Uber Scales Back Self-Driving Unit in Wake of Crash
*By Justin Chermol*
Uber is laying off more than 100 test drivers in its autonomous car division in Pittsburgh and San Francisco, replacing them with 55 highly-trained drivers known as "mission specialists".
It's an attempt by the ride-hailing company to prove it's serious about safety in its self-driving division after a fatal crash in Tempe, Ariz., last March.
But whether real progress has been made is another story.
"There's the public messaging and there is what is actually happening," said Mark Rechtin, Executive Editor at Motor Trend. "Uber is saying all the right things publicly, but the accident in Arizona has really set them back."
Uber initially suspended all testing of its autonomous driving program after a pedestrian was struck and killed on March 18, but restarted some tests earlier this month.
Former self-driving car operators are eligible to apply for the new roles, which must operate cars on both public roads and private tracks and are expected to give technical feedback to developers.
Rechtin is optimistic about the effort, but still raised concerns.
"We need to make sure whatever Uber does is something that is functional."
JB Mackenzie discusses Robinhood’s new entertainment prediction markets, letting users engage with pop culture, award shows, and more through low-stakes bets.
Rhett Power shares his startup journey, lessons from his early years and insights from his book on overcoming negative self-talk to lead with confidence.
Despite inflation, Americans aren’t giving up the gym. Crunch Fitness CEO Jim Rowley discusses strong growth, value-driven expansion and what the future holds.
Home prices far outpacing incomes, low inventory, and higher living costs are reshaping the market. WSJ’s Veronica Dagher breaks down the challenges ahead.
As commercial options tighten, more travelers are turning to private aviation. Wheels Up CEO George Mattson breaks down capacity and demand challenges.
Layoffs, hiring slowdowns, and shifting skill demands dominate this year’s job talk. LinkedIn’s Kory Kantenga explains what workers should watch for next.
Retailers face tariffs and cost challenges this holiday season. Wells Fargo's Lauren Murphy shares insights on pricing, promotions, and shopping trends.
