Weekend Roundup: Fatal Amazon Cargo Plane Crash, Ford's China Controversy, Tesla Autopilot Scrutiny, and More

This week in business and technology was a rollercoaster ride. From a fatal crash involving an Amazon cargo plane to a heated clash between Ford Motor Company and the Trump administration, there is much to unpack. Let's dive into the most important stories of the week.

NTSB Releases Preliminary Findings on Amazon Cargo Plane Crash

The National Transportation Safety Board released preliminary findings from the cockpit voice and flight data recorders of the fatal Amazon "Prime Air" crash in Miami, which killed five people and injured five others. The NTSB revealed that one pilot warned the plane was "too fast" before the crash. The report did not specify which pilot issued the warning.

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Ford Faces Criticism Over China Ties

President Donald Trump's Transportation Secretary, Sean Duffy, criticized Ford Motor Company's partnerships with multiple China-linked companies, citing potential U.S. security risks. Duffy expressed "deep concerns" over Ford's arrangements with Chinese firms, including CATL, Geely Automobile Holdings, and BYD Co., in battery and vehicle-related areas.

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Musk Denies Autopilot Involvement in Fatal Crash

Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk denied that the company's driver-assistance technology was involved in a fatal crash in New York City. Musk argued that the accident would not have occurred if Autopilot had been engaged. The incident involved a Tesla Model Y colliding with scaffolding, resulting in one death.

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Tesla Cybercab Operating Costs Could Undercut Waymo

According to Goldman Sachs, Tesla's Cybercab could have per-mile operating costs up to 30 cents lower than rival autonomous vehicles if the company achieves its target production costs. Goldman analysts estimate that Tesla's low-cost vehicle design and vision-only sensor system could enhance its robotaxi economics.

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Ford Responds to Criticism Over China Ties

Ford Motor Company shares rose after the automaker pushed back against criticism from Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy regarding its ties to China. Ford stated that Duffy's letter contained factual errors regarding its BlueOval Battery Park in Michigan and its agreement with CATL.

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