Despite recent setbacks, both General Motors and Tesla are continuing their push for fully autonomous vehicles without steering wheels or pedals. GM CEO Mary Barra has reaffirmed the company's commitment to this vision, while Tesla moves forward with its Cybercab robotaxi project.
GM's Long-Term Vision
GM's stance on autonomous vehicles:
- CEO Mary Barra has been working on autonomous vehicle projects for 6-7 years
- Company still "absolutely" believes in the future of fully autonomous vehicles
- Efforts to change Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) in the US
Regulatory Hurdles
Challenges faced in autonomous vehicle development:
- Current FMVSS don't allow for fully autonomous vehicles
- Difficulty in passing new laws to accommodate such vehicles
- GM had to make "the right decision" given legislative obstacles
GM's Setbacks and Adaptations
Recent developments in GM's autonomous efforts:
- Cancellation of the Origin program, a purpose-built robotaxi without steering wheel or pedals
- $538 million charge for lost assets and restructuring costs
- Refocusing on next-generation electric Chevrolet Bolt for autonomous tech
- Production of new Bolt expected to start in 2025
Tesla's Autonomous Push
Tesla's ongoing efforts in the autonomous vehicle space:
- Recent unveiling of the Cybercab robotaxi concept
- Plans for "unsupervised" autonomous driving in California and Texas in 2025
- Cybercab production slated for 2026
Industry Challenges
Broader issues facing autonomous vehicle development:
- Longer development timelines than initially anticipated
- Need for regulatory changes and public acceptance
- Balancing innovation with safety concerns
As both GM and Tesla continue to pursue fully autonomous vehicles, the industry faces significant technological and regulatory challenges. Despite setbacks, these major automakers remain committed to a future where cars without steering wheels or pedals become a reality, highlighting the ongoing race towards revolutionary changes in transportation.
