GM Expects Fully Driverless Cruise Robotaxis to Launch in 2022
General Motors CEO Mary Barra expresses strong confidence that Cruise will remove human drivers from its vehicles in 2022 as it prepares for early commercial operations. The company currently waits on just one final state permit to begin charging for driverless rides in San Francisco.
General Motors CEO Mary Barra expresses strong confidence that Cruise will remove human drivers from its vehicles by 2022 as the company prepares to launch early commercial robotaxi and delivery services. Her remarks during a recent investor earnings call reinforce a timeline previously established by Cruise CEO Dan Ammann. This progress positions Cruise alongside other autonomous vehicle developers that are currently preparing to launch or expand their commercial offerings.
A major factor driving this anticipated success is Cruise's vertical integration with General Motors, which Barra highlights as a crucial advantage over competitors. She notes that the seamless combination of autonomous technology, GM's Ultium battery platform, and extensive manufacturing capabilities provides enormous value. This foundation supports Cruise's rapid regulatory progress in California, where it holds a unique driverless deployment permit.
Cruise currently needs just one final approval from the California Public Utilities Commission before it can start charging customers for driverless rides in San Francisco. Barra shares this update while reporting a challenging third quarter for GM, which sees a revenue drop to $26.8 billion and a net income decline due to the ongoing global semiconductor shortage. Despite these immediate supply chain hurdles, GM executives maintain a bullish outlook and expect full-year earnings to reach the high end of their adjusted guidance.