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How merging with Uber expands Yandex’s global presence

How merging with Uber expands Yandex’s global presence

Uber and Russian internet giant Yandex announced something of a curve ball: They plan to merge and create an all-new company that combines their respective ride-hailing services in six markets, while also including Uber’s food-delivery service, UberEats, for good measure.

The newly created $3.8 billion business is somewhat reminiscent of Uber’s deal with Didi Chuxing in China last year, albeit on a smaller scale. But a number of notable tidbits emerged from today’s news, including how Uber was actually performing in Russia and its neighboring markets — put simply, Yandex was performing roughly twice as well as Uber, in terms of number of riders and the overall dollar value.

On the surface, it initially appeared as though the formation of a new combined company would affect just six markets in the region: Russia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, and Georgia. But digging down into the details of the imminent integration of the services reveals something a little more interesting.

The Yandex and Uber apps will be kept separate, meaning riders can continue to use either branded service. However, the driver apps will be integrated as part of a unified platform, “leading to shorter passenger wait times, increased driver utilization rates, and higher service reliability,” according to a Yandex statement.

By extension, this means that Yandex riders will be given instant access to Uber drivers, and Uber riders will be given instant access to Yandex drivers — without having to sign up, download, or do anything different. And this has interesting implications on a global level, particularly for Yandex.

Yandex is a major technology company in its own right, but isn’t that well known outside a handful of countries, with Russia — a country of 144 million people — serving as its main market. In contrast to Uber, which is available in hundreds of cities across every continent, Yandex.taxi had been available only in six countries, but as a result of this deal, Yandex riders will be able to access Uber drivers in any country around the world without having to install any new apps.

Conversely, Uber riders touching down in Moscow, for example, will now have access to a much wider pool of drivers — up to 30 percent more, according to Yandex.taxi CEO Tigran Khudaverdyan. “This creates one of the most convenient ride-sharing roaming agreements in the world,” he said. This is a win-win for both companies, giving them instant access to a much larger pool of riders that they would have hitherto not been able to access.

While Uber is the most successful of the e-taxi brands from a global perspective, countless local alternatives thrive around the world, including Grab, which is big in Asia; Gett, which has a notable presence in the U.S., U.K., Russia, and Israel; and Daimler’s MyTaxi, which has millions of users across 50 European cities. Last summer, MyTaxi effectively merged with U.K.-based e-taxi company Hailo, and it later went on to snap up Greek rival Taxibeat too.

Continue reading:

https://venturebeat.com/2017/07/13/how-merging-with-uber-expands-yandexs-global-presence/

  • Uber customers flying into in Russia get more choice, same with Yandex customers travelling internationally.
New electric London taxi unveiled; LTC becomes LEVC and sells first 225 cabs to Rotterdam’s RMC

New electric London taxi unveiled; LTC becomes LEVC and sells first 225 cabs to Rotterdam’s RMC

At an event in London’s Docklands the new London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC) – formerly London Taxi Company – today unveiled the new electric ‘London’ taxi. The new cab will keep the TX prefix, but will be called TX eCity. At the same time the company underlined its international aspirations by announcing an order for 225 TX eCity’s by the Rotterdam mobility company RMC. RMC, one of the largest taxi and mobility companies in The Netherlands will also become importer for the BeNeLux. The vehicles will be delivered in 2018 and used for AOV, Amsterdam’s contract social transportation system currently run by RMC.

The final version of the new London Taxi – the TX – and its eCity technology combines an advanced battery electric powertrain with a small petrol generator. Applied to the all-new electric TX, the technology allows for a range of over 400 miles (600 km) including well over 70 miles (105 km) range with zero emissions.

Discussing the benefits that the TX will bring to drivers, LEVC CEO Chris Gubbey commented: “From our heritage as the manufacturer of the iconic London Taxi, we have unparalleled insight into the needs of commercial operators. Drawing on the best of British design and engineering as well as technical expertise from our sister company Volvo, our products will help transform city living and provide taxi drivers with an average weekly fuel saving of £100 compared with our outgoing diesel model.”

