Internet department store Amazon, with its affinity for automation, wanted to invest more in Argo AI. But then things turned out differently.
Argo AI once developed in the service of ford and VW the autonomous driving. But the companies unexpectedly withdrew. previously wanted Amazon save the company. That would fit, because Amazon has bought Zoox before.
Apparently Amazon had invested several hundred million dollars in Argo. Amazon planned to use Argo’s self-driving technology to automate some of the electric delivery trucks it bought from Rivian Automotive Inc. This was intended to set up a test fleet in several US cities.
According to media reports, Ford and VW really wanted another partner to reduce costs. There was also a meeting between Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and former VW boss Herbert Diess. Amazon probably didn’t want any attention in this regard.
A test fleet of Ford Fusion models equipped with Argos technology drove predefined tours on Amazon routes in 2019. However, there were no deliveries. Amazon should continuously increase its investment in Argo, but there was no concrete plan for it.
Then came the Russian invasion of Ukraine and there were changes in the leadership structure. Business and talks stalled. Ultimately, Amazon balked at the cost. That may have deterred other investors. That could have decided the downfall of Argo AI.