Waymo has started testing its autonomous vehicles on public roads in London as it prepares to launch a commercial robotaxi service in the city this year. The Alphabet-owned company has been working toward this moment for months. Waymo announced in October it planned to begin driving on London’s public roads. Waymo employees initially drove the vehicles manually to map the city before starting autonomous testing. For now, a fleet of about 100 all-electric Jaguar I-Pace equipped with Waymo’s self-driving system have a human safety operator behind the wheel. Waymo is testing its vehicles across a 100-square-mile area of the city, according to the company. The government must first finalize its trial program regulations before we can operate fully autonomously. We will work closely with regulators to ensure that our service reaches as many Londoners as possible. “Core driving AI generalizing very well,” Waymo co-CEO Dmitri Dolgov wrote in a LinkedIn post announcing the testing. “Autonomous testing now underway with specialists behind the wheel as we master local nuances and validate performance on UK roads — a key step toward rider-only deployment.” Waymo said in another post on LinkedIn that it is investing in the country by hiring locally and establishing multiple AV service centers across London. The company also said it was working with emergency services “as we build the foundation to expand our business in Europe.” If Waymo follows its typical strategy, the company will eventually conduct driverless testing and allow its own employees to try out the service before inviting the public to hail its robotaxis. Waymo’s plans to launch that service in 2026 hinges on the U.K. government finalizing its approval process for those operations. Waymo already has ties to the U.K.: In 2019, the company acquired Latent Logic, a U.K. startup spun out of Oxford University’s
Apr 14, 2026 · via techcrunch.com
SAN FRANCISCO, April 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Glydways, the company delivering a new category of urban mobility, today announced its $170 million Series C fundraise. The round was co-led by Suzuki Motor Corporation, ACS Group, and Khosla Ventures with additional participation from existing investors Mitsui Chemicals and Gates Frontier, and new investor, Obayashi Corporation, a leading general contractor and developer. The commercialization round, which was oversubscribed, comes alongside Glydways’ recent global momentum including securing Memorandums of Understanding with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office and the Dubai Roads & Transport Authority, and the groundbreaking of Glydways’ first publicly accessible system in South Metro Atlanta. Glydways has now raised well over $250 million to enable cities to build and scale networks of autonomous vehicle expressways that move people at 10x the throughput and cost efficiency of today's technology. The result is a fundamentally different mobility system, one that delivers order of magnitude improvements in efficiency, cost, and rider experience, with attractive operating margins. For Glydways, this marks the transition from development to real-world deployment of a new category of urban mobility. “Glydways is not an evolution of transportation, it’s a fundamentally new model for how cities move. Glydways is now entering real-world operations, showing that high-capacity, on-demand personal mobility can be better for riders, financially sustainable, and solve congestion,” said Mark Seeger, Founder and Co-CEO, Glydways. “Glydways will be in public operations this year, showing the public a new way of moving around cities that is efficient and affordable. Having dedicated investors alongside us supporting every facet of our go-to-market motion is essential as Glydways becomes a reality for riders globally.” Glydways represents a new category of mobility. While autonomous vehicles have advanced rapidly, their impact is fundamentally constrained when deployed on existing roads. Glydways unlocks autonomous vehicles’ full potential by
Apr 14, 2026 · via markets.businessinsider.com
