Key TakeawaysGlobal equity markets are on edge as investors await a response from Tehran regarding a 15-point U.S. ceasefire proposal aimed at ending the month-long conflict in the Middle East.South Korea’s Finance Ministry announced an emergency 5 trillion won ($3.6 billion) government bond buyback to stabilize markets ahead of the country’s official entry into the World Government Bond Index (WGBI).Hong Kong is weighing "Big Bang" tax cuts for asset managers, potentially allowing performance fees (carried ...

Group 1 - Tesla expects a decision from the Dutch vehicle authority RDW on the approval of Full Self-Driving technology by April 10 [1] - The RDW indicated in November that it would approve the technology once its safety has been convincingly demonstrated [2] - Tesla Europe anticipates a possible EU-wide approval during the summer [2]

Early on March 20, HSBC ramped up its long-standing hawkishness regarding Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) stock as it forecasted a 68% downside for the electric vehicle (EV) maker’s equity.Specifically, along with confirming the previous ‘Sell’ rating, the firm lowered the 12-month TSLA share forecast from $133 to $119, signalling it estimates the car company’s sales woes are likely to only get worse and that ‘FSD’ is unlikely to provide deliverance.Tesla stock is 15.85% down in 2026 and is, at press time on March 20, ...

The editorial image shows the interior of the new Tesla Model 3 with Full Self-Driving activated.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has escalated an investigation into Tesla's "Full Self-Driving" systems, according to filings on the agency website out Thursday.The probe into Tesla's FSD is looking into possible safety defects that make it risky for drivers to use in fog, glaring sun or other "reduced roadway visibility conditions."The investigation, which started last year, involves 3.2 mill ...

A $1 million lawsuit filed by a woman in Texas has questioned Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk's appointment and retention by the automaker. Cybertruck On Autopilot Attempts To Drive Off Overpass On Wednesday, Electrek accessed court filings that showcased Justine Saint Amour, a Texas-based Tesla owner who bought a used Cybertruck with the Full Self-Driving (FSD) package from a Florida dealership last year, alleging that her vehicle on Autopilot attempted to drive off an overpass in Houston before she disengaged ...

Core Insights - Waymo is facing increasing scrutiny due to a series of safety incidents involving its self-driving vehicles, including illegal maneuvers around stopped school buses and a viral video incident involving an ambulance [1][2][5] Group 1: Safety Incidents - The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating Waymo for incidents where its vehicles illegally passed stopped school buses, with over 24 reported occurrences in Austin [3][4] - A specific incident on January 12 was captured on video, showing a Waymo vehicle passing a stopped school bus with apparent approval from a human agent [3][4] - Austin Independent School District (ISD) has requested Waymo to halt operations near school areas during active bus loading and unloading times due to these incidents [4] Group 2: Public Criticism and Response - A viral video highlighted a Waymo vehicle blocking an ambulance responding to a mass shooting in Austin, raising concerns about the limitations of the self-driving technology [2][5] - In response to criticism, Waymo announced plans to update its robotaxi software to improve performance during power outages and enhance decision-making in critical situations [2]

Group 1 - The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating incidents involving Waymo self-driving vehicles illegally passing stopped school buses in Texas, which violates state law [1] - In December, Waymo recalled its self-driving vehicles after reports indicated they had illegally passed school buses at least 19 times since the beginning of the school year [1] - A new incident occurred on January 12 in Austin, Texas, while a school bus was loading passengers, and another incident on January 14 involved a Waymo vehicle and a special-needs school bus [1] Group 2 - Anduril Industries is planning to raise approximately $4 billion from venture capital firms Thrive Capital and Andreessen Horowitz, which could potentially double its valuation [1]

