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Uber is to acquire Dubai-based rival Careem for $3.1 billion in a move that will expand its presence in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. The deal would allow Uber to acquire Careem’s mobility, delivery and payments in countries from Morocco to Pakistan. Dara Khosrowshahi, Uber CEO, says: “This is an important moment for Uber as we continue to expand the strength of our platform around the world.” Uber says the transaction will speed up the delivery of digital services to people in the region through t

Clean energy company Fortum is working with Momentum Dynamics and the City of Oslo to introduce wireless fast-charging infrastructure for electric taxis in the Norwegian capital. Fortum says the project is seeking to reduce the time it takes for drivers to find chargers, thereby reducing climate emissions from the taxi sector. The partners are aiming to install induction technology, with charging plates in the ground able to provide up to 75 kilowatts of power, the company adds. Annika Hoffner, head o

Denso has taken a $5 million stake in Airbiquity, a US company which develops connected vehicle services and automotive telematics technology. Denso says the investment will accelerate the development of over-the-air (OTA) systems for wirelessly updating automotive software from a remote location. Tony Cannestra, Director of Corporate Ventures at Denso, says is investing in Airbiquity “to deliver safe and reliable automated driving technology”. Denso will develop OTA systems in cooperation with Toyota M

The US cities of Charlotte, Detroit and Omaha are looking to develop a regulatory model for scooter deployment using Passport’s mobility platform. Mark de la Vergne, chief of mobility innovation for the City of Detroit, says: “With this pilot programme, we are now connected to a network of cities facing the same challenges and we can effectively work together to develop a new regulatory model that can be scaled nationally.” Passport says the cities will be able to apply parking principles, data analy

Swarco is to supply 100 mobile variable message signs (VMS) to SRL Traffic Systems in the UK as part of a £2.25 million deal. Alison Spooner, commercial director at SRL, a manufacturer of portable and temporary traffic equipment, says the company is aiming to establish a VMS division which comprises 500 signs. Swarco says its solar-powered VMS signs are equipped with energy-efficient LEDs capable of displaying full colour text and images. SRL will use Swarco’s Zephyr solution to set messages rem

Hyundai Auto Canada has launched Nexo, a fuel cell-powered SUV which it will make available to members of the public via Modo’s car-sharing service. The partners are seeking to make the fuel cell vehicles available to a wider audience and allow Canadians to learn more about the technology. Hyundai says Nexo runs on hydrogen, allowing it to emit clean water vapour and purify the air as it isbeing driven. Drivers who refill the engine for five minutes will be provided with a range of up to 570km,

ITS Europe has opened early bird registrations for this year’s congress taking place in Eindhoven from the 3-6 June. Under the theme ‘Fulfilling ITS Promises’, the European Programme Committee is presenting seven topics. These include deploying new mobility services – from experiments to experience; a breath of fresh air; connected, cooperative and automated mobility; enhancing the efficiency of freight transport; enablers of digital infrastructure; transport network operations; and disruption start-ups &

ZF Friedrichshafen has acquired a 60% share of 2getthere, the Dutch provider of automated electric passenger transport systems. The deal is expected to strengthen ZF’s position in providing Mobility as a Service solutions, autonomous transport systems and shared autonomous vehicles. 2getthere’s applications range from driverless electric transport systems at airports to dedicated urban transport infrastructures. The company also has offices in San Francisco, Dubai and Singapore. Carel C. van Hel

Auckland Airport has teamed up with Uber to offer dedicated ride-share pick-up zones at domestic and international terminals from tomorrow. The partners are hoping to provide a service which offers an alternative to driving. Richard Barker, general manager, retail and commercial, at Auckland Airport, says: “As the first airport to allow Uber access since December 2016, this next step provides certainty for travellers on where to catch their ride-share service.” Users can get a ride from an accredited d

The US city of Phoenix has appointed Markus Coleman light rail administrator where he will seek to provide more transit options for commuters in the capital of Arizona. Mario Paniagua, Phoenix’s deputy city manager, says Coleman “grew up in Phoenix, has strong ties to the South Phoenix community and knows how important public transit is to our citizens who use that as their main mode of getting around”. Coleman has worked in Phoenix for 23 years on development projects and transportation. He also has ser