NHTSA closes investigation into fatal Tesla Autopilot accident, says no defect to blame

Eliminating a potential obstacle to the development of self-driving technology such as developments from Apple's "Project Titan," the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Thursday that there was no evidence a fatal Tesla accident in May was caused by an autonomous driving system defect demanding a recall.

Roger Fingas 9 years ago 28

Apple SVP Lisa Jackson named as member of new US DOT automated vehicle committee

In an effort to unify and regulate the introduction of automated vehicles to U.S. highways, the Department of Transportation has established a new advisory committee to steer the future of the department, including Apple Vice President Lisa Jackson.

Mike Wuerthele 9 years ago 2

Tesla hires architect of Apple's Swift as VP of Autopilot Software

Shortly after it was revealed that Swift creator Chris Lattner is planning to leave Apple later in January, Tesla on Tuesday announced it has hired the expert away from Cupertino to serve as Vice President of Autopilot Software.

Mikey Campbell 9 years ago 70

Alphabet joins Apple in scaling back self-driving car plans, could launch ridehailing service by end of 2017 [u]

In a decision drawing parallels with Apple, Alphabet is reportedly ratcheting down its goals for self-driving cars, scrapping plans to build a vehicle without pedals or a steering wheel — at least for the foreseeable future. [Updated with Alphabet's Waymo spinoff announcement]

Roger Fingas 9 years ago 21

Apple files patent for autonomous vehicle collision avoidance system

In one of the first pieces of documentation proving Apple's investigation into autonomous vehicles, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Thursday published a patent application describing a basic collision avoidance system that could one day serve as the underpinnings of a self-driving car telemetry solution.

Mikey Campbell 9 years ago 13

Apple expresses interest in autonomous vehicle testing in letter to NHTSA

In perhaps the most public admission of its automotive ambitions, Apple in a statement issued to the NHTSA in November proposed a policy update that would grant industry newcomers the same opportunities as established manufacturers when it comes to testing on public roads.

Mikey Campbell 9 years ago 57

McLaren CEO admits to talks with Apple, but no bid was made

Officials from Apple met with premium automaker McLaren, but the discussions never went as far as a bid, the CEO of the sports car company has revealed in a new interview.

Neil Hughes 9 years ago 18

Three Apple PR specialists leave company for new jobs at Ford, Tesla

Amid rumors that Apple is reining in an ambitious automotive project from a full-fledged car to supporting software and hardware systems, three public relations team members, including a director of corporate communications, have left the company for carmakers Ford and Tesla.

Mikey Campbell 9 years ago 20

Apple testing AR-based car navigation and self-driving software with virtual reality rigs - report

A fresh report about Apple's automotive ambitions claims that the company is continuing its shift away from building a whole car, and is instead developing software for self-driving vehicles, with recent hires being funneled into the effort.

Mike Wuerthele 9 years ago 19

'Apple Car' project to choose new direction in late 2017 - report

Apple's "Project Titan" has indeed scaled back to focus on self-driving technology — specifically giving it the opportunity to either partner with existing automaker or return to developing its own car later on, a report said on Monday.

Roger Fingas 9 years ago 84

California approves limited testing of self-driving cars without steering wheels or backup drivers

Califonia Governor Jerry Brown on Thursday signed a bill allowing self-driving vehicles to be tested in the state without manual controls or human backup drivers, in a move that could aid Apple's own efforts in the field.

Roger Fingas 9 years ago 47

Apple allegedly in talks to buy self-balancing motorcycle outfit Lit Motors

Amid quashed rumors about a McLaren deal, Apple is also reportedly considering a takeover of Lit Motors, a startup with a self-balancing, all-electric motorcycle.

Roger Fingas 9 years ago 51

McLaren Automotive denies reports of Apple buyout talks

After rumors swirled of a potential Apple buy of boutique sports car vendor McLaren Automotive, the car manufacturer has denied that it is having investment talks with Apple at this time.

Mike Wuerthele 9 years ago 29

Apple reportedly in discussions to buy sports car manufacturer McLaren

Reports are circulating that Apple is in the midst of conversations to buy some aspects of the McLaren Technology Group, specifically, the division that is known for hand-crafted luxury high-performance sports cars to supplement the Apple Car project.

Mike Wuerthele 9 years ago 97

'About a dozen' Magna engineers working on Apple's electric car, 'Project Titan' - report

Despite "Project Titan" shifting gears under new head Bob Mansfield, contract manufacturer Magna Steyr still reportedly has roughly a dozen engineers working on a car at Apple facilities in Sunnyvale, Calif.

Roger Fingas 9 years ago 31

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