Spin, the Ford-owned micromobility operator, has added a new CEO, launched a new strategy to capture market share and announced a plan to get back into bike share, although this time with an electric twist. The flurry of moves suggest that Spin is still trying to figure out the best path forward to push past… Continue reading Ford-owned Spin shakes up scooter business with new CEO, e-bikes and city strategy
Author: Tech Crunch Online News
Aurora brings in outsiders to boost safety efforts, public trust of driverless vehicles
Aurora, the autonomous vehicle company that acquired Uber ATG last year, has assembled a team of outside experts, shared new details about its operations in a self-assessment safety report and launched a website as part of a broader effort to win over consumers wary of the technology that they may someday share the road with, or… Continue reading Aurora brings in outsiders to boost safety efforts, public trust of driverless vehicles
Waymo’s driverless taxi service can now be accessed on Google Maps
Waymo One, the ride-hailing service that uses driverless vehicles in the suburbs of Phoenix, can now be accessed and booked through Google Maps. This will be the first fully autonomous ride-hailing option available in the app, which will roll out first to Android users, Waymo said Thursday. The team-up not only brings together two Alphabet… Continue reading Waymo’s driverless taxi service can now be accessed on Google Maps
Ford officially adds Maverick, a compact pickup truck, to its lineup
Ford is adding a new entry-level truck called Maverick to its lineup as the automaker seeks to offer pickups at every price level in this increasingly competitive market. The company said Thursday it will debut the vehicle June 8, including on its new Tiktok channel. The automaker tapped actress Gabrille Union to do the official… Continue reading Ford officially adds Maverick, a compact pickup truck, to its lineup
CDK Global buys vehicle the e-commerce platform Roadster for $360 million
Roadster, the Palo Alto-based digital platform that gives dealers tools to sell new and used vehicles online has been acquired for $360 million by retail automotive technology company CDK Global Inc., according to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing. As part of the all-cash deal, Roadster is now a wholly owned subsidiary. Roadster’s business model… Continue reading CDK Global buys vehicle the e-commerce platform Roadster for $360 million
Rideshare drivers gather in NYC in hopes of unionizing
Protesters gathered in bright red t-shirts and matching masks bearing the Independent Drivers Guild logo. Placards bearing slogans like “Freeze Hiring, Reactive Workers Now!” and “Unlock Uber” were being handed out at a table toward the entrance. What the gathering lacked in sheer numbers, it made up with enthusiasm. A wide range of speakers approached… Continue reading Rideshare drivers gather in NYC in hopes of unionizing
Faction raises $4.3M to deploy 3-wheeled EVs for driverless delivery
Faction Technology founder and CEO Ain McKendrick didn’t have the $1 billion or the time that a typical automotive program might need to design and manufacture an EV that could be used for driverless delivery. So, he turned to power sports to fulfill his vision of a micro-logistics service that can be used for driverless… Continue reading Faction raises $4.3M to deploy 3-wheeled EVs for driverless delivery
Taking Lyft’s new e-bike for a spin
The bike had none of the usual signage when I took it for a spin around the chaotic and construction-filled streets of Manhattan. It very much looked like a prototype, with visible soldering on the joints and a not-quite-complete AV system. But it handled well, when merging in and out of traffic — and at… Continue reading Taking Lyft’s new e-bike for a spin
Synctera raises $33M Series A to pair fintechs with banks
Synctera, which aims to serve as a matchmaker for community banks and fintechs, has raised $33 million in a Series A round of funding led by Fin VC. The raise comes just under six months after the fintech raised $12.4 million in a seed round of funding. New investors Mastercard and Gaingels also participated in… Continue reading Synctera raises $33M Series A to pair fintechs with banks
Tesla files trademark, hinting at Elon Musk’s restaurant concept plans
Tesla has recently filed a new trademark for its brand under restaurant services, a sign the company might be finally gearing up to deliver on an idea that CEO Elon Musk and other company executives have discussed publicly since at least 2017. The company applied for three new trademarks that will cover the categories of:… Continue reading Tesla files trademark, hinting at Elon Musk’s restaurant concept plans