Tag: Toyota

Toyota announced a $1.5 billion investment strategy that spans the entire lifecycle of startups. The automaker created a new strategic investment subsidiary, Toyota Invention Partners Co., funded with roughly $670 million to back early‑stage, Japan‑based ventures. Its growth‑stage arm, Woven Capital, launched a second $800 million fund, targeting Series B to late‑stage companies in AI, robotics, climate technology, and industrial automation. The two initiatives complement Toyota Ventures and together form a “bookend” approach that can support a startup from inception to potential integration on Toyota’s balance sheet. A pilot partnership with Los Angeles‑based Machina Labs, which blends AI and robotics for rapid metal manufacturing, was also disclosed. Leggi di più

Uber has partnered with Shanghai‑based autonomous‑driving firm Momenta to conduct Level 4 driverless robotaxi trials in Munich. The collaboration will see Momenta’s self‑driving vehicles operating without safety drivers within a defined geographic area, marking a significant step for Europe’s nascent robotaxi market. Momenta, backed by investors such as SAIC Motor, GM, Toyota, Mercedes‑Benz and Bosch, currently supplies driver‑assist software to several automakers. The test is slated to begin in the coming years, with the aim of expanding the service to other European cities if successful. Leggi di più