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My typical little chat is enough. Let’s get into the news now. And there are many, including LyftAV startups entering Europe Noro Go to Japan, this is Clear gravity SUV,Some New York International Auto Show Highlights and a span.
Yes, the gasket is back. Or has this kind of financial instrument really disappeared?
let’s go.
A little bird
A bird tells us that some people want to be ahead of the Evtols before they need to jump to many obstacles before they can “have highways in the sky.” This includes working with real estate owners in rural areas to build Vertiports and paid infrastructure. court? Added that infrastructure has the potential to increase the value of your property in the future.
We are digging this to learn more!
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trade!
I expect more IPOs in 2025 than in the previous year, but SPAC? Say it’s not the case. But, here we Fresh merge Between the start of autonomous driving technology Kodiak Robot Technology and special purpose acquisition company ARES ACEACIETITION CORPORATION II.
The deal value Kodiak has raised about $243 million to date, or about $2.5 billion. New and existing Kodiak institutional investors, such as Soros Fund Management, ARK Investments and ARES, have funded or committed more than $110 million in financing to support the transaction, as well as approximately $551 million in trust cash.
I talked to Kodiak founder and CEO Don Burnett And ask an obvious question: one span? Now? Why?
“Kodiak, now that we have launched driverless, we have vehicles on the road, we have revenue from driverless,” Burnett told me. “We think it’s time to grow. We want to take advantage of the headwinds we’re seeing in the market.”
Tail wind? I asked him to explain that Burnett means a headwind for the autonomous sector rather than a broader economic market.
“Obviously, we’re seeing short-term volatility – that’s an understatement,” he said. “But we do think it’s a long-term paper, that is, using AI, using technology and automation to transform the transportation market. This is something I’ve always believed.”
Other deals that caught my attention…
conifera development of electric hub motors without rare earth elements, has improved $20 million seed round From investors including True Ventures, MAC Ventures, MFV partners and more. True Ventures’ Rohit Sharma joins the Conifer Board.
Kavakan online used car dealer based in Mexico, Raised $127 million In the stock round, it reduced its valuation from $6.5 billion to $2.2 billion. This round is jointly led by SoftBank Group and Atlantic General. The company also received $400 million in new debt.
Lyft Agree to obtain FreeNow is a German multi-mobility app with a central approach to cycling, from BMW and Mercedes-Benz mobility, with approximately $197 million in cash. The acquisition opens the European market to Lyft for the first time.
NyoboltUK electric vehicle charging startup, Raised $30 million Among IQ capital and latitude-led funds. Strategic partners including Scania Invest and the Takasago industry also participated.
Famous readings and other tidbits
Adas
China How automakers are promoting driver assistant functions are being suppressed, Prohibited Terms Just like “autonomous driving”, “autonomous driving” and “smart driving”. If you think of it right away Tesla And its “complete autonomous driving” software, it is worth noting that automakers have changed their brand. However, Tesla and others will be affected by the rules of ADA’s over-the-air software updates, which require testing and government approval.
Self-driving cars
Noro Mapping and collecting data will begin In Japan Use the US fleet’s self-driving cars (modified Prius cars).
Waymo and Uber Get ready to launch their joint robotics service in Atlanta this summer. Uber Opened “Interest List” This week to Atlanta customers. The two companies launched the “Uber Waymo on Uber” service in Austin in March. Data from market analysis firm Yipitdata shows Waymo Robotaxis composition About 20% of rides Courtesy of Uber in Austin in the last week of March.
ZOOX have Work with Stingray Musicthis will be selected through the touch screen inside the robot for 16 sites. Another sign of Zoox seems to be preparing to launch commercially.
Electric cars, charging and batteries
lime Will be Send a battery Used in its scooters and electronic bikes for mahogany materials, these materials will extract and recycle critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel and copper.
Kia First appearance 2026 EV4 sedan at the New York International Auto Show. This is the company’s first global electric sedan and is also designed for customers looking for affordable electric vehicles. Will Americans buy it?
TechCrunch Contributors Abigail Bassett Spend a day driving the new all-electric Clear gravity SUV. Read the full comments to find out why she writes gravity is “The best project.”
Rivian’s The first Non-Amazin van The client is hellofresh.
Subaru Revealed the second EV, a SUV similar to a station wagon Called Trailseeker Just like its predecessor, the solterra, it also includes some Toyota handmade products.
The future of flight
Archer Aviation Revealed its suggestions Taxi network in New York City Working with United Airlines, this will allow passengers to ride archers on traditional airline tickets.
Riding a bike
India’s market regulator begins investigation Gensol Engineering It is found that it is said to be Abuse of electric car loans. BlusmartIt is a ride-hailing startup associated with Gensol, once regarded as a new Uber competitor in the South Asian market, and has also been swept the investigation. It seems that Blusmart has Service Unavailable In some Indian cities.
Safety
hertz Customer has notified Data Breach This includes their personal information and driver’s license. Hertz attributes violations to suppliers, software manufacturers CleoLast year was At the center of mass campaign By prolific Russia and ransomware gangs.
