RT Steve Jurvetson (@FutureJurvetson)How much is your life worth to you?Tesla autopilot is now 10x safer than the average driver. 10x. This is roughly as big a safety gap as that between a car and a motorcycle.And then… notice the slope. With a Tesla, your car gets safer and safer with ongoing free AI upgrades. Why wait? ...

July 18, 2025 03:56 AM GMT Tesla Inc | North America Car Culture: Do your kids care about cars? Talent War: As cars become AI-driven robots, how can legacy auto keep up with tech firm offers for multi-hundred-million-$ contracts for top talent? Car Culture, Talent War, Govt Stakes, No LiDAR Government Stakes: As the United States aims to strike a better balance with China in the emerging 'Autonomous Industrial Complex', does the nation risk 'putting its thumb on the scale' too hard/too soon... unintentional ...

Core Insights - The Robotaxi industry is on the verge of explosive growth, with a global market size projected to exceed $10 trillion, indicating a mature supply chain and ample market space for multiple players [1][3][10] - Chinese companies have a competitive edge in the Robotaxi sector due to lower production costs and a diverse range of applications, positioning them favorably for international expansion [2][11] Industry Development Stage - The Robotaxi sector is currently in a pre-explosive growth phase, making it an opportune time for new entrants [3] - The industry has made significant advancements in technology, with costs for essential components like LiDAR reduced from $100,000 to a few thousand yuan, facilitating the development of Robotaxi [4][9] Technological and Regulatory Landscape - The integration of AI and data-driven approaches has become standard, with a focus on end-to-end technology routes [4] - Regulatory frameworks are evolving, with governments issuing licenses for L4 operations, providing clear standards for Robotaxi development [4][10] Consumer Acceptance and Market Dynamics - Consumer acceptance of Robotaxi services is increasing, with users now viewing them as a normal mode of transportation [5] - The industry is approaching a critical point for large-scale production, with expectations for significant deployments in the coming years [6][10] Cost Reduction Strategies - Cost reductions are being achieved through advancements across the supply chain, including improvements in vehicle manufacturing and operational efficiencies [8][9] - The focus is on creating a closed-loop business model that encompasses vehicle costs, operational expenses, and user experience [8] Future Projections - The year is anticipated to be a milestone for mass production, with expectations for substantial deployments in urban areas by next year [10] - The industry is expected to achieve large-scale operations within three years, driven by reduced operational costs and increased consumer acceptance [10] Competitive Landscape - Chinese companies are well-positioned to compete internationally, leveraging their technological advancements and cost advantages [11][13] - The complexity of domestic driving environments has equipped Chinese firms with the skills necessary to succeed in international markets [13]

Core Insights - The Robotaxi industry is entering a phase of explosive growth, with significant advancements in AI technology, cost reductions in core components, and supportive government policies [1][2] - The establishment of a joint venture between Hello, Ant Group, and CATL aims to focus on L4 autonomous driving technology development and commercialization, with an initial investment exceeding 3 billion yuan [1][3] Industry Developments - The current market conditions present an opportune moment for entry into the Robotaxi sector, driven by advancements in AI, improved reliability and performance of key components, and increasing consumer acceptance of AI [2] - The development of L3 autonomous vehicles is seen as a precursor to the large-scale commercialization of L4, with various automakers planning to launch L3 models in the near future [2] Company Strategy - Hello plans to leverage AI and data to create a multi-tiered operational platform that accommodates different vehicle types and companies, providing operational support and resource sharing [2] - The company aims to commercialize its Robotaxi business within three years, while also addressing challenges such as policy guidance and cost reduction in vehicle operations [3] Market Outlook - The Chinese autonomous vehicle market is projected to reach a scale of 11.85 billion yuan in 2023, with expectations for significant industrialization opportunities around 2025 [3]

Core Insights - Zoox is set to launch its commercial robotaxi service late this year, following significant investment and development efforts over the past 11 years [3][5] - The company aims to differentiate itself from competitors like Waymo and Tesla by offering a unique ride experience with a custom-designed vehicle that has no steering wheel or pedals [4][10] - Zoox plans to operate in multiple cities, starting with Las Vegas, and aims to produce 5,000 robotaxis annually, scaling up to 10,000 as demand increases [5][6] Company Overview - Zoox is a subsidiary of Amazon, focusing on developing a fully autonomous robotaxi service with a unique vehicle design [2][3] - The company has invested billions into its Hayward, California factory, which is designed to ramp up production significantly in the coming years [5][6] - The robotaxi features advanced technology, including multiple sensors for enhanced safety, contrasting with Tesla's more cost-effective approach [7][10] Industry Context - The competition in the autonomous vehicle market is intensifying, with Waymo expanding its services and Tesla launching pilot programs [2][9] - Zoox's approach to autonomous driving is more aligned with Waymo, utilizing a comprehensive sensor array for safety, while Tesla relies on fewer sensors [7][10] - The autonomous vehicle sector is under scrutiny, particularly regarding safety, as seen with Tesla's investigations related to its Autopilot features [9][10]

May 19, 2025 12:39 PM GMT Tesla Inc | North America Autonomy & Alchemy: Valuing Tesla in the Robot Era Nearly 15 years after going public, investors struggle to justify the value of Tesla as much as ever before. We expect this valuation 'problem' gets worse before it gets better. It's not too late to change. "If one knows what is really happening one knows what is going to happen." • H.G. Wells (The Shape of Things to Come) Vita post auto. Most investors value Tesla's core auto business at between $50 and $ ...

Elon Musk on Tuesday dismissed a hypothetical Tesla-Uber deal, saying there's "no need" for Tesla to buy the ubiquitous rideshare app. Musk told CNBC that he envisions a world where, instead of calling an Uber, you can call an autonomous Tesla to get you to your destination without a dedicated driver."We have millions of cars that will be able to operate autonomously," Musk told CNBC's David Faber. "And I should say that it's a combination of a Tesla-owned fleet and also enabling Tesla owners to be able to ...