Berlin-based startup Vay is pivoting towards the B2B sector with its teleoperated car-sharing technology. Rather than offering traditional ride-hailing services, Vay enables remote drivers to maneuver empty vehicles to customers, who then drive themselves. The teleoperator retrieves the car after the trip.

Recently, Vay has secured partnerships with French automaker Peugeot and Belgian car-sharing firm Poppy to integrate its tele-driving technology into their fleets. The company aims to provide tele-driving solutions for a variety of vehicle operators, including automakers, rental agencies, and logistics firms. Vay envisions a future where tele-driving capabilities become standard across vehicles, utilizing existing advanced driver-assistance systems.

With a growing presence in Las Vegas, Vay is expanding its fleet and exploring new B2B opportunities, positioning itself as a key player in the evolving mobility landscape.

Primark is partnering with circular clothing company Verte to introduce its innovative ‘Swap Shop’ concept, offering customers a chance to exchange pre-loved and vintage clothing. Starting September 13, 2024, the first pop-up event will take place at Primark’s Westfield Stratford store in London, coinciding with London Fashion Week. The swap shop will operate from September 13-15, followed by events at Manchester Market Street from September 16-17 and Birmingham High Street from October 16-17.

The initiative allows customers to bring up to five items of adult clothing, including womenswear, menswear, and accessories, to be assessed and swapped for digital tokens via the Verte app. This new venture supports Primark’s commitment to extending the life of clothing and engaging with environmentally-conscious fashion enthusiasts.

Berlin-based health tech startup Roger has successfully raised €7 million in a seed funding round led by GV (Google Ventures) and Partech. The round also saw participation from angel investors, including the founders of Orderbird, Payone, and the US platform Klara.

Founded in 2021 by Victor Charlier and Andreas Wolff, Roger is set to revolutionize the dental industry by modernizing outdated practices. The startup offers a “Patient Relationship Management” platform designed to streamline patient communication, generate treatment plans, and provide cost estimates. Roger’s platform aims to significantly reduce administrative tasks, saving dental professionals up to 90 minutes per day and increasing revenue by 25%.

The investment from GV, Partech, and other investors highlights the growing interest in digital solutions that enhance efficiency in healthcare. Partech, based in Paris with a global presence, manages €2.5 billion in assets and focuses on B2B software and data-driven innovation.

Ford's New EV Lineup Unveiling: Ford unveiled updated versions of the Mustang Mach-E and the new F-150 Lightning. The Mustang Mach-E now offers up to 312 miles of range, while the F-150 Lightning is projected to achieve up to 300 miles per charge. Both models feature advanced driver-assist technologies.

General Motors (GM) Invests $2 Billion in Autonomous Vehicles: GM announced a $2 billion investment in its Cruise autonomous vehicle division. This funding will be used to expand Cruise’s AV fleet and infrastructure, aiming to increase the deployment of self-driving cars in major US cities.

Tesla’s Battery Day Insights: At Battery Day, Tesla revealed its new 4680 battery cell technology. This innovation is expected to reduce battery costs by 50% and increase vehicle range by up to 20%. Tesla also announced plans to produce 100 GWh of these new cells annually by 2024.

Nissan’s New Hybrid Model: Nissan introduced the Altima Hybrid, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor. The new hybrid model is expected to achieve up to 40 mpg combined fuel efficiency and will be available in select markets starting next year.

US Department of Transportation’s $5 Billion EV Charging Plan: The US Department of Transportation announced a $5 billion plan to expand the national EV charging network. This initiative aims to install 30,000 new charging stations across the country by 2027.

Rivian Hits 10,000 Vehicle Production Milestone: Rivian reported reaching a production milestone of 10,000 R1T electric trucks. The company plans to ramp up production further and is targeting the delivery of 25,000 vehicles by the end of the year.

In a major move towards expanding clean energy infrastructure, the US government has approved a 2GW offshore wind project off the coast of Maryland. This project, led by US Wind, is the tenth commercial-scale offshore wind energy initiative to be approved under President Biden's administration and is expected to generate 2,680 jobs annually until 2031.

The project will be located 8.7 nautical miles offshore from Maryland and 9 nautical miles from Sussex County, Delaware. It will be developed in three phases, including the installation of 114 turbines, up to four offshore substation platforms, and extensive offshore cable corridors. The first two phases, known as MarWin and Momentum Wind, have already secured offshore renewable energy certificates from the State of Maryland.