How Uber Plans to Win the Self-Driving Car Race

In this episode of Bold Names, hosts Tim Higgins and Christopher Mims interview Sachin Kansal, Uber's chief product officer, about the company's strategy for incorporating self-driving cars into its platform. Kansal discusses Uber's shift from developing its own autonomous vehicle technology to partnering with companies like Waymo, highlighting the benefits of a hybrid marketplace that combines autonomous vehicles with human drivers. The conversation explores the user experience of opting into an autonomous vehicle ride, the reasons riders might choose this option, and the overwhelmingly positive feedback received thus far. Kansal also addresses the competitive landscape, including the potential for partnerships with companies like Tesla, and the future of Uber as a platform that integrates autonomous vehicles, electric vehicles, and shared mobility options.