The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Phantom Auto announced in March 2024 that it was closing operations. The startup built software for remotely operating vehicles, first targeting autonomous vehicles on public roads and later focusing on logistics uses such as forklifts and yard trucks. Its founder cited market conditions and insufficient funding; contemporaneous reporting also said the company had failed to secure new financing.
What happened to Phantom Auto?
On March 12, 2024, TechCrunch reported that Phantom Auto was shutting down after an unsuccessful effort to secure new funding. Founder and CEO Shai Magzimof publicly announced the decision to close operations. The announcement establishes the company’s intent at that time; the available reporting does not establish its later legal status or what happened to its assets and customer arrangements.
Magzimof wrote on LinkedIn: “After seven years of efforts to reshape the future of physical labor at Phantom Auto, we’ve made the tough decision to close operations. there are various factors contributing to this, including market conditions and insufficient funding.” Read his March 2024 post.
Why was Phantom Auto shutting down?
Magzimof cited market conditions and insufficient funding, without presenting one factor as the sole cause. Separately, TechCrunch reported that the company had been unable to secure new funding. Its account of the prospective financing round relied on an unnamed source, so it should not be conflated with the CEO’s first-person public explanation.
#1 Best Overall
- Fresh Aqua Design – Energy, Speed & Adventure: The Hamdol Aqua Racer Edition features a refreshing blue-green finish that symbolizes motion and freedom. Designed for children ages 6–12, this RC stunt car inspires exploration, creativity, and active play. With its durable dual-sided body and smooth driving control, it flips, spins, and races with ease — perfect for curious young adventurers who love excitement both indoors and outdoors.
- 360° Spins & Double-Sided Fun – Nonstop Action: Master the art of stunts! The standard Aqua Racer performs 360° spins, smooth rotations, and seamless flips across various terrains. Even if overturned, it keeps moving. The double-sided structure ensures continuous excitement while teaching kids hand-eye coordination and reaction timing in a fun, interactive way.
- LED Headlights – Light Up Every Journey: Bright white headlights guide the way during evening races or low-light play, helping kids track their car easily. The glowing beams enhance the atmosphere of every race, making this RC car an exciting companion day or night. A fun, eye-catching detail that adds adventure to every turn.
- Dual-Motor Power – Built for Speed & Stability: Equipped with two high-performance electric motors, the Aqua Racer delivers strong torque and precise steering. It accelerates quickly and maintains balance even on bumpy paths. Perfect for indoor tracks, outdoor driveways, or park adventures, this car keeps the fun going everywhere.
- 2.4GHz Remote Control – Race Together, No Interference: With Hamdol’s 2.4GHz anti-interference system, multiple cars can race at the same time without cross-signals. The controller offers smooth, responsive steering at ranges up to 160 feet, ensuring multiplayer fun and encouraging teamwork, competition, and shared laughter.
TechCrunch reported that Phantom Auto had raised $95 million in total and that its last raise was $25 million in 2023. A March 13, 2024, report by Calcalist CTech also put the total at approximately $95 million. A later Startup Nation Finder directory entry lists $55.5 million, but the available information does not explain the discrepancy. The contemporaneous reports therefore support describing the total as about $95 million while noting that the directory figure conflicts.
Workforce figures are also reported snapshots, not a full employment history: TechCrunch said Phantom Auto had about 120 employees at its peak and a little more than 100 during the week of its March 12, 2024, report. Calcalist CTech described around 100 employees on March 13, including dozens in Israel.
Rank #2
- 33KM/H Speedy 1:12 RC Cars: Powered by a strong RC 380 motor, the rc car can reach speeds up to 33 km/h at full speed! First-rate rc truck at this price. Enjoy your racing with 2.4GHz no delay remote controller, which has a control distance of 50 meters. Great off-road monster truck ever
- ABS Chassis and Durable Car Frame: The whole chassis of the remote control car is made of ABS plastic and the main body is made of aluminium alloy material, which is more durable and with improved impact resistance, less weight of the RC car body
- LED Headlights and Chassis Lights: This remote control monster truck is equipped with a Headlight, Illuminating the road ahead when playing at night. You never deny this 1:12 scale phenomenal realistic RC Truck
- 70 mins Running Time & Rechargeable Battery: The car uses 7.4V 1400mAh rechargeable battery, 2 batteries included. It can run for up to 70 minutes at a time(35 Mins for each battery), allowing you to experience continuous and uninterrupted gaming hours
- RC Car Toy Gifts: A great gift for birthdays and many other occasions. If you are looking for an exciting and extra cool present, you will love our toy-grade RC cars. Put your work on hold, go out with your kids, and enjoy family time
What did Phantom Auto do?
Phantom Auto developed teleoperation software that let a remote driver operate a vehicle when needed. The idea was to let a person intervene remotely rather than require an onboard driver for every operation.
