A Zoox robotaxi sits outside the company’s large office and warehouse in Las Vegas.
Michael Wayland / CNBC
LAS VEGAS — This year is expected to be a crucial one for Amazon’s autonomous vehicle unit Zoox, as the company plans to grow its operations and commercialize its robotaxi business.
Zoox is aiming to begin offering rides to the public “quite soon,” expand its operating regions and “significantly” grow its self-driving vehicle fleet from the couple dozen it currently operates, according to co-founder and Chief Technology Officer Jesse Levinson.
“That’s a lot of work, but we’re excited for that,” Levinson said during a 40-minute drive around Las Vegas in one of the company’s robotaxis. “We’re pretty happy with the progress we’ve made.”
Zoox’s plans come even as some investors have lost enthusiasm for autonomous vehicles. And they’re not alone, as legacy automakers such as General Motors, Ford Motor and Volkswagen have disbanded…
