L.A. Times - Auto Industry News

In reversal, California regulator says unmarried drivers should not pay more for auto insurance

Laurence Darmiento — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 20:34:53 GMT

California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, in a reversal, will no longer allow auto insurers to consider marital status in setting premiums, a policy that has resulted in unmarried drivers paying more.

Tesla's Cybercab launch triggers federal safety probe

Caroline Petrow-Cohen — Fri, 4 Sep 2026 15:55:04 GMT

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation into Elon Musk's Cybercab one day after its launch in Austin, Texas.

Bill that would have allowed insurers to track driving habits dies in California Legislature

Laurence Darmiento — Wed, 2 Sep 2026 20:41:19 GMT

A bill that would have allowed insurers to track driving habits in exchange for potentially lower auto premiums died in the California Legislature this week.

California regulators rushed their decision on driverless trucks, Teamsters' lawsuit says

Caroline Petrow-Cohen — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Teamsters California, a labor union with roughly 250,000 members, filed a lawsuit against the California Department of Motor Vehicles over autonomous trucking regulations.

Waymo wins approval for drastic expansion in Los Angeles, Bay Area regions

Caroline Petrow-Cohen — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 23:39:14 GMT

Waymo announced today it received approval from California regulators to expand its service area across 18 counties, including the cities of San Diego and Sacramento.

Zoox to begin paid rides following first-of-its-kind regulatory approval

Caroline Petrow-Cohen — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Amazon's robotaxi company Zoox will launch paid rides in Las Vegas on Monday after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration granted it a commercial exemption for purpose-built robotaxis.

If you don't hear the siren, police are sure you'll feel the Rumbler

Andrew J. Campa — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The Los Angeles Police department announced its intention to install the low-frequency Rumbler siren into 20 black-and-white vehicles before a larger expansion. The Rumbler interacts with a standard police siren and amplifies that sound through its speakers.

California's instant EV rebates are now available for these three brands

Caroline Petrow-Cohen — Fri, 7 Aug 2026 17:09:55 GMT

Nearly a year after the expiration of a $7,500 federal tax incentive for new electric vehicles, California is stepping in to try to motivate buyers to go electric.

L.A. gas prices are crazy again. Here's how to find the few pumps that are slightly more sane

Lily Wright — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 10:00:00 GMT

L.A. drivers are paying $7 for gas: How to find stations near $5

California hopes to lure a new generation to electric cars, with help from rebates, high gas prices

Karen Garcia — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 10:00:00 GMT

California is set to roll out its own instant rebate program to assist drivers in purchasing their first new or used EV.

Multiple people injured in collision involving Waymo near downtown L.A.

Blanca Begert, Caroline Petrow-Cohen — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 21:15:13 GMT

Waymo suggests its car is not at fault in the accident that was initially reported as an auto-pedestrian collision. LAPD said at noon Sunday that the police investigation was ongoing.

Want cheaper car insurance? You might get it under a bill that allows insurers to track your driving habits

Laurence Darmiento — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 10:00:00 GMT

A proposed state law would allow insurers to track the habits of California drivers to get the cheapest insurance.

Waymo is starting robotaxi service in San Diego

Caroline Petrow-Cohen — Thu, 9 Jul 2026 20:03:14 GMT

The autonomous ride hailing company Waymo is expanding its services to four new cities including San Diego.

Walmart's EV chargers are coming to California with discounts for members

Caroline Petrow-Cohen — Wed, 8 Jul 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The popular retailer Walmart announced plans in 2023 to build a network of electric vehicle chargers at thousands of stores across the country.

Waymo reports teen riders for bad behavior and delivers them to the police

Caroline Petrow-Cohen — Tue, 7 Jul 2026 20:13:19 GMT

Two 15-year-olds drinking alcohol and shooting toy guns in the back of a Waymo were caught by police after the vehicle contacted law enforcement.

California is bringing back EV rebates. This is how to get one

Caroline Petrow-Cohen — Fri, 3 Jul 2026 10:00:00 GMT

California is budgeting $135 million for new electric vehicle incentives, with special exceptions for California-based companies.

First recorded Tesla Semi crash kills two people in Nevada

Caroline Petrow-Cohen — Thu, 2 Jul 2026 21:04:37 GMT

An electric Tesla Semi struck two passenger vehicles outside of Reno on Sunday, leaving two dead and sending one to the hospital.