GM's Cruise Shifts Focus to Next-Gen Chevrolet Bolt for Autonomous Future

General Motors' Cruise unit will focus on developing a next-generation Chevrolet Bolt for autonomous driving, instead of the futuristic Origin vehicle. The decision comes as GM seeks a more cost-effective and scalable path for autonomous technology, following regulatory delays and an accident incident impacting Cruise operations.

General Motors' Cruise self-driving unit will pivot its development focus to a next-generation Chevrolet Bolt, rather than its previously planned Origin vehicle that lacks a steering wheel and other human controls, according to a company announcement.

In 2022, GM petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for permission to deploy up to 2,500 self-driving Origin vehicles annually. However, the agency has yet to respond.

"GM and Cruise are optimizing resources to focus development of our next autonomous vehicle on the next generation Bolt instead of the Origin," a GM spokesperson said. They highlighted that this strategy offers a more cost-effective and scalable approach for accelerating autonomous technology, sidestepping regulatory uncertainties that could delay the Origin.

Cruise is currently under multiple investigations, including ones by the NHTSA, the Justice Department, and the Securities and Exchange Commission, following an October incident where one of its robotaxis struck and dragged a pedestrian. This has led to significant criticism and the revocation of its permit to operate driverless vehicles in California.

(With inputs from agencies.)