Cruise is a self-driving carmaker.
GM is a majority stakeholder.
The NHTSA is looking into revising certain auto safety rules.
Self-driving and autonomous car technologies have already evolved to a point where there are many of them already driving about in various locations. Unlike most of those vehicles, the Cruise Origin is devoid of physical driving controls, as in no steering wheel or pedals. Cruise and GM, in partnership with Honda, are seeking regulatory approval to go ahead with the project.
So far, both companies have been given the okay by California’s Department of Motor Vehicles to test passenger-less cars in the streets of San Francisco. This is not GM’s first attempt to seek an exemption from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Back in January of 2018, according to reuters.com, they asked for approval to deploy a small fleet of similar autonomous vehicles based on the Chevrolet Bolt. With this new joint request with Cruise, GM has withdrawn the earlier exemption petition.
Cruise Origin | Photo: Cruise
Many of the auto safety rules were written decades ago where a physical driver would require items such as mirrors, dashboard warning lights and turn signals. Given the times, the NHTSA is considering some revisions.
GM plans to begin assembling the Origin in Detroit by late 2021 or early 2022.
Cruise Origin | Photo: Cruise
