Waymo Expands Overseas, Remembering Jean Jennings

TechCrunch Mobility Newsletter - Year-End Update

Welcome once more to TechCrunch Mobility, your primary source for the latest news and perspectives on the evolving world of transportation. This edition marks the final newsletter for 2024.

However, our coverage will continue into 2025. Ensure you receive it directly in your inbox each week by signing up here. We appreciate your readership and value your feedback – please continue to share your thoughts.

Wishing you joyful holidays and a prosperous New Year!

Remembering Jean Jennings

My acquaintance with Jean Jennings occurred well after she had established herself as a prominent figure in automotive journalism. Prior to our meeting, Jennings, previously known as Lindamood, had served as editor of Car and Driver.

She also played a key role in the founding of Automobile Magazine, eventually becoming its editor-in-chief, and subsequently launched the website, Jean Knows Cars. Sadly, Jennings passed away on December 16th at the age of 70, following a battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Industry Recognition

Her influence within the automotive industry was substantial. To illustrate this, both Ford CEO Jim Farley and Chairman Bill Ford released an official statement regarding her passing.

Furthermore, Stellantis designer Ralph Gilles, along with numerous other professionals in the field, shared tributes to Jean on various social media platforms.

A Passion for Automobiles

Jennings possessed a deep and abiding passion for cars, initially as a skilled mechanic and later as a respected journalist and editor. Her writings and experiences have become legendary within the automotive community.

I was beginning my career in automotive journalism as she was reaching the peak of hers, yet her reputation preceded her. It wasn’t solely her writing style, which was known for its wit and charm.

It was her overall vibrant personality that often made her a notable presence, even within the narratives of other articles, such as Brock Yates’ famous 1983 Baja Mexico Sedan Torture Test featured in C&D.

Meeting her was an experience one wouldn’t soon forget, and I consider myself fortunate to have done so. Jean, we salute you.

Beyond Transportation: Disruptive Startups of 2024

Before we proceed with the remaining news, be sure to explore TechCrunch’s list of the 51 most disruptive startups of 2024. This compilation highlights innovative technologies and companies across various sectors, extending beyond the realm of transportation.

Stay informed with TechCrunch Mobility delivered to your inbox every Thursday. Simply sign up here – click TechCrunch Mobility!

Waymo's Expansion and a Tribute to Jean Jennings

Do you have information you'd like to share? Reach out to Kirsten Korosec at kirsten.korosec@techcrunch.com, Sean O’Kane at sean.okane@techcrunch.com, or Rebecca Bellan at rebecca.bellan@techcrunch.com.

Alternatively, instructions for contacting us through encrypted messaging applications or SecureDrop are readily available.

Waymo's International Footprint

Following Cruise's operational setbacks, Waymo is strategically positioning itself to fill the resulting void in international markets.

The company is actively pursuing opportunities to expand its autonomous vehicle technology beyond the United States.

Remembering Jean Jennings

This report also serves as a respectful acknowledgment of Jean Jennings, a prominent figure in the automotive industry.

Jennings’ contributions and legacy are being celebrated within the sector.

Further details regarding Waymo’s international plans and the recognition of Jean Jennings’ impact are expected to emerge.

Recent Investment Highlights

The current Biden administration is expediting the approval of several initiatives prior to the incoming presidency of Donald Trump. These include financial support in the form of loans for clean energy projects.

Recent recipients of loans from the Department of Energy (DOE) encompass StarPlus Energy, a collaborative venture between Stellantis and Samsung focused on battery technology, and the electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian.

EVgo Receives Significant Loan

This week, attention turned to EVgo, an electric vehicle charging network startup. The DOE has authorized a $1.25 billion loan to facilitate the installation of 7,500 public charging points.

These chargers will be deployed across 1,100 stations nationwide over the next five years. Initial installations will feature 350kW DC fast-charging technology, capable of simultaneously charging two vehicles.

Other Notable Funding Rounds

Bikmo, a U.K.-based company specializing in bicycle and cyclist insurance, secured £4.75 million ($5.9 million) in a funding round spearheaded by Puma Growth Partners.

Reports indicate that Honda and Nissan are engaged in discussions regarding a potential merger. Should this materialize, potentially including Mitsubishi, the resulting entity would become the world’s third-largest automotive manufacturer.

Advanced Technology Investments

Nanoramic, a Boston-based startup pioneering advanced battery technologies, has raised $44 million. The funding round was jointly led by General Motors Ventures and Catalus Capital.

Participants included Samsung Venture Investment Corporation, Top Material, and existing investors such as Fortistar Capital and WindSail Capital Group.

Orqa, a Croatian firm developing sophisticated autonomous drone systems, secured 5.8 million euros ($6 million) in a seed funding round. Lightspeed Venture Partners led the investment, with contributions from Radius Capital, Decisive Point, and Day One Capital.

