# Robotaxis Force Carmakers to Choose Ownership or Sales

> Carmakers face critical choice: own customers via robotaxis or sell cars as autonomous tech spreads.
- Title: Robotaxis Force Carmakers to Choose Ownership or Sales
- Summary: Carmakers face critical choice: own customers via robotaxis or sell cars as autonomous tech spreads. Tesla and BYD lead robotaxi race with EV advantages, but…
- Keywords: tesla, byd, ford, general motors, robotaxis, autonomous driving, ev market, finance, money, Force, Carmakers, Choose
- Source: The Motley Fool — https://fool.com/investing/2026/10/16/as-robotaxis-spread-carmakers-must-choose-between
- Author: Lee Samaha
- Published: 2026-10-16T10:40:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: tesla, byd, ford, general motors, robotaxis, autonomous driving, ev market, finance, money
## Robotaxis Spread
Tesla, Amazon, Alphabet, and Uber operate robotaxis in the U.S. while Chinese firms expand fleets globally.
## Two Strategies
TaaS companies like Tesla own riders through robotaxis; automakers like Ford and GM focus on selling cars with autonomy.
## The Debate
EVs offer cost-per-mile advantages but require continuous operation as robotaxis to maximize benefits.
## Musk's View
Elon Musk argues Tesla will make several times more Cybercabs annually than all other vehicles combined.

> we would make several times more Cybercabs per year than all of our other vehicles combined
## Ford and GM's Approach
Ford and GM aim to serve personal autonomy markets where drivers own vehicles and use autonomous tech when needed.
## Competitive Edge
Tesla's camera-only approach, EV leadership, and low-cost Cybercabs create structural advantages over competitors.
## The Winner
Tesla and BYD likely win with EV leadership, but regulatory approvals and market shifts could impact outcomes.
## Key takeaway

Tesla and BYD lead robotaxi race with EV advantages, but Ford and GM focus on car ownership.