Despite recently suspending work on the purpose-built Origin, General Motors (GM) CEO Mary Barra still believes that an autonomous vehicle with no steering wheel and pedals is "definitely" in her company’s future. In a recent interview at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024, Barra expressed her commitment to developing robotaxis without human controls.
The Challenges of Changing Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS)
Barra revealed that she has been working on this project for six or seven years and acknowledged the difficulties in changing the FMVSS. She stated that after an exhausting, years-long attempt to modify the regulations, GM decided to suspend work on the Origin project.
The Decision to Suspend Work on the Origin Project
In July of this year, GM took a $583 million charge when it canceled the Origin project. The company had initially projected that it would produce Origins in the tens of thousands. Barra explained that they had reached a point where they realized how hard it was to get a new law passed and decided to make the right decision.
Personal Autonomous Vehicles: A Future Reality?
Barra also expressed her confidence that people will eventually buy their own personal autonomous vehicles. She emphasized that GM is committed to understanding how consumers leverage the technology as it unfolds.
The Rise of Autonomous Vehicle Technology: Longer Than Expected
In a reflection on the progress of autonomous vehicle technology, Barra acknowledged that its development has taken longer than expected. "I think we all thought in that 2016, 2017 time frame it was going to go much more quickly," she said.
A Commitment to Autonomous Vehicle Development
While GM has suspended work on the Origin project, Barra’s statements at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 indicate that her company remains committed to developing autonomous vehicles. The future of robotaxis with no steering wheel and pedals is still uncertain, but Barra’s words suggest that GM will continue to explore this technology.
The Future of Autonomous Vehicles: What’s Next?
As the development of autonomous vehicle technology continues to evolve, it’s essential for companies like GM to prioritize regulatory changes and consumer adoption. The path forward for robotaxis with no human controls is uncertain, but Barra’s commitment to this technology suggests that we can expect significant advancements in the years to come.
A Glimpse into the Future of Autonomous Vehicles
While we may not see personal autonomous vehicles on the roads just yet, Barra’s words at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 offer a glimpse into what could be possible in the future. As technology continues to advance and regulatory changes are made, we can expect to see significant developments in the world of autonomous vehicles.
The Role of Autonomous Vehicles in Shaping the Future of Transportation
Autonomous vehicles have the potential to revolutionize the transportation industry, offering increased safety, reduced emissions, and improved mobility for all. As companies like GM continue to develop this technology, it’s essential that we consider the broader implications for society as a whole.
Conclusion
While the suspension of work on the Origin project may be a setback for autonomous vehicle development, Barra’s commitment to this technology suggests that General Motors will continue to explore its potential. As we look to the future of transportation, it’s clear that autonomous vehicles with no steering wheel and pedals are still an important part of GM’s vision.
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About the Author
Sean O’Kane is a reporter who has spent a decade covering the rapidly-evolving business and technology of the transportation industry. He previously worked at Bloomberg News and The Verge.