Techcrunch Mobility: Robotaxi Battle Carpets

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Seven or eight years ago, anyone who consumes business technology news may coincide with the phrase “race to build independent vehicles.” In private conversations, Execs Execs and founders of startups that sometimes spoke to them indicated the marketing of independent car technology as a “race”. The phrase leaked to reports at the time – including some of my articles.

What we have learnedThe second abbreviation Make it a profitable work. It is not a race against others as much as an internal competition with existential shares.

But this does not mean that there is no real battlefield among those working on technology, especially with robotics. Many may indicate the number of cities launched by the company as one indicator. I think although it is useful, it is very mysterious and easy to manipulate it.

Two modern news elements made me think of Saroush more narrow and specific battle within cities: airports and general crossing.

The airports were crucial for the success of horseback companies. Robotics is not different. Today, Waymo offers horseback riding to and from Phoenix Sky Harbour Airport. It is clear that he is looking to open more.

this week, And emo He obtained a permit to start testing its independent cars at San Francisco International Airport, before launching a commercial service. This comes just two weeks after Waymo cleansing to start the test in The nearby San Jose Minita Airport – And Timing She is also trying to accompany her way Provide horseback service to these airports.

At the same time, Waymo and Transit Software via A deal It can have long -term traces of cities. Government agencies that use public transport programs will be able to fold robots in Waymo directly in public transport networks. The first city will be the Phoenix Chandler suburb through its fleet in Chandler Flex of the fleet of joint vehicles upon request.

This is meaningful, in terms of arrival, although it may not be a cash cash for Waymo in the short term. As a Waymo spokesman explained to me: When the traditional Chandler Flex, RIDERS may have a trip to reserve a trip with Waymo. If the person chooses to ride with Waymo, Chandler Flex will direct them to the Waymo app to welcome a completely independent trip at a low price of $ 2 or less. At a low price, it is difficult to see how this Waymo’s public budget will push black.

However, it is an important play in size. The CEO Daniel Ramot referred to in One interview He hopes this will spread to hundreds of cities.

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I gave you three small birds last week, and this week … Welp, nothing I can check. Don’t worry – there will be more in the future.

Do you have advice to us? Email Kirsten Korosec in [email protected] Or a sign at Kkorosec.07, or Sean Okan in [email protected].

Deals!

The start starting in the United Kingdom Road She got Buzz to lock deals-capital-her comprehensive approach to the end of automated driving technology. You might remember that a year ago, Wayve $ 1.05 billion raised in the C Series Tour with Softbank Group, Microsoft and NVIDIA.

Wayve is now working on the D series, and it appears Nafidia Ready to decrease in capital. In a letter of intent, the two companies signed recently, NVIDIA said it would evaluate a making a A strategic investment of $ 500 million In the next round. I spoke to Wayve Kendall CEO, and he will not say exactly when it is expected that this tour is expected to be closed. But he said, “We are working quickly for that.”

Other deals caught my attention …

Different techniques It was once strong in the auto sector. These days, the advanced manufacturing company has placed itself as a defense company and closed deals with Lockheed Martin, RTX and General Dynamics. Now it is Rapid 290 million dollarsIncluding $ 40 million of debt, to expand the production of missile spare parts and other specialized components of the army.

EV RealtyThe startup that focuses on providing shipping to Semitrucks, A collection of $ 75 million On a tour led by the NGP private stock. You will use the startup to build additional charging centers throughout California.

MicrofIt tries to start the African operation of Uber -backed vehicles, raising more than $ 300 million in a tour Through post -evaluation evaluation of more than two billion dollars, Bloomberg stated, citing unknown sources.

XL batteriesMARLBORough, starting to start the Massachusetts to develop flow batteries for energy storage, A collection of $ 7.5 million From Merrin investors.

Promise readings and other tales

Hyundai Motor Group collection It intends to grow, and North America is essential for its plan. During the investor day, the Korean auto manufacturer said it wanted it Increase annual sales From 4.17 million in 2025 to 5.55 million by 2030. In the short term (meaning this year), the company shared new goals to increase its revenues between 5 % and 6 % and a operating profit margin ranging between 6 % and 7 %.

To get there, Hyundai is investing the capital, including setting $ 2.7 billion over three years to expand the total production scope of the Hyundai Metaplant America in Georgia. The company said that the “electrical vehicles” (which includes 18 new hybrid model by 2030) is expected to represent 60 % of the total sales, reaching 3.3 million units, with significant growth in North America, Europe and Korea.

Rural officially Break Its factory has been planned for a long time near Atlanta.

Stelantis The plans are over To produce a pick -up truck from RAM 1500 Rev, citing the low demand for full -sized EV trucks; However, it adheres to the expanded range, which is now confused to RAM 1500 Rev.

Timing He said that pEdesign holding her door So they are less likely to trap people inside their cars. The decision came a day after the National Traffic Safety Administration Opening the investigation In allegations that Bab Tesla handles become unimportant to work in certain situations on Model Y SUVS. The Bloomberg’s investigation also follows the disclosure of the problem.

Meanwhile in Australia, I remembered Tesla Powerwall 2 home batteries In the country after the company received reports on fires that led to “slight damage to property”.

Uber will Test using drones For Uber Eats Delpies in some American markets by the end of this year, part of a new partnership with the start of Israeli Flytrex.

And emo It is the launch of a Robotaxi commercial service In Nashville in 2026, partnership with Lift To expand its arrival.

Another thing …

Talking about RoadI thought it was worth reminding you of starting up Participant founder and CEO, Alex Kendall, We will join us on the stage at Techcrunch Disrupt 2025. The event will be held from October 27 to October 29 in Moscow West in San Francisco. Sign here To join more than 10,000 startup leaders and VC in Disrupt.