Velodyne recently released a 16 channel LIDAR for ~ $8000. I agree with you that the cost can come down tremendously with volume. You also need to consider the

Velodyne recently released a 16 channel LIDAR for ~ $8000. I agree with you that the cost can come down tremendously with volume. You also need to consider the differences within LIDAR systems. The velodyne system is for 360 degree field of view. Other automotive LIDAR systems (See continental, Valeo, Ibeo, etc) with lower FOV and functionality (forward collision warning, blindspot detection,etc) are much lower cost > 10x ....