Uber is buying Berlin startup Blacklane to bolster its ‘Elite’ offering
It’s a notable exit for Blacklane, which has raised more than $100 million from backers like Mercedes-Benz and Sixt.
Transportation
TechCrunch Mobility: When a robotaxi has to call 911
Welcome back to TechCrunch Mobility — your central hub for news and insights on the future of transportation.
Waymo’s skyrocketing ridership in one chart
Waymo’s weekly paid robotaxi trips have increased tenfold in less than two years.
Aetherflux reportedly raising Series B at $2 billion valuation
Index Ventures is said to be leading a $250 million to $350 million round.
Rivian gets another $1B from Volkswagen
The two companies have been collaborating on a joint venture that would see Rivian tech go in VW’s EVs.
Defense startup Shield AI lands $12.7B valuation, up 140%, after U.S. Air Force deal
In one year, Shield AI’s value has leaped 140%. This after it won a contract to be the software provider to Anduril’s Fury fighter jet for the U.S. Air Force.
A little-known Croatian startup is coming for the robotaxi market with help from Uber
Verne, the robotaxi company launched under Rimac Group, is starting with a service in Zagreb, Croatia.
Who’s driving Waymo’s self-driving cars? Sometimes, the police.
First responders have had to take control of Waymo vehicles and move them during emergency situations, including in at least two active crime scenes, TechCrunch found.
Sony and Honda give up on their joint EV project
The Sony-Honda joint venture has killed plans for its Afeela sedan and SUV electric vehicles. The news comes shortly after Honda reversed its plans to launch more electric vehicles in the U.S.
Harbinger’s next product will be hybrid emergency vehicles
The young California startup is already building RVs, FedEx vans, and box trucks. Now its hybrid powertrain will underpin ambulances and mobile healthcare units.