According to Sawyer Merritt, Ford has announced plans to introduce eyes-off driving technology on a $30,000 all-electric vehicle by 2028, leveraging an advanced array of sensors and proprietary in-house AI software to reduce costs compared to competitors. The first application of this autonomous driving system will debut on Ford's new Universal EV platform, starting with a midsize electric pickup truck in 2027. Ford emphasizes that the rollout will be strategically prioritized based on customer demand and product readiness, aiming to maximize business impact and customer value. This move signals Ford's commitment to democratizing AI-powered autonomous driving, opening significant opportunities for scalable, cost-efficient self-driving solutions in the mass market segment (Source: Sawyer Merritt on Twitter, Jan 8, 2026).

According to Sawyer Merritt on Twitter, Tesla's Cybercab was seen testing on public roads in Los Altos, California, marking its first public appearance near Tesla's Engineering HQ (source: Sawyer Merritt, Twitter). The presence of a human driver indicates the early phase of autonomous system validation. This real-world testing highlights Tesla's commitment to advancing AI-powered autonomous driving technology and positions the company to capitalize on the growing robo-taxi and autonomous vehicle market. The deployment of AI-driven vehicles like Cybercab could disrupt traditional ride-hailing services and create new business opportunities in mobility-as-a-service and smart transportation infrastructure.