This article is produced by NetEase Smart Studio (public number smartman 163). Focus on AI and read the next big era!
[NetEase Smart News, January 2] Cruise, the self-driving division of General Motors, has been making waves with its advanced technology in urban environments. The company is not only confident in its capabilities but also sees a huge financial potential in the autonomous vehicle market. When deciding where to launch its driverless services, CEO Kyle Vogt and his team carefully analyze various factors, including the presence of ride-hailing giants like Uber and Lyft.
Cruise has already launched pilot programs in San Francisco and is eyeing New York City for expansion in 2018. The company emphasizes that its vehicles can navigate complex city streets more efficiently than human drivers, which makes urban areas a prime target for growth.
General Motors President Dan Amman recently told analysts, “We aim to influence the largest and most complex environments, which also presents the greatest business opportunities.†This strategy mirrors what early ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft did—targeting major cities first.
However, entering the self-driving space isn’t easy. Driving in dense urban areas requires significant oversight and technical expertise. But once Cruise successfully launches fully driverless services in places like San Francisco or New York, it could gain a strong edge over competitors. From there, expanding into less complex suburban areas would be a natural next step.
Technically, if Cruise’s cars can handle the chaos of downtown San Francisco or New York, they should manage suburban environments like Mountain View, California, with ease. Many of its competitors are testing in these areas as well. Beyond just technical superiority, Cruise is continuously improving its software, which gives it a long-term advantage and makes it harder for latecomers to catch up.
This continuous development also allows Cruise to refine its network efficiency. As Amman noted, the company is exploring ways to maximize supply, even during off-peak hours when demand for shared mobility is low. This could include using its fleet for delivery services, tapping into the growing e-commerce sector.
Amman explained, “The early utilization rate may be relatively low,†but he added, “By optimizing our models, we can reduce the cost per mile and explore new revenue streams beyond just passenger transport.†With the rise of last-mile delivery and e-commerce, multi-mode applications are becoming a key factor in increasing efficiency and profitability.
Stay tuned to the NetEase Smart Studio public account (smartman163) for the latest insights on the AI industry and future trends.
Contact Switch,Reed Contact Switch,Magnetic Contact,Magnetic Contact Switch
Shanghai Janetec Electric Co., Ltd. , https://www.janetecelectric.com