General Motors (GM) announced on Tuesday a strategic pivot in its autonomous vehicle program. The company’s Cruise self-driving unit will now concentrate on developing a next-generation Chevrolet Bolt EV, indefinitely delaying the production of its steering wheel-free Origin vehicle.
In 2022, GM had sought approval from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to deploy up to 2,500 self-driving Origin vehicles annually. However, with no response from the agency, GM has decided to mitigate regulatory risks by shifting its focus to the more conventional Bolt EV platform for its Cruise robotaxi fleet.
GM CEO Mary Barra expressed optimism about the Origin’s future, stating, “I do think in the future there’s going to be opportunity for Origin – and so that remains open to us at the right time.” She emphasized the immediate need to navigate regulatory challenges effectively by adopting a platform that does not require the same level of approval.
The move allows Cruise to proceed without delays, capitalizing on the Bolt EV’s existing compliance and public familiarity. Industry analysts note that the path to fully autonomous vehicles remains lengthy and costly, with significant engineering and regulatory hurdles that could take years to overcome.
By focusing on the next-generation Bolt EV, GM aims to accelerate the deployment of its self-driving technology in a more pragmatic manner, addressing current market demands while keeping the door open for future innovations like the Origin.
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GM delays self-driving vehicle production, shifts focus to new EV
cgtn.com