Patryk Kosmider - stock.adobe.co UK government accelerates autonomous vehicle development funding Projects exploring how autonomous vehicles could benefit businesses and communities across the UK receive government backing as part of £150m CAM Pathfinder programme A total of eight studies exploring how autonomous vehicles could benefit businesses and communities across the UK have received funding from a government-backed initiative aimed at accelerating the roll-out of commercially viable connected and automated mobility (CAM) services in the UK. Part of the UK government’s industrial strategy is to address the complexities in commercialising CAM vehicles, and in addition to increased funding, the programme is complemented by the Automated Vehicles Act 2024, which is designed to pave the way for self-driving vehicles to be used safely and securely on British roads, removing the need for safety drivers. Alongside full implementation of the act by 2027, the government is also enabling commercial pilots of bus and taxi-like services from spring 2026. Running until 2030, the £150m CAM Pathfinder programme is seen as key to realising the industry’s potential. It is aimed at addressing the challenges of bringing CAM vehicles to market, providing funding for projects that are intended to develop “world-first” technologies, products and services, ranging from “cutting-edge” software to smart transport services. It was announced in the government’s advanced manufacturing sector plan, which aims to grow the UK’s CAM industry – calculated to be worth £3.7bn. Projects funded by CAM Pathfinder must demonstrate that the cutting-edge technology or mobility services being developed can help industries become safer, sustainable, inclusive and more productive. By accelerating the development, deployment and adoption of such technologies and services, the objective is to support growth and investment, and unlock innovation across transport. The CAM Pathfinder programme is delivered by the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV), supported by Zenzic
Apr 14, 2026 · via computerweekly.com
In a city filled with traditional taxi and ridesharing, self-driving vehicles could soon be a new mode of transportation seen on Toronto’s streets. Waymo is a fully autonomous ridesharing service, with no human in the front seat. The California-based tech company already operates in 11 U.S. cities and is looking to expand into other major cities, including London, Tokyo, and possibly Toronto. “The big advantage that self driving cars have over human drivers is that they can see in all directions at all the time and never get tired of bored,” said Steven Waslander, a professor at University of Toronto’s Institute for Aerospace Studies, told CTV News Toronto. Chow’s ‘priority is protecting jobs’ Mayor Olivia Chow’s office says Waymo, which is owned by Google’s parent company Alphabet, told them it plans to apply for a provincial pilot program to conduct tests. “The Mayor’s priority is protecting jobs in Toronto. Any move toward autonomous vehicles must not put people out of work or undermine workers’ livelihoods,” a spokesperson for the mayor said in a written statement. “(She) will not support Waymo if it costs jobs, drives down wages for other workers, or contributed to precarious work in our city. Waymo must demonstrate this will not happen.” Alex Ferworn, a computer science professor at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), said there are concerns about what happens when these self-driving rideshares don’t have passengers in them. “Do they just circle? Doesn’t that just add to the traffic problems we already experience?,” he wondered. Toronto had previous self-driving pilots This wouldn’t be the first time a self-driving vehicle pilot project would meet Toronto traffic. Last summer, Magna International was accepted into Ontario’s automatic vehicle pilot program. The city was against it, however, and the test drive ended just a few months later. In 2021, self-driving
Apr 13, 2026 · via bnnbloomberg.ca
On the Dash: - Rising fuel prices are likely to accelerate demand for fuel-efficient, hybrid, and electric vehicles while softening interest in larger trucks and SUVs. - Inventory mix and days’ supply should be closely monitored to avoid overexposure to slower-moving segments. - Used-vehicle pricing can shift quickly, creating opportunities to capture margin on fuel-efficient models. - Fixed operations could see increased demand as consumers delay purchases and extend ownership cycles. A sharp rise in global oil prices, driven by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and supply disruptions tied to the Strait of Hormuz, is beginning to ripple through the U.S. economy, creating immediate implications for auto retailers. Crude oil prices have climbed back above $100 per barrel following stalled diplomatic efforts between the U.S. and Iran, raising concerns about prolonged supply constraints, according to a Reuters report. Since the Strait of Hormuz handles a considerable share of global oil shipments, any disruption has an outsized impact on fuel costs worldwide. For dealerships, the effects are already materializing at the pump, as U.S. gas prices have moved above $4 per gallon in many regions, with diesel climbing even higher and expected to remain elevated for months, according to recent government and industry forecasts. That shift is quickly altering how consumers approach vehicle purchases. Higher fuel costs are increasing the total cost of ownership, putting pressure on household budgets and reducing affordability. As a result, dealers can expect a near-term shift in demand away from full-size trucks and large SUVs toward smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles, including hybrids and electric models. Early indicators from global markets show a measurable increase in EV interest following recent fuel price spikes, a trend that could carry into the U.S. if elevated prices persist. At the same time, volatility in fuel prices is creating