Core Viewpoint - Rivian shares are currently undervalued compared to other electric vehicle (EV) stocks, trading at a price-to-sales ratio of 2.9, significantly lower than Tesla's 15.8 and Lucid's 3.3, but this valuation gap is justified due to Rivian's stagnating growth and financial limitations [1][2][5]. Valuation Comparison - Rivian's current market capitalization is $19 billion, with a day's price range of $14.92 to $15.54 and a 52-week range of $10.36 to $22.69 [2]. - Rivian's gross margin is reported at -276.59%, indicating financial challenges [2]. - The valuation gap between Rivian and Tesla is substantial, and while relative valuation techniques are useful, they should be interpreted cautiously [2][4]. Growth Potential - Rivian's growth has stagnated, with previous high valuations (above a price-to-sales ratio of 8) corresponding to annual sales growth rates of over 50%, which have since flatlined [7]. - Analysts expect Rivian's sales growth to be conservative at 6% in 2026, despite the anticipated release of its first mass-market vehicle, the R2, which is expected to drive significant growth [10]. - The R2, along with two other models priced under $50,000, is projected to be released in 2026 and 2027, potentially leading to a surge in growth similar to Tesla's experience with its affordable models [9][10]. Competitive Landscape - Tesla maintains a significant advantage in capital and manufacturing capabilities, allowing it to invest heavily in growth opportunities, including autonomous and AI technologies [3][4]. - Rivian's efforts in self-driving technology and AI are promising, but it lacks the financial resources to compete with Tesla and major tech firms like Alphabet [4].

Core Viewpoint - Tesla is suing California's DMV to overturn a ruling that found the company guilty of false advertising regarding its self-driving capabilities [1][2]. Group 1: Legal Actions and Allegations - The lawsuit follows a determination by California's Office of Administrative Hearings that Tesla engaged in false advertising, which could lead to a temporary suspension of its licenses to manufacture or sell cars in the state [1]. - Tesla's complaint alleges that the DMV wrongfully labeled the company as a "false advertiser" for its use of terms like Autopilot and Full Self-Driving [2]. - The DMV requested Tesla to amend its marketing language, which Tesla complied with by February 17, avoiding immediate license suspension [2]. Group 2: Product Descriptions and Marketing - Tesla now markets its partially automated driver assistance system as "Full Self-Driving (Supervised)" and offers it on a subscription basis, contrasting with previous packages that included various tiers sold for a single upfront fee [3]. - The company has historically presented its systems as capable of operating without an attentive driver, despite owner manuals advising against such use [6]. Group 3: Future Prospects and Testing - Tesla's future success is heavily reliant on its ability to deliver safe driverless systems, with ongoing tests of automated vehicles in its Robotaxi pilot in Austin, Texas [5]. - The company recently announced the production of its Cybercab, a two-seater designed without a steering wheel or pedals, indicating a shift towards fully autonomous vehicles [5]. Group 4: Customer Reactions and Legal Challenges - A separate class action lawsuit is underway, where customers who purchased Full Self-Driving capabilities are seeking refunds, claiming they were misled about the vehicles' capabilities [8]. - Tesla was found partly liable for a fatal collision involving its Autopilot system, resulting in a $243 million verdict against the company [9].

Core Viewpoint - Tesla Inc. has avoided a suspension of its manufacturing and sales license in California by dropping the term "Autopilot" from its marketing, complying with the California DMV's consumer protection laws [1][2][3]. Group 1: Regulatory Actions - The California DMV confirmed that Tesla's decision to remove the "Autopilot" term allowed the company to avoid a 30-day suspension of its dealer and manufacturer licenses [2]. - The DMV had previously filed a lawsuit against Tesla, seeking a suspension due to allegations of misleading consumers about the capabilities of its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving systems [4][5]. - The DMV's inquiry in 2022 focused on Tesla's potential creation of incorrect perceptions regarding its driving systems, leading to a court ruling in favor of the DMV, which allowed Tesla 90 days to make necessary changes [5]. Group 2: Safety Concerns - Tesla has faced scrutiny following reports of additional crashes involving its Robotaxis, with 14 incidents reported to date, raising concerns about the Full Self-Driving (FSD) system [7]. - A Tesla owner reported multiple instances of the FSD system driving onto a boat ramp, nearly leading to a crash into a lake, which has further fueled concerns about the system's reliability [8].