Due to launch in London later this year – trial runs are expected for October – LEVC is finalising its quality and testing regime for the TX which has taken it to the extreme heat of the Arizona desert and freezing temperatures in the Arctic Circle. LEVC expects strong demand from its launch market in London once the order book opens on the 1st August 2017.

“London has led the way in setting out tough measures to reduce taxi and van emissions and in just a few short years we expect EVs for the commercial operator will not just become commonplace, but mandatory in cities around the world creating huge opportunities for LEVC globally. Gubbey commented.

So, no TX5 and no London Taxi Company. At the same event LTC has been relaunched as LEVC, marking the next stage in the company’s transformation. Underpinned by an investment totalling £325m (€ 365.5m) LEVC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Geely, has the single-minded ambition to be the urban commercial vehicle provider of choice for cities around the world.

“Today is an incredibly exciting day for the company, for the world’s cities, for the air we breathe and for the drivers of commercial vehicles”, said Chris Gubbey, CEO LEVC. “The launch of LEVC marks Britain’s leadership as a first mover in creating the world’s only dedicated electric vehicle company for the urban commercial market.”

A key consideration for the company’s new name and brand positioning is its international strategy, which has been boosted by the news that LEVC has received its first major international order from RMC in The Netherlands for an initial 225 vehicles to be delivered in 2018. Rotterdam’s RMC, one of the Netherlands’ largest taxi operators, has been appointed as the importer and operator.

Gubbey: “Today’s announcement that RMC will be our importer for the Netherlands is great news for LEVC and demonstrates the need for EV urban commercial vehicles across Europe and the world. We have been extremely impressed with the vision and business plan presented by the management team at RMC and we look forward to a long and fruitful relationship.”

From 1 August LEVC will be providing personalised purchase propositions to drivers commencing with those that have registered an interest through www.theelectrictaxi.co.uk.

  • More like a “small limousine”, but continuing the design heritage of the FX3, FX4 and TX4.
The new TX (eCity) by ‘new’ LEVC

The new TX (eCity) by ‘new’ LEVC

The TX, LEVC’s new electric taxi, combines the company’s expertise as a manufacturer of urban commercial vehicles with proven electric vehicle technology and the latest in advanced material manufacturing.

This combination of old and new is reflected in the look of the vehicle. The instantly recognisable rectangular grille and circular headlights have been incorporated into a much more contemporary design, with daytime running lights, simplified lines, and an inset chrome frame to the grille. Similarly, a rear-hinged passenger door with 90°opening provides a more opulent entry and exit for passengers, reminiscent of the 1930s luxury saloons that in part influenced the design of the vehicle.

The new taxi has been built using the latest techniques in aluminium bonding. This avoids welding or riveting – which reduces the weight of the cab, completely offsetting the additional weight of the battery, whilst maintaining vehicle strength.

The TX uses eCity technology which combines a small petrol generator (known as a “range-extender”) with a class leading battery and proven electric powertrain. The eCity platform will give drivers a range of well-over 70 miles (105 km) on pure electric, and a combined range of over 400 miles (600 km) with its small petrol generator.

With this range, a driver could take passengers from London to Edinburgh or Paris without once needing to stop for fuel. In addition to this range, the move to electric will save drivers on average £100 a week in fuel. LEVC will not separate out the cost of the battery – so called battery leasing – giving drivers a simple and clear weekly cost.

As well as the more premium feel, passengers will notice less vibration and noise in the passenger cabin, alongside charging points for mobile phones, Wi-fi and additional space for six passengers. The TX has also been designed to be one of the safest vehicles on London’s streets.

The cab retains its renowned disability access features. There will be a new retractable integrated ramp making it quicker and easier for drivers to load passengers in wheelchairs in a new forward facing position. Other accessibility features include induction loops for hearing aids a well as contrasting grab handles and seat edges for the partially sighted. One of the rear-facing tip-up seats also turns outwards.

Following the completion of LEVC’s extensive testing regime, the TX will be on London’s streets later this year. Trial runs are expected for October. TfL currently anticipate that, by the end of 2020, 9000 London taxis will be “zero emission capable” vehicles.

