Welcome back to TechCrunch Mobility, your go-to source for the latest updates in transportation innovation.
Last week, Aurora achieved a significant milestone by launching a driverless truck service just before its deadline. However, this week brought surprising news as co-founder and chief product officer Sterling Anderson announced his resignation, stepping down from both his role and the board. While the reasons for his departure remain unclear, Anderson hinted at an enticing new opportunity with a leading global firm, saying it was a tough decision but the right time to move on.
Despite losing Anderson, Aurora is forging ahead. In its recent earnings call, the company disclosed plans to operate its autonomous trucks during the night and potentially in poor weather conditions by mid-2025. Aurora is also set to broaden its driverless trucking routes, expanding from Dallas to Houston, and eventually to El Paso and Phoenix.
In other business developments, notable shifts are taking place within the EV sector. Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Zeekr, which launched on the NYSE last year, is reportedly being taken private by its parent company Geely Auto, a strategic move amid mounting tensions in the U.S.-China trade relationship.
Bosch Ventures is rolling out a new $270 million fund aimed at investing in deep tech startups with a strong focus on North America. Additionally, investors previously associated with Indian ride-hailing competitor BluSmart are contemplating a $30 million infusion into the beleaguered company following its recent operational halt.
In more fundraising news, battery software startup Breathe raised $21 million in a Series B round led by Kinnevik Online AB. Meanwhile, food delivery giant DoorDash announced two acquisitions, including U.K. competitor Deliveroo for approximately £2.9 billion and restaurant management platform SevenRooms for $1.2 billion to bolster its presence in Europe.
On the acquisition front, Uber upped its investment in Chinese autonomous vehicle firm WeRide by $100 million, part of an expanded partnership to scale its services to additional cities. Moreover, Uber secured an 85% controlling stake in Istanbul-based online delivery service Trendyol Go for around $700 million.
Switching gears to personnel updates, former Cruise president and CTO Mo Elshenawy has been appointed as the CTO of telehealth firm Hims & Hers, marking an unexpected shift into healthcare. Meanwhile, autonomous delivery startup Nuro is trialing its technology along the Las Vegas Strip.
In regulatory news, Tesla’s attempts to trademark “Robotaxi” were rejected for being too generic, and its “Cybercab” trademark applications are on hold due to similar claims from other companies. Uber is also striking partnerships with Chinese autonomy firms to increase its foothold in global markets, specifically in Europe and the Middle East.
Waymo has announced the establishment of a new, extensive factory in Mesa, Arizona, expected to produce over 2,000 autonomous Jaguar I-Pace vehicles, while the size of its commercial fleet has reached 1,500 vehicles.
As notable activities in the electric vehicle sector continue to unfold, manufacturers like Ford and General Motors are facing challenges related to the U.S.-China trade war, affecting their annual guidance and production forecasts. Meanwhile, Rivian has reported a reduction in anticipated vehicle deliveries amid ongoing trade pressures.
Lastly, Joby Aviation has adjusted its timeline for commercial passenger service launch to 2026, indicating potential delays in its ambitious plans.
Stay tuned for more insights and updates in the ever-evolving world of technology and transportation.
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