- General Motors Company (NYSE: GM) CEO Mary Barra said that the coronavirus pandemic has not slowed down the company’s plans in launching its autonomous and electric vehicles
General Motors Company (NYSE: GM) CEO Mary Barra said that the coronavirus pandemic has not slowed down the company’s plans in launching its autonomous and electric vehicles. During a chat with the Automotive Press Association, Barra said that the development of the Cruise Origin autonomous ride-hailing vehicle has been continuing and a public version of the service should be available soon.
“It will be quicker than most people think right now, based on the technology advancements I’m seeing with the team,” said Barra during the chat via Fox News.
Previously, GM was targeting the end of 2020 for the service. However, the target date shifted to an indefinite timeframe as the automaker was building out the vehicle and technology. The vehicle features sliding doors and bench seats that face each other. Initially, the vehicle will be operated in mapped geofenced areas.
What about issues around sanitization? Barra said that the Origin’s cabin materials can be easily cleaned and the vehicles not having a driver helps as well.
“It was designed to give people space,” explained Barra.
The Cruise is based on an electric vehicle platform that is going to be shared across GM’s brands as it begins its transitions toward becoming “zero emissions.” And despite the economic crisis, Barra pointed out that she is excited about the rollout of the company’s new vehicles like the GMC Hummer EV and Cadillac Lyric SUV next year.
GM canceled events to unveil those vehicles. But the vehicles will be revealed online soon using augmented and virtual reality technologies.
Photo Credit: Mary Barra
