injuries, yet there’s little doubt about which will dominate the news cycle.

Waymo’s recall, though much smaller in scale, involves its self-driving vehicles and centers on a software update designed to prevent collisions with roadside barriers such as chains and gates. Ford’s recall, on the other hand, addresses a potential brake malfunction in its 2022–2024 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator models. Despite affecting far more vehicles, Ford’s recall is less likely to grab headlines.

This trend highlights how the news media prioritizes the new and the unusual. The emergence of self-driving technology makes Waymo’s software recall inherently more newsworthy, reflecting society’s curiosity and concern over the arrival of autonomous vehicles on public roads.

Waymo’s recall also underlines ongoing questions about public acceptance of self-driving cars. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is still investigating several incidents involving Waymo vehicles, some of which involved collisions with clearly visible objects. Waymo says the issue has been resolved with its latest sixth-generation automated driving software, which is now in use across its fleet.

“Waymo provides more than 250,000 paid trips every week in some of the most challenging driving environments in the U.S.,” the company stated, adding that its record shows a reduction in injuries over millions of autonomous miles.

Elsewhere in the industry, Nissan is making moves in North America. Christian Meunier’s return as chairman of the Americas comes with a promise to sharpen the company’s focus, increase efficiency, and reinforce strategies that work. One of the more noteworthy developments: Nissan is reportedly considering moving Sentra sedan production from Mexico to the United States, potentially avoiding a steep 25 percent import tariff on one of its top-selling models.

That’s a wrap for today’s highlights. Stay tuned for more developments shaping the future of mobility and the automotive industry.

The post Why Self-Driving Vehicle Recalls Grab Headlines Over Larger Traditional Recalls first appeared on Car Zura – Latest Automotive News.

If enacted, the legislation would eliminate the $7,500 tax credit for new EVs and the $4,000 credit for used EVs by December 31, except for automakers that have not yet reached the 200,000-vehicle sales cap for whom the credit would remain for one additional year.

Genevieve Cullen, president of the Electric Drive Transportation Association, sharply criticized the move, stating that slashing federal support for vehicle electrification would undermine America’s leadership in clean energy innovation and risk ceding a major competitive edge to China. She warned the changes would threaten U.S. manufacturing and thousands of American jobs.

Data from the U.S. Treasury shows that, in 2024 alone, more than $2 billion in point-of-sale EV rebates have been distributed to consumers.

While the proposal would keep a battery production tax credit for automakers and battery manufacturers, it introduces a new provision: beginning in 2027, EVs assembled with battery components made by certain Chinese companies, or under licensing agreements with Chinese firms, would be barred from receiving the credit. This could impact vehicles produced with Chinese battery technology licensed by American automakers such as Ford or Tesla.

Additionally, House Republicans are calling for the cancellation of a federal loan program supporting the manufacture of advanced technology vehicles. Any unused funding would be rescinded, and existing fuel economy and greenhouse gas emission regulations for 2027 and beyond would also be revoked. That portion of the legislation is set to be addressed by the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Some of the largest federal loans finalized during President Biden’s administration include $9.63 billion for a Ford and SK On joint venture to build three battery plants in Tennessee and Kentucky; $7.54 billion for Stellantis and Samsung to establish two battery factories in Indiana; and $6.57 billion to Rivian for its planned Georgia facility focused on manufacturing smaller, more affordable EVs starting in 2028.

The post House Republicans Move to Eliminate EV Tax Credits and Federal Loan Programs first appeared on Car Zura – Latest Automotive News.

NHTSA’s letter, made public on Monday, highlights an ongoing investigation into Tesla FSD-related collisions that have occurred during low-visibility conditions such as fog, rain, airborne dust, and sun glare. Regulators are seeking more information on Tesla’s approach to ensuring robotaxi safety under such circumstances, as well as specific details about the deployment plans and the underlying technology.

The agency wants Tesla to disclose:

• How many vehicles will be used as robotaxis in Austin
• The expected timeline for the rollout of robotaxi technology to drivers other than Tesla employees
• Whether Tesla will monitor or supervise robotaxi operations in real time
• What measures are in place if poor visibility is encountered during a ride
• Technical details about the robotaxi’s sensors and camera systems
• Whether Tesla’s technology complies with any industry standards for automated driving systems

This inquiry comes in the wake of several incidents involving Tesla’s FSD technology. NHTSA began investigating 2.4 million Tesla vehicles last October after four collisions were reported during periods of low visibility, including a fatal crash in Arizona in 2023. In December, Tesla recalled over 2 million vehicles to update its Autopilot system and add new safety features, but federal officials are still reviewing whether these changes are adequate.

There have been at least two fatal crashes involving Tesla’s FSD mode. The most recent occurred in April 2024, when a Model S operating in full self-driving mode struck and killed a motorcyclist in the Seattle area.

Tesla has not yet commented on NHTSA’s latest request for information. The agency continues to scrutinize how autonomous vehicle technology interacts with real-world road conditions, especially as more automakers prepare to launch similar services.

