GM's Cruise to Restart Testing of Robotaxis in Phoenix with Safety Drivers

General Motors Co.'s Cruise autonomous driving business is set to resume testing its robotaxis with safety drivers in Phoenix, a significant move in its efforts to restart services after grounding its fleet last year. The company is expected to announce and commence the testing as early as Tuesday, and has been in discussions with officials in 20 metropolitan areas where it previously operated. Phoenix has been identified as a natural starting point due to the presence of Cruise vehicles in the area and the city's openness to the idea of their return.

Key Takeaways

• General Motors Co.'s Cruise autonomous driving business is preparing to resume testing its robotaxis with safety drivers in Phoenix.
• This marks an important step for Cruise in its attempts to resume service after grounding its fleet.
• Cruise has been in talks with officials in 20 metropolitan areas where it previously ran cars or had started mapping in preparation to run them.
• Phoenix is the chosen location as Cruise already has vehicles in the area and city officials were open to the idea of its return.
• The announcement and testing are set to begin as early as Tuesday, according to sources with knowledge of the matter.

News Content

General Motors Co.'s Cruise autonomous driving business is set to resume testing its robotaxis with safety drivers in Phoenix, marking a significant step in its efforts to restart service after grounding its fleet last year. The company plans to announce and begin the testing as early as Tuesday, according to sources familiar with the matter. Cruise has been in talks with officials in 20 metropolitan areas to restart its operations, with Phoenix being a natural choice due to the presence of vehicles in the region and the city officials' openness to the idea.

This move signifies a crucial development for General Motors Co.'s Cruise, as it endeavors to resume operations following the grounding of its fleet. With preparations underway, the company is poised to restart testing its robotaxis with safety drivers in Phoenix, having engaged in discussions with officials in several metropolitan areas for a potential return. The decision to begin testing in Phoenix reflects the company's strategic approach to resuming service in areas where it previously operated or had initiated mapping activities.

Analysis

General Motors Co.'s Cruise autonomous driving business is poised to restart testing its robotaxis with safety drivers in Phoenix, a strategic move following the grounding of its fleet last year. This signals a significant long-term consequence as Cruise aims to resume operations and regain market trust after safety concerns. The short-term impact could include renewed interest from stakeholders and potential passengers, while the long-term effect may lead to increased public confidence in autonomous driving. The decision to test in Phoenix, a region where the company has a presence and officials are receptive, reflects a calculated approach to gradually reinstating services. This development suggests a future trajectory of carefully expanding operations to regain market momentum.

Do You Know?

• Robotaxis: These are autonomous or self-driving taxis that operate without a human driver. They are equipped with advanced technology such as sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence to navigate and transport passengers safely.

• Phoenix: This refers to the city of Phoenix, Arizona, in the United States. In the context of the article, Phoenix is highlighted as a strategic location for the resumption of testing robotaxis due to the presence of vehicles in the region and the city officials' receptiveness to the idea.