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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