Amazon in Talks to Buy Autonomous Startup Zoox
As the nation’s largest retailer, Amazon is positioning itself to build its own logistics network.
Investor Steve Jurvetson (blue shirt) meets with the Zoox cofounders at their global headquarters in 2015.
Photo via Flickr/Steve Jurvetson.
Amazon.com Inc. is in talks to buy autonomous vehicle startup Zoox, according to a Bloomberg report yesterday. A 2018 funding round had Zoox valued at $3.2 billion.
As the nation’s largest retailer, Amazon is positioning itself to build its own logistics network.
Last year, Amazon invested in another self-driving startup, Aurora Innovation, which is also working with FCA on self-driving commercial vehicles. Amazon has funded Rivian Automotive Inc. with plans for a proprietary electric delivery vehicle.
Also last year, Amazon launched a pilot in Southern California for a delivery robot.
To date, Zoox’s corner of the market is “robo-taxis” for personal transportation. According to Zoox’s website, the company is “creating autonomous mobility from the ground up” rather than retrofitting third-party technology on vehicles.
Zoox was only one of four companies that the California Public Utilities Commission permitted (along with AutoX, Pony.ai, and Waymo) in its Vehicle Passenger Service pilot program.
Earlier in May, Zoox hired Qatalyst Partners to help it find a buyer.
More Fleet Forward
What Fleet Managers Learned from IIHS Crash Testing
Fleet Forward Conference attendees witnessed a live crash test at IIHS’s site, explored vehicle safety technology, and learned how IIHS research can inform fleet purchasing decisions.
Read More →
What Happened at Fleet Forward Conference 2026?
Here's what happened at this year's Fleet Forward conference, all in photo form.
Read More →
Chad Edmondson Named 2026 Fleet Safety Award Winner
The VSC Fire & Security fleet director oversees more than 1,100 assets nationwide. His approach to improving driver safety emphasizes collaboration, employee engagement, and building trust with the people behind the wheel.
Read More →
Joseph Lukacs Wins 2026 Global Fleet Manager of the Year
The Sherwin-Williams fleet leader adds another industry honor to his career after being named the 2025 Edward J. Bobit Professional Fleet Manager of the Year.
Read More →
Erin Gilchrist Receives Mike Antich Spirit of Fleet Award
Last week at AFLA in Vegas, Erin Gilchrist received the inaugural, brand-new Spirit of Fleet Award.
Read More →
Dominika Leja Named the 2026 Fleet Manager of the Year
The AstraZeneca associate director of fleet was recognized for her leadership in fleet electrification, cost savings, and operational transformation.
Read More →
Jamie McKay Named the 2026 Fleet Visionary Award Winner
The Aptive Pest Control fleet manager was recognized for her approach to operations, data, lifecycle management, and driver needs.
Read More →
Fleet Forward Conference Introduces One-Day Passes for 2026
New one-day registration gives fleet professionals the flexibility to attend Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, with passes available for $199 through Sept. 18.
Read More →
Vibe Coding: When Fleet Managers Become Software Builders
Five fleet professionals — none with programming skills — discuss how they’re using AI to build fleet solutions in-house and in a fraction of the time.
Read More →