Israeli startups show off autonomous driving, sensors tech at EcoMotion

TEL AVIV, Israel — Israeli automotive technology startups hoping to mirror the success of Mobileye showcased their innovations for venture capitalists, automakers and Tier 1 suppliers here at the annual EcoMotion Week conference.

Jerusalem chip and sensor company Mobileye has grown to a stock market valuation of $33 billion because of its advanced driver-assist and autonomous driving systems business.

Automotive and mobility technology is a fast-growing Israeli industry as entrepreneurs bring expertise gained from developing missile defense systems and other military technologies, along with the know-how acquired in related disciplines, to the sector.

There are more than 650 automotive and mobility tech startups in Israel, with 110 exhibiting at the conference, said Jennifer Schwarz, executive director for EcoMotion. More than 3,000 people attended Tuesday's exhibition.

Israeli automotive technology startups have raised almost $200 million this year, according to IVC Data and Insights, an Israeli venture capital industry research organization. Investors poured more than $1 billion into Israeli automotive and mobility sector startups last year.

The companies at EcoMotion displayed a broad array of tech, much of it dealing with autonomous driving systems and electric vehicle components.

Read the full story here.

—Jerry Hirsch

What you need to know

National Charging Experience Consortium includes automakers, charging firms, researchers: The U.S. Joint Office of Energy and Transportation will bring together automakers, electric vehicle charging companies, researchers and other stakeholders over the next two years to improve EV charging.

Indictment of former Apple self-driving engineer sends message on national security risk, experts say: Technology investment is crucial, but the auto industry must be aware of security risks, legal experts warn.

Waymo and Uber sign ride-hailing, delivery service deal: The multiyear partnership follows Waymo's early May move to expand its commercial driverless service in Phoenix and its coverage area in San Francisco.

Roundup

Bosch names leader for Americas mobility unit.

Li-Metal claims a more efficient way of making a next-generation EV battery material.

Battery supplier Microvast eyes options after U.S. cancels $200 million grant.

EV charging equity, infrastructure, battery recycling key topics at Forth Roadmap mobility conference.

Automotive News Video: Detroit Smart Parking Lab offers a site for collaboration.

On the move

Steve Kenner, a longtime automotive executive, joined Kodiak Robotics as the self-driving tech company's vice president of safety. Kenner will handle all aspects of safety across Kodiak's operations, including fleet and driver operations and safety management systems. He previously had stints with two other trucking-focused automation companies, Locomation and Aurora Innovation. He also worked at Apple and was global director of Ford's automotive safety office.

Brain food

Guest commentary: How to tap vehicle data's potential.

Last mile

Ford to keep tuning into AM radio for 2024.