{"id":131119,"date":"2026-03-22T10:32:54","date_gmt":"2026-03-22T13:32:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/automotive.einnews.com\/article\/901074759"},"modified":"2026-03-22T10:32:54","modified_gmt":"2026-03-22T13:32:54","slug":"the-week-in-business-and-tech-saw-rivian-automotive-strike-a-1-25-billion-robotaxi-deal-with-uber-technologies-investor-ross-gerber-push-ev-adoption-amid-rising-oil-prices-canada-propose-a-u-s-foc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/2026\/03\/22\/the-week-in-business-and-tech-saw-rivian-automotive-strike-a-1-25-billion-robotaxi-deal-with-uber-technologies-investor-ross-gerber-push-ev-adoption-amid-rising-oil-prices-canada-propose-a-u-s-foc\/","title":{"rendered":"The week in business and tech saw Rivian Automotive strike a $1.25 billion robotaxi deal with Uber Technologies, investor Ross Gerber push EV adoption amid rising oil prices, Canada propose a U.S.-focused auto strategy, Tesla, Inc. plan a $4.3 billion\u00e2\u0080\u00a6"},"content":{"rendered":"<div><img data-opt-id=758893364  fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==\" fifu-lazy=\"1\" fifu-data-sizes=\"auto\" fifu-data-srcset=\"https:\/\/mlmjbqro95r8.i.optimole.com\/cb:bOxR.6a5\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/cdn.benzinga.com\/files\/images\/story\/2026\/03\/22\/Aachen--Germany-September-2019-Uber-Driv.jpeg?width=1200&height=800&fit=crop&ssl=1&w=75&resize=75&ssl=1 75w, https:\/\/mlmjbqro95r8.i.optimole.com\/cb:bOxR.6a5\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/cdn.benzinga.com\/files\/images\/story\/2026\/03\/22\/Aachen--Germany-September-2019-Uber-Driv.jpeg?width=1200&height=800&fit=crop&ssl=1&w=100&resize=100&ssl=1 100w, https:\/\/mlmjbqro95r8.i.optimole.com\/cb:bOxR.6a5\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/cdn.benzinga.com\/files\/images\/story\/2026\/03\/22\/Aachen--Germany-September-2019-Uber-Driv.jpeg?width=1200&height=800&fit=crop&ssl=1&w=150&resize=150&ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/mlmjbqro95r8.i.optimole.com\/cb:bOxR.6a5\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/cdn.benzinga.com\/files\/images\/story\/2026\/03\/22\/Aachen--Germany-September-2019-Uber-Driv.jpeg?width=1200&height=800&fit=crop&ssl=1&w=240&resize=240&ssl=1 240w, https:\/\/mlmjbqro95r8.i.optimole.com\/cb:bOxR.6a5\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/cdn.benzinga.com\/files\/images\/story\/2026\/03\/22\/Aachen--Germany-September-2019-Uber-Driv.jpeg?width=1200&height=800&fit=crop&ssl=1&w=320&resize=320&ssl=1 320w, https:\/\/mlmjbqro95r8.i.optimole.com\/cb:bOxR.6a5\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/cdn.benzinga.com\/files\/images\/story\/2026\/03\/22\/Aachen--Germany-September-2019-Uber-Driv.jpeg?width=1200&height=800&fit=crop&ssl=1&w=500&resize=500&ssl=1 500w, https:\/\/mlmjbqro95r8.i.optimole.com\/cb:bOxR.6a5\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/cdn.benzinga.com\/files\/images\/story\/2026\/03\/22\/Aachen--Germany-September-2019-Uber-Driv.jpeg?width=1200&height=800&fit=crop&ssl=1&w=640&resize=640&ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/mlmjbqro95r8.i.optimole.com\/cb:bOxR.6a5\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/cdn.benzinga.com\/files\/images\/story\/2026\/03\/22\/Aachen--Germany-September-2019-Uber-Driv.jpeg?width=1200&height=800&fit=crop&ssl=1&w=800&resize=800&ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/mlmjbqro95r8.i.optimole.com\/cb:bOxR.6a5\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/cdn.benzinga.com\/files\/images\/story\/2026\/03\/22\/Aachen--Germany-September-2019-Uber-Driv.jpeg?width=1200&height=800&fit=crop&ssl=1&w=1024&resize=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/mlmjbqro95r8.i.optimole.com\/cb:bOxR.6a5\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/cdn.benzinga.com\/files\/images\/story\/2026\/03\/22\/Aachen--Germany-September-2019-Uber-Driv.jpeg?width=1200&height=800&fit=crop&ssl=1&w=1280&resize=1280&ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/mlmjbqro95r8.i.optimole.com\/cb:bOxR.6a5\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/cdn.benzinga.com\/files\/images\/story\/2026\/03\/22\/Aachen--Germany-September-2019-Uber-Driv.jpeg?width=1200&height=800&fit=crop&ssl=1&w=1600&resize=1600&ssl=1 1600w\" fifu-data-src=\"https:\/\/mlmjbqro95r8.i.optimole.com\/cb:bOxR.6a5\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/cdn.benzinga.com\/files\/images\/story\/2026\/03\/22\/Aachen--Germany-September-2019-Uber-Driv.jpeg?width=1200&height=800&fit=crop&ssl=1\" class=\"ff-og-image-inserted\"><\/div>\n<p><!