P&A Providers & Administrators
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

More Robotaxis on the Hot Seat

Amazon’s brand the subject of investigation after two wrecks involving motorcycles.

May 13, 2024
More Robotaxis on the Hot Seat

Studies show the public tends to be wary of driverless taxis and full vehicle automation technology in general.

Credit:

Zoox

1 min to read


Amazon’s Zoox is now the brand of self-driving taxis under the regulatory microscope.

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration is investigating two rear-end crashes that involved Zoox-equipped vehicles, both Toyota Highlanders with the brand’s automated driving system installed and engaged.

Ad Loading...

The U.S. transportation department agency said that in both incidents, the vehicles “unexpectedly braked suddenly,” resulting in a motorcycle behind them crashing into them and causing minor injuries. Both accidents happened during the daytime.

NHTSA is investigating the performance of the automated driving system installed on the vehicles involved in the accidents, along with how it operates in other similar rear-end collision situations and in crosswalks.

The accidents follow incidents involving General Motors’ Cruise taxis. NHTSA opened an investigation of that brand’s fleet in October to determine whether the taxis were “exercising appropriate caution around pedestrians in the roadway” after reports that some had “encroached” on pedestrians in or entering roads. The same month, California suspended Cruise’s deployment and permits in the state.

Studies show the public tends to be wary of driverless taxis and full vehicle automation technology in general, and a technology association recently cast doubt on the idea of such technology ever being widely used on American roads.

Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today

More Industry

Orange electric vehicle charging station.
Industry•by Lauren Lawrence•October 20, 2026

Charger Network Growth Slows

Despite a projected increase in public EV chargers in 2026, charging infrastructure remains a top concern for consumers as the gap between the most and least EV-friendly places remains substantial.

Read More →
Fan of $100 bills atop a white envelope
Industry•by Hannah Mitchell•October 13, 2026

Lenders, Consumers Take on More Auto Loan Risk

September records loosened credit access the most in over a decade as buyers took advantage of the conditions to afford trading, though loan applications fell.

Read More →
Red type R Honda civic parked on road.
Industry•by Lauren Lawrence•October 13, 2026

Next-Gen Hybrids in Sight

Dealerships can expect to see revamped hybrids from Honda next year as the company rolls out a new system and model lineup.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Dodge ram emblem on orange vehicle exterior
Industry•by Hannah Mitchell•October 6, 2026

Gem State Stores Change Hands

A larger auto group founded in the industry’s early years sold two franchises to a neighbor group that's on a growth spurt.

Read More →
Graphic of model car driving on fake road.
Industry•by Lauren Lawrence•October 6, 2026

Charging In Motion

Honda has been researching wireless in-motion charging for electric vehicles since 2025, and new technology developments have put it a step closer to a final product.

Read More →
front grill of a Ford truck with blue Ford emblem
Industry•by Lauren Lawrence•September 30, 2026

Twin Cities Stores Sell

Minnesota-based Walser Automotive Group made what it called the most significant acquisition in its history with a three-rooftop deal in Minneapolis.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Diesel engine on a production line in a factory
Industry•by Hannah Mitchell•September 29, 2026

U.S. Auto Sales Still Below Prepandemic Levels

Mobility Global industry observers don’t expect the market to return to the higher volumes that became routine before Covid but to stay well below its potential.

Read More →
Front of red tesla car.
Industry•by Lauren Lawrence•September 22, 2026

The Powertrain Shift

Electric-vehicle owners are backpedaling, according to new data, with product availability driving many to shift back to gas-powered engines.

Read More →
White BMW SUV driving on road.
Industry•by Hannah Mitchell•September 15, 2026

Achromatic Autos

The shades that dominate the U.S. car market don’t call attention to themselves, though grayscale may have plateaued after a 30-year upswing, research shows.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Line of eclipse SUVs in parking lot.
Industry•by Lauren Lawrence•September 15, 2026

Used-Vehicle Affordability Worsens

Listing prices in August defied seasonal trends, rising above $27,000 for the second time this year.

Read More →