GM Shifts Self-Driving Focus from Cruise Origin to Chevy Bolt Amid Cost and Regulatory Hurdles

GM Shifts Self-Driving Focus from Cruise Origin to Chevy Bolt Amid Cost and Regulatory Hurdles
Image credit: Automotive News Europe 

GM has announced an indefinite delay in the production of the Cruise Origin, pivoting instead to the Chevy Bolt for its self-driving vehicle initiatives. Introduced four years ago, the Cruise Origin showcased a futuristic design with no steering wheels or pedals and seating for six, complete with wireless internet. However, Fortune's Jessica Mathews reports that GM seems to have shelved this vision for now.

According to GM CEO and Cruise Chair Mary Barra, the decision hinges on costs and regulatory challenges. In a quarterly letter to shareholders, Barra explained that focusing on Bolts will result in "much lower per unit costs." During the quarterly earnings call, she highlighted the regulatory difficulties, noting that deploying the Origin would require "legislative change." Barra stated, "As we looked at this, we thought it was better to get rid of that risk."

All autonomous taxi companies are waiting for regulatory approval to integrate these advanced, pedal-less cars into their fleets. Although the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has revised its rules to allow manufacturing and deploying cars without pedals or steering wheels, state DMVs still impose numerous restrictions on passenger use. Despite the current setback, GM is not entirely abandoning the idea of cars without steering wheels. Barra mentioned that there might be a future opportunity for a "vehicle like the Origin."