--$--><\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"sc-bTcWjU fDkVaM\"><!--$--><\/p>\n<p class=\"block core-block\">This week was a rollercoaster ride in the world of business and tech. From&nbsp;<strong>Rivian Automotive\u2019s <\/strong>billion-dollar deal with <strong>Uber<\/strong> to <strong>Ross Gerber\u2019s<\/strong> push for electric vehicles, there was no shortage of intriguing developments. Let\u2019s dive into the top stories of the week.<\/p>\n<p><!--\/$--><!--$--><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Rivian\u2019s High-Stakes Uber Deal<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><!--\/$--><!--$--><!--\/$--><!--$--><\/p>\n<p class=\"block core-block\">Rivian Automotive has inked a $1.25 billion deal with Uber to provide up to 50,000 R2-based robotaxis. The initial order covers 10,000 robotaxis, with Uber having the option to purchase up to 40,000 additional units. However, Rivian must meet four performance milestones to secure the full funding from Uber. James Picariello, BNP Paribas Equity Research senior analyst, noted that the deal reflects Uber\u2019s confidence in Rivian\u2019s autonomy capabilities.<\/p>\n<p><!--\/$--><!--$--><\/p>\n<p class=\"block core-block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.benzinga.com\/markets\/tech\/26\/03\/51373114\/rivians-1-25-billion-uber-robotaxi-deal-looks-like-a-big-win-but-some-analysts-say-its-actually-a-high-stakes-test\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Read the full article here.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<p><!--\/$--><!--$--><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Ross Gerber Advocates For EVs Amid Soaring Fuel Prices<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><!--\/$--><!--$--><\/p>\n<p class=\"block core-block\">As the Middle East conflict escalates and oil prices soar, investor <strong>Ross Gerber<\/strong> of <strong>Gerber Kawasaki<\/strong> is urging people to switch to electric vehicles (EVs). Gerber highlighted the cost-effectiveness of EVs in a social media post, stating that driving an EV could save thousands of dollars annually compared to a gas car.<\/p>\n<p><!--\/$--><!--$--><\/p>\n<p class=\"block core-block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.benzinga.com\/markets\/tech\/26\/03\/51345819\/amid-iran-war-soaring-fuel-prices-ross-gerber-urges-people-to-switch-to-evs-touts-thousands-of-dollars-saved-annually\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Read the full article here.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<p><!--\/$--><!--$--><!--\/$--><!--$--><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Canada\u2019s Opposition Leader Proposes US-Focused Auto Strategy<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><!--\/$--><!--$--><\/p>\n<p class=\"block core-block\"><strong>Pierre Poilievre<\/strong>, Canada&#8217;s leader of the Official Opposition and the Conservative Party, is advocating for a U.S.-focused auto industry strategy amid Canada&#8217;s tariff agreement with China. Poilievre proposed tax exemptions for vehicles made in Canada and a rule allowing equal dollar value imports from the U.S. or Mexico for every vehicle produced in Canada.<\/p>\n<p><!--\/$--><!--$--><\/p>\n<p class=\"block core-block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.benzinga.com\/news\/politics\/26\/03\/51261866\/canadas-opposition-leader-pushes-us-focused-auto-strategy-warns-of-dangerous-illusion-around-overseas-evs-amid-canada-china-ev-deal\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Read the full article here.