Episode 306 | Financial News Media Disconnect, Uber Doubles Down, Will Alphabet Ever IPO Waymo?

Pete Bigelow, Senior Reporter, Automotive News joined Grayson Brulte on The Road to Autonomy podcast to discuss the financial news media’s disconnect on autonomy, Uber’s doubling down on autonomy and Alphabet’s long-term plans for Waymo.

Financial TV news networks continue to misinterpret the autonomous vehicle market, often not understanding the dynamics, partnerships and individuals building the future of autonomy. Sometimes these individuals pontifications can lead to misleading headlines that sows a narrative that is false. 

While some financial TV analysts continue to misinterpret and in some cases downplay the progress, the autonomy economy is rapidly scaling globally and commercial rollouts of both autonomous vehicles and trucks paints a very different picture from what’s being broadcast.

At the same time, Uber appears to be doubling down on its autonomous vehicle strategy, promoting longtime executive Andrew Macdonald who previously led their autonomy strategy to President and Chief Operating Officer. As Uber positions itself for an autonomous future, Alphabet faces a pivotal decision: Will the company spin out Waymo through an IPO or keep it in-house as part of a broader AI strategy?

Episode Chapters

0:00 Market Disconnect

4:39 Messaging

15:35 Messaging

22:17 Education and College Debt

28:01 Is Uber Doubling Down on Autonomy?

32:38 Waymo Advertising

35:01 Waymo IPO

38:55 Tele-Operations

40:55 Tesla Robotaxi Launch

44:51 Zoox

50:59 Would Amazon Ever Sell Zoox?

Recorded on Wednesday, June 4, 2025

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