Leadership change at Motional, insider knowledge of the fight for TuSimple's money and Fisker's hesitation on recall repairs

Welcome back to TechCrunch Mobility — your one-stop shop for news and insights into the future of transportation. Sign up for free here – just click on TechCrunch Mobility!

The current news cycle is a good reminder that even an old, grizzled reporter who thinks she's seen it all can still be surprised – and nothing lasts forever. Curious? Read on.

A little bird

Well, it will certainly be exciting at TuSimplesay several small birds.

The company last month announced a new business segment focused on—warning—AI-generated animations and video games. That move, our little bird network tells us, has sparked backlash from some shareholders. Now, a dispute appears to be brewing over some $450 million in funds, the majority of which remains in the United States. And at the heart of it are disputes over the company's mission.

TechCrunch reporters Rebecca Bellan and Rita Liao followed up on the story and uncovered some interesting details. For example, TuSimple increased its autonomous vehicle workforce in China late last year, but then changed course in early 2024. Hundreds were laid off, although when asked, CEO Cheng Lu told Rebecca that those people (about 500) had quit en masse.

What's next for TuSimple? There have been threats of legal action, but nothing new so far. While the threats lurk in the background, TuSimple is pushing ahead with the development of an animated film and a video game based on the science fiction series “The Three Suns”.

This crazy change of course got me thinking: My goodness, maybe I've just been in this industry for too long.

Have a tip for us? Email Kirsten Korosec at [email protected], Sean O'Kane at [email protected] or Rebecca Bellan at [email protected]. Or check out these instructions to learn how to contact us using encrypted messaging apps or SecureDrop.

Offers!

Deal flow in the transportation industry is a little light this week. Here are some highlights.

Alaska Airlines has completed the acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines for $1.9 billion. The acquisition is another example of consolidation in the airline industry.

AI Fleeta trucking tech startup, has raised $16.6 million in a Series B funding round led by Tom Williams at Heron Rock. Notably, Volvo Group VC participated, along with Obvious Ventures, Ibex Investors, Compound, Winthrop Square, and Cooley. The company has raised $50 million to date.

Clean electricsan Indian battery technology startup, raised $6 million in a funding round co-led by Info Edge Ventures, Pi Ventures, and Kalaari Capital. Lok Capital and other investors also participated.

SiLC received an undisclosed investment from Honda to develop next-generation FMCW lidar solutions for all types of mobility.

ZeroAviaa startup developing hydrogen-electric (fuel cell-powered) engines for aircraft, has increased its Series C funding round to a total of $150 million with an investment from Scottish National Investment Bank. The round was co-led by Airbus, Barclays Sustainable Impact Capital and NEOM Investment Fund, with UK Infrastructure Bank joining as a cornerstone investor. Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Horizons Ventures, Ecosystem Integrity Fund, Summa Equity, Alaska Airlines, Amazon's Climate Pledge Fund and AP Ventures also participated.

Oxaa Google-backed startup that develops software for autonomous vehicles has acquired industrial logistics company StreetDrone for an undisclosed sum.

Noteworthy reading and other tidbits

Autonomous vehicles

Movable President and CEO Karl Iagnemma — an early pioneer in the AV industry — has stepped down from its top leadership post. CTO Laura Major is now interim CEO. Whether Major will remain in that position is unknown. My inside sources indicate that the situation is evolving significantly. Stay tuned.

Waymo And Above have expanded their relationship in a deal that's bigger than some people might think. Uber users in Austin and Atlanta will be able to hail Waymo robot taxis through the app in early 2025 as part of an expanded partnership between the two companies. Why is that so notable? For one thing, Uber, not Waymo, will be the operator.

Electric vehicles, charging and batteries

Faraday future is paying its CEO and founder big raises and bonuses. Keep in mind that this company is barely making ends meet and has only delivered 13 cars in its 10-year history.

Fishermanthe bankrupt electric car startup, is changing course just days after telling owners they would have to cover labor costs for post-recall repairs.

GMElectric vehicle customers can now officially access Tesla's Superchargers, more than a year after the automaker first announced it would adopt its rival's charging standard. But what about all the other non-Tesla electric vehicles? Stay tuned for a list that we'll keep updating.

Gogoro CEO Horace Luke resigned amid ongoing investigations into subsidy fraud at the Taiwanese electric scooter maker and battery swapping company.

Future of flying

British startup BeesAlphabet's drone company wingand the UK’s National Health Service have launched a pilot program using drones to fly urgent blood samples between two hospitals in London.

UnitedLinda Jojo, Chief Customer Officer at , told TechCrunch why the airline chose SpaceX Starlink to power its free Wi-Fi.

Security

Remember that obvious cyberattacks on the Port of Seattlewhich also operates Seattle-Tacoma International Airport? We now have official confirmation that it was the target of a ransomware attack.

This week’s wheels

This week’s wheels return next week with insights into the GMC Sierra EVFuture vehicles include the Mazda CX-90 PHEV and e-bikes.

What is This Week's Wheels? Here you have the opportunity to learn more about the different transportation products we test, be it an electric or hybrid car, an e-bike or even a ride in an autonomous vehicle.