  • The TX uses eCity technology which combines a small petrol generator (‘range-extender’) with a class leading battery and proven electric powertrain.
Waymo drops most patent claims in Uber self-driving car lawsuit

Waymo drops most patent claims in Uber self-driving car lawsuit

There were a few big breaks in the case between Waymo and Uber over self-driving car technology recently. As a result, the scope of the case is starting to come into focus as both companies prepare for a trial set to begin in October.

First of all, Waymo has narrowed its case, dropping three out of four patent claims it originally made against Uber. Meanwhile, Uber has been granted the ability to depose Alphabet CEO Larry Page about why his company decided against partnering with Uber as part of its autonomous vehicle program.

Waymo, the self-driving technology arm of Google parent Alphabet, filed the lawsuit in February, alleging theft of trade secrets that Uber planned to use in its autonomous vehicles. The case centers around engineer Anthony Levandowski, who Waymo claims stole 14,000 documents before leaving the company and founding Otto, a self-driving trucking company which Uber later acquired.

Waymo decided to drop its claims on U.S. Patent Nos. 8,836,922, 9,285,464 and 9,086,273, noting that they were related to an earlier version of Uber’s autonomous lidar design nicknamed “Spider” that the company was no longer using. The remaining patent claim targets a newer version of lidar technology called Fiji, which is still in use by Uber.

An Uber spokesperson issued the following statement: “Waymo’s retreat on three of their four patent claims is yet another sign that they have overpromised and can’t deliver. Not only have they uncovered zero evidence of any of the 14,000 files in question coming to Uber, they now admit that Uber’s LiDAR design is actually very different than theirs. Faced with this hard truth, Waymo has resorted to floating conspiracy theories not rooted in fact, doing everything they can to put the focus on sensation rather than substance.”

In addition to the patent news, U.S. District Judge William Alsup asked Waymo to narrow its theft of trade secret claims from more than 100 down to 10 that could be put in front of a jury.

Over the course of the last several months, the judge has urged both parties to simplify the scope of the case so that each could be adequately prepared to argue the merits of the strongest claims post-discovery. This has been happening at the same time that Uber and Waymo have been arguing over what evidence can be admitted during the trial.

Read more:
“https://techcrunch.com/2017/07/07/waymo-drops-patent-claims/?ncid=tcdaily&utm_medium=TCnewsletter”>https://techcrunch.com/2017/07/07/waymo-drops-patent-claims/?ncid=tcdaily&utm_medium=TCnewsletter<

• Waymo dropped most patent claims in case against Uber.

Renault-Nissan Alliance Annual Synergies Rise 16% to € 5 Billion

Renault-Nissan Alliance Annual Synergies Rise 16% to € 5 Billion

The Renault-Nissan Alliance last week reported a 16 percent increase in synergies for 2016 compared to 2015. The Alliance members secured savings, generated incremental revenues and implemented cost-avoidance measures through the world’s leading automotive partnership.

The value of annualized synergies realized by the Alliance rose to € 5 billion last year, up from € 4.3 billion in 2015. Converged operations in purchasing, engineering and manufacturing contributed most of the € 700 million synergy improvement.

“The growing cooperation across the Alliance is delivering strong benefits for the members of the Alliance, reflected by the economies of scale, technological breakthroughs and innovations that are being shared between Renault and Nissan,” said Carlos Ghosn, chairman and chief executive officer of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. “We are on track to realize synergies of € 5.5 billion in 2018, even before taking into account the contributions from Mitsubishi Motors, our new Alliance partner.”

With the addition of Mitsubishi Motors, which became the third full member of the Alliance at the end of 2016, annual sales have reached 10 million units. The addition of Mitsubishi Motors comes two years after Renault and Nissan deepened their partnership by converging four key functions: Engineering, Manufacturing & Supply Chain Management, Purchasing and Human Resources. Each such functions is led by a common Alliance Executive Vice President.

“We continue seeing tangible results of this major convergence,” added Mr. Ghosn. “Our growing synergies are helping Renault, Nissan and now Mitsubishi Motors meet their financial objectives and deliver higher-value vehicles to customers in the new era of mobility.”

