This week Tesla unveiled their fleet API which could be a precursor to Tesla introducing a Cybercab service with 3rd party fleet operators. The company also begun the process of strategically positioning Cybercabs in showrooms, malls around the world and at high-profile events such as Art Basel in Miami. Tesla is effectively using these displays as a form of brand advertising.
While brand advertising builds interest, IPOs launch companies. This week, Pony AI went public raising $260 million and achieving a market capitalization of over $4 billion, despite having relatively low revenue. Pony AI is currently trading at 60 times revenue with a primary focus on the Chinese market. This approach could potentially have geopolitical implications as the company grows.
Episode Chapters
0:00 Pony AI IPO
8:46 Tesla API for Fleets
13:22 Cybercab
16:21 Tesla Brand Advertising
21:07 Does Waymo Need Brand Activations?
23:04 EV Politics
26:03 New Mexico's Changing AV Regulations
28:27 FTC
29:33 xAI
33:31 Waymo LA Crash
36:43 Next Week
Recorded on Friday, November 29, 2024
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