Amazon’s Zoox robotaxi unit is ramping up automobile manufacturing at a brand new facility in Hayward, California.
Zoox
Amazon‘s Zoox has cleared a key regulatory hurdle, paving the way in which for demonstrations of its self-driving robotaxis.
The Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration said Wednesday that it granted Zoox an exemption from some necessities, a primary for U.S.-built automobiles underneath a lately expanded program.
“Transportation innovators could be assured in getting speedy evaluation of their automobiles and, as acceptable, exemption from Federal Motor Car Security Requirements,” NHTSA Chief Counsel Peter Simshauser stated in a launch.
The corporate should take away all current statements that its purpose-built automobiles meet all federal motorcar security requirements.
As a part of the announcement, NHTSA stated it is closing a probe opened in March 2023 into Zoox’s self-certification that its robotaxi met federal security requirements.
“By this new exemption course of, we’re excited to embark on this new path, put these discussions behind us, and transfer ahead,” Zoox stated in a press release.
The Division of Transportation in April introduced it might broaden a program that goals to hurry up the autonomous automobile exemption course of to incorporate domestically produced automobiles. Beforehand, it was restricted to imported AVs.
The easing of rules will profit Zoox and its rivals.
Tesla has introduced that it plans to supply a two-seater CyberCab with no steering wheel or pedals down the road.
The growth of the Automated Car Exemption Program may make it simpler for the corporate to conduct testing and function on public, U.S. roadways if Elon Musk‘s automaker can meet the company’s necessities.
Zoox, based 11 years in the past and bought by Amazon for $1.3 billion in 2020, has been gearing up for additional growth this yr.
The corporate in June opened a robotaxi manufacturing facility within the San Francisco Bay Space, the place it goals to finally produce 10,000 automobiles a yr as soon as it is at full scale.
Zoox wants extra of its toaster-shaped robotaxis to roll off the meeting line to meet its mission of deploying a business ride-hailing service within the U.S.
The corporate has eyed Las Vegas as its first business market, and stated it plans to start service there later this yr.
— CNBC’s Lora Kolodny contributed reporting to this text.