--- title: "โ€œLet Me Know When Tesla Launches a Robotaxi,โ€ Says Ex-Waymo CEO: TDS" date: "2025-08-19" modified: "2025-08-19" authors: - name: "Joel Feder" job_title: "Director of Content and Product" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/joel-feder" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/let-me-know-when-tesla-launches-a-robotaxi-says-ex-waymo-ceo-tds" categories: - "News" - "The Downshift" --- # โ€œLet Me Know When Tesla Launches a Robotaxi,โ€ Says Ex-Waymo CEO: TDS ![Tesla Robotaxi]() Good morning and welcome to *The Downshift*, or *TDS* for short. Light, tight, and right, *TDS* is a short, quick-hit rundown of all the automotive news bubbling around the globe in one place. Grab a cup of coffee and a Pop-Tart. Feedback on *TDS* content, features, and formatting is both welcome and encouraged as changes have been implemented along the way based on comments provided both below and via email (tips@thedrive.com). The first two cups of coffee are gone here, so let's get into it. ๐Ÿš˜ What Iโ€™m driving: The 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV SS has left the driveway and been replaced with a massive three-row SUV, but more on that tomorrow. ๐Ÿš• Ex-Waymo CEO John Krafcik [told *Business Insider*](), "please let me know when Tesla launches a robotaxi โ€“โ€“ I'm still waiting," going on to note, "it's (rather obviously) not a robotaxi if there's an employee inside the car" and said "if they were striving to re-create today's Bay Area Uber experience ... looks like they've absolutely nailed it." ๐Ÿ”‹ Genesis has rethought its initial promise to be an all-electric brand by 2030 and will [push its transition beyond the original timeline]() with hybrids inbound. ๐Ÿ›ป The [2026 Nissan Frontier debuted]() with a base price of $33,845 including a $1,695 destination fee, a new PRO-4X R trim with a 2.0-inch lift kit and ร–hlins shocks, and a new line of Roush Performance parts will be available as bolt-on upgrades, though a supercharger isn't on the list. ๐Ÿš— The [Chrysler 300 will reportedl]()[y]()[ return]() in 2029 as an elegant sedan, though what will power the icon is unclear. ๐ŸŒพ Tesla knows it messed up and is now [offering optional turn signal stalks]() on the Model 3 in China for about $350, and these can be retrofitted to older models, though no word on when or if this will happen in the U.S. market. ๐Ÿ”Œ An [extended-wheelbase Tesla Model Y debuted]() for the Chinese market with seating for six including second-row captain's chairs all for about $3,500 more than a standard Y. *Have feedback on the formatting of TDS? Send us a note: tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Overseeing what you see, read, touch, hear, and interact with from the vast lakes of Minnesota, Joel Feder shapes how The Drive looks and operates as the head of content and product initiatives. On a daily basis, Joel leads the newsroom and editorial staff playing point on both short-term coverage and long-term strategic plans. His mission is to help ensure The Drive shapes the future of automotive media by helping the team execute original reporting, breaking news, and exclusive opportunities. Regarded as an industry insider and recognized by colleagues, fellow journalists, and manufacturers as a point-person and leader in the industry, Joel owns and runs the largest automotive professionals group on Facebook in an effort to serve and help others. Joel serves as a juror for the World Car Awards. In addition, he is the board chair and chair of the governance and nominating committee for Move Forward MN, a local non-profit that helps at-risk youth with barrier-free mental health and housing services. While youโ€™re reading this heโ€™s either on his computer or iPhone chasing the latest news or drafting a story. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]() [Bluesky]() [Email]()