In the current year, the Alliance members are expected to introduce more next-generation technologies in electric vehicles, autonomous driving and connected cars and will increase commonalities in platforms, powertrain and parts to boost competitiveness and identify new synergies.

In April 2017, the Alliance created a light commercial vehicle business unit that will deliver additional synergies in vans and light trucks. The new unit will maximize shared product development and cross-manufacturing, technology sharing and cost-reduction, while preserving brand differentiation among Alliance members.

  • Improved results from Renault-Nissan Alliance synergy.
TomTom and Cisco partner to create ‘next generation’ traffic monitoring tech

TomTom and Cisco partner to create ‘next generation’ traffic monitoring tech

Network tech titan Cisco is working with TomTom to research and develop what the two are calling an “ultra-fast lane level traffic technology” that supports autonomous driving.

Cisco already operates in the connected transport realm, offering a range of sensors, controllers, and routers that connect systems to improve things like traffic flow. With TomTom on board, the duo plan to carry out research to leverage Cisco’s roadside data and create the “next generation of traffic information technology,” according to a statement issued by the companies. This initiative will be underpinned by Cisco’s Internet of Things (IoT) platform.

Founded in 1991, TomTom is perhaps best known in the public sphere for its GPS-powered devices, including dedicated satellite navigation units for cars and watches. But the company also offers a number of other services, such as telematics to help businesses manage their fleet of vehicles, as well as a range of automotive services that includes maps for self-driving cars, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), traffic information, and on-street parking data.

Put simply, both companies have significant expertise harnessing traffic data, and now they’re putting their heads together and pooling resources. “With this project, we are connecting road infrastructure, vehicles, drivers, and road authorities, enabling them to exchange information in near real time,” explained Edwin Paalvast, president EMEAR (Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Russia) at Cisco. “That is what the Internet of Things is about. With TomTom’s expertise, its gigantic pool of traffic data and innovative traffic technology, TomTom is a strong company to work with in this field.”

In terms of the kinds of things the two companies will be working on, one example cited is Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) technology, which involves burying a fibre optic cable adjacent to a busy road to detect vibrations and provide real-time monitoring of vehicle movements, making it possible to establish trends and patterns. Combining such data with TomTom’s pool of GPS-based floating car data means it can be displayed and analysed through a TomTom interface designed specifically for traffic management centers.

Read more: https://venturebeat.com/2017/07/06/tomtom-and-cisco-aim-to-create-next-generation-traffic-technology/?utm_source=Boomtrain&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=vbdaily&bt_ee=HY/2QpmgfaDDKndyyXj0S/k8q4LYDT4YmY4RgvienQiCcyRfb3FT+tCWpXUwiUQb&bt_ts=1499354165915

  • TomTom and Cisco partner to create ‘next generation’ traffic monitoring tech.
Setback for Uber in French EU court case.

Setback for Uber in French EU court case.

France has been a tough market for Uber and, although a final ruling on this issue is still to come, the prospects for Uber in the country don’t look promising at this point.

Uber Technologies Inc. suffered another setback in the European Union after an adviser to the bloc’s top court backed a French law that led to sanctions for top managers in the country. EU nations “may prohibit and punish the illegal exercise of a transport activity such as UberPop without having to notify the” European Commission of the draft law, Maciej Szpunar, an advocate general at the EU Court of Justice, said in a non-binding opinion delivered on Tuesday.

Szpunar rejected Uber’s claims that the rules were invalid because France didn’t notify the EU in advance about the measures, saying in this case such a notification was “unnecessary.”

The legal wrangling adds to the turmoil at Uber, which last month led to the resignation of Chief Executive Officer Travis Kalanick. Szpunar already dealt a blow to the troubled company’s fight with authorities in May, saying in a separate case that Uber is more than just an app, and should also be categorized as a transport service, regulated in a similar way to regular taxis.

In Tuesday’s case, the EU court is being asked to give guidance on the legality of changes made to a 2014 French law, which Uber says is targeting apps such as UberPop. The controversial service, no longer offered in the country, let unlicensed drivers use their own car to pick up riders for low fees. The French court asked whether the nation’s failure to flag the rule changes to the EU, a technical requirement for many laws, made it invalid.

