From strategic partnerships to brand new innovations, read how the companies speaking at MOVE 2026 have been shifting the narrative and hitting the headlines.
The world’s #1 auto tech event is returning to London, June 17–18. MOVE focuses on the technology that sits behind the automotive sector, specialising in autonomous, electric and software-defined mobility. MOVE is all about showcasing the leading agents of innovation and progress, from automotive OEMs, fleets, CPOs, transport operators, investors, start-ups and battery manufacturers, across 15 conference stages.
Existing in a fast-paced and dynamic sector, industry change is an expectation rather than an anomaly when it comes to automotive and tech. To help you keep abreast of the latest developments, we have put together a shortlist of current news updates from some of the biggest disruptors speaking at the event this year.
1. Alex Kendall, CEO, Wayve
British autonomous start-up Wayve, headed by CEO Alex Kendall, hit headlines in February following the success of Wayve’s Series D funding round, which raised $1.5 billion in additional investment to accelerate its global expansion. Among the investors were automotive OEMs, including Mercedes and Nissan, as well as ride-hail titan Uber and chip manufacturer Nvidia. In a fresh wave of investment at the end of last month, the British tech firm has raised a further $60 million, bolstered by investment from the likes of Qualcomm, AMD and Arm.
Wayve has gained notoriety in the autonomous driving space owing to the success of its generalisable end-to-end AI technology, compatible across a number of different hardware options. Unlike its fellow London competitors, Waymo and Baidu’s Apollo Go, Wayve is powered by mapless technology and therefore does not operate within a geofence, instead designed to drive in any city, anywhere, at any level of autonomy.
Self-driving tech startup Wayve raises $1.2B from Nvidia, Uber, and three automakers | TechCrunch
2. RJ Scaringe, CEO and Founder, Rivian
RJ Scaringe, CEO of Rivian Motors, made headlines last week as the long-awaited first batch of Model R2s rolled off production lines at Rivian’s Illinois plant. Speaking on The MOVEmnt Podcast, RJ described the arrival of R2, Rivian’s first mass-market SUV, as “the single biggest moment in Rivian’s history” that could elevate the brand from a luxury marque to a household name.
In a LinkedIn post on the company’s page, RJ described the launch emphatically, saying the company was “on track” to deliver the first of its five-seater EVs later this spring.
The post read: “We are really excited to be producing R2 for our customers. The vehicle is incredible—it’s the result of all the hard work and dedication of the Rivian team. I can’t wait for customers to experience R2!”
Rivian begins production of first mass-market EV, the R2 – Electric – MOVEMNT
3. Ben Loewenstein, Head of UK and EU Policy & Government Affairs, Waymo
Waymo made headlines here in the UK at the beginning of the year, announcing the arrival of autonomous robotaxi pilots in the capital. Waymo is among three robotaxi providers, alongside UK autonomous start-up Wayve and Baidu’s Apollo Go fleet, beginning London pilots this year. The company, owned by Google’s Alphabet division, has plans to launch a commercial service as early as September this year.
Local Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood said:
“We’re supporting Waymo and other operators through our passenger pilots and pro-innovation regulations to make self-driving cars a reality on British roads.”
Driverless taxis set to launch in UK as soon as September – BBC News
4. Rafael Carlos Cerutti de Oliveira, Senior Solutions Architect, Uber
Ride-share heavyweight Uber has hit headlines in recent months following its announced push into the autonomous space. As robotaxi trials ramp up globally, Uber is hedging its bets on a series of autonomous investments, amounting to an estimated $10 billion in total.
Among its partners are autonomous providers Waymo, Momenta, Wayve and Lucid Motors. In March, Uber consolidated its autonomous pivot further with plans to invest $1.25 billion in Rivian Motors’ robotaxi development, with Rivian promising to deliver 50,000 robotaxis by 2031.
Uber, Rivian announce $1.25 billion deal for 50,000 robotaxis
5. Tony Han, CEO and Co-Founder, WeRide
WeRide made headlines just last week following the announcement of a strategic partnership with Chinese tech company Lenovo. The partnership was announced at the Auto China event, held in Beijing, and promises to deliver 200,000 robotaxis by 2031.
In a joint statement provided by both companies on Monday, the partnership was described as “one of the industry’s most ambitious efforts to scale autonomous mobility.”
WeRide CEO and founder Tony Han explained the importance of autonomous mobility, stating:
“Autonomous driving is entering a critical phase of commercial deployment, with industry competition shifting from pure technological capability to cost efficiency and scalable deployment.”
6. Jeremy Bird, VP of Global Expansion, Lyft
Global ride-hail platform Lyft came to media attention most recently following the aquisition of U.K. ride-booking platform Gett. The acquisition follows Lyft’s recent takeover of FREENOW, with Gett’s U.K. team expected to transition into the FREENOW by Lyft operation once the deal closes. While the Gett app will continue operating as normal in Britain, sporting the “Gett by Lyft” branding, Lyft says the long-term vision is a single app experience spanning all of its worldwide markets.
The move marks the latest effort in Lyft’s plan for European expansion as the brand seeks to consolidate itself as a key player in the global mobility network. Jeremy Bird was a vital orchestrator in the FREENOW acquisition, under his new role as Lyft’s Vice President of Global Expansion.
Lyft Expands in London with Gett UK Acquisition
You can catch all these news-worthy speakers and more at MOVE 2026, the world’s #1 auto tech event, held annually at London’s ExCeL. The event takes place this June 17-18, uniting agents from across the mobility ecosystem for two days of collaboration and discussion.
Join the conversation and secure your tickets here today!
