Another hectic CES 2024 has concluded, and to get a sense of the main transportation tech developments during CES 2024, check out this compilation. Tl;dr: AI, EVs, automated driving, in-vehicle technology, and buzzwords like software-defined automobiles were everywhere. But also hydrogen!
Here’s an example of CES 2024 coverage:
- Kodiak Robotics aims to commercialize self-driving trucks.
- Hyundai plans to launch electric air taxis by 2028.
- Honda will showcase its “thin, light” 0 series EVs at CES 2024.
- Mobinn has created a delivery bot capable of handling stairs.
- Pivotal has launched sales of its lightweight electric personal Helix aircraft in the US.
- Volkswagen is introducing ChatGPT into its vehicles and SUVs.
Weekly Special
Micromobility companies focused on shared transportation continue to consolidate. The most recent agreement is between Dott and Tier, two top European companies in the space, which have announced plans to unite. The acquisition is likely to be finalized within two months.
Industry watchers are unlikely to be startled. Companies that offer free-floating scooters and e-bikes have been failing. Within the last month, Superpedestrian announced its closure, and Bird declared bankruptcy.
Dott and Tier executives believe that integrating teams and operations is the greatest road to profitability.
More proposals
In a Series C round, Finn, a Munich-based firm that runs a new car subscription platform, raised €100 million ($109–110 million), valuing the business at €600 million post-money ($658 million at current rates). Planet First Partners, a European growth equity firm, spearheaded the round.
Another portion of bankrupt Proterra has been sold. Phoenix Motor purchased Proterra’s transit business line.
HAAS Alert, which provides road safety information and hazard warnings through in-vehicle electronic notifications, has raised $15 million from Boston-based growth equity firm Volition Capital.
Autonomous automobiles
TuSimple is auctioning off some of its self-driving trucks after exiting the US market.
Waymo intends to begin testing its driverless passenger vehicles on the roads later this month.
Automobiles with electric batteries, and charging
Google continues to release features geared at EV customers; the most recent feature displays real-time battery information in Google Maps.
Kia unveiled a new commercial EV lineup and has already signed Uber as a partner.
Lucid’s newest delivery data suggests that its sales decline has continued despite price cuts.
Hertz is scaling back its major EV push. Tim De Chant, a TC+ writer, explains why in a piece about ride-hailing.
Lordstown Motors, the insolvent electric vehicle startup, could face a $45 million fine for breaking federal securities laws.
Tesla is officially selling the updated version of its Model 3 sedan in the United States, just four months after it debuted in China and Europe.
In-car tech and security
Hyundai Motor India stated that it has resolved a flaw that exposed consumers’ personal information.
