4 ms·
Uber is an app and some fast talking bros (to put it a bit loosely and little harshly). GM actually builds things. There is a huge difference. Point being, it
by mythrwy 9y ago
Uber is an app and some fast talking bros (to put it a bit loosely and little harshly).
GM actually builds things. There is a huge difference.
Point being, it's probably going to be easier to to build the app and the rental network than to start building self driving cars.
- MR4D 9y agoGreat point. I’d love to see GM create their own app, and offers drivers who use their app discounted pricing or financing on their cars. Could create a whole new world of competition for Uber.
- bunderbunder 9y agoIf GM is really only 2-3 years away from having a fully automated taxi service, I don't see the strategic value in making such a move. A whole bunch of time and money sunk into launching a rideshare service and recruiting drivers, only to almost immediately transmute the entire thing into a giant PR disaster full of news stories to the effect of, "A year ago I mortgaged my house to buy a car and drive for GM, and already they've kicked me to the curb."
- MR4D 9y agoI’m presuming that it’s longer than 2-3 years to truly get full automated driving.
- arbie 9y ago2020 is still the goal for geofenced city taxi autonomy for Uber and Cruise.
- MR4D 9y agoIt may be, but I don’t buy it. Of course, I’ve been wrong before.
- bunderbunder 9y agoI don't buy it, either. But my original comment was speculating about GM's perspective, not mine.
- dx034 9y agoGerman manufacturers already own uber rivals. The reason not more car companies have them is because it doesn't make sense financially and there's no lock-in. You can get an app up and running within a few months and users will be happy to switch if it's cheaper and/or more convenient.