GoKawiil
Tech News
Waymo announced plans to expand its autonomous vehicle operations into Germany, marking its first move into the European market. The company will begin testing its self-driving technology on German roads as a precursor to potential commercial service.
Waymo announced plans to bring its autonomous vehicles to Munich, aiming to launch commercial robotaxi service there by the end of 2027, marking its first deployment in the European Union. The company will begin mapping streets and testing with safety drivers in the coming weeks while seeking permits from local, state and federal authorities. Munich follows London, where Waymo hopes to start public rides as soon as next month, as part of a broader European push that includes new subsidiaries in France, Spain, the Netherlands and Switzerland.
Autonomous box-truck startup Gatik has raised $200 million, its largest round yet, led by Qatar Investment Authority and Koch Disruptive Technologies with backing from Millennium Management, ARK Invest, and Intact Private Capital. The raise comes two months after Gatik signed a multi-year commercial agreement with PepsiCo, bringing its total funding since 2019 to roughly $500 million. The company did not disclose its current valuation.
As robotaxi fleets grow in cities like New York, Washington DC, and San Francisco, local officials and lawmakers are moving to impose new restrictions, including vehicle caps, per-mile fees, and stricter citation powers. Governor Hochul shelved a plan to expand driverless taxis beyond NYC after union and legislative opposition, while San Francisco's mayor now backs tougher rules following traffic disruptions caused by Waymo vehicles. Federal regulators have also warned AV makers about safety risks when interacting with emergency responders.