[yokaze]

But contrary to the atom bomb, it doesn't terribly matter, who rolls it out first.

You will find yourself hard pressed to find a company, which is the first to bring something market and being in the dominant market position.

Self driving cars will be a commodity. Whatever advantage it gives, any company will have it, so there is no way it will increase the margin.

[carleverett]

I disagree with the idea that self-driving cars will have the same commodity issue as today's car ride services. How could a significant decrease in operating expenses not increase the profit margin?

Let's put it this way - if you had the choice between paying 1/5th of what you pay now for the cheapest ride available, or half what you pay now for a ride in a nicer, cleaner car that picks you up within seconds, which would you pick? My guess is that with those choices, more people won't pick the cheapest option available.