Episode #1221: Today we break down GM’s post-Cruise autonomy reboot, why used EVs are quietly outperforming new ones as buyers regain confidence, and how a soaring SpaceX valuation has pushed Elon Musk’s wealth past $650 billion.
- A year after pulling the plug on Cruise robotaxis, GM is rebooting autonomy with a very different endgame. Instead of ride-hailing, the focus is now on hands-free, eyes-off driver assistance designed to scale across consumer vehicles.
- GM has deployed 138 test vehicles — Cadillac Escalade IQs and GMC Yukons — equipped with lidar, radar, cameras, and advanced computing to collect real-world driving data across the U.S.
- Cruise’s technology and talent have been merged with GM’s Super Cruise team, signaling a full pivot away from robotaxis toward scalable driver-assistance for retail customers.
- The goal is a Level 3 “eyes-off” highway system debuting on the Escalade IQ around 2028, with plans to expand across brands and vehicle sizes.
- Jason Ekelmann of GM’s advanced vehicle integration team: “It’s that we’re coming together to do something unique and awesome and really, really hard.”
- November revealed a split EV market. New EV buyers slowed down and waited for clarity, while used EV shoppers kept moving. The contrast highlights where confidence is building — and where the industry is still adjusting to life after heavy incentives.
- New EV sales cooled to about 70,000 units as shoppers paused amid tax credit changes, pushing new inventory to 149 days’ supply and forcing incentives back into play.
- Used EVs told a different story, with sales up 14% year over year to more than 28,000 units in November.
- Used EV pricing averaged around $36,000, with many mainstream models now below $30,000, while supply stayed tight at 46 days, supporting healthier resale confidence.
- Cox Automotive’s Stephanie Valdez Streaty framed it simply, saying the industry is “adjusting to a post-incentive environment.”
- Elon Musk just crossed a line no one else ever has. A new SpaceX valuation pushed his net worth past $650 billion, moving him closer to becoming the world’s first trillionaire
- SpaceX launched a tender offer valuing the company at $800 billion, doubling its valuation since August and setting the stage for a potential 2026 IPO that could value it near $1.5 trillion.
- Musk owns roughly 42% of SpaceX, making that stake worth about $336 billion and now the largest single contributor to his net worth.
- Thank you to today’s sponsor, Mia. Capture more revenue, protect CSI, and never miss a call or connection again with 24/7 phone coverage and texting (SMS) follow-up for sales, service, and reception. Learn more at https://www.mia.inc/
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