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Because of specialization. Manufacturing cars is a different core competency than running fleets.

Except Tesla is trying to do both (build the cars first, then do the ridesharing).

I see it as GM (or whoever) makes the car. Lyft (or uber, google, whoever) makes the software to call up the car, which includes a huge amount of data analysis for routing, so they are more than just a middle man. Also, GM just became a major investor and board member in Lyft, so both parties are clearly interested in partnering: http://www.latimes.com/business/technology/la-fi-tn-lyft-gm-...

yeah, but good luck for developing that middle-layer from scratch.

Especially from big car companies. They aren't exactly known for.... smooth software innovations.