Nvidia’s Key Role in Revolutionizing the Automotive Sector
Artificial intelligence (AI) is significantly changing many industries, prompting discussions focused on sectors like data analytics and drug discovery. However, the automotive industry is also experiencing a transformative shift due to AI. Innovations ranging from voice-activated assistants to the development of autonomous vehicles signal the future of transportation.
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This article examines Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) and its involvement in the automotive industry. I believe Nvidia outshines Tesla as a frontrunner at the intersection of AI and automotive technology.
Nvidia’s Engagement in the Automotive Sector
Nvidia has developed various products and services aimed at the automotive market. A key offering is the Omniverse platform, which enables manufacturers to create digital twins of real-world environments. This allows them to simulate vehicle operations under varied conditions, such as adverse weather or pedestrian traffic.
Moreover, Nvidia’s Halos system combines vehicle specifications with the necessary hardware and software to transition autonomous driving capabilities from prototype to reality. This technology-driven approach aims to improve safety and cost-effectiveness throughout the vehicle manufacturing process.
Image source: Getty Images.
Nvidia’s Automotive Revenue Growth
Nvidia is partnering with several major automotive companies, including Rivian, Toyota, BYD, Mercedes-Benz, and Hyundai, to integrate its AI technology. Among these collaborations, a significant development occurred during the recent GTC conference when Nvidia announced a partnership with General Motors. This collaboration will utilize the Nvidia Omniverse, Cosmos, and DRIVE AGX platforms for advanced driver systems and manufacturing efficiencies.
The table below outlines Nvidia’s automotive segment revenue projections for calendar year 2024:
Category | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | 2024 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Automotive revenue | $329 million | $346 million | $449 million | $570 million | $1.7 billion |
Data source: Nvidia.
In 2024, Nvidia’s automotive revenue grew by 55% year over year, reaching $1.7 billion. Despite this growth, automotive revenue constituted just 1% of Nvidia’s total revenue last year. According to management’s guidance during the fiscal fourth-quarter earnings call, Nvidia expects its automotive revenue to nearly triple this year to $5 billion.
The automotive segment is now Nvidia’s fastest-growing area outside data centers. However, even with such rapid growth, these sales remain a small piece of Nvidia’s overall business. I view the recent partnership with GM as a signal that traditional automakers are seeking new ways to innovate and grow, especially in light of increasing interest in AI.
Nvidia vs. Tesla: A Competitive Comparison
In the realm of AI and automobiles, Nvidia and Tesla emerge as two companies with substantial growth potential. While Tesla is advancing in autonomous driving, its future may heavily rely on the widespread acceptance of its self-driving technology. Without AI, Tesla could appear less as a tech pioneer and more as just another car manufacturer. Competing primarily on price can harm profit margins and hinder innovation in the long run.
In contrast, I see Nvidia as having a more insulated position in the automotive market. Should demand for AI-enhanced vehicles rise, Nvidia is well-positioned to leverage its partnerships with various manufacturers to expand its presence in this sector. Unlike Tesla, Nvidia’s success does not depend on a single product but rather on multiple collaborations across the industry.
For these reasons, I believe Nvidia stands to gain more from the trends toward autonomous driving and AI technologies than its competitors.
Is Nvidia a Worthwhile Investment Today?
Before investing in Nvidia, consider this:
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For context, if you had invested $1,000 in Nvidia when it first made this recommendation on April 15, 2005, your investment would now be worth $672,177!*
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Adam Spatacco has positions in Nvidia and Tesla. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Nvidia and Tesla. The Motley Fool also recommends BYD Company and General Motors. Please refer to the Motley Fool’s disclosure policy for more information.
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Nasdaq, Inc.