Trends
GM’s Cruise recalls 1,200 robotaxis to conclude US investigation
General Motors’ autonomous driving unit, Cruise, has recalled around 1,200 robotaxis following an investigation by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration into hard braking issues that led to three rear-end collisions.
Headline
General Motors’ autonomous driving unit, Cruise, has recalled around 1,200 robotaxis following an investigation by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration into hard braking issues that led to three rear-end collisions.
Context
OUR TAKE Given the safety concerns and ongoing investigations, I believe Cruise must rigorously address all issues to ensure public trust and safety. Transparent communication and continuous improvement are key to responsibly advancing the autonomous vehicle industry, ensuring not only regulatory compliance but also fostering public confidence in this transformative technology. –Vicky Wu, BTW reporter General Motors ’ autonomous driving unit, Cruise, has agreed to recall approximately 1,200 robotaxis following a safety investigation by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The recall comes after the NHTSA opened an investigation into hard braking issues that led to three rear-end crashes, two of which resulted in injuries.
Evidence
Pending intelligence enrichment.
Analysis
Cruise initially disagreed with the need for a recall but consented to do so to resolve the investigation. The company claims that prior software updates have significantly reduced the risk of unexpected braking events. Despite this, the NHTSA found that the rate of such events in Cruise’s autonomous vehicles (AVs) was still higher than expected. The regulator noted that none of the incidents it had analyzed resulted in a crash or injuries, and it has now agreed to close the investigation following the recall. Cruise is also facing separate investigations by the Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission following an accident last October where one of its robotaxis struck a pedestrian who had been hit by another vehicle and dragged her 20 feet (6 meters). Also read: GM’s Cruise discards wheel-less AV Origin, chooses Bolt EV
Key Points
- General Motors’ autonomous driving unit, Cruise, has recalled around 1,200 robotaxis following an investigation by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration into hard braking issues that led to three rear-end collisions.
- The NHTSA has closed its investigation following the recall, but Cruise still faces separate probes by the DOJ and the Securities and Exchange Commission over an October incident.
Actions
Pending intelligence enrichment.
