I'm not an expert, but my understanding is that most countries (who have auto regulations) use one set of standards, and then we/Canada have a different set.

My understanding is that, ultimately the way this all shakes out is that North American consumers have a hell of a lot fewer options than they do in Europe, etc. Non-US/Canada auto companies only introduce cars here only if they're super confident that demand is worth basically creating an entirely new model (which is basically what they have to do) to meet our standards. And, of course, demand here is MUCH more truck/SUV than in the rest of the world. (Ford just announced it's pulling its sedan lineup from North America.)

So in the normal car market, viewed globally, it seems to me that the US is not the world's test market. Not being in this industry, I'd assume the same pattern for driverless. Test somewhere else, and then create the US model when you're highly confident in demand.

Two other reasons I'd expect this with driverless. First, you're talking about a product that could kill people on a large scale. Better to test that product somewhere that has no rules, that won't make your CEO testify on TV in front of Congress, that won't fine you a billion dollars. Second, I'd assume the best cultural fits right now for a product that takes control away from a consumer... are not in North America. Again, not an expert. And I say this as someone who does not enjoy driving.

All of that makes me expect our consumers will follow other nations' consumers. But I'm not sure that puts us (or Canada) behind on innovation. Regulation and good old consumer preferences put us behind for sure. US businesses.... are selling autos all over the world, and I'd be surprised if they were not very active in innovating in this space.