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Waymo and Toyota outline partnership to advance autonomous driving deployment

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Re: Waymo and Toyota outline partnership to advance autonomous driving deployment

#51

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Sure. Can you describe what leverage Uber actually has in those partnerships? That's a deal of convenience for Waymo, trading a bit of margin for some velocity. It (or similar deals) are downright existential to Uber.

Uber is acting as an aggregator for all types of rides. Customers have the direct relationship with Uber. Unless Waymo completely runs away with autonomous driving then I think Uber has a lot of leverage.

It's been a few years and so far no one but waymo is offering public rides. If there are fast followers they need to launch soon.

Re: Waymo and Toyota outline partnership to advance autonomous driving deployment

#52

If I can’t sleep while it drives me to work it’s not autonomous

That's the kind of autonomous that'll make a difference

I don't think we get there until we have all of the nearby vehicles on the road communicating.

Re: Waymo and Toyota outline partnership to advance autonomous driving deployment

#53

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Sure. Can you describe what leverage Uber actually has in those partnerships? That's a deal of convenience for Waymo, trading a bit of margin for some velocity. It (or similar deals) are downright existential to Uber.

Uber is acting as an aggregator for all types of rides. Customers have the direct relationship with Uber. Unless Waymo completely runs away with autonomous driving then I think Uber has a lot of leverage.

Waymo already has an app.

Re: Waymo and Toyota outline partnership to advance autonomous driving deployment

#54

Earlier quoted context omitted.

They can pretend that hybrids are enough but many markets are going full EV regardless while Toyota only has a half baked solution.

Not everyone wants an EV, especially in America. Unless EV’s can jump to 500 mile range and ubiquitous five minute charging, a lot of people are just gonna want a hybrid.

I want a range extended EV with a easily removable power pack. Unfortunately the EPA doesn't consider it an EV so no one will make one because there's no tax credit.

Re: Waymo and Toyota outline partnership to advance autonomous driving deployment

#55

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Isn't waymo already partnering with Uber on offering rideshares in different markets?

Sure. Can you describe what leverage Uber actually has in those partnerships? That's a deal of convenience for Waymo, trading a bit of margin for some velocity. It (or similar deals) are downright existential to Uber.

Uber probably has legal framework of operation, ability to quickly obtain permits for autonomous testing, local political connections, special ability to gather roads, traffic, mapping data and overall support with rapid deployment. For waymo to get into a new location/country, establish their presence, navigate the political and regulatory landscape etc will take very long and many difficult hurdles.

Re: Waymo and Toyota outline partnership to advance autonomous driving deployment

#56

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Sure. Can you describe what leverage Uber actually has in those partnerships? That's a deal of convenience for Waymo, trading a bit of margin for some velocity. It (or similar deals) are downright existential to Uber.

Uber is acting as an aggregator for all types of rides. Customers have the direct relationship with Uber. Unless Waymo completely runs away with autonomous driving then I think Uber has a lot of leverage.

I would bet it takes literally one ride in a Waymo for 90%+ of users to be ready to download a different app to access that service again, if Waymo and Uber were to part ways.

Uber is buying time, Waymo is buying velocity

Re: Waymo and Toyota outline partnership to advance autonomous driving deployment

#58
post #8

Toyota has been way, way behind on electrification. I suspect they’ve been Innovator’s Dilemma’d are are in a death spiral that they haven’t even noticed yet

Isn't that Japan in general, and for national security reasons? AFAIK they're wholly dependent on China for crucial mineral components in EVs, and 'burning the boats' by abandoning internal combustion manufacturing would effectively turn them into China's vassal.

Rare earth's aren't rare.

Re: Waymo and Toyota outline partnership to advance autonomous driving deployment

#59
post #8

Toyota has been way, way behind on electrification. I suspect they’ve been Innovator’s Dilemma’d are are in a death spiral that they haven’t even noticed yet

The electric Toyota bZ4X is marketed in Japan, Australia, US, Canada, Europe, and China as the Subaru Solterra.

I went to a Subaru dealer here in Calgary and asked about the Solterra with a friend present.

The salesman bluntly told me to get a Tesla and half heartedly tried to get me to look at a hybrid. I wouldn't have believed it if I wasn't there with a friend.

In retrospect, I am happier with my used Model 3 than an electric car from a company with no intent on winning the market.

Re: Waymo and Toyota outline partnership to advance autonomous driving deployment

#60
post #8

Toyota has been way, way behind on electrification. I suspect they’ve been Innovator’s Dilemma’d are are in a death spiral that they haven’t even noticed yet

Their new Prius Hybrid is an excellent car. Wish people didn't look away from hybrids due to all the EV hype.
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