The Legacy Continues – BMW's 5 Series and i5 Raise the Bar | February 09th, 2024
The Legacy Continues – BMW's 5 Series and i5 Raise the Bar | February 09th, 2024
Also, Gogoro launched the Pulse Smartscooter, and Uber Freight has introduced a new scheduling API for Uber Freight’s TMS.
Issue [#225] - Every week, we deliver analysis and curation of emerging mobility news - post a job listing here!
Curbivore 2024 Is Just A Few Weeks Away!
The worlds of delivery, mobility, curbside commerce and civic tech come together at Curbivore 2024! Join us March 28th & 29th in Downtown LA, discounted tickets still available. Meet with and hear from the top minds at amazing organizations like Walmart, Wonder, Lyft, LADOT, Bloomberg, SFMTA, Nash, GM Brightdrop, Motional, Serve, Coco, Kiwibot, Seattle DOT, California Transportation Commission, Upfront Ventures and more.
Micromobility
Belgian e-bike manufacturer Cowboy has introduced an On-Demand maintenance service, allowing users to request bike repairs at home via the Cowboy app. The service, starting at £69, covers various repairs such as maintenance packages, tire puncture fixes, and accessory installations | ZAGDaily
Microtransit, criticized for its cost and scalability challenges, can be a valuable addition to public transit. Instead of a binary choice between fixed routes and microtransit, a more nuanced approach that leverages technology and diverse transit modes is needed. By embracing microtransit as a complementary tool and addressing automotive subsidies, we can create a more equitable and efficient transportation system that benefits all stakeholders | Bloomberg
Get ready to revolutionize your errand days! Discover how cargo bikes are transforming daily commutes in Germany. With 18% of former car owners switching to cargo bikes, you'll be amazed at the convenience and eco-friendliness they offer | Bicycling
Dive into the groundbreaking study revealing the symbiotic relationship between vibrant biking scenes and safer streets for all. Researchers Nicholas N. Ferenchak and Wesley E. Marshall show how high-bicycling cities like Boulder, CO, maintain low overall traffic fatality rates. Discover the secrets behind this safety paradox today! | Momentum Mag
Cake, the electric motorcycle startup, faced bankruptcy despite talks with industry giants like Harley-Davidson. Stefan Ytterborn, the CEO, remains optimistic about finding a post-bankruptcy partner. Amid funding challenges and investor pullback, Cake's pursuit of automaker partnerships underscores its vision for urban mobility, despite its current financial woes | TechCrunch
Product Launches & Updates
Step into the future with the latest BMW 5 Series and the groundbreaking electric i5. With unparalleled refinement and performance, coupled with futuristic technology, BMW continues its legacy of being the ultimate driving experience. With echoes of uniqueness akin to icons like Christopher Walken and Usher, BMW's Ultimate Driving Machine sets a new standard in automotive innovation | @BMW USA via Youtube
Gogoro's latest innovation, the Pulse Smartscooter, redefines urban mobility with its sleek design, powerful Hyper Drive system, and cutting-edge features like adaptive lighting and Apple integration. Anticipated to launch in late Q2 2024, the Pulse promises to revolutionize electric scooter technology and elevate the riding experience to new heights | Electric Cars Report
Meet the game-changing Sixthreezero Two Front Wheel Electric Bike: a leaning tadpole trike offering enhanced stability and comfort at an affordable $1,999. With rear-wheel drive, a powerful 750W motor, and a sleek design, it redefines the e-trike experience, making it a compelling choice for riders seeking innovation and performance | Electrek
Get ready for Rivian's big reveal. On March 7, the company will unveil its next-generation electric SUV, the R2, in Laguna Beach, California. With CEO RJ Scaringe aiming for affordability and scalability, the R2 promises to reshape the electric vehicle market | TechCrunch
Porsche's revamped 2025 Taycan, set to debut this fall, is the epitome of electric luxury. With enhanced battery options and rapid charging capabilities, it promises a thrilling ride. Plus, with its sleek design updates and cutting-edge features, it's leading the charge towards Porsche's electrifying future | The Verge
Ridehailing, Carsharing & Delivery
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In San Francisco, a cyclist sustained minor injuries after being struck by a driverless Waymo vehicle, adding to concerns about autonomous vehicle safety. This incident, coupled with previous mishaps involving self-driving cars, underscores the need for rigorous safety protocols and regulatory scrutiny in urban environments | The Verge
The Hoboken Business Administration expresses concerns that proposed e-bike delivery driver licensing could deter undocumented individuals due to fears of deportation, hindering safety efforts. Despite acknowledging the need to address pedestrian safety hazards, the administration urges for a more nuanced discussion on the proposal's implications and burdens on law enforcement | Hudson County View
Uber Freight has introduced a new scheduling API aimed at enhancing efficiency and reducing costs in the logistics industry. By implementing automated scheduling within their TMS, Uber Freight saw a significant reduction in appointment lead times and an increase in load availability, paving the way for faster and more streamlined operations | PYMNTS
Rappi's workers are discontented with the efficacy of "Defensoría al Repartidor," set up to mediate issues within the company. The creation of DAR in October aimed to alleviate concerns among Colombian delivery workers, but some view it as "fairwashing," according to Derly Yohanna Sánchez | Modern Delivery
