Uber to invest up to $1.25 billion in EV maker Rivian in deal to launch 50,000 robotaxis

Group 1 - Uber Technologies plans to invest up to $1.25 billion in Rivian Automotive to deploy up to 50,000 robotaxis by 2031 [1][2] - The deal includes an initial investment of $300 million, subject to regulatory approval, with expectations for Uber to purchase 10,000 autonomous R2 vehicles and an option for 40,000 more starting in 2030 [2][4] - The R2 robotaxis are expected to be available exclusively through Uber's platform in 25 cities across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, with initial launches planned for San Francisco and Miami in 2028 [5] Group 2 - The partnership reflects a resurgence in the autonomous vehicle and robotaxi market, which is projected to be a multitrillion-dollar industry [3] - Previous attempts by companies, including Uber, to achieve robotaxi deployment have not met targets, indicating challenges in the sector [3]