—Uber advancement: The ride-sharing firm Uber will, for the first time, allow users to hail self-driving cars, BBC News reported. Uber said the launch would take place in Pittsburgh, and that it's teaming with Volvo. At first, the vehicles will be supervised by a driver, who can take control if necessary, and an observer, Bloomberg reported. The firm first revealed plans to replace human drivers two years ago.
—Jobs added: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is adding 300 jobs at its Belvidere, Illinois-based car production facility, ILNews.org reported. This was a huge announcement for us," Belvidere Mayor Mike Chamberlain said. "The way we count it here is how it affects the regional economy, but it's great news for the state of Illinois, too." The car company, which has had a plant in town since the 1960s, plans to pump $350 million into the plant as it prepares to shift production of its Jeep Cherokee from Ohio to Illinois.
—Hybrid deals: The 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid gets a $2,500 rebate through Sept. 6, as well as a $1,500 "conquest bonus" for buyers switching from competitor brands, according to Green Car Reports. Also through Sept. 6, the 2016 Kia Optima Hybrid is available to lease at $259 per month for 36 months, with and allowance of 12,000 miles per year.
—Insurance info: How much you drive per year has a direct bearing on how it affects your premium when you apply for an auto insurance policy, App.com noted. According to new data from insuranceQuotes.com, a policyholder who drives 15,000 miles a year pays a national average of 8.61 percent more for car insurance than an insured who drives 5,000 miles. California has the biggest premium increase in the nation at 26.15 percent, followed by Alaska ( 10.45 percent ), Washington, D.C. ( 10.2 percent ), Alabama ( 9.82 percent ) and Massachusetts ( 9.79 percent ).
