Tesla has taken one of its boldest steps yet toward a fully autonomous future, rolling out paid rides in its futuristic Cybercab robotaxi—a vehicle designed without a conventional steering wheel, pedals or mirrors.

But just as the golden, butterfly-door vehicle began attracting attention on the streets of Austin, Texas, a major regulatory question emerged.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said it had opened an audit involving around 1,000 Cybercab vehicles to examine how Tesla determined that the unconventional cars comply with federal vehicle-safety requirements.

The development puts Elon Musk and Tesla on a potentially difficult collision course with regulators—and raises a much bigger question: Can a car built without traditional driving controls legally become a mainstream vehicle on American roads?

Tesla’s Cybercab arrives with a radically different design

The Cybercab is central to Musk’s ambitious plan to transform Tesla from primarily an electric-car manufacturer into a company focused heavily on artificial intelligence, robotics and autonomous transportation.

Unlike a conventional vehicle, the Cybercab has no steering wheel for a human driver to grab in an emergency. There are no pedals and no traditional mirrors either.

Instead, Tesla is betting that its autonomous driving technology can handle the entire journey.

The futuristic two-seat vehicle, with its distinctive golden exterior and butterfly-style doors, represents perhaps the clearest example yet of Musk’s long-standing belief that self-driving technology will eventually replace human drivers in many forms of transportation.

Tesla has already been operating a limited paid robotaxi service using its popular Tesla Model Y vehicles in Texas and Florida.

Those vehicles, however, still have conventional manual controls and, in some cases, human backup drivers.

The Cybercab takes the concept several steps further.

NHTSA moves quickly after Tesla’s rollout

Just hours after Tesla marked the Cybercab rollout in downtown Austin, the NHTSA announced that it was examining approximately 1,000 of the vehicles.

The issue lies in the fact that many existing federal vehicle-safety standards were created decades ago with human drivers in mind.

Those standards generally assume that vehicles will have equipment such as steering controls and other manual driving systems.

That creates a complicated regulatory challenge for Tesla.

In the United States, automakers generally have the ability to self-certify that their vehicles comply with federal safety requirements before placing them on public roads.

Unlike some countries, manufacturers do not necessarily need to receive advance approval from regulators for every new vehicle model.

Critics argue that this system could create a major grey area for a vehicle as unconventional as the Cybercab.

“Tesla historically has tested limits and pushed boundaries”

Autonomous-vehicle experts believe Tesla’s history of aggressively challenging conventional industry expectations could play an important role in what happens next.

Philip Koopman, an engineering professor at Carnegie Mellon University and an autonomous-vehicle safety expert, suggested that Tesla could test the limits of existing regulations.

“Tesla historically has tested limits and pushed boundaries on regulations,” Koopman said.

That approach has become a defining feature of Musk’s companies.

From electric vehicles and reusable rockets to satellite internet and artificial intelligence, Musk has repeatedly pursued technologies that move faster than the regulatory systems created to govern them.

The Cybercab could now become another major example.

Can a car without pedals legally meet safety standards?

The biggest challenge for Tesla is straightforward: federal safety regulations were largely written for vehicles operated by humans.

A car with no steering wheel or pedals appears fundamentally different from the vehicles those rules were originally designed to regulate.

Michael Brooks, executive director of the Center for Auto Safety, questioned whether the Cybercab could reasonably be considered compliant with the existing Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

Meanwhile, regulators are working on changes that could eventually make it easier for genuinely driverless vehicles to operate commercially.

However, creating and implementing new regulations can take years.

Tesla, on the other hand, appears eager to move now.

That difference in timing could become the heart of the coming battle.

Tesla says its self-driving technology is getting safer

Tesla has consistently defended its autonomous-driving technology and said versions of its Full Self-Driving software are designed to improve road safety.

The company has argued that its technology can perform significantly more safely than human drivers under certain conditions.

Tesla’s Austin robotaxi service has also operated without a reported fatal accident.

