THE BUSINESS CASE FOR MOBILITY SERVICES - AUTOLINE THIS WEEK 2330

EV Channels Review

This Autoline This Week episode tackles the pressing question of the business case for mobility services, including ride-hailing, ride-sharing, and micro-mobility. The panel, comprising experts from KPMG, SAE International, and Navigant Research, largely agrees that while these services are growing rapidly, profitability remains elusive. Key challenges identified include the lack of supply limits leading to price wars, the need for city-specific strategies, and the affordability gap for certain populations. While some express skepticism about the immediate financial viability, others, drawing parallels to Amazon's early struggles, remain optimistic about long-term potential driven by innovation and generational shifts in ownership attitudes. The discussion also touches upon the crucial role of autonomous vehicles in reducing costs and enhancing safety, though new operational expenses are acknowledged. The evolving landscape necessitates new business models for automakers and dealers, with a potential shift towards fleet management and service provision.