The trend: Waymo and Uber are scaling autonomous vehicle (AV) fleets and operations in new locations and relying on partnerships with automakers and operators to scale infrastructure and logistical responsibilities.
While interest in robotaxis has cooled in the US due to various safety incidents, innovation in the sector has continued to the point that they are viable in new markets. We might see increased robotaxi competition on an international level in 2025.
Waymo finds new partners: Waymo announced plans to launch self-driving rides in Miami by 2026, starting with Jaguar I-PACE EVs testing the streets in 2025, per The Verge.
Our take: Waymo’s strategy of teaming up with a car manufacturer like Jaguar for vehicle logistics and maintenance and relying on Moove for operations spreads out startup costs and liability and can pave the way for adoption in more cities.
Uber’s UAE robotaxis: Last week in Abu Dhabi, Uber debuted its first international robotaxi service, in collaboration with Chinese robotaxi provider WeRide.
Our take: Uber might be late to the robotaxi and AV segment, but its understanding of international markets and its willingness to partner with multinational companies could make it a major player in the coming years.
Final word: Robotaxi partnerships may be key to global AV expansion due to shared responsibility and boosted confidence in safety and viability for local governments.
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