However, questions remain about how reliably autonomous systems can handle the enormous variety of situations encountered on public roads.

Former employees and safety experts have raised concerns about the challenges self-driving systems can face during complicated or unexpected driving situations.

Bryant Walker Smith, a law professor at the University of South Carolina who focuses on autonomous-driving regulation, questioned whether publicly available information demonstrates that Tesla is ready to deploy a fully automated vehicle without conventional controls across a broad range of conditions.

For Tesla, proving that the technology works consistently may be just as important as winning the regulatory argument.

A possible legal battle could be coming

Vehicles that do not fully comply with existing federal safety standards can apply for special exemptions through the NHTSA.

But those exemptions can limit how many vehicles an automaker is allowed to deploy each year.

Tesla’s engineering chief Lars Moravy has previously suggested that the Cybercab would not face such a deployment cap, though the details of Tesla’s regulatory strategy remain unclear.

That uncertainty has fueled speculation about whether Tesla is relying on self-certification to put the Cybercab on public roads.

The situation has similarities to another autonomous-vehicle company.

Zoox, owned by Amazon, previously faced regulatory scrutiny over its own driverless vehicle, which also lacks conventional driving controls.

Zoox initially attempted to self-certify its vehicle before regulatory intervention led to changes in its approach. The company later received federal approval for limited commercial deployment.

Tesla’s path could prove considerably more contentious.

Former NHTSA officials have suggested that a serious disagreement over Tesla’s self-certification could eventually end up in court.

And history shows that regulatory agencies do not always win those legal battles.

Elon Musk’s biggest transportation gamble yet?

The Cybercab is much more than another Tesla vehicle.

It represents a massive bet on Musk’s belief that the future of transportation will be dominated by autonomous machines.

Tesla’s market valuation—around $1.4 trillion according to the information surrounding the rollout—reflects the enormous expectations investors have placed on that future.

Musk has promised that Cybercab production will grow rapidly, and Tesla previously suggested the vehicle could eventually be sold for less than $30,000.

But before millions of driverless Cybercabs can realistically fill American streets, Tesla may first have to answer some difficult questions.

Are existing safety rules flexible enough to accommodate a vehicle without a steering wheel?

Can Tesla legally self-certify the Cybercab?

And perhaps most importantly: Is the technology truly ready for the unpredictable reality of public roads?

For now, Tesla’s Cybercab rollout has delivered exactly what many expected from Elon Musk—an ambitious technological leap, enormous public attention and a fresh confrontation with the limits of regulation.

The robotaxi revolution may have arrived in Austin, but the battle over who gets to decide when it is ready for the rest of America may only just be beginning.

Volkswagen is taking another shot at the rapidly growing compact pickup segment, and its latest truck could give the Ford Maverick some serious competition — at least in markets where the new model is sold.

Called the Volkswagen Tukan, the compact pickup is being developed specifically for Brazil, with production expected to begin ahead of sales in the first half of 2027. While details remain limited, the new truck already stands out for its small dimensions, practical design and choice of single- and dual-cab configurations.

For American buyers, however, there is an important catch: the Tukan is not currently planned for the US market.

Volkswagen Tukan: A compact pickup with a clear target

Volkswagen already has experience with pickup trucks in South America. The company sells the long-running Saveiro compact pickup and the larger Amarok.

The Tukan takes the concept in a different direction, targeting the growing market for smaller lifestyle and work-oriented trucks.

That puts it in the same general conversation as the Ford Maverick, which has helped establish the compact pickup as a compelling alternative to larger, more expensive trucks.

The Tukan could potentially stand out by offering something the Maverick does not: both single-cab and dual-cab body configurations.

A single-cab version could appeal particularly to small businesses and customers who want an affordable vehicle primarily for carrying equipment, tools and other loads.

Built in Brazil, with local parts

The Tukan is being fully designed and developed in Brazil, where Volkswagen also plans to manufacture it.

