GM's Cruise autonomous driving unit is set to resume testing its robotaxis with safety drivers in Phoenix, a major step toward resuming operation after grounding its fleet last year.
Two sources said the corporation will announce and start testing on Tuesday. Cruise has been in talks with officials in 20 major regions where it ran cars or started mapping to run them in recent months.
One person, who requested anonymity because the concept is private, said Phoenix is a perfect starting point because Cruise already had vehicles there and municipal authorities were open to its return.
Cruise spokesman Pat Morrissey emailed that the corporation "had not set a deployment timeline." We are meeting with officials in certain markets to gather information, share updates, and rebuild trust.”
For GM CEO Mary Barra, who has committed to lead in electric vehicles and self-driving technology, Cruise's return is crucial. The robotaxi business was meant to help her treble revenue to $280 billion by 2030. Cruise's issues and EV sales slowdown make that aim harder to reach.
After one of its cars hit and dragged a man in San Francisco in October, robotaxi has been trying to regain public trust. California officials accused Cruise of withholding important footage and information of the event, which led to his license suspension.
Cruise ceased nationwide operations, fired nine executives, and lay off 25% of its personnel after creator and former CEO Kyle Vogt resigned. The corporation hired a new CSO.
Returning to the road is just the beginning of Cruise's recuperation. In October, Cruise charged fares in San Francisco, Austin, and Phoenix. Atlanta, Seattle, Miami, and Raleigh, North Carolina, may follow Texas as the company launches nationwide.
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