Amazon's Robotaxi division, Zoox, is set to commence testing in Austin and Miami.
This move comes after comprehensive trials of Zoox's custom-designed autonomous vehicles in California and Nevada.
![Amazon's Robotaxi division, Zoox, is set to commence testing in Austin and Miami.](/content/images/size/w1200/2024/06/OIP--23-.jpg)
Amazon's robotaxi division, Zoox, has revealed plans to extend its autonomous vehicle trials to Austin, Texas, and Miami, Florida. This expansion signifies Zoox's initial foray into trial locations beyond the western United States.
In selected cities, Zoox plans to deploy modified Toyota Highlanders, which will come with human safety drivers, to serve specific zones close to business and entertainment districts. This move comes after comprehensive trials of Zoox's custom-designed autonomous vehicles in California and Nevada. These vehicles, distinctively built without steering wheels or pedals, are designed to seat four passengers facing one another.
Amid an ongoing investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) into 500 Zoox vehicles with automated driving systems after two crashes, Zoox is advancing its operations. Austin and Miami are set to become the fourth and fifth cities for public testing, following San Francisco, Las Vegas, and Seattle.
Initially, Zoox will not provide public rides in Austin and Miami but is assessing multiple cities for potential commercial services, prioritizing its key Las Vegas and San Francisco markets.