General Motors’ autonomous vehicle subsidiary, Cruise, has made a significant decision to cancel its ambitious Origin robotaxi project.
Originally slated for production in 2023, the Origin faced regulatory hurdles, leading to a suspension of permits after incidents involving Cruise’s test vehicles based on the Chevy Bolt platform.
In a recent shareholder letter, GM CEO Mary Barra announced Cruise’s pivot towards utilizing the next-generation Chevrolet Bolt for its autonomous driving efforts.
Barra cited regulatory uncertainties and the higher costs associated with the Origin’s unique design as key reasons for the shift.
The Bolt’s shared parts with existing mass-produced vehicles are expected to reduce development costs significantly.
Initially envisioned as a driverless lounge on wheels, the Origin was set to revolutionize urban transportation through a ride-hailing service, with plans to deploy tens of thousands of units.
However, with operations paused and permits revoked, the future of the Origin became untenable.
Looking ahead, GM is banking on the upcoming 2025 release of the next-generation Bolt to rejuvenate Cruise’s autonomous ambitions.
Details about the new Bolt and Cruise’s specific plans remain sparse, although recent testing in Houston, Phoenix, and Dallas suggests ongoing developments.
Despite challenges, GM remains committed to advancing autonomous technology, emphasizing Cruise’s AI-driven approach.
The decision underscores GM’s strategic focus on scalable and regulatory-compliant autonomous solutions, aligning with broader efforts in electric vehicle innovation.
