Bolt, the Uber rival formerly known as Taxify, is taking a significant step this week in its effort to build out its transportation-on-demand business across the biggest cities in Europe and Africa, which currently covers 25 million users in 30 countries and 100 cities: it’s finally opening for business again in London, the biggest ride-hailing… Continue reading Uber rival Bolt returns to London 21 months after a TfL investigation shut it down
Author: Tech Crunch Online News
Audi recalls its electric SUV over battery fire risk
Audi today issued a voluntary recall in the U.S. for the E-Tron SUV due to the risk of battery fire. An Audi spokesperson told Bloomberg that no fires had been reported over the 1,644 E-Trons Audi has sold. According to the recall, Audi found moisture can seep into the battery cell through a wiring harness.… Continue reading Audi recalls its electric SUV over battery fire risk
Fiat Chrysler partners with Aurora to develop self-driving commercial vans
Aurora, the autonomous vehicle technology startup backed by Sequoia Capital and Amazon, has struck a deal with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles to develop self-driving commercial vehicles. The partnership will focus on integrating Aurora’s technology into FCA’s line of Ram Truck commercial vehicles, a portfolio that includes cargo vans and trucks. The deal could extend to FCA’s… Continue reading Fiat Chrysler partners with Aurora to develop self-driving commercial vans
Startups Weekly: The Peloton IPO (bull vs. bear)
Hello and welcome back to Startups Weekly, a newsletter published every Saturday that dives into the week’s noteworthy venture capital deals, funds and trends. Before I dive into this week’s topic, let’s catch up a bit. Last week, I wrote about the proliferation of billion-dollar companies. Before that, I noted the uptick in beverage startup… Continue reading Startups Weekly: The Peloton IPO (bull vs. bear)
On the road to self-driving trucks, Starsky Robotics built a traditional trucking business
More than three years ago, self-driving trucks startup Starsky Robotics was founded to solve a fundamental issue with freight — a solution that CEO Stefan Seltz-Axmacher believes hinges on getting the human driver out from behind the wheel. But a funny thing happened along the way. Starsky Robotics started a regular ol’ trucking company. Now,… Continue reading On the road to self-driving trucks, Starsky Robotics built a traditional trucking business
Self-driving delivery van startup Gatik AI comes out of stealth with Walmart partnership
Gatik AI, an autonomous vehicle startup that came out of stealth Thursday with $4.5 million in funding and Walmart as a customer, is aiming for the sweet middle spot in the world of logistics. The company, which operates out of Palo Alto and Toronto, isn’t deploying autonomous delivery bots built for sidewalks, nor is it… Continue reading Self-driving delivery van startup Gatik AI comes out of stealth with Walmart partnership
Paris clamps down on scooter startups
The City of Paris has had enough. There are currently 12 (yes, twelve) scooter startups in Paris. As reported by Le Monde, Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo announced in a press conference a series of restrictions to regulate the space. First, there are just too many scooter startups — Bird, Bolt, Bolt by Usain Bolt,… Continue reading Paris clamps down on scooter startups
Apple reportedly exploring acqui-hire of self-driving startup Drive.ai
Apple is potentially seeking to acquire Silicon Valley autonomous driving startup Drive.ai, according to a new report from The Information. The report describes the acquisition as in process, and says it will be an “acqui-hire,” which means its primary goal is to bring in the talent of Drive.ai — with presumably special focus on the… Continue reading Apple reportedly exploring acqui-hire of self-driving startup Drive.ai
Uber Copter offers on-demand JFK helicopter service for top-tier users
Uber is adding regular helicopter air service to the heaviest users of its platform with Uber Copter — a new service line launched today that will provide on-demand transportation from Lower Manhattan to JFK airport for, on average, between $200 and $225 per person, which includes car service to and from the helipad at each… Continue reading Uber Copter offers on-demand JFK helicopter service for top-tier users
The Fiat Chrysler-Renault merger is dead over suboptimal ‘political conditions’
A proposed merger between Fiat Chrysler-Renault, which would have created the third largest global automaker, is off. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles withdrew its offer, The Wall Street Journal reported. FCA confirmed to TechCrunch that it has withdrawn its offer, largely due to political conditions. “FCA remains firmly convinced of the compelling, transformational rationale of a proposal… Continue reading The Fiat Chrysler-Renault merger is dead over suboptimal ‘political conditions’