This article breaks down the May 14 auto industry news, revealing why self-driving vehicle recalls like Waymo’s make headlines even when they’re smaller than conventional recalls, and what’s next for Nissan’s U.S. business strategy.
Waymo Recall Grabs Spotlight—Even at 1,200 Vehicles
On May 14, two recalls hit U.S. newswires: one from Ford Motor Co. involving 273,000 vehicles, and another from Waymo—Google’s autonomous vehicle spinoff—affecting just 1,200 robotaxis. Both recalls reported zero injuries. So why is Waymo’s much smaller issue leading the headlines?
The answer lies in the newness and public curiosity surrounding self-driving technology. Newsrooms are quick to seize on anything unusual, and a recall involving software for autonomous vehicles—even a minor one—carries major implications for the future of transportation. This particular recall, triggered by software updates to prevent collisions with stationary objects like gates and chains, highlights the scrutiny that self-driving cars face as they move toward broader adoption.
Public Scrutiny and Ongoing Investigations
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) underscored the stakes, noting that several Waymo incidents under investigation involved hitting objects that a “competent driver would be expected to avoid.” Although Waymo says its sixth-generation software has fixed the problem, the investigation is ongoing.
Waymo defended its record in a public statement: “Waymo provides more than 250,000 paid trips every week in some of the most challenging driving environments in the U.S. Our record of reducing injuries over tens of millions of fully autonomous miles driven shows our technology is making roads safer.”
Ford Recall: Large Numbers, Less Drama
Ford’s recall is bigger by a factor of over 200, but it covers a familiar ground: possible brake malfunctions in 2022-24 Ford Expeditions and Lincoln Navigators. There’s no new tech, no AI, and no robot drivers—just the kind of safety issue the industry has managed for decades. As a result, despite its wider impact, the story simply doesn’t generate the same headlines.
Nissan’s Next Moves: Leadership, Focus, and Tariffs
In other news, Nissan Motor Co. is drawing attention for its renewed push to stabilize its U.S. business. Christian Meunier, returning as chairman of Nissan Americas, plans to double down on successful models and cut programs that don’t deliver. He’s also setting stricter workplace rules, mandating four days per week in the office for employees.
Separately, Nissan is reportedly considering shifting production of the Sentra sedan from Mexico to the United States. The motivation? To avoid a steep 25% import tariff on one of its top-selling vehicles in the American market.
Key Takeaways from Today’s Auto News
- Self-driving car recalls, even small ones, attract outsized attention due to their novelty and perceived risk.
- Traditional recalls, like Ford’s, still matter but fade into the background unless tied to new technology or major incidents.
- Nissan’s leadership and production moves signal a tighter focus on profitability and adapting to U.S. trade realities.
For automakers, the message is clear: in the age of autonomous tech, even minor missteps become headline news—and legacy brands must adapt fast or risk getting lost in the shuffle.