Robotics and Aviation Funding

Slip Robotics completed a Series B funding round, raising $28 million. DCVC led the round, with continued support from Eve Atlas, Tech Square Ventures, Hyde Park Venture Partners, Overline, and Pathbreaker Ventures.

James Hardiman from DCVC has been appointed to the company’s board of directors.

Vaeridion, a German startup focused on developing electric aircraft for short-haul commercial routes, obtained €14 million in a Series A funding round. World Fund led the investment, alongside Project A Ventures, Vsquared Ventures, Andreas Kupke, Schwarz Holding, and InnovationQuarter.

International Expansion

Zingbus, an Indian intercity bus service provider, received $9 million from BP Ventures in a Series A funding round, supporting its continued growth and expansion.

Industry Updates and Key Developments

Autonomous Vehicle Sector

Waymo is actively expanding into markets previously targeted by competitors. Specifically, the company plans to launch its robotaxi service in Tokyo by 2025. This expansion will be facilitated through partnerships with the taxi-hailing application GO and the taxi service Nihon Kotsu, marking a significant step in its Japanese “road trip” initiative.

Previously, Cruise had intentions to begin operations in Japan in 2026, collaborating with Honda. Despite progress, challenges remain for Waymo’s robotaxis, as evidenced by a recent incident involving a roundabout.

A document originating from the Trump transition team, obtained by Reuters, reveals a prior interest in abolishing the federal requirement for automakers to report crashes involving advanced driver-assistance systems or fully autonomous technology. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, has consistently voiced opposition to this crash-reporting regulation.

The timing of this potential change is crucial. Eliminating the reporting rule could hinder federal safety agencies’ ability to oversee and regulate the safety of increasingly automated vehicles on public roads.

Ongoing issues at TuSimple have escalated. Co-founder and former CEO Xiaodi Hou is now advocating for shareholder action to replace the current board of directors with a new team. This proposed board would prioritize the liquidation of the company.

Zoox has announced the appointment of Zheng Gao as its new Director of Hardware Engineering. Mr. Gao joins Zoox from Tesla, where he dedicated eight years to leading the Autopilot hardware engineering team. Before his tenure at Tesla, he spent nine years at Apple.

Electric Vehicles and Battery Technology

Canoo is currently facing significant financial difficulties. The electric vehicle startup has temporarily suspended operations at its manufacturing facility and implemented worker furloughs while actively seeking emergency funding.

The Environmental Protection Agency, under the current administration, has granted California permission to prohibit the sale of most new gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles, including light trucks, beginning in 2035. However, this decision is anticipated to be overturned with the incoming change in presidential administration.

Ram has postponed the release of its all-electric truck until 2026. The company will now prioritize the launch of the Ramcharger, a range-extended truck model. This shift in strategy is attributed to weaker-than-expected demand for electric vehicles.

Tesla is reinstating complimentary Supercharging for purchasers of new Model S vehicles. However, this benefit is offset by a $5,000 price increase for the Model S itself.

Advancements in In-Car Technology

Rivian has deployed a new software update for its vehicles. This update introduces several highly anticipated applications to the in-vehicle experience, including YouTube, Google Cast, and SiriusXM (requiring a subscription).

Additional Transportation News

Kakao Mobility, the ride-hailing division of Korean technology company Kakao, has been issued a fine of $10.5 million (KRW 15.1 billion) for restricting access to its taxi application for competing services.

Wing, a subsidiary of Alphabet, is broadening its collaboration with DoorDash to facilitate drone delivery services for customers in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

Recent Vehicle Evaluations

Rebecca Bellan, a journalist with TechCrunch, recently had the opportunity to evaluate the 2025 Lucid Air Pure on two separate occasions.

A comprehensive review is available for those interested in a detailed analysis. However, a concise summary is provided for readers seeking the key takeaways.

The 2025 Lucid Air Pure is described as possessing a desirable combination of aesthetics, comfort, and sophistication, alongside commendable technological features.

This assessment applies despite the vehicle representing the most accessible trim level currently offered by the EV manufacturer.

Bellan noted a feeling of refined elegance while operating the vehicle, characterizing it as akin to wearing high-end casual attire – “designer sweatpants,” as she put it.

The question of whether this experience equates to genuine value was also considered. Bellan’s conclusion is affirmative, contingent upon Lucid’s ongoing commitment to software enhancements via over-the-air updates.

Having personally driven the Lucid Air on multiple occasions, it was encouraging to discover that previously identified issues have been addressed.

Specifically, the problematic oscillation experienced when utilizing the lane-centering assistance feature has reportedly been rectified.

About “This Week’s Wheels”: This segment offers insights into the various transportation solutions undergoing testing, encompassing electric and hybrid automobiles, e-bikes, and autonomous vehicle experiences.

Future evaluations will include the next-generation Rivian R1S and the Volkswagen ID Buzz. Further updates will be provided as these assessments are completed.