Podcast: GM Shuts Down Cruise
What happens next for the robotaxi industry?
I joined Bryan Reimer, Junko Yoshida and Bolaji Ojo to have a discussion about GM’s decision to shut down Cruise. I really liked the interaction in which Bryan and I are in general agreement on the big picture but have different ways of talking about the situation and see different implications for technology, funding, and more. A really dynamic discussion!
This is not about things Cruise did right or wrong. Rather, it is about why robotaxis are such a difficult business proposition, what might come next, and what the big challenges are.
A couple super-deep-pocket players can still go after robotaxis (Waymo, Amazon) as long as they can spare the capital and have the patience — and even that might get problematic. Everyone else (including Tesla) is going to go down what I first called the Level 2+++ path in a podcast two years ago (pointer to that is in the story linked below). Lots more covered in the discussion as well.
Story with embedded video: https://ojoyoshidareport.com/gm-rips-away-the-cruise-band-aid/
Direct video link:
In a world dominated by “the faster you are the better off you will be” concept, this very realistic discussion is more than welcome. I’m also concerned by the AV development and testing processes. Design for safety and thorough testing should be top priorities. Of course, this will increase the time to market but, in return, will provide a greater chance of long term success.