Apr 13, 2026 · via cbtnews.com
DALLAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Continental Battery Systems (CBS), a leading North American battery distributor, has been selected by Mazda North American Operations as its nationwide battery supply partner, supporting Mazda’s U.S. dealer network with reliable, high-performance battery solutions. On April 6, 2026, CBS began providing batteries across Mazda’s U.S. dealerships, leveraging its extensive distribution network to ensure consistent availability, rapid delivery, and dependable service at scale. The partnership also creates an opportunity to accelerate growth within the battery category through enhanced marketing support and dealer-focused programs. “This partnership reflects the strength of our national footprint and our ability to deliver consistent, reliable support at the dealer level,” said John Rauco, Chief Commercial Officer at CBS. “Mazda needed a partner who could execute across the entire U.S. network, and our platform is built to deliver that level of performance while helping drive growth in the battery category.” “CBS stood out for its ability to deliver consistent coverage across our dealer network and support our long-term operational goals,” said Rob Miline, Vice President of Accessory and Aftersales at Mazda North American Operations. “Beyond supply, their capabilities in category management, marketing support, and dealer engagement position us to grow the battery business across our network.” Through this partnership, CBS will deliver consistent service, product availability, and support across Mazda’s U.S. dealer network—helping ensure dealers have the tools and resources needed to meet customer demand and drive service performance. For more information about Continental Battery Systems, visit continentalbattery.com About Continental Battery Systems Founded in 1932, Continental Battery Systems (CBS) is a leading North American distributor of battery products, energy storage systems, and recycling solutions, serving OEMs, aftermarket providers, and major retailers. CBS supports a full spectrum of applications, from passenger and heavy-duty vehicles to powersports, golf, lawn & garden, marine, RV, and industrial equipment. With more than
Apr 13, 2026 · via cbtnews.com
Tesla just got the green light for its FSD in Europe. Dutch regulators have approved the automaker’s “Full Self-Driving Supervised” system for use on public roads, marking the first time the technology has been cleared in Europe. The clearance is the first step toward wider adoption across the European Union. The approval by the Netherlands Vehicle Authority (RDW) came after more than 18 months of testing. Dutch regulators determined that if the system is used properly, it could lead to improved road safety. However, they emphasized that the European version of Tesla’s software differs from what is currently available in the United States, where Tesla operates it under a laxer regulatory landscape and has faced several inquiries following crashes. The Netherlands plans to submit the system for EU-wide approval. Achieving that requires a majority vote among member states. If approved, Tesla’s advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) technology could be rolled out across the EU. Even without authorization of the entire European Union, individual countries could choose to allow the system within their own borders. The news is a significant milestone for Tesla as it seeks to expand its self-driving capabilities beyond the United States. The automaker has banked on the expansion of ADAS and, subsequently, fully autonomous vehicles as a key to its growth, especially important now as sales of its EVs have slowed in Europe largely due to increasing competition. Analysts say regulatory approval could also help boost demand. The Netherlands is one of Tesla’s bigger European markets, with roughly 100,000 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles eligible to receive the software through a subscription. Tesla said it expects to begin rolling out FSD in the Netherlands soon, while continuing to pursue approvals in other European markets.
