Uber integrates robotaxis from GM subsidiary Cruise into its app
Starting next year, Cruise will no longer only offer journeys in its autonomous vehicles via its own app, but also on the ride-hailing platform Uber. The multi-year partnership will enable Uber customers to select a journey in a Cruise autonomous vehicle in the Uber app. A version of the Chevrolet Bolt adapted for autonomous driving will be used.
“Cruise is on a mission to leverage driverless technology to create safer streets and redefine urban life,” said Marc Whitten, CEO of Cruise. “We are excited to partner with Uber to bring the benefits of safe, reliable, autonomous driving to even more people, unlocking a new era of urban mobility.”
The partnership with Uber is set to be an important step in Cruise’s comeback. The company had once aggressively expanded into many cities, but temporarily ceased operations after one of its vehicles dragged a pedestrian several metres in an accident in San Francisco last October. Although the vehicle apparently recognised the collision at the time, it did not recognise that the woman was lying under the car after the crash. Cruise is currently in the process of putting its vehicles back on the road in several US cities, but initially only with safety drivers on board who can intervene in dangerous situations.
“As the largest mobility and delivery platform, we believe Uber can play an important role in helping to safely and reliably introduce autonomous technology to consumers and cities around the world,” said Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber. “We’re thrilled to partner with Cruise and look forward to launching next year.”
Uber has been offering rides with robotaxis in the city of Phoenix in the US state of Arizona since October 2023, but is cooperating with its cruise competitor Waymo, a subsidiary of Google parent company Alphabet. Uber had once tried to develop its own solution for robotaxis. However, the project was abandoned after a test car killed a woman crossing a motorway during a test drive in Arizona. It is the only known fatal accident involving a self-driving car to date.
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