In Szpunar’s view, Uber should be considered a transport service. But even if it wasn’t, he still thinks the French law at issue didn’t have to be notified to the EU, because it affects digital services “only in an incidental manner” and “is not directed at regulating” such services specifically, he said. While EU countries control their own transport regulations, they must tell the European Commission about changes to legislation covering digital services. Uber said the rules were a new “technical regulation” that relates to a digital service and as such, the EU should have been notified.

Read more: https://skift.com/2017/07/04/uber-dealt-a-setback-in-eu-court-because-of-french-law/?utm_campaign=Corporate%20Travel%20Innovation%20Report&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=53941383&_hsenc=p2ANqtz–tQOuLZD5KcWIcDnzqgnnlOo8dubEgHHEvCAZ5LoqxOa8UE6dsRjieGn_ATdA7BRZrhK8WuZy_e1qOdfBDSFUc0CUayN9DIH2HVbm_EezE_carCAY&_hsmi=53941383

  • Setback for Uber in France after advice from EU top court.
New US subsidiary for Innogy.

New US subsidiary for Innogy.

Innogy has established a new subsidiary, which is to enter the e-mobility market in the USA. The new company, trading under the name of innogy e-mobility US LLC, will be based in Los Angeles and serve the US market as a provider of technology and services. Business activities will focus on California and other US states that have stipulated zero-emission requirements for new vehicles (Zero Emission Vehicle). Cameron Funk is to manage innogy e-mobility US LLC as its first CEO. His previous role was Director of Business Development for ABM Industries Inc.

Peter Terium, CEO of innogy SE: “We are firm believers in the future of electric mobility. For this reason, innogy is working constantly to drive forward the expansion of clean, climate-friendly mobility. In Germany, we are already the leader in terms of number of charging points. Now we want to continue this success in the U.S. For there too, electric mobility and climate protection are a mega-topic for many states and big cities – and we have the innovative solutions for tomorrow’s traffic.”

Martin Herrmann, COO Retail of innogy SE: “I am delighted that in Cameron Funk we have gained a pioneer in the American e-mobility industry. With his outstanding body of work, network in the industry and comprehensive experience, he will be leading our business in the US market.”

As one of the founding members of the EVCA (Electric Vehicle Charging Association), Cameron Funk has contributed to the progress of electric mobility in the USA. He is very experienced in developing EV Charging programs for major OEM Auto Makers including an extensive public infrastructure EV Charging background. Funk: “I am excited to be given this opportunity to help shape innogy’s entry into the e-mobility market in the USA as a representative of one of the top players in Europe. We have the right products and an excellent, highly motivated team, which will enable us to build a successful future in the USA.”

innogy e-mobility US LLC operates as a technology and service provider in the field of e-mobility. The new company is a wholly owned subsidiary of innogy SE. The company’s portfolio spans the whole length of the value chain, from the production, marketing, supply and construction of charging solutions right up to the operation of charging infrastructure based on its in-house software. innogy also markets a range of additional services in connection with e-vehicle electricity.

Over the course of other collaborations, innogy has already set foot in the US market for e-mobility. Now, with BTCpower, innogy has gained a hardware partner for high-speed charging systems, which have been upgraded with an increased range of functions thanks to the innovative IT system from Germany.

  • Innogy set up a US subsidiary
Worth a look: 44 Corporations working on autonomous vehicles

Worth a look: 44 Corporations working on autonomous vehicles

Beyond trendy names like Tesla and Alphabet chasing self-driving cars, a host of auto brands and other tech heavyweights are also investing heavily in autonomous R&D, CB Insights found.

Private companies working in auto tech are attracting record levels of deals and funding, with autonomous driving startups leading the charge. Besides early-stage startups, VCs, and other investors, large companies are also eagerly chasing a slice of the self-driving pie.

Using CB Insights’ investment, acquisition, and partnership data, we identified 44 companies developing roadgoing self-driving vehicles. They are a diverse group of players, ranging from automotive industry stalwarts to leading technology brands and telecommunications companies.

