The traditional aviation industry typically moves rather slowly, but over the last few years, we’ve seen a number of upstarts that are challenging the status quo both in the general and commercial aviation business. One of those is Zunum Aero, which is looking to produce a small hybrid electric-powered commuter plane for six to 12… Continue reading Zunum Aero bets on hybrid electric engines for its small commuter jet
Author: Tech Crunch Online News
SoftBank and Toyota team up to develop services powered by self-driving vehicles
SoftBank is getting into self-driving car services after the Japanese tech giant announced a joint-venture with Toyota in its native Japan. SoftBank is invested in Uber and a range of other ride-hailing startups like Didi in China and Grab in Southeast Asia, but this initiative with Toyota is not related to those deals. Instead, it… Continue reading SoftBank and Toyota team up to develop services powered by self-driving vehicles
Kia’s all-electric e-Niro is a crossover with 300 miles of range
Kia is finally sharing more details about its upcoming all-electric crossover — the 2019 Kia e-Niro — that made its debut in Korea earlier this year. The upshot: it’s got some range. The production version of the all-electric crossover, which Kia is showing off at the Paris Motor Show this week, has a range of… Continue reading Kia’s all-electric e-Niro is a crossover with 300 miles of range
VW fires jailed Audi CEO Rupert Stadler
VW AG has ended its contract with Rupert Stadler, removing the embattled executive as CEO and from the Audi and Volkswagen boards several months after he was arrested for his involvement in the cover-up of diesel emissions cheating at the company. Stadler, who began working at Audi in 1990, is the latest executive at parent company… Continue reading VW fires jailed Audi CEO Rupert Stadler
Daimler names new CEO to lead push into electric, autonomous vehicles
Daimler said Wednesday that Dieter Zetsche is stepping down as CEO and will be replaced by a long-serving executive who has most recently been leading the automaker’s research and development efforts, including its push into electric vehicles. The company has proposed that Zetsche, who was CEO of Daimler for 12 years, become chairman of the… Continue reading Daimler names new CEO to lead push into electric, autonomous vehicles
Autonomous shuttle startup May Mobility expands to a third U.S. city
May Mobility launched its first low-speed autonomous shuttle service in Detroit this summer. By March, the Ann Arbor, Michigan-based company will be operating in at least three U.S. cities. The company, which just announced plans to expand to Columbus, Ohio, is planning to add another route in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It’s a rapid acceleration for… Continue reading Autonomous shuttle startup May Mobility expands to a third U.S. city
The 7 most eyebrow-raising details in the Elon Musk fraud complaint
The securities fraud complaint filed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission against Tesla CEO Elon Musk contains an eye-opening view into the events leading up to the “funding secured” tweet heard round the internet. And luckily, TechCrunch has read through the document and highlighted the most compelling details, including new insights from the SEC’s… Continue reading The 7 most eyebrow-raising details in the Elon Musk fraud complaint
Lyft unveils second annual diversity report
Lyft has released its second annual diversity report outlining the gender and racial breakdown of its 4,000-person workforce. At a glance, little has changed from last year’s report, which was the first time the $15 billion ride-hailing company disclosed its diversity stats. Forty percent of Lyft’s workforce is female, a slight decrease from last year’s 42 percent,… Continue reading Lyft unveils second annual diversity report
In-car commerce startup Cargo raises $22 million led by Founders Fund
Cargo, the startup that helps ridesharing drivers earn money by bringing the convenience store into their vehicles, has raised $22 million in a Series A round led by Founders Fund. Additional investment came from Coatue Management, Aquiline Technology Growth as well as a number of high-profile entertainment, gaming, and technology executives who include Zynga founder Mark… Continue reading In-car commerce startup Cargo raises $22 million led by Founders Fund
Uber commits $10 million to sustainable transportation
Uber is putting $10 million behind sustainable transportation over the next three years. As part of the fund, Uber is donating $250,000 to SharedStreets, a nonprofit organization focused on creating a shared standard for public streets and data sharing. Lyft, also in the name of environmental impact, invested millions of dollars in carbon offsets earlier… Continue reading Uber commits $10 million to sustainable transportation