a16z Podcast: Cars and Cities, the Autonomy Edition
Feb 8, 2017
auto_awesome
Frank Chen from Andreessen Horowitz shares insights on AI and autonomy, while Taggart Matthiesen of Lyft discusses the evolution of passenger experiences in autonomous vehicles. Carl Pope, former Sierra Club chief, highlights the environmental implications of urban mobility. The trio delves into how autonomous cars will reshape city infrastructure and real estate, the shift from car ownership to mobility as a service, and the crucial balance between personal identity and the rise of shared transportation. Can walkable cities become the norm as we embrace technology-driven transit?
The shift from personal vehicle ownership to shared autonomous vehicles is set to redefine urban living by reclaiming parking spaces for community use.
Cultural attitudes towards cars are evolving, particularly among younger generations who now prioritize technology and shared mobility over individual ownership.
Deep dives
Impact of Autonomous Vehicles on Urban Design
Autonomous vehicles (AVs) have the potential to transform urban landscapes significantly. Unlike traditional cars, which were integrated with existing city infrastructures, AVs could either reinforce the notion of cities as mere transit points or rejuvenate them as vibrant destinations. The introduction of shared autonomous vehicles may lead to a reclamation of urban real estate, allowing for more active spaces for residents and businesses. This shift could lead to urban flourishing, creating vibrant communities instead of hollowed-out urban centers.
Changing Relationship Between Cities and Suburbs
As AVs become commonplace, the dynamics between cities and suburbs are likely to evolve. The anticipated shared use of autonomous vehicles may result in less dependency on personal cars, leading to a reduction in suburban sprawl. Properties currently occupied by garages and parking spaces in cities could be transformed into functional communal spaces, providing opportunities for residential and commercial growth. This transformation will pose significant challenges for managing the transition of infrastructure in both suburban and urban areas.
The Future of Car Ownership and Culture
The cultural significance of cars is shifting, particularly among younger generations who prioritize technology and shared experiences over individual vehicle ownership. Many millennials view cars merely as utilities rather than status symbols, opting for transportation-as-a-service models instead. This shift may influence car manufacturers to adapt their branding strategies, focusing more on fleet services and less on individual consumer marketing. As the emphasis on software and user experience increases, car manufacturers will need to align their designs with the needs of services like Uber and Lyft.
Infrastructure and Environmental Considerations
The rise of autonomous and shared vehicles presents an opportunity to rethink urban infrastructure and environmental practices. As cities reclaim space previously allocated for parking, there is potential for increased green spaces and improved pedestrian experiences. Furthermore, as shared AV fleets promote a shift towards electric vehicles, cities may reduce their overall carbon footprints. Effective urban planning will be crucial in managing this transition, ensuring that the benefits of shared mobility manifest in sustainable and inclusive environments.
Thanks to freeways, cities became something to get through instead of something to get to. Now, as the next transportation revolution -- from rivers to trains to cars to autonomous cars -- promises to change the face of our cities, what happens to car culture, infrastructure, and more?
Who owns what, who pays? And what about the design -- and product management -- challenges, whether it's designing for user trust, city adoption, or an ever-moving target thanks to constantly evolving tech?
This episode of the podcast (in conversation with Sonal) covers all this and more, featuring: a16z's Frank Chen, who recently shared 16 questions about autonomous cars; Taggart Matthiesen, director of product at Lyft who covers the core platform as well as development/strategy for autonomous vehicles; and Carl Pope, former executive director and chairman of the Sierra Club -- and author (with former NYC mayor Mike Bloomberg) of the upcoming book Climate of Hope: How Cities Businesses and Citizens Can Save the Planet. Will curb space be the new shelf space? When we value the "iPhone-ness" over the "carness" of cars, what changes? And... will we all drive less, walk more?
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode