The world’s first driverless taxis have hit the road (beating Uber) August 25, 2016 The first-ever driverless taxis have hit the road in Singapore, and despite the ambitious plans of Uber announced just last week that it's about to put autonomous cabs into service, the billion dollar startup has been pipped to the post. Residents of Singapore will spot the robo-taxis driving around the business district and they will even be able [...]
WPP’s share price jumps as company leads FTSE after results – but Sir Martin Sorrell is still worried about Brexit August 24, 2016 The chief executive of the world's largest advertising group is still worried about Brexit despite the company reporting strong results for the first half. The company is leading the FTSE 100 this morning, up more than five per cent to 1,839p per share in early morning trading. WPP reported better-than-expected first half results. The company [...]
Uber’s former rival Didi launches car rental service August 22, 2016 Not satisfied with winning the ride-sharing wars with Uber after merging in China, Didi is now expanding into other car services. It's launching an online car rental service in the country to capitalise on the billions of domestic tourist trips made throughout the country, which is expected to grow to 5.8bn by 2020. Read more: Uber [...]
Deliveroo chief says employment laws are behind the times August 21, 2016 Deliveroo boss William Shu has said the UK's employment laws need updating, after the food delivery startup tried to temper an ongoing dispute with its riders over a new trial pay structure. Shu says he hasn't had contact with government yet over the issue – although it has issued a warning that the firm needs to [...]
Uber is gearing up to launch UberEats in 12 more cities across Europe August 21, 2016 Uber is planning an ambitious expansion of its food delivery service UberEats across Europe just two months after it first arrived in London. The billion-dollar startup is already eyeing its second city in the UK and plans to expand beyond its existing patch of central London. Meanwhile it's planning to launch in a further 12 cities in 10 [...]
In pictures: Mercedes-Benz has unveiled its concept electric Maybach and it is enormous August 19, 2016 Mercedes-Benz's Maybach brand has never been one for the faint-hearted (or, indeed, thin-walleted). But now the company has unveiled the latest (conceptual) addition to its family – and it's a monster. The Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6, which will make its debut at Monterey Car Week in California this week, is a whopping six metres in length – [...]
Pity the City’s introverts now the Night Tube is here, how will they get out of dreaded work drinks now? August 19, 2016 Hurrah for the almost mythical Night Tube. We’ve known of its existence for nigh on two years, had to wait a year for delays and now, as you’ll already be aware, it will finally come into action tonight. The City is likely to be awash with its usual revellers and more asides, bolstered by the knowledge [...]
Sharing economy firms must mobilise the public to fight regulation-hungry politicians August 18, 2016 An increasing number of politicians and commentators are starting to look at the sharing economy as an exploitative one. Once apparently loved by all, it is being portrayed as unregulated and unfair – undermining hard-working people, reducing crucial tax revenue and ignoring the concerns of ordinary people whenever it is necessary. The latest furore in the [...]
Three at 3: The three stories you need to read right now August 18, 2016 We’ve done the legwork for you, and put together the top three stories of the day in bite size form, to make your life that bit easier. Time for a coffee break? Check out our three at three. What Brexit? We’re going shopping Despite all the the reports of the effects Brexit could have on [...]
Uber’s driverless cars hitting roads within weeks after $300m Volvo tie-up August 18, 2016 UpstartUber and traditional car brand Volvo are hooking up to travel together on the road towards an autonomous car filled future – which may not be as far away as you think. Volvo will make the cars and sell them to Uber, the two firms revealed today, investing a combined $300m on the project. Read more: [...]