Apr 13, 2026 · via autoweek.com
The US Department of Energy and Argonne National Laboratory have launched the latest round of their college-centered engineering program, the EcoCAR Innovation Challenge, with major support from General Motors, Stellantis, and MathWorks. The 15th edition of the four-year competition will involve 20 universities from across North America to develop “next-generation mobility solutions” using technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. Organizers say the program is designed to really push innovation in vehicle technology, but also to help build the future automotive workforce at a time when the industry is undergoing a rapid transformation. “The Innovation Challenge is an investment in the next era of the American workforce,” said Audrey Robertson, assistant secretary of energy for energy efficiency and renewable energy. She also noted that the participation of GM and Stellantis marks the first time in more than 25 years that two major automakers have collaborated in the same competition. Each automaker will sponsor a separate competition track, providing students with different engineering challenges and vehicle platforms that are designed to reflect real-world market choices. GM will supply the 2026 Chevrolet Blazer EV, while Stellantis will provide a 2026 Jeep Cherokee hybrid. Student teams will be tasked with modifying and optimizing vehicle propulsion systems, including the design and integration of electric motors and high-voltage battery systems. The competition will also focus on software integration, controls, and overall system performance, which organizers says are skills that have become increasingly important in modern vehicle design and development. “EcoCAR develops engineers who understand how to integrate software, controls, advanced powertrains, and the customer experience into a single system,” said Ken Morris, GM’s senior vice president of product programs, safety, and motorsports. Stellantis echoed that sentiment, highlighting the program’s focus on real-world problem solving and cross-disciplinary collaboration. MathWorks will support students with industry-standard model-based
Apr 13, 2026 · via autoweek.com
Waymo is reportedly planning a significant step toward bringing its driverless taxis to Toronto’s streets. But it’s unclear if the California-based tech company will be welcome north of the border, with the mayor and premier harbouring concerns about the autonomous driving technology’s impact on local jobs. According to a spokesperson for Mayor Olivia Chow, Waymo has told her office it plans to apply to the Ontario government’s automated vehicle pilot program. That would enable the company to test its vehicles in the province and serve as a potential precursor to launching commercial robo taxi operations in its largest city. Waymo, which is owned by Google’s parent company Alphabet and bills itself as the world’s first autonomous ride-hailing service, wouldn’t confirm its Ontario plans Friday. Waymo spokesperson Chris Pappas acknowledged, however, that the company has “global ambitions,” and said it has met with officials in Toronto and elsewhere in Canada to “to explain our technology and advocate for the legal frameworks necessary to bring our fully autonomous ride-hailing service to the country.” Waymo plans to join pilot Chow’s press secretary Braman Thillainathan told the Star the company revealed its plans to join the Ontario pilot during a recent lobbying push at city hall. Waymo representatives and hired lobbyists with the StrategyCorp firm have been speaking with city officials since December, including managers in transportation services and mayoral staffers, public records show. Thillainathan said the company made no specific request of Chow, and he stressed that the province, not the city, is in charge of regulating driverless cars. But he said that the mayor won’t back the company if its operations hurt Toronto’s taxi and ride-hail drivers. “Any move toward autonomous vehicles must not put people out of work or undermine workers’ livelihoods. The mayor will not support Waymo if it costs
Apr 13, 2026 · via thestar.com
Waymo launches pothole data-sharing program in Austin, partnering with Waze for test markets Robotaxi company Waymo says it wants to help the city of Austin tackle potholes, and it will do so by sharing data with transportation officials. Waymo announced in a blog earlier this month that it would partner with Waze, a navigation company that was acquired by Google in 2013, for the pilot program. Waymo said it would share data gathered by its robotaxis' systems with city and state transportation departments through the free-to-use Waze for Cities platform, along with information about potholes shared by drivers. The idea, Waymo said, would be to give officials "an additional view of surface street and highway conditions that enables them to more efficiently and effectively fill potholes". The company also said Waze users will be able to see the data in cities where Waymo operates, and users will be able to verify potholes identified by Waymo to increase the data's accuracy. "Waymo is already making roads safer where we operate. We want to build on the safety benefits of our service by partnering with organizations and city officials to help improve the infrastructure we all depend on," said Arielle Fleisher, Policy Development and Research Manager at Waymo. "Waymo's mission is to be the world's most trusted driver; we're also committed to becoming a trusted partner to the cities we serve." Austin is just one of five cities where this pilot program will launch. The program will also activate in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix and Atlanta. Waymo said it plans to expand the partnership to more cities. Waymo notes that potholes can significantly damage cars and contribute to crashes. The company said that cities rely largely on citizen reports to non-emergency 311 lines and manual inspections. However, Waymo's blog post claimed
