Waymo’s Unexpected Detour, Tesla’s European Surge, Ford’s Expansion And More: This Week In Auto

May 31, 2026

The past week has been a rollercoaster ride in the tech and auto industry. From Waymo’s surprising ride interruption to Tesla’s impressive European sales, there’s a lot to catch up on. Let’s dive into the top stories that made headlines over the weekend.

Alphabet’s self-driving unit, Waymo, made headlines when it abruptly ended a ride, asking the passenger to take an Uber or Lyft instead. The ride was cut short due to a “planned protest activity,” according to a Waymo spokesperson. The passenger, Sam Schwartz, was refunded but had to walk back to his hotel with his wife, who has health issues.

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Tesla saw a significant surge in its European sales in April, according to data released by the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA). The Elon Musk-led company sold over 9,169 units, a 67.2% YoY increase. Tesla’s YTD sales for the first four months of 2026 also saw a 61.7% YoY increase.

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Ford Motor announced plans to launch seven new vehicles for European customers by 2029. The company’s strategic pivot has received positive feedback from Wall Street, with Morgan Stanley analyst Andrew Percoco backing the initiative. Ford’s shares have also seen a significant gain.

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General Motors has secured a spot on NASA’s Moon Rover Project. While the company has not disclosed its share of the $220 million initial phase funding, it has announced plans to invest nearly $1 billion in strengthening its gasoline vehicle lineup.

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Despite facing stiff competition from Chinese manufacturers, Tesla has reclaimed its No. 1 position in the global battery EV race. The company’s sales increased by 6% YoY, even as the U.S. market saw a 2% decline.

Read the full article here.

Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

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