GM’s Cruise plans re-launch for driverless robotaxis, cut roles
GENERAL Motors’ robotaxi unit Cruise said on Wednesday it was planning to re-launch in one city and cut some roles, over a month after it pulled its self-driving vehicles from US testing due to an accident.
The incident that took place on Oct 2 in San Francisco involved another vehicle and ended with one of its self-driving taxis dragging a pedestrian.
“Once we have taken steps to improve our safety culture and rebuild trust, our strategy is to re-launch in one city and prove our performance there, before expanding,” the company said.
The shift in strategy will result in reductions in personnel “primarily in non-engineering roles”, Cruise said, adding that it would provide more details in mid-December.
The company said it would focus on the Bolt-based Cruise AVs in the near term with a longer term strategy around the Origin.
Cruise CEO Kyle Vogt had resigned on Sunday, a day after apologising to staff as the company undergoes a safety review of its US fleet.
BT in your inbox
Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox.
That was followed by the exit of co-founder and chief product officer Daniel Kan.
Cruise’s woes have been a setback for an industry dependent on public trust and the cooperation of regulators.
The unit had in recent months touted ambitious plans to expand to more cities, offering fully autonomous taxi rides.
Axios had first reported the news of the re-launch on Wednesday. REUTERS
Share with us your feedback on BT's products and services