Ruan, a major carrier, is undergoing significant changes in Q1 with layoffs and site closures affecting over 215 workers across California, Virginia, and West Virginia. Separations are set for March 1, with employment officials suggesting rehiring for some affected workers | Trucking Dive
Investment & Deals
Guided Energy secures $5.2 million investment, co-led by Sequoia and Dynamo Ventures, to optimize EV fleet management | Tech.eu
In a strategic move to generate revenue and reduce field operational costs, Turkish mobility app Marti has acquired Zoba, a global fleet optimization provider | ZAGDaily
Indian startup River, manufacturing electric two-wheelers, raises $40M in a funding round led by Yamaha Motor of Japan, to fuel R&D spending and expand market presence of its innovative electric "SUV" two-wheeler in India | TechCrunch
Starship Technologies, a leading pioneer in sidewalk delivery robot services, secures $90 million in funding to meet growing market demand, proving its profitability and aiming to solidify its dominant position in the delivery robotics space | TechCrunch
€100M has been raised by Project 3 Mobility for the development of autonomous robotaxis, although the status of progress and the precise details of the planned pilot robotaxi service in Zagreb, scheduled for deployment in 2026, are uncertain | Tech.eu
Securing $4.5 million in seed funding, Cosmic Aerospace, a startup focused on electric aircraft, propels the development of its groundbreaking technology for creating vehicles capable of 1,000km flights | Tech.eu
Swedish electric motorcycle company Cake, founded in 2017, declared bankruptcy, citing challenges in securing venture funding. Despite selling 6000 bikes, opening a factory in Sweden, and planning one in the US, the company faced financial challenges. Founder Stefan Ytterborn highlighted challenges in securing necessary funds due to a tough risk capital environment. With 140 unpaid employees, Cake's bankruptcy adds to a tough year for mobility startups. The company had raised $74.4 million and recently signed a contract for 1500 electric motorcycles for Greece and Cyprus | Tech.eu
In recent months, it can be observed that the new mobility industry has faced some challenges. An example of this is Superpedestrian, which shut down after 18 months of securing $125 million in funding | ZAGDaily
Toyota is investing $1.3 billion in its Kentucky factory for future electric vehicles (EVs), focusing on a three-row electric SUV for the US. This move surprises many, given Toyota's previous resistance to the EV trend. The funds will support an EV assembly line and battery pack assembly. Despite past environmental controversies, Toyota aims to invest $17 billion in US operations for EV transition. The investment reflects a changing approach, as Toyota, once an EV pioneer, adapts to the evolving automotive landscape | The Verge
Cities & Policy
The federal government turned down Mayor Adams's $1 billion request to fix the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. Advocates like Danny Pearlstein feel relieved, wanting a better plan focusing on public transit and community unity. Critics say the rejected plan lacked community support. The Department of Transportation is determined to stick to its BQE repair schedule but faces doubts about the project's direction | StreetsBlog NYC
Budapest, a city rich in history and architecture, is innovating for the future. With a comprehensive urban mobility plan, the city is leveraging technology and sustainable solutions to enhance its transport sector. Budapest’s unique blend of past and present makes it a city to watch in the coming years | The #CitiesFirst Podcast via Scott S.
Parisians voted 54.5% to triple parking charges for large SUVs, supporting the city's eco-friendly plans. The measure aims to discourage bulky, polluting cars, including electric ones over 2 tonnes. Mayor Hidalgo sees it as an environmental move. Despite street transformations for bikes, the decision has sparked debate, with motorists opposing the high costs and defending their vehicle choices | Reuters
Advocates urge the state to reduce car trips by 20% and invest billions in transit, bikes, and paths, prioritizing them over additional highway development in New York | StreetsBlog NYC
John Samuelsen and John Costa, Transit Union Presidents, emphasize the critical role of federal funding in supporting essential bus and rail services that millions of working individuals rely on | Newsweek
Capital Metro in Austin is set to revolutionize its MetroBike program with a massive expansion worth $20.6 million. The initiative will see the current fleet completely transitioned to electric-assist bikes, funded by a substantial grant. The upgraded bikes and additional stations are slated for a summer rollout | Austin Monitor
New Products, Features, and Data Points
The Vision Pro, a VR device, is highlighted in a Tesla Cybertruck video. It emphasizes the risks of wearing VR headsets while driving, combining stereoscopic VR with camera passthrough. Officials stress the danger, urging safety on the road | The Verge
Apple significantly ramped up autonomous vehicle testing in 2023, nearly quadrupling its self-driving miles, according to government filings | Wired
Tesla Raises Layoff Concerns by Assessing Necessity of Job Roles, While Sales Growth Slows Amid Investments for Future Expansion Bloomberg | Bloomberg
The Autonocast podcast discussed the latest Software Defined Vehicles showcased at CES. They explored how carmakers are making these high-tech features consumer-friendly, emphasizing user experience and design. The hosts highlighted CES as a hub for innovation, sharing insights into groundbreaking technologies and marketing strategies. The episode provided a clear view of how automakers are navigating the software-driven landscape to engage and excite potential customers | Autonocast
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