GM Shifts Focus to Next-Gen Bolt Amid Self-Driving Tech Challenges

General Motors' Cruise is prioritizing the development of a next-gen Chevrolet Bolt over its driverless Origin vehicle. The decision follows regulatory hurdles and cost concerns. With the Origin on hold, GM aims for a more scalable autonomous future. Meanwhile, investigations and financial challenges continue to impact Cruise.

General Motors' Cruise self-driving division is shifting its development focus to a next-generation Chevrolet Bolt, putting the futuristic, steering wheel-less Origin vehicle on hold, the company announced on Tuesday. GM had previously filed a petition in 2022 seeking approval to deploy 2,500 of these autonomous Origin vehicles annually, but regulatory approval is pending.

The Origin, featuring subway-like doors and campfire seating, faces an uncertain future as GM reallocate resources toward the next-gen Bolt, citing a more scalable and cost-effective path. GM paused the Origin's production in November and has produced hundreds of units, but it is unclear when or if full-scale production will resume.

This decision comes amid multiple investigations into Cruise following an October incident where one of its robotaxis struck a pedestrian. Regulatory challenges and financial losses, including a reported $8 billion since 2017, are contributing factors. GM CEO Mary Barra mentioned resumed testing with safety drivers and the potential for Cruise to generate $50 billion annually by 2030.