According to the information available, as much as 76% of the vehicle’s components could be locally sourced. That reflects the truck’s strong focus on the Brazilian market and Volkswagen’s broader plans to expand its presence across South America.

The company is reportedly planning major investments in the region, including the introduction of numerous new models in the coming years.

The Tukan uses Volkswagen’s MQB platform

Underneath the compact pickup is Volkswagen’s MQB platform, a flexible architecture already used across several vehicles from the automaker.

The platform has been associated with cars and SUVs including the Volkswagen Golf, Tiguan and Atlas.

The Tukan would become the first production pickup to use this architecture.

Interestingly, Volkswagen has experimented with MQB-based pickup concepts before. The Tanoak concept, unveiled in 2018, was developed with the US market in mind but never entered production.

The Tukan, meanwhile, is taking a much more realistic route, with Brazil firmly at the centre of its development and manufacturing strategy.

Why does the Tukan use leaf springs?

One of the more interesting engineering choices is at the rear suspension.

Rather than using the coil-spring setup commonly associated with Volkswagen’s MQB vehicles, the Tukan is expected to use leaf springs at the rear.

That choice makes sense for a pickup designed to carry loads. Leaf springs have long been used in trucks because of their ability to handle heavier cargo.

The trade-off is ride comfort. With little or no weight in the cargo bed, a leaf-spring suspension can result in a firmer and less comfortable ride.

For buyers who see their pickup primarily as a work vehicle, however, that compromise could be worthwhile.

What could power the Volkswagen Tukan?

Volkswagen has not yet revealed the complete powertrain lineup.

One expected option is a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine.

There is also speculation that Volkswagen could use its turbocharged 1.4-litre engine, which is already produced in Brazil and used in vehicles such as the T-Cross.

The lack of confirmed specifications means performance, fuel economy and towing figures remain unknown for now.

A design that looks surprisingly familiar

The Tukan’s exterior design is arguably one of its most interesting elements.

The rugged styling, body cladding and prominent yellow finish of the flagship Extreme version evoke memories of the Subaru Baja, the unconventional pickup that appeared in the early 2000s.

There is one major difference, though.

Unlike the Baja, the Tukan is expected to give buyers a choice between single-cab and dual-cab layouts, potentially broadening its appeal.

Volkswagen has not yet revealed the cabin design, so the interior remains one of the biggest unanswered questions surrounding the truck.

Could the Tukan ever come to America?

This is where things become complicated.

Although the compact pickup could theoretically be an interesting rival to the Ford Maverick, bringing the Tukan to the United States would involve major challenges.

The truck is being developed for Brazil, and trade-related costs could make importing it into the US difficult. The well-known Chicken Tax, which imposes a 25% tariff on imported light trucks, is another major hurdle.

As things stand, American buyers should not expect to see the Tukan at Volkswagen dealerships anytime soon.

That could change in the future, especially as Volkswagen continues to rethink its strategy for the US market.

Volkswagen’s bigger pickup ambitions

The Tukan is arriving at an interesting moment for Volkswagen.

The company is investing heavily across the Americas as it attempts to expand beyond its traditional strengths. In South America, Volkswagen has announced plans for billions of dollars in investment and a large number of new models through 2028.

In the United States, meanwhile, the Volkswagen Group is developing the rugged Scout Motors brand, which is focused on trucks and SUVs.

Reports have also suggested that Volkswagen could eventually approve a pickup specifically for the US market, alongside a larger SUV positioned above the Atlas.

That means the Tukan may not be the truck American Volkswagen fans ultimately get — but it could be an important sign of where the company’s global pickup strategy is heading.

For now, the little Brazilian-built pickup has one clear mission: take on the compact truck market with a practical, flexible design that puts the Ford Maverick firmly in its sights.

A design feature once seen as a symbol of modern electric vehicles is now at the centre of a major safety recall in China. Tesla is recalling nearly 3 million China-made vehicles because their hidden door handles could become difficult to identify or operate in certain emergency situations.

