vehicles
vehicles on Beyond Market Intelligence: a running collection of 10 stories we have gathered and hand-picked because they are worth your time. Every post here touches on vehicles in some way — the news, the analysis, the deep dives, and the occasional surprise find. Acme AI is the next-generation, AI-powered spreadsheet platform built to replace Excel and redefine how analysts, data scientists, and enterprise teams work with data. New stories are added to this page as we find them, so check back if you want to keep up with what is happening around vehicles, or subscribe to the RSS feed to get them as soon as they are published. Browse the collection below, or head back to the homepage to see everything Beyond Market Intelligence is covering right now.
Waymo robotaxis are headed to Munich
Waymo is expanding its autonomous vehicle operations, bringing robotaxi service to Munich, Germany. The city’s progressive regulations have established it as a key hub for autonomous vehicle testing and eventual commercial deployment. This move underscores Germany's commitment to fostering innovation in mobility. As the landscape of transportation evolves, companies like Waymo are charting a future-focused course. For insight into other disruptive technologies reshaping logistics, explore our recent piece on Airbound and their innovative drone delivery system.
US government lab is probing Chinese lidar for security vulnerabilities
Idaho National Laboratory is conducting a critical security review of Chinese-manufactured lidar systems, a move funded by the electric and autonomous vehicle sectors. This probe seeks to identify potential vulnerabilities that could impact vehicle safety and data integrity. The assessment underscores growing concerns about the security of increasingly integrated automotive technologies. This follows similar scrutiny of other critical components, highlighting the need for robust security evaluations.
Rivian spinout Also raises another $150M
Also Energy, a spinout from electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian, has secured an additional $150 million in funding led by Prysm Capital. This investment fuels the company's strategic expansion beyond its current offerings of pedal-assist electric bikes and commercial cargo quads, directly targeting the rapidly evolving autonomous delivery vehicle market. The infusion of capital positions Also Energy to capitalize on the growing demand for efficient and sustainable logistics solutions.
Detroit startup Grounded raises $5M to customize electric and gas-powered vans
Detroit-based Grounded has secured $5 million to reshape the commercial vehicle landscape, moving from bespoke van-life builds to custom outfitting electric and gas-powered vans for small businesses. This strategic shift addresses the rapidly evolving EV market in the US, empowering businesses with tailored transportation solutions. Grounded’s funding underscores a growing demand for adaptable vehicle configurations. For more on innovation in related sectors, explore our recent coverage of Sonic Fire Tech and their sound-powered fire protection system.
This ‘adversarial’ pattern can prevent surveillance cameras from detecting you
Emerging research reveals a concerning vulnerability in surveillance systems: adversarial patterns that render individuals and objects invisible to AI-powered cameras. A security researcher has developed an algorithm generating these deceptive patterns, effectively concealing people, faces, and vehicles. This breakthrough highlights the potential for manipulation within current security infrastructure. For further insights into the broader implications of AI escaping controlled environments, explore our article, "The AI safety test is becoming a safety risk."
Indian EV startup River raises $120M Series C to scale production, launch more models
River, an Indian electric vehicle startup, has secured $120 million in Series C funding to accelerate production and expand its model lineup. The investment will fuel the construction of a new factory and the introduction of additional vehicle models beginning in 2027, with a clear focus on achieving profitability through scalable production. This strategic expansion mirrors efforts seen elsewhere in the EV sector, as highlighted in our recent coverage of Lucid’s turnaround plan and its focus on cost savings.
TechCrunch Mobility: Two roads diverged — for robotaxis
Welcome back to TechCrunch Mobility, your dedicated hub for the future of transportation—and increasingly, the pivotal role of AI. This week, we examine the diverging paths for robotaxis, analyzing the strategic shifts reshaping the landscape. The industry faces a crucial inflection point as companies grapple with deployment realities and evolving public perception. For deeper insights into the broader AI landscape, explore our recent piece, "You're Competing Wrong in AI (Do This Instead)," and discover how strategic adjustments can drive success.
Rivian spinoff Also to start delivering e-bikes after months of delays
Following months of delays, Rivian’s Also subsidiary is poised to begin delivering its anticipated e-bikes, signaling a significant step beyond the initial TM-B model. While primarily identifying as a “vehicle” company, Also's ambitions extend far beyond two wheels, with plans underway for four-wheel, pedal-assist cargo vehicles designed for Amazon's logistics network. This expansion highlights a broader trend of innovative transportation solutions, mirroring the surging demand for AI infrastructure—as noted in our recent article on Samsung's memory shortage—and reshaping how goods and people move.
TechCrunch Mobility: The battle over robotaxi rules
Welcome back to TechCrunch Mobility, your dedicated hub for the future of transportation—a future increasingly shaped by AI. This week, we're diving deep into the evolving battle over robotaxi regulations, examining how policymakers are grappling with this transformative technology. The stakes are high as companies vie for operational freedom while ensuring public safety. For further context on the underlying AI advancements driving this shift, explore our recent piece, "Top 10 GitHub Repositories Trending in July 2026," which highlights key developments in AI and machine learning.
Zoox issues software recall after a robotaxi got confused by heavy smoke
Zoox has initiated a software recall following an incident where one of its robotaxis became disoriented by heavy smoke, highlighting ongoing challenges in autonomous vehicle perception. This action comes as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHIA) emphasizes the importance of autonomous vehicles reliably interacting with first responders. The recall underscores the need for robust systems capable of navigating complex real-world conditions.