CHANDLER, Ariz. : Alphabet Inc's Waymo risks losing its lead in the U.S. race to prove robotaxis are a viable business as it sticks to a limited service and rivals backed by automakers near their own launches.
Plans Waymo touted in 2018 to buy up to 62,000 Chrysler Pacifica minivans and 20,000 Jaguar I-Pace SUVs have not materialized. A big order for cameras to give eyes to its vehicles was scaled back, a person familiar with the matter said. Partnership talks in the past with automaker Hyundai Motor Co also fell through, another source said.
"It would make little sense to place a bet on an individual OEM - that would increase our risk and give us fewer future paths to market," the company said."The future of autonomy is about much more than ride-hail services." Cruise aims to be permitted next year for a middle-of-the-night, driverless offering in San Francisco, and Tesla Inc Chief Executive Elon Musk continues to promise fully self-driving cars. Argo says it will partner with Lyft to open robotaxis in Miami before the new year - with a safety driver present.
Waymo's strategy prioritizes safety and incorporating feedback. It has avoided a major accident, a testament to its caution.
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