Posted on 12/13/2024
A couple of days ago we wrote about General Motors abandoning its Cruise robotaxi. This is not surprising. Robotaxis are really computers on wheels, and the driver is software - artificial intelligence. General Motors is not a software company. This may seem like an obvious statement but it has profound implications. Software companies are used to rapid prototyping, rapid cycles of creation, testing, destruction, corrections and a new round of testing. Companies that work with material things simply cannot match this level of speed. In large measure it’s psychological – even if you hire young computer team, the management still has “physical world limitations” mentality. Tesla and SpaceX do try to replicate this software process – that’s why spectacular explosions of the Starship are considered part of the development plan – but keep in mind Elon Musk made his first fortune in computer software, so the push comes from the top, and he has the u ... read more
Posted on 12/11/2024
Yesterday General Motors announced that it was exiting the Cruise robotaxi business. Previously GM claimed robotaxis would generate $50 billion revenue by 2030. But as Yogi Berra famously said “It is dangerous to make forecasts, especially about the future.” After assessing the competitive space, and the investments they would have to continue to make, GM decided to pull the plug on Cruise. Wall Street analysts were positive about the news – GM spent around 10 billion dollars so far, with not much to show for the expense. Even with the rapid improvement in artificial intelligence, autonomous driving is a difficult and complex endeavor. It’s one thing to drive on an empty highway, it’s another matter altogether driving in a city during the rush hour. Anybody who has seen Waymo vehicles on the streets of San Francisco or has watched videos of said Waymo cars performing less than brilliantly, has some inkling of how far we have to go. Not that h ... read more
Posted on 12/10/2024
How often do you ask yourself, “Who’s taking care of my car?” If the answer is unclear, it might be time to reassess your vehicle maintenance routine. Even though cars are much more reliable and better built than they were 40 years ago (all mechanics we know, and we know a lot of them, are in agreement on that), cars still need regular maintenance. Granted, there are plenty of sensors in your car that will alert you to developing problems – something cars from 40 years ago did not have – yet regular maintenance remains the first line of defense against breakdowns, and it significantly lowers total cost of ownership, and extends your vehicle’s lifespan. So establishing a connection with a reliable auto repair shop is vital for your car’s wellbeing and your peace of mind. Just like choosing a doctor for your health, selecting the right mechanic ensures your car stays in top condition, prevents costly surprises, and keeps you confidently on the r ... read more