[240927] #Mobileye #Aurora #SOSLAB

1. Tesla Full Self-Driving Is Finally Coming To Europe And China In 2025

• Tesla plans to launch its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software in Europe and China by the first quarter of 2025, contingent on regulatory approval.
• The company had been preparing a team in China, aiming for regulatory approval by the end of 2024.
• Recent regulatory changes in Europe have made it easier for Tesla to introduce its advanced driver assistance systems without major modifications.
• Tesla is already testing FSD in Europe, including a demo for a Swedish Transport official on German roads.
• The company will also introduce Actually Smart Summon, Autopark, and FSD features for the Cybertruck, as well as in-cabin eye tracking even with sunglasses.
• Tesla’s announcement resulted in a 7% increase in its stock price, signaling positive investor sentiment.
• There is caution that Tesla’s timelines can be ambitious, and regulatory approval may delay the launch.

2. Mobileye drops lidar development, axes 100 jobs to save $60M

• Mobileye is shutting down its lidar sensor development division, with most of the 100 employees expected to be laid off.
• This decision is part of a cost-saving effort, as the division’s development costs were projected to reach $60 million, with no expected revenue.
• Mobileye has invested over $100 million in lidar development but currently uses sensors from Israeli company Innoviz, which may be more cost-effective to acquire than continuing internal development.
• As lidar prices drop and AI technology advances, questions arise about the necessity of lidar in autonomous vehicles.
• Mobileye will continue to develop imaging radar, a strategic priority, with production expected next year.
• This move follows earlier restructuring that led to 130 layoffs, reducing Mobileye’s workforce to 3,500 employees.
• Mobileye’s market value has fallen below $10 billion, with a 73% drop in share price this year, amid declining revenues and speculation that Intel may sell its 88% stake.

Mobileye ends its lidar sensor development, laying off employees, while focusing on more cost-effective imaging radar technology, as the company contends with a shrinking market value and declining revenues.

3. Aurora Innovation to Extend Self-Driving Truck Route from Fort Worth to Phoenix

• Aurora Innovation plans to extend its self-driving trucking route from Fort Worth, Texas, to Phoenix, with commercial trips starting in early 2025.
• Fully driverless operations are expected to begin later in 2025, covering the 1,000-mile route.
• Aurora has already logged nearly 2 million miles with its test routes and completed over 7,000 commercial truckloads.
• Phoenix has been a hub for autonomous truck testing, with companies like TuSimple and Knight-Swift also active in the region.
• Aurora announced the expansion during its Partner Summit, which was attended by over 20 commercial partners including PACCAR, FedEx, and Toyota.
• The “Partner Success Program” allows customer executives and drivers to experience the technology firsthand to build trust and ensure safe deployment.
• Communities along the route, including law enforcement and first responders, will need to prepare for the changes in highway logistics.

4. S.O.S Lab’s LiDAR Test for Korean Automaker’s ‘Mobile Robot Platform’ Making Steady Progress

5. Autonomous Shuttle Maker Chooses Florida for First U.S. Plant

• HOLON, a subsidiary of BENTELER Group, is building its first U.S. autonomous vehicle manufacturing plant in Jacksonville, Florida, with a $100 million investment, expected to be completed by 2026.
• The plant will produce 5,000 fully-electric, autonomous movers annually and create up to 150 jobs by 2027.
• HOLON’s mover, designed for on-demand and scheduled transit, has a top speed of 37 mph and can carry up to 15 passengers.
• The facility is part of HOLON’s mission to deliver inclusive, emission-free transportation, complying with U.S. regulations like Buy America and FMVSS.
• Prototypes will be available in late 2024, with full deployment in pilot projects by 2026.
• Jacksonville’s leadership in autonomous transportation, supported by local government and economic initiatives, is further strengthened by HOLON’s investment.
• JAXUSA and local authorities support the plant, which complements Jacksonville’s ongoing autonomous vehicle projects, including the Jacksonville Transportation Authority’s (JTA) U2C program.
• HOLON will collaborate with Benteler Mobility and Beep, Inc. for vehicle implementation and operations in the U.S.