Autonomous-vehicle companies are pursuing different routes to commercialisation as the technology moves beyond testing but remains far from mainstream adoption. Wayve is prioritising partnerships with established carmakers, while Waymo is expanding its robotaxi service selectively and Aurora is concentrating on self-driving lorries, illustrating how firms are choosing different markets and strategies for growth.

Wayve has agreed to integrate its Level 2 system into Mercedes-Benz vehicles within two years, following partnerships with Nissan and Stellantis; it is also involved in plans for a driverless robotaxi service in Tokyo. Around 80% of Waymo’s approximately 4,000 robotaxis are registered in California and Texas, with its Texas fleet growing by more than 49% in three weeks. Aurora aims to operate over 30,000 driverless lorries by 2030, while Zoox grounded its Atlanta test fleet after workers reported possible exposure to hazardous gases, prompting an Occupational Safety and Health Administration inquiry.