
Musk says robotaxi to launch in Austin, Texas on Sunday afternoon
June 22 (Reuters) - Tesla (TSLA.O), opens new tab has started testing robotaxis with passengers in Austin, Texas, CEO Elon Musk said on Sunday, with customers paying a flat fee of $4.20, as the electric vehicle maker looks to roll out the much-anticipated service and gain a foothold in the self-driving technology race.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Independent
an hour ago
- The Independent
Oil rises and US stock futures slide as markets react to US strike on Iran nuclear sites
The price of oil rose and U.S. stock futures fell as global markets react to the U.S. strike against nuclear targets in Iran. The price of Brent crude oil, the international standard, rose 3.9% to $80 a barrel. U.S. crude rose 4.3% to $77 a barrel. Futures for the S&P 500 fell 0.6%. Treasury yields fell slightly. On Saturday, U.S. forces attacked three Iranian nuclear and military sites, further increasing the stakes in the war between Israel and Iran. The conflict has sent oil prices yo-yoing over the last week, which has in turn caused see-saw moves for the U.S. stock market, because of rising and ebbing fears that the war could disrupt the global flow of crude. Iran is a major producer of oil and also sits on the narrow Strait of Hormuz, through which much of the world's crude passes.


Reuters
2 hours ago
- Reuters
How Tesla's robotaxi efforts stack up against Waymo and Zoox
June 22 (Reuters) - Electric car maker Tesla (TSLA.O), opens new tab started a trial of its long-awaited robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, on Sunday, the first step toward what could be a showdown with Alphabet's (GOOGL.O), opens new tab Waymo, the only player currently offering fully autonomous paid rides in the United States. Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk has started off with about 10 Model Ys and promised to focus on safety. He says Tesla could scale quickly, and he plans a separate robotaxi vehicle. Social media influencers were seen booking and taking rides in the robotaxis in several Austin locations on Sunday, according to videos reposted by Musk. Here is how Tesla's cybercab efforts compare with those of Waymo and (AMZN.O), opens new tab Zoox, which is preparing its own commercial launch: LOCATIONS VEHICLE DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY


Auto Blog
2 hours ago
- Auto Blog
7 Cars and SUVs with the Most 2nd Row Legroom
Although we prefer to drive, these back seats beckon We expect most decent-sized vehicles to have good room for the driver and front passenger, but for anyone who's ever been stuck in the backseat of a cramped car, that's not always the case. To make things worse, if the two in front are tall, they might have to slide their seats all the way back, further compromising matters. Whether it's for long road trips, daily commutes, or simply maximizing passenger comfort, generous legroom in the backseat can make all the difference between relaxation and crabbiness. Automakers are increasingly prioritizing spaciousness, and 2025 brings a solid lineup of vehicles that cater to those who want to kick back. Here's a look at seven mainstream 2025 models that stand out for their second-row legroom, spanning sedans, SUVs, and electric vehicles. 2025 Land Rover Range Rover LWB 2025 Land Rover Range Rover LWB 2nd Row Legroom: 48 inches There isn't a vehicle in this set that comes close to the 2nd row legroom space that the current Range Rover provides. Four feet of legroom equates to a true first-class experience for rear passengers. The second row in the Range Rover LWB isn't just spacious—it's customizable. Power-adjustable, heated, ventilated, and massaging rear seats are available, along with individual entertainment tablets, swivel tables, legrests, and a truly serene cabin ambiance. If you're looking for a luxurious and ruggedly capable SUV that pampers every occupant, the Range Rover LWB is a standout. 2025 Audi A8 2025 Audi A8 — Source: Audi 2nd Row Legroom: 44.3 One of the most capacious back seats doesn't belong to an SUV but to a premium sedan. The Audi A8 L offers an executive jet-sized 44.3 inches of rear legroom. While the A8 might not be the most prominent German luxury sedan, it does have the biggest back seat. This makes it a standout in the luxury sedan segment for passenger comfort, surpassing competitors like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series. The A8 L's extended wheelbase significantly contributes to this spaciousness, but the A8 doesn't stop at spaciousness. The second row seats can be outfitted with power-adjustability, heated and ventilated cushions, massage functions, footrests, and even personal entertainment tablets for each occupant. 