> Meanwhile, automotive companies aren't scared of moving parts. A car has loads of spinning parts already; they have mastered the art of making spinning things that can keep spinning for thousands of hours.
Almost an understatement.
A typical car wheel hub with a 20-27 inch tire diameter has experienced around 75-100M full rotations by the time it reaches 100K miles.
Meanwhile, the engine probably has revolved ~5-10 times more during the same time.
I may be wrong, but I think the concern was delicate components protruding from the body are susceptible to damage in urban areas.
Cars already have mirrors and lights etc. LIDAR is in the same family as those.