Uber "on track" for its IPO in 2019, no technology unit sales project: CEO

NEW YORK (Reuters) – Dara Khosrowshahi, chief executive of Uber Technologies Inc., said on Wednesday that the carrier would launch its next year's public offering and that it did not intend to sell its auto branch. conduct.

Khosrowshahi told Reuters in an interview that the company was not considering selling its advanced technology group "at this time."

"In the end, it's a big asset that we build and we can monetize it as we wish. It's not something we think about at this point, "he said.

Khosrowshahi also said that Uber was "rather optimistic" as he could resume autonomous car testing later this year after a fatal accident involving an Uber autonomous car in Tempe, Arizona, in March.

He said "absolutely" that Advanced Technologies Group would be part of Uber after the IPO, but it would also partner with other companies that are developing autonomous technology.

Last month, Toyota Motor Corp. (7203.T) said it would invest $ 500 million in Uber to jointly develop autonomous cars.

Khosrowshahi, who ran the company for a year, said he was not worried if the rival firm Lyft had gone public, as he expected sufficient demand for both companies.

"Historically, there has been a lot of funding for Uber, for Lyft, etc. and we do not think it will change," he said. "It's a huge market that we pursue."

At a media event on Wednesday, Khosrowshahi unveiled new efforts to keep American drivers and passengers safe by using software to detect unusual events, including accidents.

He said that Uber would use software to report atypical rides and would contact drivers and runners in case of a possible crash of what he calls "Ride Check".

Uber also plans to use sensors on the driver's phone to analyze acceleration data and other factors to detect potential accidents.

Uber would protect runners' information by hiding specific pick-up and return addresses in the driver's trip history, the company added.