According to Sawyer Merritt, legacy automakers face significant challenges in adopting profitable electric vehicles (EVs) and advancing AI-driven self-driving technology. Many are reverting to gasoline models to maintain short-term profitability, which may hinder future investment in autonomous vehicle capabilities—an area increasingly dominated by AI software. Ford's development of its 'Universal EV Platform', aiming for a 2027 release, is intended to lower costs, but its success remains uncertain (source: Sawyer Merritt on Twitter, Dec 29, 2025). The industry's lag in software expertise, including in-car UI and continuous updates, puts legacy manufacturers at a disadvantage against newer entrants with advanced AI and software capabilities. This scenario is expected to drive consolidation within the auto sector, with increased business opportunities for tech companies providing AI-driven autonomous solutions.