Autos

• Robotaxis in 2025: Waymo plots global expansion as Zoox, Tesla roll to the starting line - Robotaxis grew rapidly in 2025 with Waymo expanding fastest, Zoox debuting public rides and Tesla launching autonomous rides with human supervision.
• Tesla stock closes at 2025 high after Musk confirms driverless Robotaxi tests underway in Austin - Tesla CEO Elon Musk said in a social media post that his company is testing driverless cars in Austin without a safety driver in the vehicle.
• Rivian announces new AI tech, in-house chip and robotaxi ambitions - The company has also developed AI models to power its Autonomy+ subscription, which it intends to roll out early next year for $2,500 upfront or $49.99 a month.
• Rivian turns to AI, autonomy to woo investors as EV sales stall - Rivian is under pressure to deliver future growth potential for investors and expand its customer base amid slowing sales of electric vehicles.
• ICEBlock developer sues U.S. government after DOJ demanded Apple remove app from store - The developer of the ICEBlock app sued the U.S. government for alleged free speech infringements.
• Inside Europe’s biggest rare earths factory on Russia's doorstep - Developed by Canada's Neo Performance Materials, Europe's largest rare earths facility sits in Estonia's border city of Narva.
• Trump's South Korea tariff cuts are major boost for Hyundai and GM - The Trump administration said the tariff rate for vehicles from South Korea will drop to 15% as part of a trade deal.