(Tesla photo).
Connected and Autonomous Vehicles:
😮 Tesla Executives Confirm Robotaxi on Track for June. “At the Tesla Q4 2024 Earnings Call, we found out that Tesla TSLA -4.27%↓ now has a firm date and set location for the first deployment of its robotaxi fleet. Now, several of Tesla’s executives have re-iterated that deployment date and location in several different places.”
⚡ Smartcar Partners with BMW Group Europe to Deliver Enhanced Connected Mobility. “BMW vehicles in Europe will be available through the Smartcar platform, allowing developers and businesses across industries to connect their apps effortlessly.”
🤔 A Waymo Subscriber Program Could Be in the Works. “The Rideshare Guy’s Harry Campbell got ahold of a survey asking about a potential Waymo membership program, with potential perks such as cash back and discounts for future robotaxi rides. The monthly plans could cost between $9.99 to $29.99.”
📌 Intel’s Mobileye Plans a Third Path to Robotaxi, Unlike Tesla, Waymo. “Mobileye’s business is selling chips and software to automakers, and while it briefly flirted with a plan to run its own robotaxi business, it currently hopes to do that, under the name Mobileye Drive in partnership with automakers, such as VW commercial vehicles, Rimac’s Verne, and some Chinese vendors.”
👉 Bosch Acquires Roadside Protect to Support Mobility Service Business. “Bosch Service Solutions plans to further expand its mobility service business in the U.S. by acquiring Roadside Protect. Roadside Protect is a provider of towing and roadside administration services along with motor club products in North America to fleets, automotive manufacturers, aftermarket and insurance clients.”