The post NHTSA Presses Tesla for Details on Robotaxi Launch Amid Safety Concerns first appeared on Car Zura – Latest Automotive News.

The root of this emerging issue lies in the Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) regulations, first introduced by the California Air Resources Board in 2022. These rules mandate a steadily increasing percentage of new vehicles sold in California must be zero-emission primarily electric vehicles (EVs) and, to a smaller extent, plug-in hybrids. The requirement starts at 35 percent for the 2026 model year, jumping by 8 percent each year until a full transition to 100 percent zero-emission sales by 2035. Starting this year, Oregon, Washington, New York, Vermont, and Massachusetts are also set to enforce the same rules.

The major challenge? Current EV sales are nowhere near meeting these targets, particularly in Eastern states. Automakers and dealerships are now facing the possibility of steep penalties $20,000 per noncompliant vehicle  and are urgently calling for a pause or reconsideration. Industry leaders are openly speculating about the drastic measures they may have to implement, including major changes to how vehicles are allocated nationwide, just to avoid these penalties.

While the ACC II crisis isn’t in the spotlight every day, it’s fast becoming the next major pain point looming over the auto retail landscape one that may soon overshadow even the most dramatic tariff stories in the news cycle.

The post ACC II Regulations Set to Create Next Crisis for Auto Retailers and Manufacturers first appeared on Car Zura – Latest Automotive News.

The Issue at Hand

According to the agency, NHTSA has received 138 consumer complaints alleging that vehicles equipped with six-speed automatic transmissions suddenly downshifted without warning in some cases, from high speeds to first gear — while traveling on highways. These abrupt shifts reportedly resulted in a rapid deceleration and, in several instances, a temporary rear-wheel lock-up.

Safety Risks and Consumer Reports

Owners who filed complaints described harrowing experiences, including skidding and sudden vehicle instability. One 2023 complaint from an Ohio driver described the transmission dropping from sixth to first gear while traveling at 70 mph an incident they said nearly sent them through the windshield. Other reports detail instances where the rear wheels seized or skidded, increasing the likelihood of losing control on the road.

While NHTSA confirmed no crashes or fires had been attributed to the issue so far, the potential for accidents remains a serious concern. The agency emphasized that temporary wheel lock-up and loss of traction could pose a major safety threat, particularly at high speeds.

Ford’s Response

A Ford spokesperson said the company is cooperating with NHTSA and confirmed that the issue involves F-150s equipped with six-speed transmissions. The automaker has previously recalled various model years for similar problems and is likely to face further scrutiny if this investigation leads to a broader recall.

A History of Downshifting Complaints

This is not the first time Ford has dealt with transmission-related issues in its best-selling F-150 line. Over the past several years, the company has launched multiple recalls due to uncommanded downshifting:

• 2016: Ford recalled 153,000 model-year 2011–2012 F-150 trucks due to unintended downshifts.
• 2019: The company expanded that recall to include 1.48 million trucks across North America, covering the 2013 model year.
• 2023: NHTSA opened an investigation into 2014 F-150s, eventually prompting Ford to recall 668,000 vehicles after reports of downshifts into first gear.
• Later in 2023: Ford recalled 107,000 2013 trucks, citing issues with the prior fix implemented during earlier recalls.

What Happens Next

The current inquiry is classified as a preliminary evaluation, the first step in NHTSA’s formal defect investigation process. The agency will review data and determine whether to escalate the investigation into an engineering analysis, a more intensive stage that often leads to recalls if a defect is confirmed.

Ford owners affected by this issue have also reported extended delays in securing replacement parts a compounding frustration that has raised questions about how the automaker is managing recall-related service logistics.

Regulatory Pressures Mount

This investigation follows increased regulatory pressure on Ford. In November 2023, the company agreed to pay a $165 million civil penalty for failing to recall vehicles with faulty rearview cameras in a timely manner a penalty that highlighted growing scrutiny of Ford’s safety oversight practices.

As NHTSA continues its evaluation, Ford F-150 owners from the affected model years are encouraged to report any similar transmission behavior and to stay informed through official NHTSA channels and Ford communications. If a recall is initiated, the automaker will be required to offer repairs at no cost to owners.

For now, this investigation signals another chapter in Ford’s ongoing efforts to address reliability concerns in its most popular vehicle line a truck that remains a cornerstone of the U.S. auto market, but not without its challenges.

The post NHTSA Investigates Nearly 1.3 Million Ford F-150 Trucks Over Sudden Downshifting Issue first appeared on Car Zura – Latest Automotive News.

Why the Recall Was Issued

The issue centers around how Zoox vehicles respond to nearby cyclists and motorcyclists in certain traffic scenarios. In its report, Zoox outlined two specific ADS behaviors that triggered the recall:

• If a cyclist is in or near an adjacent crosswalk and the Zoox vehicle encounters a newly green traffic signal, the ADS may respond too cautiously, applying hard braking even when unnecessary.
• If a motorcyclist or bicyclist is rapidly approaching the rear of the vehicle, the system might misinterpret the movement as an imminent collision and trigger abrupt deceleration.