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2025 Mercedes-AMG S 63 E PERFORMANCE — Source: Mercedes-Benz 2nd Row Legroom: 43.8 inches The Mercedes-Benz S-Class offers an almost unreal 43.8 inches of rear legroom, so it's more than just a rolling tech suite with a humongous dash screen the size of a football field. The S-Class's extended wheelbase contributes to this spaciousness, providing ample room for rear passengers to stretch out. The S-Class is more than just numbers, though. Rear passengers can enjoy available features like massaging seats, heated armrests, and advanced climate control systems. For those who want a limousine-like experience, the S-Class delivers in spades. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. 2025 Lincoln Nautilus 2024 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label — Source: Lincoln 2nd Row Legroom: 43.1 inches The Lincoln Nautilus is a big boy of a luxury SUV, and its refresh bears noticeable changes for the three-row steed. Not only does the Navigator boast an absolutely ginormous 48-inch infotainment screen, but it also offers a tremendous back row with 43.1 inches of 2nd-row legroom. Optional 2nd-Row PowerFold Captain Chairs with Power Tailored Seats improve the experience with heat, ventilation, and massage. Passengers can also operate the 5.8-inch LCD touchscreen with multimedia controls and a wireless charging pad for adjustability to their hearts' desire. 2025 Kia EV9 2025 Kia EV9 — Source: Kia 2nd Row Legroom: 42.8 inches The 2025 Kia EV9 isn't just an ultra-modern-looking EV; it's a roomy family SUV that just happens to be powered by an electric powertrain. The 7-passenger EV9 offers an impressive 42.8 inches of legroom, ensuring that passengers in the rear can stretch out and relax on every trip and take a sweet nap while it's charging. The EV9 has a completely flat floor, enhancing the sense of spaciousness and providing a lounge-like feel. With its cutting-edge styling and exceptional second-row comfort, the EV9 is a perfect choice for families looking to go electric without sacrificing space. 2025 Jeep Grand Wagoneer 2025 Jeep Grand Wagoneer L — Source: Jeep 2nd Row Legroom: 42.7 inches The biggest member of the Jeep family is less about off-roading and more about comfortable family transportation. While both the standard and the long wheel base versions provide 42.7 inches of 2nd row legroom, no one will complain about a lack of space. You can choose between a bench or Captain's Chairs, both with enough space to stretch out over hours of comfy travel. Each one of the four trim levels can also be optioned with the Rear Seat Entertainment Group that includes twin 10.1-inch screens for optimal enjoyment. 2025 Kia Telluride / Hyundai Palisade 2025 Hyundai Palisade — Source: Hyundai 2nd Row Legroom: 42.4 inches The Telluride and its sibling, the 2025 Hyundai Palisade, both provide the same level of back seat legroom for those in row two. The aesthetic might differ, but the comfort level is the same. Each model caters to passengers seeking stretch-out space, but each has its own unique style inside and outside. The Telluride/Palisade's second-row legroom measures in at 42.4 inches, reinforcing its reputation as a family favorite. Their second-row amenities include available ventilated seats, USB ports, and a panoramic sunroof that adds to the feeling of openness. When the kids complain about the length of the road trip, just remind them how big it is back there. Final thoughts Nothing can ruin a good car or SUV like cramped rear quarters, but there are plenty of great solutions. These seven models aren't just big inside, but they're also well-appointed for top-level comfort. Automakers are making sure that rear-seat passengers ride in style, either with big bench seats or great Captain's Chairs. Whether you're carpooling, road-tripping, or simply chauffeuring friends and family, these vehicles will keep everyone comfortable in the back, no matter how long the journey. About the Author Amos Kwon View Profile