Via Raises $492.9M in IPO as German Automakers Rally at IAA Mobility

Via Raises Nearly $493 Million in IPO Amid German Automakers’ Strategic Push at IAA Mobility

Via, the transit software company known for its on-demand shuttle services and Citymapper app, has officially gone public, raising $492.9 million through the sale of 10.7 million shares at $46 each. The company’s valuation reached $3.7 billion, a modest increase from its $3.5 billion valuation in 2023 during its last private funding round.

This IPO comes after years of anticipation and confidential filings earlier in 2025. Via’s debut underscores growing investor interest in technology-driven urban mobility solutions.

German Automakers Showcase EV Innovation to Counter Chinese Competition

The biennial IAA Mobility conference in Munich saw major German automakers—Volkswagen Group, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW—unveil a range of new vehicles, including several electric models. The event, which began Tuesday, served as a platform for Germany’s automotive industry to assert its technological relevance and competitive edge, particularly against rising Chinese automakers expanding aggressively into Europe.

VW Group CEO Oliver Blume emphasized the company’s strategic focus on the Chinese market, especially in electric vehicles, where VW has historically lagged. On the home front, German brands introduced vehicles such as the all-electric Mercedes GLC, BMW iX3 equipped with advanced computing systems, and Volkswagen’s ID Polo and ID Cross concepts.

Despite these efforts, Chinese manufacturers like BYD have made significant inroads, nearly doubling their European market share over the past year, according to JATO Dynamics data from July 2025. This has intensified pressure on German automakers to innovate and retain customer loyalty.

Rimac Technology Advances Solid-State Battery Development

In a notable technological announcement at IAA Mobility, Rimac Technology revealed it has developed solid-state battery packs expected to be commercially available by late 2027. These batteries promise substantial energy density and rapid charging capabilities, reportedly charging from 10% to 80% in under 10 minutes, a significant advancement for EV performance.

Hyundai Commits Additional Funding to Autonomous Vehicle Venture Motional

Hyundai continues its investment in Motional, the autonomous vehicle joint venture initially formed with Aptiv. After Aptiv exited the partnership in early 2024, Hyundai assumed greater financial responsibility, previously committing $1 billion, including a $475 million direct investment and $448 million to acquire 11% of Aptiv’s equity in Motional.

New reports indicate Hyundai is injecting an additional $452 million this year, with further funding planned for 2026. Hyundai has not publicly commented on these investments, which industry insiders suggest may be kept low-profile due to Hyundai’s concurrent collaboration with Waymo.

Other Industry Developments

• General Motors has bolstered its AI and energy storage capabilities with key hires from Cruise and Tesla.
• Arc Boats secured a $160 million contract for hybrid-electric tugboats expected to operate in Los Angeles by 2027.
• Battery materials startup LeydenJar raised €13 million ($15.2 million) in funding led by Extantia and Invest-NL.
• Fleet management software company Standard Fleet closed a $13 million Series A round with participation from notable venture investors.
• The FAA announced a pilot program allowing eVTOL startups to test operations prior to full certification.
• Hyundai’s electric air taxi project Supernal faces setbacks, including leadership departures and a work pause.
• InDrive aims to expand globally as a super app, leveraging its bidding-based ride-hailing model.
• Jaguar Land Rover experienced assembly line disruptions due to a cyberattack.
• Lyft and May Mobility launched a robotaxi service in Atlanta, marking their first commercial deployment.
• Nevada OSHA is investigating a severe injury at a Boring Company tunnel project.
• Tesla received permits to test autonomous vehicles on Nevada public roads but requires additional approvals for commercial ride-hailing.
• Uber and Chinese AV startup Momenta plan robotaxi testing in Munich in 2026.
• The U.S. Justice Department filed a lawsuit against Uber for alleged discrimination against people with disabilities.

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