The recall forms part of a much wider action involving more than 4 million vehicles from several automakers, including Chinese manufacturers XPeng, Xiaomi and Geely.

The concern is particularly serious in situations where a vehicle’s low-voltage electrical system stops functioning after a severe collision.

Why are Tesla’s hidden door handles under scrutiny?

Tesla’s concealed door handles have become one of the company’s most recognisable design features. However, the minimalist approach can create a problem when occupants need to leave a vehicle quickly.

According to the recall information, some Tesla models have door handles whose colour is similar to the surrounding interior trim, making them harder to identify and operate.

The company said that in an extreme situation, such as a major crash that causes a failure of the vehicle’s low-voltage system, occupants could struggle to open the doors quickly.

That could potentially delay evacuation and also make it harder for rescuers outside the vehicle to gain access.

Which Tesla models are affected?

The recall covers certain China-made examples of several Tesla models, including:

• Tesla Model 3
• Tesla Model Y
• Tesla Model S
• Tesla Model X

The source material states that approximately 2.98 million Chinese-made Teslas are included in the recall.

Tesla plans to address the issue through a combination of a physical warning and a software-based measure.

What will Tesla do to fix the problem?

Affected vehicles will receive warning labels inside the vehicle to make the door-release mechanism easier to identify.

Tesla will also introduce a software update designed to automatically lower the vehicle’s windows following a collision.

The intention is to provide another way for occupants to exit the vehicle if conventional door operation becomes difficult following a crash.

However, automotive consultant Tu Le of Sino Auto Insights described the measures as more of a temporary solution than a permanent answer to the underlying design concern.

Hidden handles have become an industry-wide issue

The controversy isn’t limited to Tesla.

Hidden and flush-fitting door handles became increasingly popular among electric vehicle manufacturers because they contribute to a cleaner, more aerodynamic exterior design.

The style became particularly influential after Tesla introduced its Model S sedan, with other manufacturers subsequently adopting similar designs.

Chinese brands including XPeng, Xiaomi and Geely are also involved in the broader recall action.

The issue gained further attention following two fatal crashes in China involving Xiaomi electric vehicles, where power failures were suspected of making it difficult to open the doors.

The source material does not establish that the door-handle design was the sole cause of those fatalities, but the incidents have intensified scrutiny of emergency door-release systems.

China is preparing tougher rules

China has already moved towards stricter regulations surrounding hidden door handles.

Authorities announced a ban on certain hidden door-handle designs in February. Under rules scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2027, new cars sold in China will be required to have a mechanical release on both the inside and outside of the doors.

The regulatory change could force manufacturers to rethink one of the design trends that has become increasingly common across modern EVs.

For automakers, the challenge will be balancing sleek styling and aerodynamic efficiency with a simple question: Can someone get out of the car immediately when the electronics fail?

Tesla’s door handles have faced scrutiny before

This is not the first time Tesla’s door handles have attracted regulatory attention.

The company’s door-handle systems have previously been examined by US safety regulators following reports that some handles stopped functioning and allegedly left children trapped inside vehicles.

In July, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also suggested developing a new formal safety standard covering door-release systems across the automotive industry.

The latest Chinese recall could therefore become part of a broader international debate about how emergency exits should work in increasingly software-dependent vehicles.

A design trend now facing a safety test

For years, flush and hidden door handles have represented the futuristic image of the modern EV. They look clean, reduce visual clutter and fit the minimalist design language adopted by several manufacturers.

But the latest recall highlights a less glamorous side of that design philosophy.

When everything is working normally, a hidden handle may look elegant. In a serious crash, however, the priority is very different.

The Chinese recall could push manufacturers towards a new generation of door systems that retain modern styling while ensuring that emergency mechanical releases remain easy to find, easy to understand and available even when the vehicle loses electrical power.

For Tesla and other EV makers, that could prove to be one design trend that needs a rethink.