From public roads to logistics
The company initially pursued autonomous vehicles operating on public roads, including robotaxis and self-driving trucks. In 2019, it pivoted toward logistics applications, where vehicles and robots could work in more bounded environments. Reported use cases included forklifts, yard trucks, and autonomous sidewalk delivery robots.
Rank #3
- Monster Jam Official Grave Digger Remote Control Monster Truck, 1:24 Scale, 2.4 GHz, for Ages 4 and Up
TechCrunch reported agreements with Maersk, CJ Logistics, ArcBest, and Serve Robotics. Those reported agreements do not show whether contracts, deployments, or installed systems continued after Phantom Auto announced its closure.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is known—and not known—after the announcement?
The March 2024 announcement and contemporaneous reporting establish that Phantom Auto said it was closing operations amid market and funding pressures. They do not establish whether the company later dissolved as a legal entity, whether its assets or intellectual property were sold, or what happened to each customer agreement or system. Those outcomes should not be inferred from the closure announcement alone.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Latest Upgraded Modular Battery: Equip your child's RC car with two easily detachable 500 mAh (3.7V) lithium battery modules. Each battery module provides up to 25 minutes of non-stop action. Quickly swap the spent battery with the fully charged spare to extend playtime to 50 minutes. The tool-free quick-swap design is ideal for young racers eager to continue their adventures without delay. Each battery is safely encased in a premium ABS shell and integrates seamlessly with the car's design, making it easy and safe for children to manage the batteries independently.
- Effortless Charging with Type-C Interface:Our RC car’s modular batteries are charged via a Type-C cable, which is widely used across various devices, from mobile phones to laptops. This means there’s no need to search for special chargers or juggle multiple types of cables. Fast and efficient, the Type-C connection reduces charging times significantly, so your child can get back to their adventures sooner.
- Multi-Stunt Control & Robust Build: Explore the dynamic capabilities of our QUNREDA remote control car with its easy-to-use two-button controller that enables nine different stunts, including 360° flips and multi-directional spins. Enhanced with 2.4GHz anti-interference technology, this RC car ensures long-distance control up to 50 meters, allowing multiple cars to race without interference.
- Robust Build with Enhanced Navigation: The car is equipped with distinctive red-eye LED headlights to help users easily identify the front of the car during dynamic play, alongside durable, all-terrain tires made from high-quality ABS for superior grip and shock absorption, perfect for any indoor or outdoor environment like beaches, wetlands, or grasslands.
- Instant Adventure Awaits: Unbox an immediate racing challenge with our RC stunt car, specifically designed to captivate kids' imaginations. Watch as they delve into a world of speed and agility, piloting their vehicle through complex stunts and races that not only enhance their coordination but also boost their problem-solving skills. Perfect for solo play or with friends, this car keeps your child engaged in active play, fostering a sense of accomplishment with every new trick mastered.
Rank #4
- 2.4 GHz Remote Control Car - 1:18 scale cool design, waterproof RC truck toys made of premium material and sturdy, with LED lights, waterproof remote, one-click demo, 4WD all-terrain 360°rotation, 2.4GHz wireless remote control is responsive, long-distance anti -interference No Chaos, easy to operate, allows multiple cars to race simultaneously. Great gifts for kids, enjoy a fun and relaxing racing activity with their family & friends
- High Quality & DIY Removable Toys RC Cars - This remote control monster truck structure design quality, flexibility and strength in one. The rc truck toy car shell is upgraded alloy material, removable, with high hardness pvc material body, super anti-collision, durable. Simple assembly , we also provide extra gold color car shell, the children can independently replace & DIY, to play a unique creative ideas, exercise hands-on ability and creativity
- All Terrain Amphibious Monster Truck - 4-wheel drive off-road design rc trucks for kids, with high-quality tires (shock absorption, strong grip, anti-skid), waterproof sealed electronic components, powerful electric motors, to easily break through any terrain, flexibly drive on puddles, gravel roads, grass, snow and beach, etc! Support 360° rotation in land & water, to surf in pools, rivers, lakes, or other water surface, providing endless fun for hobby RC cars
- Two 1200 mAh Extended Batteries Double Playtime - Kids remote control car comes with two 3.7V/1200mAh high-performance batteries, optimized & extended use time, each battery 60 Mins playtime. 2 long-lasting batteries can be replaced for use, about 100+ play time, which ensures your child's uninterrupted usage experience and fun. Charging time of 2-3 hours, with USB charging cable and screwdriver to meet disassembly and installation needs
- Great gifts for boys girls - Amphibious remote control car, designed for RC toy car hobbyist, stylish, fun and durable. Multiple rc cars can be raced together and used on all-terrains, provide kids hours of outdoor fun. Classic pickup truck shape design off-road RC car is a popular children's toy, loved by kids. Monster truck toys for kids is an fun educational toy. Ideal kids birthdays, Christmas and New Year's gifts, great kids toys for boys girls
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
