ZACKS·2025-12-23 16:45Core Insights - The autonomous vehicle (AV) industry is at a critical juncture, with significant investments from various companies aiming to dominate the market and transform transportation through robotaxis [1][7] Industry Overview - The global AV market is projected to grow from approximately $106 billion in 2021 to over $2.3 trillion by 2030, driven by advancements in technology such as better sensors and artificial intelligence [8] - The emergence of AVs is expected to enhance road safety, efficiency, convenience, mobility, and accessibility, while also reducing transportation costs and environmental impact [3][4][5][6] Company Highlights - Baidu (BIDU): Operates fully driverless robotaxis in over 20 cities, including Beijing and Wuhan, with plans for international expansion. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Baidu's 2026 earnings per share indicates a 16.8% year-over-year improvement [14] - Alphabet (GOOGL): Waymo has achieved over 450,000 weekly paid rides and operates driverless vehicles in several U.S. cities. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Alphabet's 2026 earnings per share suggests a 4.1% year-over-year improvement [16] - Uber Technologies (UBER): Utilizes an asset-light strategy through partnerships to integrate AV technologies, allowing for rapid scaling of autonomous services. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Uber's 2026 earnings per share has been revised upward by 2.6% in the past 60 days [19]