Apr 13, 2026 · via cbsnews.com
Panasonic Avionics Major supplier to airlines worldwide According to the latest IndexBox report on the global On Board Connectivity market, the market enters 2026 with broader demand fundamentals, more disciplined procurement behavior, and a more regionally diversified supply architecture. The global On Board Connectivity (OBC) market is undergoing a fundamental transformation from a premium feature to a core component of modern transportation, underpinned by the convergence of regulatory mandates, technological advancement, and evolving consumer expectations. This analysis forecasts the market's trajectory from 2026 to 2035, a period marked by the maturation of autonomous driving systems, stringent data reporting requirements, and the proliferation of software-defined vehicles. Growth will be driven not merely by increasing vehicle production but by the exponential rise in data generation per asset, necessitating robust hardware for cellular, satellite, and V2X communication, alongside sophisticated software platforms for data management. The market structure is shifting from fragmented hardware sales to integrated 'hardware-software-service' bundles, creating recurring revenue streams and elevating the strategic importance of ecosystem partnerships between automotive OEMs, telecom providers, and software firms. This report provides a detailed examination of demand drivers across key end-use sectors, supply chain dynamics, competitive landscape, and regional growth hotspots, offering a data-driven perspective essential for manufacturers, investors, and strategists navigating this rapidly evolving space. The baseline scenario for the On Board Connectivity market from 2026 to 2035 projects robust expansion, transitioning from a period of accelerated adoption to one of deepening integration and value extraction. The core assumption is a continued global push for transportation efficiency, safety, and digitalization, albeit against a backdrop of economic cycles and regional regulatory divergence. Growth will be primarily volume-driven in the early forecast period, as connectivity penetrates deeper into commercial fleets and mid-tier passenger vehicles. The latter half of the forecast will see value-driven growth, fueled by
Apr 13, 2026 · via indexbox.io
Tesla stock is beating the broader market today: here's why Tesla shares rose 0.4% to $350.81 in early trading, outperforming a weaker broader market. The S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.1% and 0.3%, respectively, as geopolitical tensions escalated. The move followed comments from Donald Trump, who said the US Navy would blockade the Strait of Hormuz after peace talks with Iran failed. The development pushed benchmark crude prices up 6% to above $100 per barrel. Europe approves Tesla’s FSD system Tesla’s gains were driven by regulatory progress in Europe. Authorities in the Netherlands approved the company’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) driver-assistance system, marking the first such approval in the region. Cantor Fitzgerald analyst Andres Sheppard said the decision is significant. “We view this as material, since it marks the first country in Europe to grant regulatory approval of Tesla’s FSD, or to allow autonomous vehicles on European roads,” he wrote, adding that Tesla expects approvals in additional European countries “soon.” Sheppard maintains a Buy rating on the stock with a $510 price target. The approval includes important limitations. The Netherlands’ RDW vehicle authority said the system requires active driver supervision at all times. “FSD Supervised is not self-driving,” the regulator said, noting that drivers must remain attentive and ready to take control. It added that the European version of the system differs from the US version, with tighter constraints in place. Self-driving central to Tesla valuation Autonomous driving technology remains a key pillar of Tesla’s valuation. In many Wall Street models, self-driving capabilities account for a significant portion of the company’s roughly $1.5 trillion market value. Tesla trades at a punishing premium, with a trailing price-to-earnings ratio ranging between roughly 295x and 325x depending on which earnings figure is used. On a forward basis, consensus analyst estimates
Apr 13, 2026 · via tradingview.com
The world-renowned Campus is investigating the potential for a dedicated route for electric autonomous vehicles between the Hinxton-based site and Whittlesford Parkway railway station. This would create a safe, sustainable and reliable way for people to travel to and from the Campus, while also creating a scalable model for use of autonomous vehicles across the UK. The Campus has received funding as part of the Government’s CAM Pathfinder Programme to carry out the year-long feasibility study. This will enable the Campus to understand what is needed to run the service safely, regularly and at a cost that could work long-term. Currently, the Campus runs shuttle buses and coaches to and from Whittlesford Parkway to get people to the site, as there is no direct public transport link. A dedicated land corridor for autonomous vehicles would make it easier for workers