Episode 331 | Autonomy Markets: The Most Valuable Part of Your Next Car Isn't Autonomy

The Road to Autonomy

This week on Autonomy Markets, Grayson Brulte and Walter Piecyk discuss the rapidly shifting landscape of AI inside of vehicles, exploring how xAI’s Grok and Google’s Gemini are shaping the future of in-vehicle experiences.

Grayson and Walt debate whether these AI systems will remain as assistants limited to Q&A or evolve into agentic copilots capable of controlling everything from “car wash mode” to trip planning and operating the traditional in-cabin functions of a vehicle.

They draw parallels to historical tech battles, from Apple CarPlay’s removal by GM to the politics within Alphabet that may slow Gemini’s rollout inside Waymo vehicles. The discussion underscores how the integration of AI into vehicles could become one of the most valuable battlegrounds in autonomy.

Beyond AI integration, the conversation expands into the latest market moves across autonomy. Tesla’s upcoming expansion to Phoenix, Las Vegas, and California airports takes center stage, alongside SpaceX’s $19 billion spectrum acquisition and its implications for connectivity in robotaxis.

Episode Chapters

0:00 Qualcomm on The Road to Autonomy

2:51 Grok vs Gemini: Who Will Own the Future of AI In-Vehicle?

12:33 Tensor Auto

14:40 Tesla’s Planned Robotaxi Expansions

20:19 SpaceX / EchoStar Spectrum Deal

23:48 Zoox Las Vegas Launch

27:17 May Mobility’s Launch in Atlanta on Lyft

31:41 Do May Mobility Cars go to Lyft or Uber First?

34:12 Waymo’s Emerging Hyundai Risk

36:30 Kodiak Delivers First Factory Upfitted Autonomous Truck

38:35 Autonomous Trucking Industry

40:43 Next Week

Recorded on Friday, September 12, 2025

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About The Road to Autonomy

The Road to Autonomy provides market intelligence and strategic advisory services to institutional investors and companies, delivering insights needed to stay ahead of emerging trends in the autonomy economy™. To learn more, say hello (at) roadtoautonomy.com.

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