TechCrunch Mobility is back with the latest news and insights on the future of transportation. Last week may have been relatively quiet due to the July 4th holiday, but there were still some notable events in the industry. Fisker’s bankruptcy proceedings continue to make headlines, while the Rivian-Volkswagen Group partnership announcement has led to some interesting developments. Additionally, Uber unintentionally sparked a debate about fingerprinting drivers in California.
On the startup front, there is plenty of activity. Jon McNeill, co-founder and partner of DVx Ventures and former president of Tesla and COO at Lyft, was interviewed about Elon Musk’s pay package and his firm’s unique approach to investing. The Autonocast podcast also released a new episode featuring Ted Ryan, the brand manager for archives and heritage at Ford, discussing the history of fueling and EV charging.
Now, let’s dive into some specific topics.
Volkswagen Group Tapping into Rivian’s Software Talent
Following the announcement of the Rivian-Volkswagen Group partnership, it has been revealed that VW Group has been utilizing Rivian’s software talent for months. Several Rivian employees have joined VW Group’s software arm, Cariad. This move aligns with Cariad’s focus on developing next-generation software architecture known as “software 2.0.” Notable hires include Rivian’s former chief software officer, chief product security officer, vice presidents, and principal engineers. This collaboration highlights the importance of software expertise in the automotive industry’s future.
Recent Deals in the Industry
Several intriguing deals have caught our attention recently. Altrove, a French startup using AI models and lab automation to create alternatives to rare earth metals, raised €3.7 million in funding. Cartken, known for its autonomous sidewalk delivery robots, secured $22.5 million in its latest funding round. Phyron, a Swedish AI video startup, raised €10 million in a Series B round, attracting investment from Peter Vardy, an automotive retail giant. The Lasso, an online car bidding platform, raised $9.8 million in early-stage funding. Finally, Toyota invested an undisclosed amount in IONNA, an EV charging network joint venture.
Notable Industry Reads
Business Insider uncovered an interesting detail about Tesla’s full self-driving (FSD) software development. The company has a team of human “data annotators” who focus on improving FSD performance for high-profile categories of drivers, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk and select “VIP” drivers. Serve Robotics, a sidewalk delivery robot startup, expanded its service area in Los Angeles to include Koreatown. Waymo’s robotaxi was pulled over by Phoenix police after driving into the wrong lane, sparking fresh attention.
Updates on Electric Vehicles and Charging
Fisker Inc., currently undergoing bankruptcy proceedings, has found a buyer for its remaining inventory of all-electric Ocean SUVs. American Lease plans to purchase 3,231 Ocean SUVs for $46.25 million. Co-founders Henrik Fisker and Geeta Gupta-Fisker have lowered their salaries to $1 to support the company during this time. Lucid Motors achieved a new record by delivering 2,394 EVs in the second quarter of 2024. Tesla’s Model Y has made it onto the Chinese government’s purchase list, allowing Chinese government workers to buy the vehicle for official use.
The Future of Flight
Joby Aviation, working on commercial electric air taxis, is now exploring intercity flights powered by hydrogen. Meanwhile, Universal Hydrogen, a startup that completed a partially hydrogen-powered flight in March 2023, has shut down.
Software and In-Car Tech Updates
Google Maps introduced several updates, including speedometer and speed limit features on iOS and CarPlay.
This Week’s Wheels
In the coming weeks, TechCrunch Mobility will share their thoughts on various transportation products they’re testing, such as the Lectric One e-bike, the Fiat 500e, and the 2024 Nissan Ariya Empower+.
That’s all for now. Stay tuned to TechCrunch Mobility for more news and insights on the future of transportation!