Software Update Issued

To address these issues, Zoox has already deployed an over-the-air software update to all affected vehicles. According to the company, no further incidents have occurred since the update was implemented. However, the company proceeded with a formal recall “in light of NHTSA’s position and in the interest of promoting transparency.”

Safety Investigations and Industry Context

Zoox’s vehicles have been under federal scrutiny since May 2023, when NHTSA opened a separate probe into two rear-end collisions involving Zoox robotaxis that resulted in injuries to motorcyclists. That investigation remains ongoing.

Growing Pressure on AV Companies

The recall adds to a broader narrative of caution surrounding autonomous vehicle technology. Zoox, alongside competitors like Waymo and Cruise, is navigating heightened regulatory oversight. Public and government scrutiny intensified after a widely publicized 2023 incident in which a pedestrian was seriously injured by a driverless Cruise vehicle.

In that context, Waymo also recalled more than 670 autonomous vehicles last year after one of its cars hit a utility pole in Phoenix, Arizona. These events have highlighted both the technical challenges and the public safety implications of deploying self-driving cars at scale.

Zoox’s Expansion Efforts Continue

Despite the recall, Zoox remains committed to expanding its footprint in the robotaxi sector. In June 2023, the company announced plans to begin testing in two additional U.S. cities, building on existing operations in California. Zoox has also been testing a custom-built vehicle one without traditional steering wheels or pedals which it self-certified in 2022. That move is still under review by NHTSA as part of a separate investigation.

A Transparent Step Amid Tightened Oversight

Zoox’s decision to recall vehicles without waiting for further incidents reflects a proactive stance as regulators tighten their grip on the AV sector. By prioritizing software transparency and safety responsiveness, Zoox hopes to avoid the public fallout seen by other players in the space.

While the recall affects a relatively small number of vehicles, its significance lies in what it represents a company trying to get ahead of safety concerns before they evolve into larger setbacks. As Zoox moves forward, balancing innovation with accountability will be key to gaining public trust in a self-driving future.

The post Amazon’s Zoox Recalls 258 Robotaxis Over Sudden Braking Glitch first appeared on Car Zura – Latest Automotive News.

What Triggered the Recall

According to the recall report, stainless-steel trim panels affixed to the vehicle’s exterior may delaminate or detach due to adhesive that is vulnerable to environmental brittleness. Tesla said roughly 1 percent of Cybertrucks currently on the road could be affected, though any detachment presents a clear safety hazard by potentially creating road debris and increasing the risk of a collision.

Tesla’s Response

The company, which reported 151 warranty claims that may be related to this issue, plans to replace the faulty panels at no cost to owners. As of March 18, Tesla had not yet implemented a production fix, but it stated it expected to begin correcting the problem on or around March 21. The repairs will be carried out through its service centers.

A Pattern of Early Recalls

This marks the sixth recall for the Cybertruck in the U.S. since the vehicle’s official debut in November 2023. Among the earlier issues was a similar problem involving trim along the truck bed, which could also come loose during operation. The frequent recalls have raised questions about quality control in Tesla’s manufacturing process especially for a model marketed as a rugged alternative to traditional trucks.

Marketing vs. Reality

From the start, Elon Musk has positioned the Cybertruck as a revolutionary vehicle built to withstand abuse from bullets to sledgehammer strikes. But even during its initial unveiling in 2019, that tough image took a hit when Tesla’s chief designer famously shattered the “armored glass” windows during a live demonstration. Rather than shy away from the blunder, Tesla leaned into the moment with $55 window-shatter decals that quickly sold out.

However, recent reports suggest that durability concerns go far beyond marketing gimmicks. YouTube creator Cody Detwiler (WhistlinDiesel) published a viral video that showed the Cybertruck’s frame breaking during a head-to-head stress test against Ford’s best-selling F-150. Another video by Zack Nelson (JerryRigEverything) revealed the vehicle’s rear frame section buckling under pressure.

Safety Claims Under Scrutiny

Despite these public stress-test failures, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has defended the vehicle’s toughness. In February, Musk posted on X, calling the Cybertruck “apocalypse-level safe” after it received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. But safety ratings don’t account for long-term structural integrity or performance in extreme real-world conditions factors that matter deeply to pickup buyers expecting both strength and reliability.

A Growing Concern for Tesla

Tesla, which remains one of the most recalled automakers in the U.S., faces increasing scrutiny over product reliability, particularly as it expands into new vehicle categories. The Cybertruck, with its polarizing design and stainless-steel exoskeleton, was touted as a leap forward for electric utility vehicles. However, recurring quality issues may dampen its long-term prospects.

As the company navigates this latest recall and works to secure a production fix, Tesla also has to manage the growing public narrative — one in which the Cybertruck’s image as a resilient off-roader is being tested by a series of very visible failures.

For early adopters and Tesla enthusiasts, all eyes will be on whether the company can live up to its claims and deliver the long-term reliability expected of a pickup designed in Musk’s own words to endure the apocalypse.

The post Tesla Recalls Nearly 46,000 Cybertrucks Over Risk of Exterior Panels Detaching first appeared on Car Zura – Latest Automotive News.