L.A. Times - Auto Industry News

Elon Musk just showed off a flying car. Here's what to know about the Tesla Roadster

Caroline Petrow-Cohen — Sat, 17 Oct 2026 10:00:00 GMT

After years of delays, Elon Musk demonstrated the new Tesla Roadster in Texas on Thursday. Production won't actually begin until 2028.

Vincent Thomas Bridge to close for 16 months, raising fears of traffic and pollution

Caroline Petrow-Cohen — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The 63-year-old bridge connecting San Pedro to Terminal Island is undergoing construction to replace its aging deck.

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.

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.

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.

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.