CNBC·2025-12-16 12:00Core Insights - The robotaxi market has seen significant advancements in 2025, with companies like Waymo, Tesla, and Baidu's Apollo Go leading the charge in the U.S. and China [2][4][38] Company Developments - Waymo has expanded its service to five markets, up from three at the end of 2024, and aims for aggressive scaling [8][9] - In 2025, Waymo achieved 14 million trips, with an estimated 450,000 weekly paid rides, and plans to reach over 20 million trips by year-end [9][10] - Zoox, owned by Amazon, began public rides in Las Vegas and San Francisco, with plans to charge for rides in 2026 pending regulatory approvals [20][21] - Tesla launched a pilot robotaxi service in Austin and the San Francisco Bay Area, with plans to operate in Nevada, Florida, and Arizona by year-end [27][29] Market Competition - Waymo faces increasing competition from Baidu's Apollo Go, which reported over 250,000 weekly driverless rides and plans to expand internationally [38][39] - Other Chinese companies like Pony.ai and WeRide are also making strides in the robotaxi space, with services in various cities and plans for further expansion [41][42] Financial Performance - Waymo's "Other Bets" segment reported revenue of $344 million in Q3, down from $388 million the previous year, with losses increasing from $1.12 billion to $1.43 billion [14] Regulatory and Safety Challenges - Waymo has faced community pushback and safety concerns, including incidents involving its vehicles, leading to a software recall for illegal maneuvers [15][16] - Tesla's robotaxi service has drawn scrutiny due to safety incidents, including a driver monitor being caught asleep while on duty [30][33]