The Station is a weekly newsletter dedicated to all things transportation. Sign up here — just click TechCrunch Mobility — to get the newsletter delivered to your inbox every weekend. Sign up for free.
Hey guys, I’m back from CES 2024 and ready to share what I saw and heard!
But first, big changes are coming to this weekly transportation newsletter. We are retiring the name “The Station”. Next week, look for “TechCrunch Mobility” in your inbox. Inside, you’ll find the same insightful transportation news, albeit delivered in more digestible bites.
Want to get in touch with a tip, comment or complaint? Email Kirsten at kirsten.korosec@techcrunch.com. Reminder that you can drop us a note at tips@techcrunch.com. If you prefer to remain anonymous, click here to contact uswhich includes SecureDrop (instructions here) and various encrypted messaging apps.
CES 2024
Another madman CES 2024 it’s wrapped up and I saw a lot.
To understand the main transportation technology trends at CES 2024, take a look here. Tl;dr: AI, EVs, automated driving, in-car technology and intense talk of the software-defined car was everywhere. But also hydrogen!
I talked to me too very of startup founders on their biggest challenges and hopes for 2024. There is still some concern about fundraising, though for the first time in a while I heard an optimistic tone from investors and founders.
Here’s a sampling of CES 2024 coverage:
• Kodiak Robotics reveals the best opportunity to make autonomous trucks a business
• Hyundai says its electric air taxi business will be flying in 2028
• Honda is betting its electric future on ‘slim, light’ 0-series EVs at CES 2024
• Mobinn developed a delivery bot that can handle stairs with ease
• Central began sales of the Helix light electric private aircraft in the US
• Volkswagen brings ChatGPT to its cars and SUVs
Offer of the week
Micromobility companies focused on shared routes continue to consolidate. The last deal is between Dott and Grandstand, two leading European companies in the space, have announced plans to merge. The transaction is expected to be completed within two months.
Industry watchers probably aren’t surprised. Free-floating scooter and e-bike companies have struggled. Within the past month, Superpedestrian announced it was shutting down and Bird filed for bankruptcy.
Dott and Tier executives are betting that combining teams and operations is the best place for profitability.
Other offers that caught my eye…
Finn, a Munich-based startup that operates a new car subscription platform has raised 100 million euros ($109-110 million) in a Series C round that values the company at 600 million euros post-money ($658 million at current prices) . Planet First Partners, a European equity development firm, led the round.
Another piece of bankruptcy Proterra has been sold. Phoenix Motor acquired Proterra’s transit line of business.
HAAS notificationwhich provides road safety information and hazard warnings via electronic in-vehicle alerts, has raised $15 million from Boston equity developer Volition Capital.
Notable reads and other items
Autonomous vehicles
Anthony Lewandowski wrote an article for TechCrunch giving his take on whether 2024 will (finally) be the year of the autonomous vehicle?
TuSimple is auctioning off some of its self-driving trucks after pulling out of the US.
Waymo plans to begin testing driverless passenger vehicles on the highway later this month.
Electric vehicles, batteries & charging
Google continues to roll out features aimed at electric vehicle owners. the latest feature displays real-time battery information on Google Maps.
Hertz calls back the big EV game. TC+ reporter Tim de Chant examines why in an article focusing on ride-hailing.
Kia has unveiled a new commercial EV lineup and it’s already in line Uber as a partner.
Lordstown Motorsbankrupt EV startup could be fined $45 million for violating federal securities laws.
by Lucid The latest delivery figures show its sales slump remains even as it cuts prices.
Tesla is now selling the facelifted Model 3 sedan in the United States, just four months after it debuted in China and Europe.
Technology and car insurance
Hyundai Motor India said it fixed a bug that exposed customers’ personal data
WTF is it a software defined vehicle? TechCrunch embraces this buzzword.
