- Uber Technologies, Inc UBER and Motional, the Hyundai Motor Co, Ltd HYMLF - Aptiv PLC APTV joint venture focused on commercializing self-driving technology, launched a robotaxi service in Las Vegas.
- The launch marks the first step in the companies’ 10-year plan to co-scale across major North American cities.
- For the first time, Uber customers can hail an autonomous ride using Motional’s all-electric Hyundai IONIQ 5-based robotaxis.
- Also Read: GM’s Cruise’s Goes Aggressive On Robotaxi Dreams As Others Retreat
- Motional’s new all-electric IONIQ 5 robotaxis will be available on UberX and Uber Comfort Electric in select markets.
- Motional has already launched similar services in Las Vegas on both the Lyft, Inc LYFT and Via networks, TechCrunch reports.
- It comes a year after Motional and Uber partnered to test autonomous delivery in Santa Monica, California, which is still ongoing.
- Riders can hail the robotaxis in “high-traffic and popular destinations along the Las Vegas strip” and will operate during daytime hours initially.
- Motional and Uber hope to begin driverless operations in 2023.
- Like Motional’s other partnerships, the robotaxi service with Uber will initially be free.
- The partnership with Uber tracks onto Motional’s strategy of tapping existing ride-share platforms.
- Los Angeles will be Uber and Motional’s second launch city “at a later date,” according to Motional.
- Price Action: UBER shares traded lower by 1.62% at $26.48 on the last check Wednesday
- Photo: Uber Prototype Autonomous vehicle in SF via Wikimedia Commons
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