General Motors seeks Approval to Develop Fully self-driving ve | Smart News

General Motors seeks Approval to Develop Fully self-driving vehicles

General Motors and its Cruise, which specializes in autopilot technologies, have applied to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for permission to develop and implement fully unmanned vehicles devoid of pedals and steering wheels.

We are talking about the Origin model, developed jointly by GM and Honda. There are two seats facing each other in the car interior, which can accommodate four passengers. There is no space for the driver. According to the company, such a car can become a means of transportation for people who cannot drive vehicles on their own — first of all, for elderly and visually impaired citizens. Mass production of Origin should begin at the end of this year, and deliveries are expected in 2023.

For the first time GM applied to NHTSA with a similar request in 2018 — then it was about a special version of the Chevrolet Bolt without traditional controls. The agency considered the application for 15 months, but was unable to make a decision and appealed to the public. At the end of 2020, GM withdrew the request.

In accordance with the legislation in force in the United States, some companies may, upon request, seek exceptions to safety standards for up to two years and no more than 2,500 vehicles. Earlier, a bill was even prepared that would simplify the introduction of unmanned vehicles in the United States. However, he has stalled in Congress.

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