A couple caveats for those going apoplectic over the headline: I mean self-driving isn’t going to be a thing A) in our lifetimes and B) with any kind of omnipresent scale. So in terms of the daily lived experience of most people reading this, truly autonomous vehicles just aren’t going to happen. The evidence pointing… Continue reading It’s time to admit self-driving cars aren’t going to happen
Author: Tech Crunch Online News
Ford takes $2.7B hit on Argo shutdown, shifts its bet to driver assist tech
As the third-quarter earnings drumbeat continues, we learned more about the state of global supply chains, global consumer appetite for big-ticket items and the future of self-driving technology. After the bell this afternoon, Ford beat Wall Street analyst revenue estimates of $36.25 billion, per Yahoo Finance, with automotive Q3 2022 top line of $37.2 billion,… Continue reading Ford takes $2.7B hit on Argo shutdown, shifts its bet to driver assist tech
Tesla said to face criminal investigation by the Department of Justice over self-driving claims
Tesla is said to be facing a criminal investigation launched by the U.S. Department of Justice facing claims made by the company regarding its “Autopilot” capabilities, Reuters reports, citing “three people familiar with the matter.” The inquiry was launched last year per the sources and was initiated following over a dozen accidents involving the active… Continue reading Tesla said to face criminal investigation by the Department of Justice over self-driving claims
Ford, VW-backed Argo AI is shutting down
Argo AI, an autonomous vehicle startup that burst on the scene in 2017 stacked with a $1 billion investment, is shutting down — its parts being absorbed into its two main backers: Ford and VW, according to people familiar with the matter. During an all-hands meeting Wednesday, Argo AI employees were told that some people… Continue reading Ford, VW-backed Argo AI is shutting down
Hyundai and WeRide plan to fuel self-driving with hydrogen in China
While hydrogen is still relatively niched as a fuel for electric vehicles, a startup in China is jumping ahead to embrace it for autonomous driving scenarios. WeRide, one of the most funded robotaxi operators in China with investors including Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, said Tuesday it is joining hands with Hyundai to launch a “self-driving hydrogen-powered vehicle… Continue reading Hyundai and WeRide plan to fuel self-driving with hydrogen in China
Helbiz’s Wheels acquisition fails to impress investors
Helbiz’s deal to buy Wheels has officially gone through, and with it some promises from the shared micromobility operator to its investors that the tie up will double its annual revenue and help it reach profitability. Helbiz is hardly the only shared micromobility operator battling to achieve profitability. It’s a situation that most companies in… Continue reading Helbiz’s Wheels acquisition fails to impress investors
Lyft relaunches monthly subscription plan at half the price
Ride-hail giant Lyft has relaunched Lyft Pink, its monthly subscription plan, at half of its previous price. At $9.99 per month or $99 per year, the new membership offers perks like free priority pickups and a discount of “at least” 5% on Preferred, Lux and XL rides, the company said Tuesday. Members will also receive… Continue reading Lyft relaunches monthly subscription plan at half the price
New Zealand Uber drivers win case declaring them employees
A group of Uber drivers in New Zealand won a landmark case Tuesday against the ride-hail company which will force Uber to treat them as employees, rather than independent contractors. New Zealand’s employment court decision only applies to four drivers who were part of a class action lawsuit filed last July, but the ruling may… Continue reading New Zealand Uber drivers win case declaring them employees
China’s XPeng moves closer to launching a robotaxi network
Chinese luxury EV startup XPeng is moving forward on its plans to launch a robotaxi business. The company’s latest G9 SUV became China’s first mass-produced commercial vehicle to pass a government-led autonomous driving closed-field test, the company said Monday at its fourth annual 1024 Tech Day. When XPeng unveiled the G9 in September, the company… Continue reading China’s XPeng moves closer to launching a robotaxi network
Arrival restructures (again), Bird shrinks and highlights from Disrupt
The Station is a weekly newsletter dedicated to all things transportation. Sign up here — just click The Station — to receive the full edition of the newsletter every weekend in your inbox. This is a shorter version of The Station newsletter that is emailed to subscribers. Want all the deals, news roundups and commentary? Subscribe… Continue reading Arrival restructures (again), Bird shrinks and highlights from Disrupt