Yeah, sort of, but Google has the unique positioning of a much larger install base by virtue of Google Maps. If they integrated ride hailing and routing (essentially, their Uber competitor) directly into Maps, then Uber's rider base doesn't matter, though their head-start onboarding drivers would help for awhile.

> Surely the riders install base is quite valuable if both

Google can force install their app on any android device. And if they are first driverless car owners I expect very high google ranking for all of Uber controversies in their search engine.

Yes - very important. Google has failed entering other markets. The name isn't enough. But... This involves some hard science, which they're outstanding at.