I downvoted because it's a pretty strong and cynical-seeming accusation with little evidence. If it was suggested as a theory for the spinoff (or the entire Alphabet re-org?) or as one of the likely motivating factors, I think it would add to the discussion, but as-is, it's stated as fact that the sole reason for Waymo becoming its own company was to shield Google PR.
There are many Alphabet companies: Calico, CapitalG, Chronicle, DeepMind, Jigsaw, Nest Labs, Sidewalk Labs, Verily, Waymo. Is the idea that all of these were created under the same PR-driven motivation? I think it's much more reasonable that it was a legitimate re-org of a massive company, and that organizational units want their own identity and autonomy.
There are many Alphabet companies: Calico, CapitalG, Chronicle, DeepMind, Jigsaw, Nest Labs, Sidewalk Labs, Verily, Waymo. Is the idea that all of these were created under the same PR-driven motivation? I think it's much more reasonable that it was a legitimate re-org of a massive company, and that organizational units want their own identity and autonomy.