As I recall, Travis Kalanick's overall goal to is reduce private car ownership. Driverless taxis would get Uber closer to that realization. However, my pessimistic view tells me that self-driving cars also grant Uber more control over the private transportation industry. And perhaps they could use that power -- some call it network effect -- to negotiate large-scale contracts with auto manufacturers and oil-and-gas companies.

Overall, as a consumer, I couldn't care less who is first to market, but which company offers the best quality-to-price point.

On another note, when self-driving cars need to refuel, is that payment going to be in USD or some cryptocurrency?