Self-Driving Truck Startup Kodiak Secures $40 Million in Series A

Even though Uber Technologies recently abandoned its self-driving truck program, a company started by individuals with ties to Otto, the self-driving technology company acquired by Uber, and Google’s self-driving car team, has received financial backing to continue the development of systems that will allow trucks to be retrofitted to drive autonomously. Kodiak Robotics, founded in… Continue reading Self-Driving Truck Startup Kodiak Secures $40 Million in Series A

Lime is expanding its low-income program

Lime, the electric scooter and bike-share startup, is expanding its program for people with low incomes. Called Lime Access, the program enables people who qualify for state or federal assistance programs to access Lime’s fleet of vehicles at a discount. Lime first launched the program in May. At the time and up until now, it… Continue reading Lime is expanding its low-income program

New York City Council votes to cap licenses for ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft

The New York City Council has approved legislation that will halt the issuing of new licenses for ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft. The stated goal of the policy is to give the city time to study the industry’s impact. During that time, ride-hailing companies would only be able to add new vehicles if they’re… Continue reading New York City Council votes to cap licenses for ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft

Uber Hit With Cap as New York City Takes Lead in Crackdown

New York is the latest city to grapple with questions over how to regulate the company. In London, Uber’s most lucrative European market, Uber recently regained its taxi license after the company agreed to stricter regulations, including providing the city with traffic data. Uber has also faced regulatory battles in American cities, like Austin, Tex.,… Continue reading Uber Hit With Cap as New York City Takes Lead in Crackdown

Saudi sovereign fund PIF has bought a below 5 percent stake in Tesla: source

DUBAI (Reuters) – Public Investment Fund, Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, has bought a minority stake in Tesla (TSLA.O) at just below 5 percent, a source familiar with the matter said on Tuesday. FILE PHOTO: A Tesla sales and service center is shown in Costa Mesa, California, U.S., June 28, 2018. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo PIF… Continue reading Saudi sovereign fund PIF has bought a below 5 percent stake in Tesla: source

Self-driving truck startup Kodiak Robotics raises $40 million

In Don Burnette and Paz Eshel’s view, trucking is the killer app for self-driving technology. It’s what led Burnette to leave the Google self-driving project and co-found Otto in early 2016, along with Anthony Levandowski, Lior Ron, and Claire Delaunay. And it’s what would eventually prompt Burnette to leave Uber— href=”https://techcrunch.com/2016/08/18/uber-acquires-otto-to-lead-ubers-self-driving-car-effort-report-says/”>the company that acquired Otto—and co-found… Continue reading Self-driving truck startup Kodiak Robotics raises $40 million

China’s Didi pumps $1B into its rebranded driver services business

Didi Chuxing is going pedal to the metal for its automobile services business after it announced it will invest $1 billion into the division, which is also getting a rebrand. The Chinese ride-hailing firm had been tipped to spin out the business and raise $1.5 billion from investors ahead of an IPO, according to a recent Reuters… Continue reading China’s Didi pumps $1B into its rebranded driver services business

Stop Uber From Flooding New York

On Tuesday evening, the New York City Council introduced a bill to place a temporary cap on the number of for-hire vehicles — the kind provided by services like Uber and Lyft — allowed on the city’s streets. It’s about time: In recent years these cars have flooded New York, clogging our streets and driving… Continue reading Stop Uber From Flooding New York

Actually, Curbing Uber Won’t Relieve Heavy Traffic

Are ride-sharing and -hailing services like Uber and Lyft causing road congestion? This has been the perception in cities across the country, and the companies have come under fire for it. In New York City, it has led to a proposal to curb, for a year, for-hire-vehicle companies from adding new driver’s licenses (except for… Continue reading Actually, Curbing Uber Won’t Relieve Heavy Traffic