Published on 26/10/2016 by Punchmedia

Uber's New Services for Oz and a Self Driving Truck

A tractor trailer full of beer has driven itself down a freeway in the USA with nobody behind the wheel.

A joint venture between Uber Technologies and Anheuser-Busch InBev NV, the trip is believed to be the first time a self-driving truck had been used to make a commercial shipment.

Uber's Otto team worked with Colorado regulators to get permission for the delivery and to arrange for police supervision of the shipment.

According to reports, the software still has a long way to go.

With Uber now firmly established as an alternative to catching a taxi, the app-based transport option is constantly finding new measures to further shake up the Australian market.

Uber continues to grow and develop its business away from its juggernaut ride sharing arm, the latest being UberPOOL, the ride sharing scheme where people split the cost of a ride with a stranger heading in the same direction, which is set to be launched in Australia in the coming months

The Sydney and Melbourne markets will be first with the other states and territories to follow.

While the idea of carpooling is far from revolutionary, particularly when put against Uber's core business which has controversially transformed public transport around the world, the impact in terms of fewer cars on the road is substantial.

In San Francisco, where Uber has its headquarters, 40 per cent of Uber trips are pooled.

Last valued at around $68 Billion, Uber's other ventures include food delivery service UberEATS, courier service UberRUSH, UberCOMMUTE ride sharing on your way to work, UberEXTRAS where one day promotions include having puppies, kittens and ice cream delivered to your door, UberBOAT, UberCHOPPER and UberMOTO where you can grab a ride on the back of a motorbike.

While not all of these services have reached Australian shores, you can bet that it is only a matter of time.

* With AFR and News

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Curtis is a leading expert in the business-for-sale industry, serving as a senior content creator at anybusiness.com.au.

With a career spanning over fifteen years, Curtis has accumulated extensive knowledge in the domain of business sales, acquisitions, and valuations. His deep understanding of market dynamics and his ability to translate complex industry jargon into accessible insights make him a trusted resource for entrepreneurs and business owners looking to buy or sell businesses.

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