Aurora Launches Driverless Commercial Trucking Service in Texas

Aurora Innovation has officially launched its autonomous trucking service, transporting freight between Dallas and Houston. The company successfully completed over 1,200 miles with its first autonomous truck, partnering with Hirschbach Motor Lines and Uber Freight. Aurora plans to expand its fleet to "tens" of self-driving trucks by the end of 2025, with routes extending to El Paso and Phoenix.

Surprise Bidder Challenges Canoo Asset Sale

Amidst Canoo's ongoing bankruptcy proceedings, a London-based investor has challenged CEO Anthony Aquila's bid to acquire the company's assets. The investor has offered $20 million, significantly surpassing Aquila's $4 million offer, and criticized the current sale process as "flawed."

Other Key Developments in the Mobility Sector

Autonomous Vehicles

  • May Mobility and Uber will deploy autonomous vehicles on the Uber platform in Arlington, Texas, later this year.
  • Momenta and Uber are partnering to launch robotaxis in Europe starting in 2026.
  • Waymo and Toyota are exploring a potential collaboration on a new self-driving vehicle.

Electric Vehicles & Batteries

  • Rivian has a significant stockpile of tariff-free batteries, mitigating the impact of recent tariffs on the auto industry.
  • Slate Auto, backed by Jeff Bezos, is considering a former printing plant in Indiana for its electric truck production.
  • Tesla's board reportedly explored CEO succession plans, though this has been denied by the company.
  • Tesla board member Joe Gebbia purchased $1 million worth of Tesla stock.

Other News

  • Ford has shut down its FNV4 software architecture initiative.
  • Joby Aviation successfully completed its first piloted transition flight with its eVTOL aircraft.
  • DoorDash is seeking dismissal of Uber's lawsuit alleging anti-competitive practices.

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