Autonocast

Discussion on Elon Musk's gamble with Tesla's future in driving automation, the challenges of transitioning to mapping tech for robotaxi services, the rise and fall of Ghost Autonomy, hurdles in the autonomous vehicle industry, Tesla's controversies and stock performance analysis, anticipation for a new Tesla product reveal, and evaluation of a conceptual vehicle with limited practicality.

Exploring challenges in the EV startup world, from Lucid's financial rise to Fisker's struggles. Discussing Tesla service woes, market penetration dilemmas, and bankruptcies within the industry.

Adam Woodworth, CEO of Wing, discusses creating 'lego pieces' for automated mobility services. Topics include transition from aircraft design to drone technology, human involvement in robotics, adapting core capabilities for partners, efficient package delivery with drones, and navigating approval processes for strategic expansion.

The podcast delves into the buzz surrounding Rivian's new electric models, showcasing their potential in a competitive market. It reflects on the end of Apple's ambitious car project, peppered with anecdotes and insights into the complexities of automotive engineering. The rise of Waymo's robotaxi service highlights ongoing advancements in automation despite challenges. The conversation also touches on public sentiments toward autonomous vehicles, especially in light of recent incidents, sparking a debate about their future in urban environments.

Scott Keogh of Scout discusses the opportunity of starting a new automaker, focusing on SUVs and EVs. The chapter delves into strategic decisions for US market entry, emphasizing community connection and unique design elements. The podcast also explores cohesive infotainment design, battery considerations for off-road vehicles, and Scout's mechanical renaissance with rugged electric vehicles. Lastly, it touches on investor options and challenges in the dynamic EV landscape.

Exploring personal experiences with EV rentals, challenges faced by non-early adopters on road trips, Ford's affordable EV program, Cruise's CPUC penalty, Waymo's cyclist collision, and the nuances of safety and public trust in self-driving vehicles.

The hosts discuss CES trends, software-defined vehicles, and the challenges in Volkswagen's software development. They debate the value of Tesla's Full Self-Driving subscription and the industry's struggle to create valuable products. They also touch on development environments, GM's decision on Ultra-Cruise, and company comparisons.

The podcast discusses predictions for the AV industry, recall impact and potential legal consequences, challenges in AV trucking, the importance of cash preservation for companies, and predictions for Tesla Cyber Truck production and L3 systems sales.

Tyson Jominy, VP of data and analytics for JD Power, discusses the state of EV sales in the US auto market, the role of charging, the profits in the industry, and the disappearance of affordable cars.

The founder and CEO of Cruise, Kyle Vogt, resigns, causing speculation on what this means for the Level 4 robotaxi company and its parent company, General Motors. Other topics discussed include Waymo's challenges with vehicle platforms, the future of self-driving vehicles in Texas, and the announcement of a manufacturing location in Singapore. Additionally, the need for new leadership at Cruise and the possibility of rebranding Emotional and Zooks are mentioned.