Important Innovations Collection

China's Burgeoning Ride-Hailing Industry Source:  Didi Chuxing's RoboTaxi Industry Leader in China - Didi Chuxing China's ride-hailing company Didi Chuxing has launched a test program for its RoboTaxi services on the streets of Shanghai. The tests started this weekend after the company installed V2X or Vehicle to Everything hardware throughout the area.  V2X enables the robotaxis to communicate with their surroundings and provides an extra layer of safety.  Didi Chuxing is a ride-hailing giant with financial backing from SoftBank. Free, On Demand Rides As part of the test program, customers can hail a free, on demand ride on Didi's robotaxis within designated areas of Shanghai.  Along for the ride are human safety drivers, should there be an autonomous issue. Didi is using Volvo, Lincoln and BYD models retrofitted with Didi's autonomous driving system for the testing. China's RoboTaxis Elsewhere in China, Baidu is offering robotaxi rides in Changs...

Lyft Wants You to Sell Your Car for Big Lyft Credits Source:  Lyft Lyft Carvana Deal Lyft is rolling out an extraordinary offer in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Chicago.  They're urging people to sell their cars and receive significant credit on the ride-hailing service.  You need to sell the car through Carvana, which is an online used car retailer.  This is a new and interesting means for Lyft to lift business through the millions of people ready to get rid of their older, unwanted cars. Credit Lyft If you sell your vehicle through Carvana, you'll get $250 in Lyft credit and three months of free membership in Lyft's subscription service Pink.  Pink normally costs $20 per month. It provides a 15% discount on ride-hailing trips and 90 minutes of free bike-sharing and electric scooter riding in cities where the services are operational.  Lyft plans to expand the program way beyond LA, SF and Chicago soon.  This is another example of how the...