In a surprising turn of events, Kyle Vogt, the head of General Motors’ self-driving car unit Cruise, has resigned from the company following a series of accidents and intense regulatory scrutiny. This comes just months after Cruise received approval to operate its driverless taxis around the clock in San Francisco and announced plans for expansion.
The incidents involving collisions and injuries with pedestrians forced Cruise to temporarily suspend its robotaxi service nationwide in October after its right to operate autonomous vehicles in California was revoked. The most severe accident occurred in San Francisco, where a pedestrian was critically injured after being hit by both a human-driven car and a Cruise driverless vehicle.
Despite these setbacks, General Motors remains committed to Cruise and its mission to develop self-driving cars. However, Cruise has cost the company approximately $5.9 billion in 2020 alone, excluding interest and taxes. This hefty sum raises questions about the financial viability of autonomous vehicles and has led other automakers, such as Ford and Volkswagen, to abandon their joint self-driving car ventures.
In light of recent events, Cruise is prioritizing safety, transparency, and community engagement. The company has recalled its vehicles and is working closely with regulators and government partners to rebuild trust and credibility. General Motors fully supports these efforts and emphasizes its commitment to Cruise’s mission of revolutionizing transportation and saving lives through autonomous vehicle technology.
As for Kyle Vogt, he founded Cruise in 2013 and sold a majority stake to General Motors in 2016. His resignation marks a significant change in leadership at the company. While no new CEO has been named following Vogt’s departure, General Counsel Craig Glidden and long-time employee Mo Elshenawy have been appointed as co-presidents and chief administrative officers.
Despite the challenges faced by Cruise, General Motors remains optimistic about the future of self-driving cars and reiterates its unwavering support for Cruise’s endeavors. The company believes in the transformative power of autonomous vehicle technology and is determined to overcome obstacles and achieve commercialization.
FAQ:
Q: Why did Kyle Vogt resign?
A: Kyle Vogt resigned from General Motors’ self-driving car unit Cruise following a series of accidents and regulatory scrutiny.
Q: Why did Cruise suspend its robotaxi service?
A: Cruise suspended its robotaxi service due to accidents involving pedestrians and the revocation of its right to operate driverless cars in California.
Q: How much has Cruise cost General Motors?
A: Cruise has cost General Motors approximately $5.9 billion in 2020, excluding interest and taxes.
Q: Who will lead Cruise following Vogt’s departure?
A: Following Kyle Vogt’s resignation, Craig Glidden and Mo Elshenawy have been appointed as co-presidents and chief administrative officers of Cruise.
Q: Does General Motors support Cruise’s efforts?
A: Yes, General Motors fully supports Cruise’s mission and the actions taken by its leadership to prioritize safety and rebuild trust.