This list is organized alphabetically and focuses on larger corporate players in the space (as opposed to earlier-stage startups). Companies working on industrial autonomous vehicles were not included in this analysis.

A few of the companies or brands listed below belong to the same parent organization, but are detailed separately if they are operating distinct autonomous development programs. Some companies are also grouped together by key partnerships or alliances; given the complex web of relationships between these players, other collaborations are also noted in each profile.

Find the complete list here:

https://www.cbinsights.com/blog/autonomous-driverless-vehicles-corporations-list/?utm_source=CB+Insights+Newsletter&utm_campaign=d45b36015c-Top_Research_Briefs_7_8_2017&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_9dc0513989-d45b36015c-87434465

  • The number of companies involved with autonomous driving is growing fast.
Inside Uber’s unsettling alliance with some of New York’s shadiest car dealers

Inside Uber’s unsettling alliance with some of New York’s shadiest car dealers

Geovanie Rosario signed the lease because it was easy. Tower Auto Mall came recommended by Uber, as one of four dealers the ride-hailing company partnered with in New York City to offer “flexible and affordable” rentals and lease-to-own contracts to drivers. Rosario went to see Tower one morning in May 2016 and started driving a black Lincoln MKS, New York City’s standard car-service vehicle, a week later. His contract included a $3,000 service fee and weekly payments of $495 for 159 weeks, or just over three years. Tower would take the payments directly out of his Uber earnings every Monday.

Rosario had quit his position as an assistant manager at Rent-A-Center, a job with benefits and a 401(k), to drive for Uber in March 2015. Rent-A-Center paid $12.25 an hour, and, based on Uber’s ads, he figured he could double that by becoming a driver. He had tried a couple of car rental options and, by the time he went to Tower, felt confident he could make enough to come out ahead.

But a month into his lease Rosario fell ill with pneumonia. He tried to keep driving, worried his payments would pile up, but he couldn’t control his cough. With no health insurance, it was hard to get treated, and what little money he did make went straight to his lease. It was late June when Rosario felt well enough to start working full-time again. By then he was $1,800 in debt. When he tried to start up the Lincoln, its alarm sounded.

“That’s when I realized they’d turned the car off,” Rosario said. He called Tower to ask why the dealer had remotely deactivated his vehicle. “They said, ‘You have to make a payment.’”

Uber upended the global, $100 billion taxi market, achieving a valuation of nearly $70 billion, with an app that hails a car at the touch of a button. But the company still struggles to recruit and retain the more than 1.5 million drivers worldwide who make that business possible.

The auto dealers Uber partners with target people with poor credit who otherwise might not be able to buy a car or get a loan.

It has attracted them with hefty signup bonuses and the promise of good pay, then cut rates and increased its own commission. It has advertised “being your own boss” but glossed over the fact that independent contractors don’t get benefits or a guaranteed minimum wage. Uber has been sued repeatedly by drivers who allege they were misclassified as contractors rather than employees. It settled with the US Federal Trade Commission earlier this year for misleading drivers about their potential earnings. It paid back tens of millions of dollars to drivers in New York City in May after admitting it for years shortchanged them on wages.

In recent months, Uber’s treatment of drivers has been almost completely forgotten amid a series of internal scandals. The company has lost nearly a dozen top executives so far this year, including founder and CEO Travis Kalanick, following multiple allegations of sexual harassment and workplace misconduct. It fired more than 20 employees as the result of a harassment probe in early June. Kalanick stepped down on June 20 after five major shareholders demanded his immediate resignation. He has retained a seat on Uber’s board of directors.

As it desperately tries to right itself, Uber has turned to its drivers, long a source of its harshest criticism. The same day Kalanick resigned, the company launched a campaign to improve the driver experience, titled “180 Days of Change.” But some of its past practices towards those drivers might be difficult to untangle.

Read more:

https://qz.com/1013882/ubers-rental-and-lease-programs-with-new-york-car-dealers-push-drivers-toward-shady-subprime-contracts/?mc_cid=933883bb48&mc_eid=9c8946c1a4

  • Uber has turned its attention to drivers again – but not in the right way.