and visitors to reach the Campus, offer predictable journey times, and help to cut congestion and emissions. Over time, the corridor could also evolve into a publicly accessible link, improving wider connectivity. The proposed corridor leverages Wellcome Trust’s unique position as sole landowner of an uninterrupted stretch of land, potentially enabling a controlled environment for autonomous operations without the complexity of mixed traffic. With Greater Cambridge continuing to grow as a global centre for life sciences and innovation, better transport links are key to attracting companies and investment and unlocking new jobs. The study will produce an investment-ready plan that could be relevant to science and innovation sites across Greater Cambridge and the UK, showing how autonomous vehicles can support growth and job creation. Robert Evans, Chief Executive of the Wellcome Genome Campus, said: “As we progress with our major expansion – which will see our Campus triple in size over the next 10-15 years – we are looking at
Apr 13, 2026 · via cambridgenetwork.co.uk
Level 4 autonomous technology expert Nuro shared the latest milestone of a partnership with Uber Technologies and Lucid Motors to develop a fleet of Gravity Robotaxi SUVs. Per the company, a select group of riders has begun test rides in California. Today’s latest robotaxi milestone involving Nuro, Uber, and Lucid Gravity dates back to July 2025, when the autonomous technology developer, rideshare and logistics network, and American EV automaker (respectively) announced an exciting new partnership. Through the collaboration, Uber Technologies has committed to deploying up to 20,000 Lucid Gravity SUVs converted to robotaxis using Nuro’s level 4 autonomous driving platform, Driver. By late October, Uber had announced where it would initially begin rolling out these Nuro-equipped Lucid Gravity robotaxis – the San Francisco Bay Area. Shocker! By January, Nuro, Uber, and Lucid Motors had unveiled a production-intent version of the Gravity robotaxi, which was beginning road testing right away. This morning, Nuro confirmed that it has moved into the next phase of development, beginning public test rides in, you guessed it, the Bay Area. If you’re itching to hail a Gravity robotaxi, however, you’ll still have to wait, as these test rides are currently available only to Uber employees. Uber employees begin robotaxi rides in Nuro-equipped Lucid Gravity SUVs A press release from Nuro confirmed that select Uber employees have already begun test rides in the Lucid Gravity robotaxis on Uber’s rideshare platform around San Francisco. This latest test program, which began last week, still includes a safety driver in the front seat. However, Uber employees can request the Nuro-equipped Lucid Gravity vehicles directly through the rideshare app as they validate the experience and provide feedback ahead of a full commercial launch. Per the release: This kind of testing helps connect the autonomy stack, the vehicle platform, and the rider
Apr 13, 2026 · via electrek.co
The Dutch vehicle authority RDW has issued European type approval with provisional validity for Tesla’s driver assistance system, full self-driving (FSD) supervised, permitting its deployment within the Netherlands. According to RDW, the driver-operated assistance system underwent extensive evaluation over a period exceeding 18 months. Discover B2B Marketing That Performs Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms. Testing was conducted on both controlled tracks and public roads before the approval was granted. The regulator stressed that FSD supervised does not qualify as an autonomous driving system. Instead, it is classified as an advanced driver assistance system, where the driver retains full responsibility and must remain actively engaged at all times. The system incorporates monitoring features that assess driver attention, including sensors that track eye movement and readiness to assume control. If insufficient attentiveness is detected, warnings are issued, and the system can be temporarily deactivated. This approval allows the use of FSD supervised within the Netherlands, with the possibility of broader deployment across the European Union (EU) at a later stage. In its statement, the RDW said: “Tesla’s driver-controlled assistance system supports the driver more than other systems because, when enabled, it takes over multiple driving tasks. “Using driver assistance systems correctly makes a positive contribution to road safety because the driver is supported in their driving tasks; it is a supplement to the driver. Through continuous strict monitoring of the driver in the vehicle, the system is safer than other driver assistance systems.” The authority also pointed to differences in regulatory frameworks between regions. In the EU, vehicles must receive prior European type approval from designated authorities such as RDW. In contrast, the US follows a self-certification model, with compliance monitored after deployment. It further highlighted that European vehicles operate on different
Apr 13, 2026 · via just-auto.com
The competition to deploy robotaxis across Europe is intensifying. A partnership led by European start-up Verne, alongside Uber and China's Pony.ai, has been described by industry observers as a vehicle for introducing Chinese autonomous-driving technology...
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Apr 13, 2026 · via digitimes.com
The Aichi Prefectural Government is stepping up demonstration tests aimed at launching Japan's first commercially operated autonomous bus service on an expressway.
