GM Shelves Cruise’s Robotaxi Program, Pivoting to Autonomous Personal Vehicles

In a surprise move, General Motors (GM) has announced plans to discontinue Cruise’s robotaxi program, instead focusing on the development of autonomous personal vehicles. The decision, which was communicated to Cruise employees via an all-hands meeting, has left many staff members feeling “blindsided” and uncertain about their job security.

Cruise’s Robotaxi Ambitions

Cruise, which was acquired by GM in 2016, had been working towards launching a commercial robotaxi service in several cities, including San Francisco, Phoenix, and Houston. The company had made significant progress in recent years, including receiving the necessary permits to operate in California and partnering with Uber to launch its robotaxis on the Uber platform.

GM’s Pivot to Autonomous Personal Vehicles

However, GM’s decision to discontinue Cruise’s robotaxi program marks a significant shift in the company’s autonomous vehicle strategy. Instead, GM will focus on developing autonomous personal vehicles, which will be designed to operate on public roads without human intervention. This pivot is likely driven by the growing demand for autonomous vehicles and the potential for increased revenue and profitability.

Impact on Cruise Employees

The decision to discontinue Cruise’s robotaxi program has left many employees feeling uncertain about their job security. While GM has not announced any layoffs, it is likely that some roles will be eliminated as the company transitions to its new autonomous vehicle strategy. Cruise employees who spoke to us on condition of anonymity expressed disappointment and frustration with the decision, citing the significant progress the company had made in recent years.

Conclusion

GM’s decision to discontinue Cruise’s robotaxi program marks a significant shift in the company’s autonomous vehicle strategy. While the move may be seen as a setback for Cruise employees, it is likely that the company’s technology will continue to play a critical role in the development of autonomous personal vehicles. As the autonomous vehicle industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how GM’s pivot to autonomous personal vehicles plays out.