TechCrunch Mobility: Uber bets on its former CEO

Welcome back to TechCrunch Mobility, your hub for the future of transportation and now, more than ever, the role AI is playing in it.

Red-Hot RAV4, Toyota Hybrids Snagging Tesla Defectors, Says Edmunds

Following the popular Prius of the early 2000s, the RAV4 may be Toyota’s second eco act. Toyota’s electrics are now impacting EV leader Tesla, says Edmunds.

Elon Musk’s Boring Company reportedly raising funding at a $20 billion valuation

Elon Musk’s tunneling startup is reportedly in talks for a major new funding round.

Will Range Rover GT Step On Sister Brand Jaguar’s EV Toes? JLR Says No

The Range Rover GT reimagines the brand with an all-electric grand tourer, targeting new buyers, but JLR says it won’t directly compete against Jaguar’s Type 01 EV.

SpaceX launches new V3 Starlink satellites but suffers another booster failure

The company ticked off a few more boxes on the second Starship V3 flight, but appears to have had another issue relighting the booster’s rocket engines.

Waymo reportedly mulling a breakup with Uber

The contract between the two companies ends in May 2028, Uber told TechCrunch.

Volkswagen engineers charged with insider trading tied to Rivian joint venture

The indictment, which was unsealed Friday, alleges the Volkswagen engineers used confidential insider information to buy stock in Rivian.

New Technology Center Seeks To Spur Auto Collaboration

Various factors, including AI and Chinese competition are spurring the need for greater collaboration between tech, automakers and suppliers.

VW Profits Slide, 2026 Sales Forecast To Dip; Could This Weaken Union?

VW said operating profits dived 9.5% in the 2nd quarter while sales for 2026 would slip 3%, reversing an earlier positive prediction. Will this weaken union negotiators?

Rivian sues the US government for ‘full refund’ of Trump tariffs

The carmaker has said it’s owed a refund in the “tens of millions of dollars.”