In fiscal 2025, which ended in March, the prefecture repeatedly carried out Level 2 trial runs, in which a driver remains on board and handles some operations manually. The tests helped identify a number of challenges.
Aichi aims to secure approval for the practical deployment of Level 4 autonomous driving in fiscal 2027. Under Level 4 autonomy, a vehicle can operate without a driver under specific conditions.
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Apr 13, 2026 · via japantimes.co.jp
Intergravity, a space infrastructure deep-tech startup, announced on the 13th that it has secured 8 billion won in a pre-Series A funding round. With the secured funds, the company will accelerate the development of its autonomous orbital transfer vehicle and integrated space-based manufacturing platform. The funding round included participation from Stonebridge Ventures, Stick Ventures, Company K Partners, D.CAMP (Banks Foundation for Young Entrepreneurs), and the Korea Technology Finance Corporation (KIBO). The investment, which also involves the Korea AeroSpace Administration's New Space Fund and the AI Future Tech Fund, is considered significant as it spans both the private space and AI technology sectors. Based on this investment, Intergravity plans to advance the development of its Orbital Transfer Vehicle (OTV) and space-based manufacturing platform, expanding its business focus to on-orbit operational services. Founded by experts from space development institutions like the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), Intergravity is a deep-tech company developing on-orbit services based on its orbital transport platform. Unusually for a startup, the company possesses its own vacuum combustion testing facility, allowing it to verify the reliability of its core technologies under conditions identical to the actual space environment, thereby speeding up commercialization. To address the increasing congestion in low Earth orbit, Intergravity aims to develop an autonomous orbital transfer vehicle that reduces reliance on ground control, leveraging a combination of Physical AI and Agentic AI to secure its operational capabilities. The company plans to complete orbital injection via a SpaceX launch vehicle and commence commercial services in the first quarter of 2027. Prior to this, it will validate core technologies for its eco-friendly propulsion and navigation modules through the 5th launch of the Nuri rocket in 2026. Intergravity is evolving into a next-generation space logistics infrastructure company by building an integrated solution that extends beyond satellite and space cargo
Apr 13, 2026 · via dongascience.com
Gasgoo Munich- On April 11, Ouyang Minggao, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, stated at the Intelligent Electric Vehicle Development Forum that the new energy vehicle industry is shifting from "price competition" to "value competition." He argues that the center of industry competition has moved to a "three-value coupling" system spanning the entire value chain, anchored by functional, emotional, and asset value. To survive, the sector must build competitiveness across this entire chain: using functional value as a cornerstone, emotional value to build brand moats, and asset value to forge a long-term loop of trust. Image source: Gasgoo on-site photography 1. Functional Value: From "Spec Leadership" to "Zero-Anxiety Experience" • Safety functions: Vehicle thermal safety, electrical safety, autonomous driving safety, information security, collision safety, and escape safety. • Electric functions: Battery life and range; speed and convenience of charging; electric drive efficiency; and stability of electric functions across all climates, conditions, and processes. • Smart functions: Autonomous driving, smart cockpits, vehicle OTA and V2X capabilities, and vehicle dynamics control. 2. Emotional Value: From "Mobility Tool" to "Lifestyle Brand" • Design aesthetics and personalization: Offer high-degree customization services. Maintain unique recognition within family designs to satisfy users' needs to express individuality. • Building "empathetic" communities: Moving beyond simple rewards programs. Through owner charity events, track days, and outdoor groups, let the brand become an extension of user identity. • Warmth in human-machine interaction: Create anthropomorphic smart assistants. Use emotional voice and seamless interaction to reduce the coldness of the machine and increase the sense of companionship. 3. Asset Value: From "Residual Value Management" to "Full Lifecycle Profitability" • Authoritative used car system: Establish a strict official system for buybacks, refurbishment, and sales. Stabilize brand used car prices to support new car prices. • Innovative energy services: Utilize surplus battery
Apr 13, 2026 · via autonews.gasgoo.com
As companies like Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, and Waymo begin rolling out autonomous vehicles across Europe and the US, the bottleneck facing robotaxis has shifted. No longer defined primarily by technological...
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Apr 12, 2026 · via digitimes.com