In autonomous and self-driving vehicle news are WeRide, VW, Innoviz, IAC, Plus, IVECO, DSV, and dm.
WeRide Rides Robotaxis in Abu Dhabi
WeRide (NASDAQ: WRD), a global leader in autonomous driving, has launched fully driverless Robotaxi trial operations in Abu Dhabi—the first of its kind in the Middle East. Starting this quarter, Robotaxis will operate on public roads without safety drivers. The service is expanding to include Al Maryah and Al Reem Islands, adding to existing routes in Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, and Zayed International Airport. WeRide, which holds the UAE’s only national autonomous vehicle license, is positioning the UAE as a key market in its global expansion. Commercial rides and new service areas are expected to roll out in summer 2025, pending regulatory approval.
Innoviz LiDAR in Volkswagen ID. Buzz AD Autonomous Shuttles
Innoviz Technologies has expanded its collaboration with Volkswagen Autonomous Mobility to integrate its InnovizTwo LiDAR sensors into the ID. Buzz AD, VW’s Level 4 autonomous shuttle. Each vehicle will feature nine LiDAR units, providing 360° sensing for safer navigation in complex urban environments. This move supports MOIA’s plans to deploy autonomous shuttles in European and U.S. cities starting in 2026. Backed by a new production partnership with Fabrinet, Innoviz is preparing for scaled manufacturing ahead of the shuttle’s 2025 production launch. The partnership highlights both companies’ commitment to accelerating safe autonomous vehicle adoption.
Perrone Robotics Launches Dedicated Transit Division
Perrone Robotics, a leader in autonomous vehicle technology, has launched a dedicated Transit Division to enhance service delivery to public and commercial passenger transit sectors. This new division will focus on deploying the company’s TONY Autonomous Vehicle (AV) and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Kits across diverse transit environments such as cities, campuses, airports, and resorts. The initiative aims to standardize scalable and reliable autonomous transit solutions.
Nick Pilipowskyj has been appointed VP & General Manager of the division, while Don Perrone will oversee operations. The move allows Perrone’s executive team to focus on innovation and emerging business opportunities, including generative AI and new platform features. This development marks a strategic milestone in Perrone Robotics’ commitment to advancing safe, efficient, and high-quality transit automation.
Autonomous Ride-Hailing Expansion Raises Public Safety Concerns
Attorney and traffic safety expert Amy Witherite is sounding the alarm over a recent report from San Francisco public safety officials warning that autonomous ride-hailing vehicles—like those from Waymo and Cruise—pose serious hazards to emergency operations and public safety. The report cites hundreds of incidents, including blocked fire stations and disrupted emergency responses, as well as a lack of industry standards requiring unique training for each vehicle type. With Waymo and Uber set to bring these autonomous vehicles to Atlanta this summer, Witherite urges cities and states to set strict regulations before tragedy strikes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is also investigating Waymo over multiple collision reports and erratic AV behavior.
Indy Autonomous Challenge AI-Driven Race at Laguna Seca
The Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC) will kick off the Grand Prix of Monterey with a groundbreaking autonomous race at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca on Thursday, July 24, 2025. The event will feature time trials by the world’s fastest self-driving racecars, piloted by artificial intelligence software developed by university teams from North America, Europe, and Asia.
Marking its second road course competition—the first being at Monza in 2023—the IAC will test AI systems on one of America’s most technically demanding tracks, including the iconic Corkscrew turn. The event runs alongside the NTT INDYCAR SERIES weekend, underscoring the growing convergence of motorsports and advanced autonomous technology.
An invitation-only AI & Automation Summit will be held earlier that day at the racetrack, bringing together global experts, innovators, and policymakers to discuss the real-world applications of AI and robotics, especially in autonomous mobility.
Eight university teams will compete at Laguna Seca, including entries from UC Berkeley, Auburn, Caltech, Virginia, Indiana University, KAIST, PoliMOVE-MSU, and Purdue. Two additional teams—TUM Autonomous Motorsport and UNIMORE Racing—will participate in a separate exhibition race at the Monza F1 Circuit during Italy’s Milan Monza Motor Show in June.
The IAC event at Laguna Seca aims to showcase the forefront of AI racing technology just miles from Silicon Valley, making it a high-profile opportunity for industry, academia, and government stakeholders interested in the future of autonomy.
Plus, IVECO, DSV, and dm Semi-Autonomous Trucks in Germany
Autonomous trucking company Plus has successfully completed real-world testing of its semi-autonomous truck technology in Germany, in collaboration with IVECO, DSV, and dm-drogerie markt. The multi-month project demonstrated the safety, efficiency, and fuel-saving benefits of Plus’ AI-powered driver assistance system in public road conditions between Krefeld and Hennef.
The tests validated improvements in highway driving behaviors such as lane keeping, lane changes, and adaptive driving, while also achieving an estimated 10% reduction in fuel consumption. The project focused on depot-to-depot logistics and highlighted how automation can address Europe’s growing truck driver shortage by enhancing the driver’s role rather than replacing it.
The IVECO S-Way truck, equipped with Plus’ advanced autonomous software and a full sensor suite, offers 360-degree visibility and advanced monitoring, paving the way for the commercial rollout of factory-built self-driving trucks—expected in the U.S. by 2027, with Europe to follow. The initiative is part of a broader push toward sustainable, efficient, and human-centric logistics innovation.