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<p><!--\/$--><!--$--><!--\/$--><!--$--><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Tesla To Build $4.3 Billion Battery Plant In Michigan<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><!--\/$--><!--$--><\/p>\n<p class=\"block core-block\">The Trump administration confirmed that&nbsp;<strong>Tesla<\/strong>&nbsp;will build a $4.3 billion battery plant in Michigan in partnership with LG Energy. The Department of Interior mentioned the deal among agreements worth over $56 billion aimed at creating jobs and securing critical energy supply chains.<\/p>\n<p><!--\/$--><!--$--><\/p>\n<p class=\"block core-block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.benzinga.com\/markets\/tech\/26\/03\/51290679\/trump-administration-confirms-tesla-will-build-4-3-billion-battery-plant-in-michigan-with-lg-energy\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Read the full article here.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<p><!--\/$--><!--$--><!--\/$--><!--$--><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>United Airlines Cuts Flights Amid Rising Fuel Costs<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><!--\/$--><!--$--><\/p>\n<p class=\"block core-block\">United Airlines announced a 5% reduction in scheduled capacity for the second and third quarters due to escalating fuel costs. The airline will target weaker, off-peak routes and trim flying at Chicago O\u2019Hare. CEO Scott Kirby warned of a potential $175 per barrel oil scenario.<\/p>\n<p><!--\/$--><!--$--><\/p>\n<p class=\"block core-block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.benzinga.com\/news\/travel\/26\/03\/51394067\/united-airlines-slashes-flights-by-5-as-iran-war-spikes-fuel-costs-ceo-scott-kirby-warns-of-175-oil-scenario\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Read the full article here.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<p><!--\/$--><!--$--><\/p>\n<p class=\"block core-block\"><strong><em>Disclaimer<\/em>:<\/strong><em>&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><!--\/$--><!--$--><\/p>\n<p class=\"block core-block\"><em>Image via Shutterstock<\/em><\/p>\n<p><!--\/$--><!--$--><!--\/$--><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><!--\/$--><!--$--><!--\/$--><!--$--><!--\/$--><!--$--><a class=\"text-sm my-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.benzinga.com\/apis?utm_source=benzinga.com&amp;utm_campaign=article-bottom\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs<\/a><!--\/$--><\/p>\n<p class=\"copyright\">\u00a9 2026 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n<p class=\"block core-block\">To add <strong>Benzinga News<\/strong> as your preferred source on Google,<!-- --> <a href=\"https:\/\/google.com\/preferences\/source?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.benzinga.com\" rel=\"noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/blockads.fivefilters.org\"> <\/a><\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/blockads.fivefilters.org\/acceptable.html\"> <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&#8230; business and tech. From\u00c2\u00a0Rivian <span class=\"match\">Automotive<\/span>\u00e2\u0080\u0099s billion-dollar deal with &#8230; High-Stakes Uber Deal Rivian <span class=\"match\">Automotive<\/span> has inked a $1.25 &#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-131119","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-news","wpcat-1-id"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/131119","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=131119"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/131119\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=131119"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=131119"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=131119"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}