Part 5/12:
The discussion turns to whether autonomous vehicle (AV) programs can be truly profitable. The narrative reflects a historically cautious perspective, highlighting that early predictions for AV and electric vehicle (EV) adoption vastly overestimated timelines. The challenges have proven more complex and costly, causing many investors to lose faith.
Proponents, however, point to companies like Amazon, which took nearly two decades to turn profitable but ultimately revolutionized e-commerce and supply chains. The analogy suggests AV companies might similarly need patience, as their business models evolve from simple beginnings (like driverless shuttles or freight trucks) into comprehensive transportation solutions.