[hyperdeficit]

I don't understand why anybody thinks that Uber and Lyft will be the ones to capitalize on a fleet of automated cars. Once auto manufacturers have solved the arguably harder problem of creating automated vehicles, why wouldn't they then just run the fleet of cars themselves? Especially if there is as much profit in it as people assume. Even if they didn't run the fleets themselves, it seems like they already have a great infrastructure through their dealership networks to allow the dealerships to run their own fleet of vehicles. That even helps solve one of the obvious challenges of how to build out the infrastructure to manage the fleet in each city.

So if Uber is building their long term business plan on the idea that once automated cars exist they will buy them in bulk, build the infrastructure to maintain them in each city they operate in, and reap the profits then I am pessimistic on their model.

[serg_chernata]

This! I think that's why Lyft has also partnered with GM, if I'm correct. I bet they saw this from the same angle and wanted to get as close as possible to the actual manufacturer of vehicles.

[antisthenes]

It's not a bad exit strategy. Align yourself with a manufacturer, let them integrate your tech with the cars coming straight off the production line, get acquired when ready.

Wouldn't be surprised if that's exactly the way it happens. Lyft OnStar.