GM Ends Funding for Cruise Robotaxi Program

General Motors (GM) has officially terminated its Cruise robotaxi program, citing the need to refocus on personal vehicles amidst mounting operational challenges and significant financial losses, totaling over $10 billion since its acquisition in 2016. Cruise CEO Marc Whitten's announcement left employees feeling blindsided, as many learned about the decision through media reports. The abrupt closure follows a series of setbacks for Cruise, including a controversial incident involving a pedestrian, which heightened scrutiny and led to the resignation of co-founder Kyle Vogt. Critics, including Vogt himself, have expressed discontent with GM's decision, arguing that it diminishes the potential of the robotaxi market. GM plans to integrate Cruise's technology into its existing driver-assistance initiatives, which could result in substantial cost savings and a shift in focus towards advanced driver assistance systems. While some investors reacted positively to the decision, concerns about potential job losses and the future of autonomous driving at GM remain prevalent among employees.