Ford Changes EV Strategy, Waymo Increases Robotaxi Rides, Canoo Exits California

The Monterey Peninsula recently hosted a series of events, including parties, auctions, and car shows, that showcased a growing emphasis on electric vehicles (EVs) and technology. While the traditional aspects of the Monterey Car Week remain, the shift towards modern automotive innovations is becoming increasingly evident. This year’s events highlighted the intersection of classic car culture and the future of mobility. In a significant corporate shift, Canoo has announced plans to close its Los Angeles office, the company’s original headquarters since its inception in 2017. The new headquarters will be located in Justin, Texas, where Canoo has maintained a corporate presence since the leadership of CEO Tony Aquila. The company’s recent SEC filing revealed that it is offering relocation to approximately 137 of its 194 employees based in Torrance, with options to move to Texas or Oklahoma, where Canoo aims to establish a manufacturing facility. Canoo has faced challenges in achieving meaningful production volumes and has undergone multiple business model pivots under Aquila’s leadership. Meanwhile, the tech landscape continues to evolve, with startups like BeyondMath raising $8.5 million in seed funding to apply AI to physical simulations, indicating a robust interest in integrating technology with automotive advancements. In related news, Waymo has resolved operational issues with its vehicles, promising improvements in its services. As the automotive industry shifts towards electric and autonomous technologies, events like Monterey Car Week serve as a platform for showcasing these transformative changes.