Lyft Teams up With Waymo to Catch Uber on Self-Driving Tech
The number-two ride-sharing company in the U.S. has teamed up with Google’s Waymo.
Unlike rival Uber, Lyft is in the rather early stages when it comes to autonomous vehicles. Uber has been controversially testing self-driving cars in various states as it looks towards the future of autonomous driving.
To catch up, Lyft has agreed to partner up with Google parent company Alphabet’s Waymo, which has been investing into self-driving tech for years. Waymo is currently holding public trials with Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans in Phoenix, Arizona, where Uber is also testing vehicles.
SEE ALSO: GM Invests $500M in Lyft to Develop On-Demand Self-Driving Car Network
The deal between the two companies is non-exclusive, so Lyft can continue its partnership with General Motors, which is a Lyft investor and has been testing self-driving electric cars in test fleets with Lyft.
The agreement suggests Waymo is unlikely to renew its relationship with Uber, which turned tumultuous after Alphabet showed interest in developing its own ride-hailing service. Waymo and Uber are also fighting in court over self-driving technology, with Waymo alleging that information was stolen by a former employee who founded another company that Uber later acquired.
[Source: Automotive News]
Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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