Uber Health hires first chief medical officer
Uber Health, Uber’s healthcare arm, announced its first chief medical officer, Dr. Michael Cantor. With over 20 years of leadership experience spanning the healthcare industry, Dr. Cantor will enable Uber Health to continue building innovative solutions that address the needs of patients, clinicians, and care coordinators, the company said in a release. As a board-certified geriatrician, his experience designing clinical programs for older adults and vulnerable populations gives him unique insights into the most pressing gaps in care–and how technology can provide the flexible solutions needed to deliver care more efficiently.
“I’ve seen first-hand how important leveraging transportation is in both improving clinical outcomes and creating care systems that allow patients to live independently in their community,” said Dr. Michael Cantor, Chief Medical Officer of Uber Health. “That’s why I’m excited to join Uber as the team continues to build relevant solutions that aren’t just more efficient for healthcare providers but also help bring care more directly to patients at home on a community-wide scale.”
This news comes on the heels of massive growth for Uber Health. Increasing demand for innovative patient transportation, critical deliveries, and other mobility solutions across the healthcare industry has resulted in 71% gross bookings growth for the business unit from Q4 2020 to Q4 2021. Throughout 2021, Uber announced partnerships with innovators in the healthcare space and have grown its base to over 3,000 healthcare customers.
Toyota redesigns the Sequoia
In January, Toyota announced the redesigned 2023 Sequoia, to be available this summer. The third-generation Sequoia is completely redesigned. All 2023 Sequoias will feature the twin-turbo V6 hybrid i-FORCE MAX powertrain. First unveiled on Tundra, this hybrid produces 437 horsepower and 583 lb.-ft. of torque. Sequoia will be offered in 2WD or the available part-time 4WD system on SR5, Limited, Platinum and Capstone grades. TRD Pro will be offered only in 4WD.
The three-row SUV offers a range of configurations for seating and cargo. Depending upon the grade, second-row passengers get bench seating or captain’s chairs, either of which recline for passenger comfort or fold down/tumble forward if larger cargo space is needed. The third-row passengers benefit from a spacious reclining backseat with available power folding, but the third row also gets one of the most noteworthy new features on Sequoia: the exclusive Sliding Third Row with Adjustable Cargo Shelf System. This segment-first feature allows the third row to slide with 6 inches of adjustment range. The third row can also fold down to complement the different storage positions of the new Adjustable Cargo Shelf System: a removeable shelf that can be set in a variety of storage positions depending upon the situation. The Cargo Shelf System is designed to offer the ultimate flexibility in rear cargo and storage needs.
Last Passat rolls off U.S. assembly line
Car and Driver reported in January that the last U.S. Volkswagen Passat has rolled off VWoA’s Chattanooga, Tennessee, assembly line. The Passat enjoyed a long run in the United States, one that dates back to 1974, when the model was known as the Dasher. Worries that the Passat had grown too expensive led VW to divorce the U.S. version from the European model, starting with the B7 Passat that debuted in 2006 as a sedan and 2007 as a wagon.
Nissan recalls nearly 700,000 Rogue SUVs
CNET reported that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Nissan announced a recall for 699,946 2014-2016 Nissan Rogues over concerns that a faulty electrical connector could start a fire. The recall specifically pertains to an under-dash connector that can corrode if exposed to water and/or road salt from the driver›s footwell. If the connector becomes corroded, it can heat up and potentially cause a fire. “There is currently no fix available for the issue, but when one comes, we suspect it will be something along the lines of a better-sealed connector,” CNET reported.
Used cars prices to fall – eventually
Good news is on the way regarding used car prices. According to a study conducted by Ally Financial and highlighted by Auto News, the average price of a used car will fall by 15% from current levels by the end of 2023. CNN reported that J.D. Power forecasts that the average wholesale price of used cars should fall about 9% from the fourth quarter of last year to the fourth quarter of this year, and that prices should continue to decline in 2023. Automakers are expecting the supply of chips and other parts to improve this year, which should help with inventories, and take the pressure off prices, experts told CNN. “That could lead to a return of consumers paying less than the sticker price, a big break for buyers, even if the price in the window doesn’t go down.”