The U.S.-based automotive corporation hopes to use its Cruise startup to earn $50 billion in a few years thanks to a rapidly expanding autonomous taxi market.
General Motors expects to begin using its driver-free taxi cabs on city streets as early as next year, and expand the offer by 2023. This determination has already had its effect on GM stock prices, bumping them 28 percent since January 2021.
In order to implement the taxi network, the company will have to negotiate conditions with the authorities of each municipality. Further complicating matters is the fact that paid passenger transportation is illegal during testing. As a result, startups are allowed to involve people in their testing routines and train their AI systems, but they cannot earn money doing so.
Six years ago, Cruise received the permission to test its driverless taxi on public streets, but only with an emergency driver inside. This limitation was lifted last year, but once again, on the condition that all driverless cars only come out at night (22:00 – 6:00) and do not exceed 50 km/h (31 mph).
The company plans on using the Chevrolet Bolt EV as the basis for its autonomous taxis at first. In a few years’ time, Origin shuttles designed for 4-6 passengers will hit the roads. The Cruise Origin model will have no controls inside – not even a steering wheel – and will be produced at the same GM factory where the Chevrolet Silverado EV and Hummer EV are being made.