Uber
Uber business and news from across the web.- Uber is no longer offering Waymo rides in PhoenixUber has ceased offering Waymo rides in Phoenix, signaling a potential shift towards utilizing its own autonomous vehicle fleet. This move suggests Uber may prioritize its internal driverless technology over external partnerships for future services.
- Uber's board sued for alleged poor oversight that led to sexual abuse of its passengersUber's shareholders have filed a lawsuit against the ride-sharing company's board of directors. The suit alleges that poor oversight by the board contributed to instances of sexual abuse experienced by passengers.
- Uber will offer shuttle rides from select FIFA World Cup stadiums in the USUber is introducing new features and shuttle ride options for fans attending FIFA World Cup matches in the US. These services aim to enhance the experience for attendees traveling to and from stadiums.
- AI spending is getting 'harder to justify' says Uber presidentUber president Andrew Macdonald stated that increased spending on Artificial Intelligence is becoming 'harder to justify' as it has not directly led to production boosts. This suggests a re-evaluation of AI investment strategies within the company.
- Nuro approved to test its driverless Uber robotaxis on California roadsNuro has received approval to begin testing its fully autonomous, driverless robotaxis on California roads. Uber plans to integrate these vehicles into its service later this year, marking a significant step in the deployment of self-driving ride-sharing technology.
- You can now book a hotel via the Uber appUber is expanding its app's functionality by allowing users to book hotels directly within the application. This update introduces a range of new features aimed at enhancing the user experience when traveling.
GTA 6 developer Rockstar Games hacked once again but insists only a "limited amount of non-material company information" was compromisedRockstar Games has confirmed a data breach where a limited amount of non-material company information was accessed by a third-party hacking group. The studio insists this incident will have no impact on its operations or players, despite the hackers issuing a ransom demand. This follows a similar network intrusion in 2022 that led to the leak of Grand Theft Auto 6 development assets.- Uber begins testing its Volkswagen ID. Buzz robotaxi fleet in LAUber has begun on-road testing of its Volkswagen ID. Buzz robotaxi fleet in Los Angeles, with a safety driver present. This marks a significant step in the multi-year partnership between Uber and Volkswagen, with plans to deploy thousands of these electric vehicles across the US over the next decade, aiming for fully driverless rides by late 2026.
- Uber expands its EV incentive program across the USUber is expanding its electric vehicle (EV) incentive program across the United States, offering drivers grants of up to $4,000 to switch to EVs. This program, available to top-tier drivers, also includes additional discounts through partnerships with TrueCar and Kia. The initiative aims to increase EV adoption on the platform, which already boasts over 286,000 EVs globally.
- Uber to acquire Berlin-based chauffeur hailing app to ramp up its luxury travel effortsUber is acquiring Blacklane, a Berlin-based chauffeur hailing app, to expand its presence in the luxury travel sector. The deal, which is subject to regulatory approval and expected to close by the end of 2026, will integrate Blacklane's global network of independent chauffeur services into Uber's offerings. This move follows Uber's recent launch of its own invite-only luxury service, Uber Elite.
- Uber and Pony.ai are testing a robotaxi service for EuropeUber and Pony.ai are testing a robotaxi service in Zagreb, Croatia, utilizing BAIC Motor's Arcfox Alpha T5 vehicles equipped with Pony.ai's autonomous driving system. The service will initially be available on Verne's app before integrating with Uber, with plans to expand to other European cities and eventually deploy thousands of robotaxis globally. This initiative is part of Uber's broader strategy to increase driverless ride offerings, including other partnerships and pilot programs in Tokyo and Las Vegas.
- Wheely, an on-demand chauffeur app, makes its US debut in NYCLondon-based chauffeur app Wheely has launched its services in New York City, marking its US debut. The company offers premium transportation options, including Mercedes-Benz S-Class vehicles and airport pickup services, targeting business executives and VIPs. Wheely plans to expand to five major US cities within three years.
- Rivian will provide 50,000 robotaxis to Uber in a deal worth $1.25 billionRivian and Uber have announced a significant partnership where Rivian will supply Uber with 50,000 robotaxis, valued at $1.25 billion. The deal begins with Uber acquiring 10,000 Rivian R2 robotaxis for deployment by 2028, with plans to expand to 25 major cities by 2031. This collaboration aims to accelerate autonomous vehicle plans for both companies.
- Uber robotaxi rides are now available for passengers in Las VegasUber has launched its robotaxi service in Las Vegas, allowing passengers to hail autonomous Hyundai Ioniq 5 EVs through the Uber app. Riders will be notified and can opt out of a robotaxi if matched, with options for human support available. The service, piloted since 2022, plans to remove safety drivers by year-end and expand city-wide, with a similar pilot planned for Tokyo in late 2026.
- Uber is shooting for even more upscale clientele with Uber EliteUber has launched Uber Elite, an invite-only luxury ride service targeting executives and frequent travelers. The service features professional chauffeurs, new luxury vehicles, and premium amenities like bottled water and mints, with options for sparkling water or champagne. Initially available in Los Angeles and San Francisco, Uber Elite aims to provide an elevated experience through the Uber app, Uber Reserve, and Uber for Business.
- Uber is piloting a robotaxi service in TokyoUber is piloting a robotaxi service in Tokyo starting in late 2026, in partnership with UK startup Wayve and Nissan. The service will utilize Nissan Leaf electric vehicles equipped with Wayve's AI Driver technology, initially with trained drivers present. This initiative is part of a larger plan by Wayve and Uber to expand robotaxi services to over 10 cities globally.
- NVIDIA- and Uber-backed Nuro is testing autonomous vehicles in TokyoNuro, a self-driving startup backed by NVIDIA, Toyota, and Uber, has begun testing its autonomous vehicles on the streets of Tokyo. The company plans to launch a robotaxi service with Uber and Lucid in San Francisco this year. Tokyo's complex urban environment presents a significant test for Nuro's autonomous driving systems as they aim for Level 4 autonomy.
- Uber expands its program that helps pair women riders and driversUber has expanded its "Women Preferences" feature nationwide, allowing women riders and drivers to opt for same-gender pairings. This feature, previously tested in several cities and globally since 2019, aims to enhance safety. Lyft also offers a similar feature nationwide.