GM, Ford, Tesla, and Robo-taxis

20 Mar 2026 · 35 min
Episode

20 Mar 2026 · 35 min

0:00

In this Barron's Streetwise podcast episode, host Jack Howe interviews Barclays auto analyst Dan Levy about the current state and future trajectory of the U.S. automotive industry. The conversation covers a range of topics: average new‑vehicle prices have risen above $50,000, pushing low‑income buyers out of the new‑car market and concentrating sales among households earning over $150,000. Rising gasoline prices, driven by geopolitical events, are pressuring cost structures and could eventually shift consumer demand toward more fuel‑efficient or electric models, though the impact is expected to be gradual. Legacy manufacturers—GM, Ford, and Stellantis—are benefiting from a truck‑and‑SUV‑centric mix that delivers high margins, with GM receiving an overweight rating and Ford an equal‑weight rating from Barclays. The analysts discuss how regulatory incentives for electric vehicles (EVs) have waned, leading automakers to refocus on profitability while still planning low‑cost EV launches (e.g., Ford’s $30k model slated for 2027). The rise of autonomous driving is examined through Waymo’s expanding robo‑taxi presence in cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, and Tesla’s pivot toward AI‑driven robotaxi and humanoid robot ambitions, which underpin its lofty valuation despite modest near‑term earnings. Dan provides investment perspectives: GM is the preferred name, Ford is neutral, and Tesla is held at equal weight, noting its $100B+ market cap trades at over 100× earnings, highlighting the importance of narrative. The episode also touches on the resilience of used‑car prices, longer vehicle lifespans, and the broader K‑shaped economic backdrop affecting car ownership patterns.

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