Episode 256 | Autonomy Markets: Apple to Revive Robotaxi Ambitions? Waymo Expands to Japan, Uber’s Fleet Strategy

This week on Autonomy Markets, Grayson Brulte and Walter Piecyk discuss Apple’s potential return to the robotaxi market through Foxconn. If Foxconn is successful in acquiring Nissan, it would create a path for Apple to re-enter the autonomous vehicle sector. 

Rather than building their own autonomous driving system from the ground-up, Apple could partner with Wayve to power the autonomous system, while Foxconn could be the contract manufacturer to build the vehicle. This approach would mirror Apple’s historical approach of gradually developing in-house capabilities while initially relying on partners, as they did with iPhone modems and chips. 

Additionally this week, Waymo announced a road trip to Japan and Uber continues to develop their fleet strategy.

Episode Chapters

0:00 Waymo Heads to Japan

2:39 Waymo’s Zeekr Dilemma 

6:52 Masayoshi Son / Softbank

8:21 Could Apple Return to Autonomous Vehicles with Foxconn?

17:51 Uber’s Fleet Ambitions 

23:36 Are Uber’s Robotaxi Fears Overblown?

30:15 Pony AI’s Projected China Market Growth

32:41 Autonomous Vehicle Policy

36:36 Kodiak Deploys an Autonomous F-150 in the Snow

38:22 Next Week

Recorded on Wednesday, December 18, 2024

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