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The latest news cycle is a good reminder that even a grizzled veteran journalist who thinks he's seen it all can be surprised, and nothing lasts forever. Intrigued? Read on.
A little bird
Well, it sure is getting spicy out there. YourSimpleaccording to several little birds.
The company last month unveiled a new business segment focused on (wait for it) AI-generated animation and video games. That move, our little network of birdies told us, has sparked a backlash among some shareholders. Now it appears that A fight is brewing over some $450 million in fundsmost of which remains in the United States. And discussions about the company's mission are at the heart of it all.
TechCrunch reporters Rebecca Bellan and Rita Liao dug into the story, and there are quite a few interesting details. For example, TuSimple was beefing up its autonomous vehicle workforce in China late last year, but then changed course in early 2024. Hundreds of people were laid off, though when asked, CEO Cheng Lu told Rebecca that these people (around 500) quit en masse.
Where does TuSimple go from here? There have been threats of lawsuits, though nothing new for now. While the threats lurk in the background, TuSimple is moving forward with the development of an animated film and video game based on the sci-fi series “The Three-Body Problem.”
This unexpected turn made me think, “Wow, maybe I've been covering this industry for too long.”
Do you have any tips for us? Email Kirsten Korosec at kirsten.korosec@techcrunch.comSean O'Kane in sean.okane@techcrunch.com or Rebecca Bellan in rebecca.bellan@techcrunch.com. Or take a look These instructions to learn how to contact us through encrypted messaging apps or SecureDrop.
Offers!
Deal flow in the transportation sector is a bit thin this week. Here are some highlights.
Alaska Airlines completed his Hawaiian Airlines Acquisition for $1.9 BillionThe acquisition is another example of consolidation in the airline industry.
AI Fleeta truck technology startup, raised $16.6 million in a Series B funding round Led by Tom Williams at Heron Rock, Volvo Group VC participated, along with Obvious Ventures, Ibex Investors, Compound, Winthrop Square and Cooley. The company has raised $50 million to date.
Clean electricityan Indian battery technology startup, raised 6 million dollars in a funding round co-led by Info Edge Ventures, Pi Ventures and Kalaari Capital. Lok Capital and other investors also participated.
Silicon Received a undisclosed investment Honda to develop next-generation FMCW lidar solutions for all types of mobility.
ZeroAviaa startup developing hydrogen electric engines (powered by fuel cells) for aircraft, has extended its Series C funding round to a A total of 150 million dollarswith an investment from the Scottish National Investment Bank. The round was co-led by Airbus, Barclays Sustainable Impact Capital and NEOM Investment Fund, with the UK Infrastructure Bank as lead investor. Also participating were Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Horizons Ventures, Ecosystem Integrity Fund, Summa Equity, Alaska Airlines, Amazon's Climate Pledge Fund and AP Ventures.
Oxygena Google-backed startup that develops software for autonomous vehicles, acquired the industrial logistics company StreetDrone for an undisclosed sum.
Featured readings and other curiosities
Autonomous vehicles
Engine President and CEO Carlos Iagnemma — a pioneer in the audiovisual industry — He has resigned from the highest leadership position. CTO Laura Major is now interim CEO. It's not known if Major will retain that role. My inside sources suggest this is an evolving situation. Stay tuned.
Waymo and Uber expanded their relationship in a deal that is bigger than some people might imagine. Uber users in Austin and Atlanta will be able to Greetings to Waymo's robotaxis By early 2025, via the app, as part of an expanded partnership between the two companies. Why is this so notable? First, Uber, not Waymo, will be the operator.
Electric vehicles, charging and batteries
The future of Faraday is distributing Big raises and bonuses To its CEO and founder. Remember that this company is barely hanging on and has delivered only 13 cars in its 10-year history.
fishermanThe bankrupt electric vehicle startup is reversing course just days after informing homeowners that they would have to pay labor costs for the removal repairs.
Managing directorElectric vehicle customers can now officially access Tesla's Superchargers, more than a year after the automaker first announced it would adopt its rival's system. load standardBut what about the rest of the non-Tesla EVs? Stay tuned for the list we'll publish and update.
Gogoro CEO Horace Luke resigned As an investigation into subsidy fraud at the Taiwanese electric scooter maker and battery swapping firm continues.
The future of flight
UK Startup Of beeAlphabet's drone company To theand the UK National Health Service have launched a pilot program which will use drones to transport urgent blood samples between two London hospitals.
UnitedCustomer Care Director Linda Jojo explained to TechCrunch why The airline chose SpaceX's Starlink to power your free Wi-Fi.
Security
Remember that apparent cyber attack on the Port of Seattlewhich also operates Seattle-Tacoma International Airport? We now have official confirmation which was the target of a ransomware attack.
This week's wheels
This week's wheels will be back next week with information about the GMC Sierra EVFuture vehicles include the Mazda CX-90 plug-in hybrid and electric bicycles.
What is “Wheels of the Week”? It’s a chance to learn about the different transportation products we’re testing, whether it’s an electric or hybrid car, an electric bike, or even a ride in an autonomous vehicle.
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